Thranduil's eyes slowly opened at the sound of quiet footsteps beyond the door, they stopped and soon a soft knock could be heard echoing out into the room. He hadn't realised it, but he had drifted off briefly to sleep too. His sleep was dreamless, just dark and still. He didn't really dream, Thranduil couldn't remember the last time he even did really. But he had clearly become comfortable in the silence listening to the rain, that he had grown distant in thought and fallen asleep.

His face was at least half buried in the curls atop Liruliniel's head. His eyes blankly stared at the door; whoever was out there knocked again. Of course, they knew he was here, if he wasn't in any other obvious room, where else would he be than his own? He didn't want to move. He really didn't want to move. His arms subconsciously tightened around Liruliniel's still sleeping form as if this would anchor him here, and he wouldn't need to move her.

It didn't work, of course. The knocking grew in volume, Thranduil's eyes hardened then, and a frown slipped onto his otherwise peaceful face. The continuous banging had Liruliniel stirring in his arms, her head tried burying itself against his chest as her hands gripped onto him more. Even an unhappy, yet still very sleepy sound came from her. Thranduil didn't want her to wake, she clearly needed rest, and this infuriating knocking was going to disturb that.

Yes, he could put it to an end by simply answering. But to answer meant moving, and moving meant leaving Liruliniel; sure, he was not exactly doing anything other than providing her a pillow, and warmth but he still would rather stay here than answer the door.

Sighing shortly, he managed to move slowly and turn her in his lap. She fussed, of course she did because he was moving her against her will. A tired frown appeared on her face as he hoisted her into his arms and moved away from the window seat. Even as he made it to his room, he could hear the distant sounds of thunder. So, the storm had gradually grown worse as the day had dragged on, it seemed. The rain was still pouring, but the coverage that the high trees provided meant it still struggled to fully hit against the kingdom below.

Thranduil managed to open his bedroom door, he moved over to the bed silently and laid Liruliniel down. It made a change for her not to be holding onto him at this point, she usually did. Instead, her hands had sunken back into the sleeves of his robe, she looked quite small laying there wrapped up in it as she sleepily curled up. The item of clothing was large enough to cover her form completely; he didn't bother draping a cover over her as he turned and made his way to the door.

He looked mildly surprised when Legolas stood on the other side, he quickly pushed his surprise to the side and looked at his son curiously. Legolas seemed to have not long since returned, much like himself earlier he was slightly dampened by the rain. It looked like he had come straight here, he hadn't even gone to his room and changed and dried up. "Yes?" Thranduil merely asked, raising an eyebrow when his son just stood there looking at him with a hard to pin down expression.

"We have a problem."

"Oh?" Thranduil tilted his head, "What exactly is the problem?" He furthered on, seeing that the two answers he gave being so short had annoyed his son a little. Legolas frowned, he didn't like one-word answers and Thranduil found himself smirking slowly. Sounds like someone else he knew, clearly a trait which had rubbed off on the blonde before him.

"There is a nest which is mere metres away from the main gates."

"Has it been dealt with?" Thranduil asked, keeping his hand against the door as he stared at his son unblinkingly. Legolas just looked at him with a knowing look, as if he hadn't dealt with it, but that didn't mean others wouldn't soon reoccupy the site. Thranduil sighed, he shrugged loosely and looked out at the empty corridor behind Legolas's shoulder. "Then I do not know what you wish for me to say."

"Some are planning on travelling further afield in hopes of eradicating larger nests. As if that will stop some coming closer. I did say that it was as foolish as it is dangerous, just charging in blindly may not have the results they may be looking for." Legolas explained coolly, it could be seen as snitching in a way to tell his father this information.

But he needed to know, Thranduil needed to know if some of the forest guards were going to go all foolhardily running off into a fight they hadn't properly thought through. What if the worse happened and they didn't return? Legolas could imagine his father's reaction to that would not be very favourable. He rarely saw his father angry, but he would and could easily see that going behind his back would make him angry as it would be slight betrayal.

Thranduil drummed his fingers against the door, he didn't quite know why he was keeping the room half closed off to Legolas for. It wasn't like he hadn't seen or been in the room before, he grew up in it until he could have his own room. Maybe it was more in case Liruliniel woke and came walking out, as long as the door was slightly shut then Legolas would not see her straight away. He didn't know, although he did know that he'd have to stop this idiotic plan from happening.

Liruliniel's suggestion of a survey came to the forefront of his mind again, it was a good idea. He really couldn't shoot her down, it was, and he was sure that it would quell the apparent need to fight from those within the guards. Thranduil didn't understand how they could keep wanting to find conflict. Maybe they didn't know what else to do, if they didn't fight.

He for one was finding his life to be fine without a fight to take part in. Thranduil turned on his heels, Legolas stayed where he was and watched his father move out of sight. He didn't enter the room, yet his eyes watched his father reappear once he had placed his crown on his head and pulled a rather dark coloured robe over his shoulders.

If he was to address those who looked out and over such things, then he'd evidently need to do so while looking more the part. Thranduil walked along the corridor with his son beside him. Legolas kept his arms by his sides, "Do you know where Liruliniel is? She asked for a spar, but I cannot seem to find her." He had intended to take her up on her offer, he had briefly been to her home, and no one answered. He had wished to change and that, but Legolas thought while he did so, Liruliniel could make her way to the training room. But seems Thranduil sought to confront the first thing now, Legolas could only follow suit.

Thranduil turned the corner and nodded his head slowly. "She is asleep." He simply replied, which wasn't a lie. As he had entered his room to collect his things, she was still very much asleep and curled up on her side. She hadn't moved much since he first left her there, he doubted she'd move much when he returned.

Legolas looked thoughtful and confused. "How do you know that?" That was a random answer to give, yet Thranduil sounded so sure that Legolas couldn't stand here and muse over how certainly it was spoken to him.

Thranduil glanced sidelong at his son before walking down the staircase that appeared before them. "Because she is asleep in my room." Legolas's steps faltered beside him, Thranduil turned on the stair he was on and looked back at his son.

Legolas's face was unreadable, blank and impassive apart from his eyes showed all the emotions which weren't flicking so evidently across his features. He looked confused, but then a hardened look entered his eyes. He looked almost disdainfully down at Thranduil, he in return just looked expressionlessly back at his son. He could see Legolas was thinking over his statement, and Thranduil could practically hear the judging words that may have been flooding through his mind.

"Why?" Legolas's tone and voice was low as he collected himself and picked up walking again.

Thranduil turned and continued on down the stairs. "It is not my secret to tell, and she will not like me for telling you; but Liruliniel is a seer, Legolas." He said heavily, Legolas's expression and hardened eyes lessened up when he noticed the almost defeated aura which surrounded his father.

Thranduil looked tired too, Legolas got the feeling this was something he had dealt with for years, and though he kept the effect it had on him at bay around her, Legolas could see otherwise. Thranduil straightened up slightly and looked onwards, not taking his eyes off the corridor around them.

"She has always come to tell me of things she has seen. But the aftereffects of such a thing are always negative. It tires her out, to the point of passing out sometimes. She told me her vision; I have taken heed of it and she all but fell asleep where she sat." Thranduil said, it wasn't a total lie. He may have stretched the truth a little, or warped it to his son, but it was still the truth.

"Has she always had this skill?"

Thranduil didn't meant to, but he scoffed over his son's question. Legolas tilted his head minutely; he looked confused at that reaction. Thranduil looked bitterly around, his jaw clenching slightly as he thought over everything that had happened to Liruliniel through what she had seen, and what she could see too. "That is not a skill. It is a curse." Thranduil's tone was hard, he wholly believed that. Honestly, he did, the more life went on the more he realised it wasn't a benefit, not for the sake of her welfare.

Legolas looked away from his father, he looked at the ground below his boots as they walked steadily onwards. "Is that why she left for Lórien?" Legolas's tone was uncertain, he remembered trying to find her one day and Thranduil saying she had gone to visit the neighbouring woodland kingdom.

Thranduil looked a little taken back that that was the question which came from his son. "No. No, she went there for another reason entirely."

Legolas was smart, Thranduil watched as he thought over the simple reply he was given. Legolas was well educated enough to remember past lessons and looked a little wide eyed at his father. "Oh." He could only come out with before tilting his head and looking around the corridor they entered. More elves were walking around in this area; seems they had left where the royal quarters were. "She is related to the Lady."

Thranduil nodded his head slowly, "That she is."

Legolas sighed quietly and then just turned silent. "I won't mention it that you told me," Thranduil looked at Legolas as he spoke this. "I take it I am one of few who didn't know about her supposed ability?"

"It wasn't done out of malice. You are one of few who have ever treated her normally, Legolas. You didn't care about how she acted, or what she did. You are a true friend, and as such I am certain she'd have told you in her own time. And she probably still will, when that time comes, continue as you are." Thranduil spoke quietly, looking at his son and watching him nod slowly over his words.

"She has kept this hidden very well."

Thranduil smiled and let out a dry chuckle, "You should learn something about Liruliniel now, Legolas. She is many things, brilliant at trying to keep things to herself for as long as possible is one such thing. She will lie, pathetically, but she will try if only to save your feelings."

Legolas listened to his father speak; there was something with the way in which Thranduil's expression and tone went to one of fondness that had him faltering in his steps again. Thranduil noted his son wasn't by his side again and turned to look at him curiously. Thranduil looked his son over, trying to figure out what was wrong while Legolas stepped forwards slowly to stand in front of him. Shaking his head slowly, Legolas eyed the corridor around them. He didn't want others to hear what he had to say but likewise believe the two royals were having a disagreement.

There was no disagreement, but Legolas felt a realisation hit him hard as if he had just been knocked over by a troll. Something he admittedly didn't know, but from tales that Liruliniel had told him when he was younger, they didn't sound all too pleasant and would hurt. He didn't feel hurt, Legolas felt something else, and he couldn't describe it other than cursing his idiocy to notice something so blindingly obvious.

Yet, his father still stood, straight backed and stoic faced. Legolas inhaled softly, "You care for her." It was a statement, not a question and his tone mirrored as such.

Thranduil raised an eyebrow, he rolled his eyes and seemed to turn on his heels to get to the throne room where no doubt countless others were waiting for him. Keeping on stopping was dragging this out. "Of course I do, I care for everyone here, Legolas." He said distantly, Thranduil was uncertain whether he was ready for anyone to realise just what himself and Liruliniel were, let alone the first one being his son.

Legolas caught up to his side, "Father," Thranduil turned his face and saw the imploring look on Legolas's face. He didn't look annoyed or angered. He looked somewhat understanding, Thranduil found himself frowning. He didn't mean to look suddenly rather grumpy, it just happened, and Legolas clearly thought he had done wrong for surmising the obvious which others didn't or hadn't seen. He looked sympathetically at his father, but also sorry. "Father, anyone with eyes could and can see how you two are around each other. There have been rumours spreading about you two, whether you realised or not."

"I didn't know I was a topic of gossip." Thranduil rolled his eyes, how nice to see his kingdom were talking about him and his love life behind his back.

Legolas sighed and shook his head, placing a gentle hand on his father's arm, Legolas looked at him plainly. Thranduil stopped walking again and looked at his son, Legolas couldn't help but sigh again. Thranduil just had that sort of no-nonsense expression, which he knew all too well meant whatever he was going to say was likely to get retorted back to in perhaps sarcastically spoken words.

"She clearly sees you as a confidant, someone to tell her visions to but also to talk to about anything. But even I can see this is something which you have grown up with and grown used to. I saw how you were when she was not here, I saw how you were more than anyone else; lost, you were drifting, father. Things didn't hold the same interest to you, you lapsed into yourself and when she returned you are spotted going out for morning rides, you spend more time around others when there are celebrations; she has made you open up, if only a little bit. How can this be a bad thing?" The hidden meaning or words which weren't said didn't go unnoticed. Legolas was also hinting at the comfort and aid she provided to him over the loss of his wife and father. Despite of the bad, Liruliniel had managed to still get through to Thranduil, to ease his conscience and give him some peace of mind.

Thranduil listened to his son's words with a distant face and slowly widening eyes. When had Legolas become so wise for someone so young? He couldn't help but inwardly sigh, also sounds like someone else he knew. How many traits of Liruliniel's had rubbed off onto Legolas? But ultimately, Legolas was right and Thranduil knew it.

He didn't know though that they had been spotted going out for their ride, but that was so minor it drifted from his mind the moment it appeared. "I worried about you the most when this information would come to light." What was the point of continuing to try and lie to his son? It was rude for one but also patronising to Legolas's smarts. He was his son, and as his son he deserved to be the first to know; but also, because he was his son, he had evidently inherited Thranduil's tact of seeing the blatantly obvious and commenting about it.

"Why?" Legolas asked, a nearby torch crackled out quietly to one side in its hanging position on the wall. The warm glow illuminated the otherwise shady corridor. The whole day was dark and foreboding. Yet they were making do with trying to cast light through the dark with fires and torches wherever able.

Thranduil couldn't help but look at his son startled, he couldn't quite believe he had heard that simple question. "You ask me why, and I ask you why do you think?"

Legolas looked awkwardly to the side; he even inhaled sharply. Shifting his weight from one foot to the other, he looked steadily back at his awaiting father. "Would mother have wanted you to continue through life alone and cut off from those around you?" Thranduil's heart squeezed, Legolas didn't really talk of Vanadessë, evidently even mentioning her here and now had both males looking pained and saddened. "You said to me that I am one of Liruliniel's true friends, and this doesn't change that fact. All of this doesn't change that. She is one of mine too, when others opted to not try, she tried. I see her looking pained and withdrawn, and now I know why; if she can see things that have yet to happen, or could, then I am sure anyone else would appear to be the same. But one of few times I have seen her truly unhindered by this hidden burden, is when she is with you. Father, I believe you two complete each other."

Thranduil just stared at his son for several moments, he couldn't help but feel a pang though, his son had grown up so much. He still remembered him trying to first walk, or his attempts at trying to talk; yet here he is standing before him speaking such sense it took him moments to fully register all the words said. When had his son grown up so much? Thranduil feels like he blinked and missed it.

Nodding slowly, he looked at the floor and quirked the corner of his lips slightly. "Do you know, I believe it is a trait of hers; to see those who are alone, that need a friend or just someone to talk to and she is there. She did the same for me, and then I found she never went. Do not get me wrong, I would not wish for her to leave my life again, but when you are young you don't always wish to admit things. And I admit that I do care for her, more so than at firsthand I wished to admit back then." Thranduil said in an explanative tone, Legolas and himself picked up walking again and he looked to his father patiently to continue. Thranduil smirked his way, "You and I have noticed the same thing, Legolas."

Liruliniel was his soulmate, end of, he was very aware to that now. The fact that even now, walking with his son he had a pulling need to return to her sleeping form; he knew she was safe, but it was an unhindered need to just be close. He just yearned to be near her, even through her worst times and good too.

"You two are together then, yes?" Legolas questioned hesitantly.

Thranduil nodded slowly, "We are going to try. How do you feel about this?" Legolas looked wide eyed, Thranduil looked at him softly. "Legolas, I am asking you if you are all right with this; I am looking for your blessing here." He would never want to do something which ruined the relationship he had with his son, or in fact ruin his son's mood and outlook on himself or her. He didn't want to see Legolas turn possibly hateful because Thranduil was opting to selfishly follow his heart's desires.

Legolas looked thoughtful, and that look had Thranduil's stomach twisting. He nodded slowly after a few moments though, "I would never forgive myself, if I did not. It would bring pain to you both, and both of you have already had enough of that." Legolas knew how Liruliniel had lost her family, subsequently now of adding up everything he now figured out how the rest of her unknown family met their plight.

She had lost enough to be pained for a lifetime, but likewise so had his father. Perhaps they could heal each other? They were silent walking side by side again, Legolas looked curiously at his father though after a few moments. Thranduil saw him looking his way from his peripheral and looked at him in turn. "Did she really not leave you alone when you were younger?"

Thranduil smiled and let out a quiet laugh. "You have no idea."

"And you have only realised now that she equally cares for you?" Legolas found himself smiling, he couldn't help it, it seemed like his father was just denying it for years.

"I've always known," which was very true. Legolas nodded, small smile still on his face as there was one on Thranduil's too. "You know, you have adopted my nickname."

Legolas frowned and looked irritated, Thranduil's smile grew. He shouldn't find his son's annoyance funny, but really, he was annoyed by the nickname too at the time. He couldn't deny that, but now he looked back on it fondly. "I dislike it."

Thranduil placed a hand on his shoulder, they paused near the throne rooms doorway. Legolas turned and looked up at him. "Little bird," Legolas looked confused, Thranduil smiled and turned on his heels to enter the room. "She isn't fond of her nickname either." He shouldn't encourage this childish moment, but it was only fair his son was on level ground too, no? Legolas soon reappeared at his side, Thranduil's expression was stony and serious, as council members were present, yet his eyes were still alight with humour. "She is a little lark, forever skipping and jumping about making her voice be known. But be warned, don't overstep it. Liruliniel is many things, as I've said, a child at heart is rather prominent too." Thranduil turned and commenced walking up the stairs to his throne, the trail of his robe sweeping over the steps as he did.

He wished to warn his son that Liruliniel may very well avenge herself in this, what was surely to be, a childish game of tit-for-tat. Legolas moved over to where the captain stood, Tauriel was a little to one side behind him and Legolas opted to stand beside her while Thranduil watched simply before sitting down.

He placed his hands on the arm rests of his throne and looked down at the small group gathered. "I hear that there is potential news of the infestation which is currently blighting our land. I would like to know as much information as possible, before a plan is put into action and seeing that it is followed through with." Thranduil spoke commandingly, he looked curiously at the captain, as awful as it was, Thranduil could not recall his name. But he was stern faced and recited as much information as possible. Thranduil nodded his head and looked to the elf which had taken over from Hérion as a higher up in the army.

Imrathon was recognised by Thranduil as the elf who was trying to woo his and Liruliniel's past tutor. "Might and tact will be needed by both forces, if that is the case. We can provide backup to those in the guard, fight the fight on two or three fronts, even."

"We don't have the numbers," Thranduil was still racking his mind for the captain's name as he answered Imrathon sharply. He just sat there with a troubled look listening to the pair start to bicker like children. It was painful to watch and listen to, how two could be so similar yet disagree so much was infuriating to him.

"Enough!" Thranduil exclaimed, the squabbling died down and silence entered the room. He looked sternly down at the pair, his icy eyes flicking from one to the other. Neither looked at ease with being shouted at, Thranduil wasn't one for raising his voice, but when he did it was a little hard not to heed and listen. "Eruaran is right, our forces have not replenished since our last loss. It would be foolish of us to charge so readily into another fight which we may not win. I agree with you Imrathon, honestly, I do but more the tact than the might. We are against something which thinks it is being secretive and clever in its ideals, when really it isn't at all. We are smarter, and we are quicker, and we will use that to our advantage. But to do so, firstly we will need to know just where the nests are located. For that, we need to take into account and go from there." Thranduil watched those in the room with him exchange a look, a few exchanged quiet words, and he couldn't help but shift a little uncomfortably.

He hadn't had to do anything really since taking over from his father. That wasn't in a lazy way, but they were at relative peace at the moment. Thranduil didn't need to constantly be planning like Oropher was, because deep down it was clear his father knew something else was always around the corner.

Did he think that something would be spiders? No. But here Thranduil was trying to invoke some optimism in quenching the need to fight for both forces under his rule. He for one was in no rush to fight, why wasn't everyone else the same? He didn't know, but he spent the better part of the rest of the day seated and talking through ideas and plans. What would work and what wouldn't, how and who and everything in between.

Halfway through discussions he did move to pace down below, after the day dragged on more, he decided to call it. They had enough of an idea to make a move, everyone seemed fine with that and with inclined heads they all left. Legolas with Tauriel in tow moved over, Thranduil looked plainly at the pair. Though Legolas could see that his father was tired. He looked it earlier, he seemed it more now.

"We will see you tomorrow," Legolas said while bowing his head, Tauriel did the same and left him to it. Though he didn't linger in this room for much longer. Not that he rushed back to his quarters, but the length of his paces had him walking quickly onwards.

Thranduil turned and entered his room as soon as he walked in, he sighed. Liruliniel as still asleep, which was a bit ridiculous, did she not get enough sleep the previous night? He exited the room again, slipping the robe off and placing it over the chair near his desk, his crown followed suit. His eyes stared down at the letter which was written for Thrór. He would send it tomorrow, if he remembered then. Straightening out his tunic and turning on his heels, he made his way back into his room.

He sat down slowly on the edge of the bed; he leaned one arm over her and rested heavily against it as his other hand came up and brushed hair from her face. Her face scrunched a little, though she still slept. Her unwillingness to stir amused him, he wasn't purposely trying to wake her, but he hadn't known her to sleep for this long, not that he knew how long she typically slept for...the fact that she was so still and content just had him believing that she was comfortable.

Thranduil leaned down and kissed her temple softly, a small sigh came from her from that action, and he tilted his head to look at her face, he lingered close to her still. He watched as her eyes tightly squeezed shut, her face burying in the pillow away from him before she sighed quietly and turned her face slowly. Liruliniel tiredly blinked her eyes, even reaching up with her hand, or rather the sleeve to rub her eyes and rid them of sleep. She looked a little confused as to why he was leaning so close, yet she didn't question it.

"How long have I been asleep for?" Liruliniel's voice was quiet, still sleepy sounding as she looked around. Even in the darkened room she realised she had been moved. The bed underneath her was incredibly comfortable as she didn't make to move yet.

"A few hours," he replied and watched her rub her eyes again with a quiet hum. "Did you sleep well?"

"I didn't have any dreams, if that is what you are truly asking." Liruliniel laughed quietly and lowered her hand back to her other one on her stomach. Thranduil looked guiltily at her, Liruliniel just smiled and tilted her head against the plush pillow she was resting against. "Thank you," Thranduil looked confused, he didn't know what he was being thanked for. "For letting me fall asleep against you, again. But also, for letting me rest here."

"I wasn't going to evict you," he said questionably. He didn't want to know how others would react to seeing him walk to her quarters with her asleep in his arms, and in his robe. Shaking his head, Thranduil remembered full well what Legolas said; others had already been talking.

"But you did wake me," Liruliniel watched as he sat upright and away from her. "Can I ask why?"

"Are you hungry?"

Liruliniel laughed, she couldn't help it. Thranduil's whole demeanour was seemingly disinterested on the topic, it was like that wasn't what he wished to say or ask but did anyway. "I could eat, yes." She said while pushing herself to sit slowly, "I get the feeling something is bothering you." She stated, ruffling a hand in the back of her hair as she pulled her knees to her chest and looked at him simply.

"Why do you suspect that?" Thranduil asked, earning a raised eyebrow from her as she stretched her arms out in front of herself before looking at him patiently, as if he'd just say whatever was on his mind.

"Your face, that's why I suspect that something is troubling you, Thranduil." Liruliniel watched his eyes widen and look sceptical. She just laughed and tilted her head, "Come on, what is it?" Surely whatever was on his mind wasn't bad? Or was it for him to look so...distant yet hesitant?

"Legolas," Thranduil said, instantly Liruliniel's joking attitude went as she looked at him worriedly. "He is well, nothing is wrong." He reassured her, even taking her hand into his and holding it gently. "He knows. We had a talk, and he knows." He said frankly, Liruliniel's eyes widened considerably at that and looked around like a startled rabbit. Thranduil placed his other hand on her shoulder, she looked like she was about to bolt. "He is fine with it, Liruliniel." Thranduil reassured, she was looking a bit hesitant thinking that the outcome wasn't going to be good. Hearing his words had her sighing softly and looking at their hands. "Just so happens we may also be the talk of the kingdom. Apparently to Legolas, some have suspected such a thing."

Liruliniel looked at him hesitantly still, Thranduil moved his hand from her shoulder to her cheek. She leaned into his touch with a soft smile. "So...if he is fine with this, and others are suspicious and gossiping; why should we disappoint and drag out their gossiping any longer? Shall we go for dinner, Thranduil?" Liruliniel asked, a cheeky smile appearing on her face as she turned it into his palm and kissed it gently before moving it and turning to get off the bed. She looked at him still with a mischievous glint in her eyes, Thranduil stood and held out his hand to her. Liruliniel slipped her hand into his and stood slowly, entering together and taking to seating together would surely shoot down the chatter behind their backs, or make it worse. "If you have spoken to Legolas, then that means you've been out." Liruliniel wasn't presuming he'd just stay seated as she slept. Of course he'd find something to occupy his time.

Thranduil moved to where he took off his robe and crown and slipped them back on. He turned and watched as she slipped the borrowed robe off of herself and took to folding it with care before placing it over the chair near the fire. "A meeting," her eyes flicked to his, Thranduil moved to her side and ran a hand through her hair. He couldn't help it, the soft fiery curls were somewhat captivating, maybe because it was so different to what was the norm. Liruliniel didn't deter his moment, she reached out and placed her hands against his waist, her hands bypassed the robe overtop completely. Thranduil caught her curious look, "The survey you suggested, it will be put into motion tomorrow."

"You listened to me."

"I always listen to you."

She scoffed and rolled her eyes, "There's a difference to listening, and actually listening." You could listen to someone but not take note of their words or meanings. She was surprised really that he'd listened.

Thranduil looked dully at her, his slender fingers taking a curl between them and turning it over his fingertips. He just looked from the lock of hair in his grasp to her face. She was smiling lightly at him, Thranduil stood and watched as the smile grew and eventually, she let out a quiet laugh. He shook his head; he let her go and stepped away. The action had her hands slipping from his sides, though she took to holding onto his arm loosely. Thranduil turned his hand over and caught hers, his fingers slipping instantly through hers.

"I may move some of my things up here, after dinner." Liruliniel said, picking up a random topic as she looked around themselves as they made their way towards the hall. Thranduil's face suddenly turning to look at her, had her looking up at him in turn. Liruliniel blinked wide eyes and softly smiled, "Thranduil, you gave me a room up here, so let me move in. I may have slept in your room for an afternoon, but that's different than actually sharing the space with you."

"Would it be so bad?"

Liruliniel laughed and slapped his arm gently with her spare hand. "You are opting to bypass regular formalities so soon!" She was rather sure it was only right for them to have their own quarters before their relationship moved onwards. "I am only across the corridor," she stated earning a raised eyebrow and a smirk from him. Liruliniel double took and shook her head, "No, no! I didn't mean...not...do not come knocking on my door for a nightly visit, sire. I like my sleep and am likely to ignore you." She joked, pointing a finger at him with a grin.

Thranduil's smirk turned into a wry grin too as he nodded slowly, he mused over that. Would she actually ignore him though? Unlikely. "But what if you have a nightmare and are needing comfort? Whose arms would you go seeking when this arises?"

Liruliniel raised an eyebrow, "That's low, only because I do not want a sneaky nightly visit from a skulking King."

Thranduil looked at her truly confused, he was confused yet also struggling to make sense of that sentence. "Sneaky, and skulking. Two things which I am not."

Liruliniel just laughed as they walked down the stairs, they had grown closer to the hall quicker than what either thought. "I will come to you, Thranduil. You know I will. But I do not think sharing the same rooms so soon is a good idea. For everyone here, more than for us. They will need to fully come to terms with this, with us. If they found out, we had seemingly ignored any courting particulars they will most likely not look at us kindly."

"I know," Thranduil frowned deeply, "I know," he repeated in a firmer tone when she looked at him softly. He stopped and looked at her before they entered the hall. "Does it not pain you to be away from me?"

Liruliniel smiled, as egotistical as that sentence may appear, he didn't mean it like that, and she knew it. She slipped her hand from his, reaching up and taking to fiddling with the collar of his robe, she ran her hands down his chest and kept them there. She still had her smile in place as she looked at him seriously, "Yes. Yes, it does pain me. It has always pained me, you do not need me to state that I would love nothing more than to always be by your side. But you have to think logically and act it too. Perish the thought of me telling you what to do, but for the sake of not losing favour with those under your rule which are no doubt still grieving in some way or another, we need to take it slow." Liruliniel said, leaning onto her tiptoes to kiss him on the cheek.

Thranduil placed a hand to the back of her neck gently, keeping her in place. His eyes shut slowly, enjoying the feeling of her body close and against his again. "We live away from everyone else. What they don't know will not hurt them."

Liruliniel leaned back, incredibly red cheeked much to his satisfaction as he smirked. "Behave," she said with an embarrassed laugh.

Thranduil still had that knowing, yet full on smug expression and smirk on his face as he turned and placed a hand gently to her back. She let him guide her into the hall, the fact that he still plainly had his arm around her, and with how close they were standing had her looking worriedly up at him. Thranduil, steadfast as ever just stoically guided her towards the table where Legolas seemed to already be seated. He looked sympathetically at his friend, she clearly knew the reaction would be stares and whispers, yet her worry was kept at bay due to the fact that Thranduil was radiating such a deathly serious countenance that who could possibly query or contradict him?

=

Relocating was something that Liruliniel did not believe she would ever have to do again. She could freely admit that each time she had, and she had too many times in her life, it always irked her somehow. It wasn't like she was moving to somewhere new completely, which was a bonus really. But having to pack everything and then move it all to her new rooms was just tiring. It wasn't just tiring, it was full on exhausting and by the time she thought she'd got everything up here, she collapsed on the floor surrounded by trunks, wrapped up parcels and a small bundle of weaponry.

She just laid there for a long time, looking up at the ceiling. A ceiling that was so unfamiliar to her, as ridiculous as that may seem, or sound. She had grown used to waking in her little room, turning and looking up at the rich chestnut coloured ceiling above her. She knew the grain, the knots and seams of the wood that made up the ceiling, and her room. Sure, it may have been a little cramped, but it was her space. This didn't feel like hers. Though she was sure it wouldn't take much to make it feel the same as her little room she left behind, Liruliniel was finding one thing nagging quite predominantly at her.

She couldn't be bothered. It was as simple as that; she couldn't be bothered. It took so much effort having to make a space feel like home, she shut her eyes and just listened to the silence surrounding her. At least that was the same, she took some solace on still having peace and quiet. But even still...her eyes slowly opened, and she looked around herself, she had more things than she realised. Of course, she didn't bring furniture here, most of it was built in downstairs anyway. But that would've made things more awkward if she had. No, this space was still furnished and much to her hesitance, just like how Oropher left it.

Liruliniel's stomach turned, it felt weird! She couldn't help it; it just felt hugely weird moving into his room. She pushed herself up onto her elbows before her eyes landed on the desk in the room. To be honest, it was pretty much furnished the same way as Thranduil's, and in part Liruliniel believed most rooms looked a similar. When she thought about it, the rooms back in Imladris were all rather identical. So were the little rooms and homely spaces in Lórien.

Jumping up, she brushed her trousers down and walked to the desk. She tilted her head at the sight of things still being neatly stacked and present. Liruliniel's eyes slowly wandered up to the window beside her. She got the feeling that perhaps much like herself, once his father passed, Thranduil didn't enter this room often. She felt like she was trespassing in her own father's room, she felt like she was here and now, but she could only presume he may have felt a similar.

Which was strange to her that he'd give her this room still. He'd have to enter the space and see it as it is now, well, not right now because she could admit she'd made a horrible mess; but the rooms as how she'd want them to be, not his father's. Surely not recognising familiar settings wasn't good? Liruliniel's eyes narrowed in thought, or maybe it was the opposite. She could admit she felt somewhat freer from being away from her home, she'd miss it of course, but being away from the ghosts loitering in the unused rooms was liberating. Maybe it was the same here again? Changing an all too familiar space into something else to move on from what it once was.

Scratching her head in thought, Liruliniel decided to drop this line of thought. It was hurting her head, and her head had hurt enough today. So, she turned, she turned and commenced dragging trunks of things into her new room. She forgot what she'd put in most trunks, but she'd have fun discovering hidden treasures again. It didn't take much to hang her clothes up in the large wardrobe present, nor did it take long to do the same with other items of clothing to be placed in the chest of drawers.

Once she was happy this was all done, she ventured into the adjoining room. The bathroom was considerably larger that was for sure. Unlike hers though, the bath within this room consisted of a stepped well that was built into the floor. There were slim trenches leading from it and out of the room, her eyes followed the grooves in the floor before reaching the windows, which were equally huge. A natural source of water was permanently being tapped into, but because of this and to avoid flooding, the narrow dents in the floor kept water forever leaving as it was coming in, straight outside.

Her things were quickly dotted about after she stood staring down into the well which was now her bath. She couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, it looked dark due to the depth. She wasn't the best swimmer in the world, the steps leading downwards was probably going to be where she stayed. At least then she wasn't likely to drown in her own bath.

Turning back out while swinging her arms by her sides, her eyes landed on the lone trunk she left out here. It was situated near the weaponry. Where was she going to put her armour? Liruliniel's face hardened, each time she didn't need it, she packed it away. It had always saddened her to do so. Licking her bottom lip in thought she managed to find the makeshift mannequin she'd made a while ago. She wasn't going to leave it for the new tenants in her old quarters. She'd imagine they'd be quite confused by the sight of it.

She set it up near the window, that way when the sun shone through it would reflect off it and the beams would bounce around the room brilliantly. Hauling the chainmail over, she attached it on swiftly before doing the same with the main articles of armour. She stepped back, even rolling her eyes over to the weapons. Picking pieces up now and again, she attached them on too.

Stepping away and eyeing up the set before her, she couldn't help but sigh. That was a lot of pointy ends on one thing. Swords, knives which included the set from Haldir, a quiver of arrows, she couldn't help but scoff; all she needed was a lance and then she'd be fully done and kitted out.

Turning on her heels, her eyes scanned the space which was now tidy and clean. It felt too big, too big and suddenly the silence didn't seem all too comforting. A frown worked its way onto her face; she wrapped her arms around herself and walked to three swords which were kept to the side. Only one was technically hers, and she moved to the fireplace and watched the fire for a small while before lifting her arms and setting to fixing them up there somehow.

Granted, her wooden sword looked rather pathetic when next to Thalion's first sword given to him, and one of her father's. But she saw it was only right to be decorated on her wall too alongside theirs. Shutting her eyes, Liruliniel took a moment to just recollect; despite her mind diverting and fleeting off loads of topics, she herself felt rather calm, which was a shock really. When was the last time she truly felt calm? She couldn't recall. Maybe even before ever coming here.

Her thoughts petered off after a while and she came back to the present when there were a series of knocks on her door. She couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, no guessing who that was. "The door is open," she called out and stayed where she was. She was in front of the blazing fire, her eyes continued to stare at it even as the quiet footfalls reached her ears along with the sound of material moving.

"You have settled quickly I see."

Liruliniel looked slowly up at Thranduil, his eyes were staring at the swords on the wall before him. "I really wasn't expecting it, I mean...I had more stuff than I remembered, and some if not half was not even mine." Which was true, she'd packed up everything her father's and brother's belongings came with her. These were still in storage and swiftly tucked away somewhere in her new rooms. "Speaking of," Liruliniel clicked her fingers and walked away, Thranduil just watched her go with a curious look. Liruliniel picked up the things from the desk and moved back over. "These I think are better off with you." She said while holding out the small pile, she didn't know what half of it was and she wasn't about to snoop and find out.

Thranduil took her offerings silently and stood flicking through what was there. She scratched her head in thought before watching him place them steadily on the mantelpiece. "You ran off rather quickly after dinner." He stated, no sooner had she finished was she gone.

Liruliniel looked a little guilty. "Well, I did say I wanted to move in..."

Thranduil's eyes slowly narrowed. "It's funny, because you didn't seem that eager." Which she didn't, she seemed up for moving, yes. But she didn't seem up for actually doing it. The magnitude of it he guessed was weighing her mind down. Liruliniel still had the look of guilt on her face, he couldn't help but sigh shortly. "They will have to get used to it, Liruliniel. You are running off to avoid any reaction is fruitless. Do you think you can continue to avoid them?"

She hung her head; throughout dinner she had felt increasingly more and more uncomfortable. Despite of both Thranduil and Legolas conversing with her on and off, it hadn't helped the fact that she could feel everyone's eyes on her now and again. She could practically feel their thoughts and speculations on how this even happened. If what he said was true, if some presumed and gossiped about them anyway, then why were they judging so heavily?

She always thought it would be because of the loss of Vanadessë, of their queen, but now she wasn't too sure. It just hit home really the old thoughts of others not liking her. But then, if others knew her past, did they think that she was going to go the same way as her mother or grandfather? Shaking her head slowly, she looked up at him. Thranduil was waiting patiently for her to come out of her thoughts and reply to him. "No, I do not think I can avoid them. Forever is a long time, after all. But...I don't want a confrontation about it."

"It is a confrontation that you will not be facing alone." He reminded her, even reaching up and gently placing a hand on her shoulder as to reassure her.

Liruliniel looked at him with a small frown, "Yes, I know that. But forcing others to accept matters isn't a good idea. Have we ever known anything that's ended successfully through force?"

Thranduil's hand slipped from her shoulder as he moved past her. He spied her armour from over her shoulder, and it had caught his eye. He moved slowly over to it, even reaching up and tracing parts of the armour with a finger. "I'm not forcing them to do anything. I am simply saying to you that avoiding a confrontation, questions which will no doubt be asked eventually, will not end well and it will happen whether you try to avoid it or not. You and I both know that others have always been hesitant around you, it is horrible, but it is true. But we know why. You are not your mother, nor are you your grandfather and I think you have proven that by all that you have done, for the sake of our homeland. It is a sudden change, but it is one which isn't going to go away. Yes, some may openly question, but I do wish them luck if they're placing their questions to me." Thranduil spoke out evenly and thoughtfully as he circled around the armour, he forgot in a way how impressive her little suit was. He frowned though and stepped back, "Are you sure you have enough on it?"

His question had Liruliniel suddenly laughing, he smiled lightly her way. He was pleased to see his sarcastic joke had her laughing. Honestly, she was like a walking pincushion in this. He held up a hand and Liruliniel moved away from the fire and reached out to him when she was close enough. She thought over the majority of what he said and found herself calmed by it, he spoke sense and the truth, and she just looked thankfully at him for it. He continued to smile downwards at her before looking over the armour again.

"These are new though," he pointed out while indicating to where she had managed to attach the new knives to the armour around her upper arms. He hadn't seen them before, and though similar to the smith work here it also wasn't.

Liruliniel's eyes widened, she let out a sigh and nodded. "Yes, those were a present." She said in an awkward tone, Thranduil picked up on her voice and looked at her questionably. Liruliniel smiled slowly, "The Marchwarden, Haldir gave them to me." She said, first using his title and then his name. She didn't know if Thranduil knew the other blonde's name, but now he did, and his reaction was as she suspected. He didn't look too fond or pleased. Liruliniel reached out and unsheathed one, "They are very beautiful though, aren't they? I mean, they do not beat the ones which were given to me by both my father and yours, but they're still magnificent, don't you think?" Liruliniel decided to ramble on about their appeal, rather than it was another male who gave them to her. She turned the blade over in her hands, she watched the silver of it reflect the dim light and she couldn't help but smile.

Thranduil however, still looked disinterested. Which was his way of covering up that he clearly wasn't happy. Even his smile had slipped as his eyes looked somewhat bored at the knife she was showing off. "It looks more fragile than your others, I do hope they do not break when in use."

Liruliniel couldn't help but laugh and sheath the knife back in place. Thranduil's eyes narrowed more at her, still darkened and still rather unhappy looking he just watched her wipe a hand over her eyes and sigh. "You're jealous." She peered through her fingers to see him raise an eyebrow at her statement. "You are! This is why I never mentioned them, and I certainly wasn't going to lie about who gave them to me. I am many things, but I am not a liar."

"Pray tell, why were you gifted such a fine present?" Thranduil was curious, Liruliniel just crossed her arms. He was opting to not even respond to the jealous part it seemed.

She rolled her eyes, "It is a piece of home, another home. It is only fair I have them, just like I have clothing and jewellery." She explained, he seemed to understand even though he just nodded minutely over her words. Liruliniel placed her hands on her hips and shifted her weight. "They're just knives from one friend to another."

"Stop it," Thranduil frowned and turned away to opt to ignore her smug expression of sussing his disgruntled feelings on this matter.

"If it's any consolation, the room you've given me far outdoes knives." Liruliniel shrugged loosely and watched as he paused near the window. His eyes flicked sidelong at her, narrowing slowly as if he disbelieved her completely. "What?" She asked, looking baffled.

"You're lying." Which was ironic, considering what she said about not being one. Thranduil knew her, and she seemed to want to forget this for a moment. He could remember full well the first time she was given a sword, the excitement was unreal. He'd never seen someone so truly ecstatic than her. Thranduil knew that receiving those knives, she would've had a similar reaction. "And anyway, that was more of a need. It does not do to have royalty living down in the deep recesses of the kingdom."

"Why?" Liruliniel asked utterly confused, she'd lived far away from the upper levels all her life.

Thranduil shut his eyes and sighed softly. "Because that's just how things are."

"I'm not too into this hierarchy thing, remember?"

"Yes, I am aware and though I'd have liked nothing more than to allow you to try and live alone and with everyone else, I couldn't." Thranduil said gently, Liruliniel raised an eyebrow and glanced one last time at her armour before moving over. He heard her come close and opened his eyes to look down at her when she reached his side.

"Why?"

"Because I want you close by."

Liruliniel smiled at that, shuffling closer she edged around him and stood before him before leaning forwards and wrapping her arms around his waist. She sighed contently and shut her eyes when she felt him rest his chin on top of her head. "You're still jealous though, aren't you?" She couldn't help but chuckle when she felt his arms tighten around her.

"You can't help it, can you?"

"And nor can you, apparently."

He let out a short sigh, "How would it feel for you, if it was reversed."

"You forget, I've already been there and done that." Liruliniel's reply was tense, her eyes opened, and she stared back towards her armour. Her words caused him to go a little rigid within her grasp. "Knives seem to pale in comparison to having a son." Liruliniel said obviously, what better gift could he ever be given than Legolas?

Thranduil hesitantly put her at arm's length, she looked a little sullen yet smiled suddenly. He knew she wasn't happy, she always covered her unhappiness up with humour and though he tried to say her name, she shook her head and cut him off.

"I am sorry for teasing you, honestly, I am. And yes, fine, I relent I will not be so hasty in retreating when we are in a situation that involves everyone in the kingdom being present too. I will trust that as ever, you have my back as I have yours. I do sometimes need aid in defending myself, and I couldn't think of someone better to do so than you. I do also feel sorry for whoever does question it. But seems Legolas is fine with this, he too will no doubt speak up. I must find him and thank him, but also, I did promise a sparring match with him. I know I would've had to have moved eventually, yet it makes me very happy to see how content it makes you to have me so near, I feel the same, just so you know. Right, well, if that's all can I ask if you sent that letter yet?" Liruliniel all but came out with in more or less one breath and only stopping when she needed to.

Thranduil sighed, he watched as she just went off on one as light-heartedly as she could when really, while she was speaking, she was not exactly looking at him or his way. Her gaze would flit, and her hands would wave in the air as if that helped her explain her words. Her quickly spoken words rounded up everything they had spoken about, or mostly everything that is. Her question was an effort to divert the conversation to something which would hopefully not have them souring each other's moods.

"No." He replied, watching her frown up at him, now actually looking at him. He felt bad, more for the fact that somehow regardless of how he tried that there was some unspoken competition still in place. Did Liruliniel honestly believe that there was nothing she could do or say that would change anything?

Liruliniel raised an eyebrow and blinked quickly. "You really should. Just so they have enough warning time, you know?" She shrugged loosely and even rocked on her heels a little.

"Tomorrow."

"Thranduil," Liruliniel crossed her arms and smiled up at him.

"Tomorrow," he repeated in a firmer tone, she rolled her eyes with a sigh and looked towards the desk. It seemed empty now without Oropher's last belongings being present. Thranduil didn't wish to leave her, for the sake of letter sending, when he felt like something wasn't quite right. Was it their earlier words? Perhaps, he didn't know. He did know though that just standing here in silence, wasn't getting him any answers. "What is on your mind?" She tried to look casual, acting as if he was imagining things, but he looked at her firmly. Thranduil wasn't buying it, everything was not fine, and he wanted to know why.

Liruliniel begrudgingly relented, with a sigh and an eye roll she collapsed back onto the window seat behind herself. Patting her knees she just stared at her bare feet for a moment or two before looking up at him. "This all seems too large for me," Thranduil looked a little confused by her words and turned to sit next to her.

She shifted and tucked her legs underneath herself and turned to face him fully. Her shoulder rested against the cool pane of glass beside her; she even leaned her temple against it too. Her eyes stared at the woody scene, which was her view, she loved it, honestly, she did. So many different arrays of autumnal colours, she could only image the sight of it in full summer and the perhaps loneliness of it in winter.

"It's a new space; I just need to grow used to it is all. But I've had to grow used to other rooms, and it actually takes me longer to settle than what everyone believes. I may look at home, but I don't feel it at the moment."

He could understand her unrest, unfortunately, there was nothing he could really do to alleviate the feeling. "I am only across the hall," he said, watching as a smile appeared on her face as she chuckled quietly.

"I know!" She exclaimed, still laughing and letting out a sigh. "I believe, much like trying to avoid questions I'd rather not answer, this too is something I can't run away from. I guess, in part, I always knew I'd eventually be relocated to a room that was apparently for someone of my standing...but, I don't know; I think I just need to grow accustomed to being properly somewhere on my own, and to maybe not make this seem so spacious." Liruliniel said while her eyes looked around at the main living space beside them. She wasn't going to clutter the place up, but she needed to do something she just didn't know what.

"You will come to terms with everything, although I do find myself agreeing with you; I think all of this will take time."

Liruliniel sighed and smiled softly his way, "Want to stay and keep me company through this awkward transitioning?"

"Like I will be anywhere else."

"Other than running your kingdom." Liruliniel swiftly pointed out, literally with a wagged finger his way.

Thranduil leaned back against the window and stretched his legs out. Crossing them at the ankle and also crossing his arms over his stomach, he conceded to her there with a nod. "Yes, well, apart from that detail."

"And sending a letter." Liruliniel smiled more, noticing how a frown was steadily appearing on his face. Contradicting him and watching the reactions amused her to no end.

"That's a onetime thing, and that's still happening tomorrow. So please do drop the subject, Liruliniel."

"Am I boring you?" She asked dramatically, as dramatically as the gesture of suddenly turning and falling sidewards. He all but jumped a little from the action because it was so sudden and he wasn't expecting it, although he should be used to expecting the unexpected from her by now. But also, he now had her head in his lap beaming up at him.

"That I do not think is possible or will ever be." Thranduil said honestly, she gave a little fidget and crossed her arms over her chest while he took to running a hand through her hair.

"I'm sorry for running off earlier, I didn't stop to think of the effects it would have on you." She said while slowly shutting her eyes, she wasn't tired, she was just comfortable.

"I know you are," Thranduil watched and felt her give a slow nod. His fingers continued to twirl locks of hair around his fingers, careful not to get any caught with his rings. "United front, Liruliniel. That is one way to deter any bad."

She scoffed, "If you think I'm helping you run this place, you're really asking for it."

Thranduil rolled his eyes, an action she completely missed because of her eyes still being shut. "You're still on the council; therefore, you are helping me."

"Didn't think of that..."

"No, I can tell." He couldn't help but smirk, caught her out there. She hummed and slowly opened her eyes, looking downwards she just eyed up her feet and wiggled her toes as she mused in silence. "And you already aided me by your suggestion of a survey." He continued on, watching as she slowly pouted as he continued to point out obvious facts.

She clicked her tongue; her eyes flicked to his and he just tilted his head slightly and looked at her plainly. Although he was smirking slowly, mainly because she still pouted a little over his obvious statements. "Can I aid more with that?"

"You wish to go out." He stated again, she nodded hesitantly.

"I will be careful, and I will come back to you." Liruliniel practically vaulted up and turned to look at him with wide eyes. "It is not like I am going out alone, is it? There will be others present, just like when I went out in Imladris. You forget, I have been out surveying the lands and dealing with the dark creatures which cause problems, long before we had to do the same here."

"It differs greatly." Thranduil looked away from her and out at the room, he could see her fidget by his side though.

His face got turned to look at her by a gentle hand against his cheek. Liruliniel looked imploring, "It is the same." She said as they stared at each other, from the fire a sudden crackling echoed out into the room. "You worry that I will not come back, or I get injured, and the worse scenario happens. I am here to tell you that it won't. I am not so ready to head off into a fight, not without knowing the enemy or what I'm up against. But I am firstly a fighter, a soldier much like my father; not being able to do this or taking this away from me will render me redundant. I need a task, I will aid you on the council still, but I have trained so long to use these skills to better protect myself and everyone else. Please, I am asking you Thranduil, please let me go out on patrols."

Thranduil leaned his face against her palm, enjoying the comforting warmth of it as her thumb stroked at his cheek. She looked at him hopefully, all of her facts were accurate. He couldn't contradict them at all, he knew she was more than capable of fighting and looking out for herself and others. But even still, Thranduil's worry for her ran deep. "Liruliniel," he said her name in such a way it had her looking defeated.

Her hand slipped away from his face, though he reached out and caught it. She looked discouraged down at her lap, Thranduil took his turn to lift her face. Her eyes weren't as bright and shining as they were moments ago; they were dimmer and sadder.

"No one else has had the darkness speak to them personally. I worry that if you go out there, you will be lured, and you won't return." Thranduil was fully aware he had said something similar when she was previously drifting off in his arms. She clearly didn't wholly recall the conversation, but he did.

"I can't stay shut away in here. I will not ever allow my life to be dictated to by that thing." Liruliniel's voice was sad but firm.

"I do not think it is a wise idea." Thranduil was firmer still, watching her eyes narrow slowly. "I understand that you are speaking from a point of growing boredom, but hurrying to counter this boredom with something else could lead to a bigger problem. So no, no I will not let you go out on patrol." Thranduil's words had her slipping back from him and though the space wasn't vast, it felt like a chasm just opened between them.

"I understand your worry, but you seem to be ignorant to what I can do." Liruliniel said hollowly, her hands clasped on her knees as she stared hard at nothing in particular in the room.

"Liruliniel-"

"If I wanted protecting from the harshness of the world, I would've stayed in Imladris. There is no evil close by there. The only ones who can come into the city, are those who know how to get to it." Liruliniel stood and looked back at him, her words had him looking blankly up at her.

This was the first real time where she seemed actually serious about not being here. She may have commented about it in the past, but he always knew she wasn't serious. Yet something about her tone indicated that this wasn't the case, that something inside her inherently was calling out to return back to the waterfall city.

"I am still tired. Today has been too eventful, what with everything...I am sorry, but I'm going to have to ask you to go."

Thranduil stood, her tone was terse, and her disposition right now was disjointed. She just watched him as he nodded slowly, "I will see you tomorrow then. Sleep well," Thranduil and her walked towards the door, him turning when reaching it to lean down and kiss her forehead gently. A small sigh came from her as she looked up at him when he leaned away. Thranduil stroked a hand down her cheek before turning and exiting the room.

Liruliniel felt alone then, in a large room which still did not feel like hers with now an obvious lack of a purpose in her life. She wasn't tired, she just couldn't stand that conversation anymore and even if she tried to counteract it, she knew he'd verbally take her down a peg or two. They had reached an impasse, agree to disagree. Liruliniel turned and grabbed a cushion from the chair, she placed it in front of the fire and sat there staring at the flames.

She sat upright slowly and looked over her shoulder, her armour still stood motionless and kitted out for war. Raising an eyebrow and sliding her eyes back to the fire, she sighed again. Since when was she honestly one for listening to orders? Of course, unless needing to. She did understand Thranduil's worry, it was something she had briefly thought of too but then she couldn't really do anything about it. If she heard whispers, or if the spiders did somehow talk to her, then she'd go from there. She'd listen, she'd listen, and she'd act accordingly. With a resolute nod, she stood and placed the cushion back in the chair. If she truly was going spider hunting tomorrow, then she guessed she really should get some more sleep.

=

It could easily be admitted by any and all who knew him, that Radagast was not much of a traveller. He knew what he knew, liked what he liked, and what he liked very much usually involved not venturing too far from his home. However, he supposed much like those who also called this woodland home, he had noticed particular changes in the area.

For one the darkness, it had been a slow creeping thing at first. Like a fog drifting from the river, sweeping and tangling around the area and casting it all in a deep shadow. The webs had come not too long after, thick sinewy white meshes of sometimes impenetrable lines and tangles. Much like the darkness, these too had taken over what used to be a lovely, bright forest.

Radagast didn't totally recognise his home anymore, he lived safely tucked away in a part of the forest he maintained. He wasn't alone in his house; he had with him many woodland animals. Most of which had come seeking safety, it was a last haven in a way. Though he didn't like to travel far from his home, he sometimes had too. For the sake of gathering supplies, or to check what was going on.

He kept track, he liked to keep a record and though he didn't act on anything he saw, he surmised that if he gathered enough information then someone else could. It was on one of these outings, perhaps venturing further than he planned, that he came across a figure. Now, this in itself was strange. Not many travelled through Mirkwood, not unless they needed to. But neither of them was near the old road, if anything they were still close to the mountains which ran through the trees to even see the road.

Radagast didn't see many elves. Any was probably more accurate. Radagast hadn't really seen an elf, all the while he lived here, which was an incredibly long time indeed. The forest elves kept to themselves, and Radagast did the same. They never had a reason to cross paths. Yet here and now, there was one sitting on a boulder, near a stream inspecting it with narrowed eyes.

She was dressed as if ready for a great battle. The gold armour over the top of the dark blue tunic all but glimmered in the low light, impressive and intricate yet the beauty of it didn't take away how precise and protective it was. Dark trousers were tucked into well-worn boots and strapped to her person was many a weapon. "The water has become worse," the elf said quietly while turning and looking over her shoulder. Sea coloured eyes narrowed sceptically as she looked him up and down.

"Oh," was all that seemingly came from Radagast, he was awkwardly hovering near the tree line of this small clearing.

She smiled, which had Radagast looking even more confused. She stood and brushed her hands down, she moved over. "You are a wizard!" She exclaimed excitedly, "I have never met one before, what is your name?" She eyed him curiously, everything from his staff to his hat, his face and the way he fidgeted from foot to foot nervously.

"Radagast," he suddenly straightened and bowed his head slightly. "Radagast the Brown."

She smiled still and held out her hand, honestly, she wasn't sure how wizards greeted each other, she was just treating this as if she was meeting a mortal, which was ridiculous considering the prolonged lives wizards had. "I am Liruliniel, I believe I have many titles."

Radagast looked at her hand confusedly before slipping his into hers, Liruliniel gave it a firm shake. "Titles?" He couldn't help but looked at her oddly.

Liruliniel awkwardly laughed and scratched the back of her neck. Radagast hadn't really known elves to tightly braid their hair so much as she had. "I am a guard to King Thranduil. I am a Princess from Eregion. But I am also the seer in Mirkwood. Most of all, I think I'm a pest to most." She laughed and shook her head at the expression which flitted onto his face.

He couldn't help it; he looked utterly bewildered. "Eregion though..."

"It fell, long before I even realised it. But yes, you are a wizard, you have lived longer than me and may know my grandfather, even met him at some point?" Liruliniel asked while the two walked more into the clearing and looked around at the sick trees. Radagast just looked at her, Liruliniel sighed, "Celebrimbor." Radagast's eyes widened considerably as Liruliniel looked at him awkwardly. "That is a reaction I have seen before."

"Is there a reason you are out here, Princess?"

"Liruliniel, please. I don't care much for my title." She waved a hand nonchalantly in the air. Stepping away from him, she looked around at the deathly silent woodland. "I wish to see what has become of my home. I saw its destruction years ago when I was young, that is why we abandoned Amon Lanc, Dol Guldur is its name now. I have not long returned from Lórien, you see...in contrast, it is beautiful. I remember my home being a forest full of splendour and now it smells of death."

"You are here to see what has happened, truly?"

"Radagast, I love this forest. It saddens me to see it become like this. I know the source, and I know I haven't the power to do anything about it. I may be strong, but I am not that strong." Liruliniel rolled her eyes and sat back down on the boulder. "Tell me of the spiders, please. I must return with some information."

Liruliniel's eyes flicked to his form as he finally moved over to her side. He sat down too and looked at the dark stream which pathetically trickled by. "Well, it all started really when the Necromancer moved into Dol Guldur, I believe."

Liruliniel leaned her forearms against her legs and tilted her head to look at him as he sat there and explained all he knew, and like her, he kept check on the wood too. He did briefly mention his slightly - understatement - grouchy neighbour, the skin changer, Beorn, and that he too kept watch over all dark happenings around the forest as well.

"The Necromancer is the problem, you see. He summons bad things to this place. But he is not all that he appears."

Radagast watched Liruliniel as she straightened up, tensing almost over his low tone. Her eyes looked at the dark water of the stream as she frowned slowly in thought. "There is only one being I know that has that ability; the ability to bind and bend others to his will and wants. Radagast, tell me, how long have you known that Sauron has been hiding in my former home?"

Here he grew nervous, "Eh, well, oh...it's been a while, I suppose. Though I am not wholly sure..."

Liruliniel just raised an eyebrow to his rambling. She stood slowly and smiled down at him. "I take it no one else knows of this? No, I didn't think so. I can contact Lord Elrond and alert him. He in turn will surely tell others. Though, are you not part of the council he holds? No, oh, well, sorry then. Please be safe returning to your home, and if it wasn't too much trouble, I would like to meet you again. You seem quite the interesting fellow. But also, if your unsociable neighbour is around, I'd like to meet him too."

Radagast listened to her words and nodded here and there before standing too and looking at her seriously. "It is a dark way back to the palace, Princess. Do not run into trouble," being alone was dangerous. He was fine, he wasn't too far from his home. But she was a long way away from hers.

"Thank you for the concern, but I am very fast and well prepared for a fight, if one appears. Farewell, Radagast, I do hope we meet again soon." Liruliniel stepped back and bowed at him before running off, Radagast stood there and watched her jump up and into the trees before remembering he was out here for a reason, supplies, he needed supplies. So, turning away and muttering as much to himself, he disappeared from the clearing too.

——

Edited: 30/June/25