To say Thranduil was angry, was an understatement; do not get him wrong, he was used to Liruliniel ignoring him and what others said at times. It was an irritating trait of hers, that he wished she had quelled years ago. He hoped that something would kick in for her and she'd learn others told her to avoid doing things, for a reason. And he said no to patrols, for her safety. Was he acting slightly paranoid? Perhaps, but Thranduil believed his paranoia was rooted to genuine worries. Liruliniel was a very spontaneous being at times, ran head long at times not thinking of the consequences.

So of course, when he knocked on her door when morning came and he got no answer, he was sceptical. It wasn't particularly early in the morning, but late enough that she would surely be up. He could be mistaken; she could be out and walking the kingdom and the corridors of the palace. But something in him was niggling, a voice in his head was saying no. So, he ventured in, he felt bad for trespassing into her new room, but he worried.

He knocked hesitantly on her bedroom door, he got no answer, so he opened it slowly. He realised how intrusive this was, but he looked upon the made bed with a frown. He turned swiftly on his heels and his eyes landed on where her armour used to be, Thranduil cursed himself and his momentary stupidity.

How did he not realise that first? None of it remained on the rickety mannequin she had clearly constructed herself. She had gone. Despite of what he said, and clearly having the same worries, she still went ahead and ignored him and gone out.

Thranduil walked purposely out of her room, even slamming the door behind himself. He radiated anger so obviously that those who passed him, warily stepped aside. His eyes furiously stared ahead, he didn't look around the corridor he was walking down, and he could just feel more anger rising slowly up within himself.

He was wound so tight, the slightest thing was going to set him off and he really didn't care who was on the receiving end right now, because he was raging. He knew, deep down, she was likely to try and go out. But he'd hoped someone would've seen her and stopped her. So how did she sneak out? She must've gone incredibly early.

He would storm out there himself and hunt her down if he had to. He didn't want her going outside, or at least alone. If he must he'd begrudgingly let her go on patrols. In hindsight, she was right; she had learned to fight and to protect, it seemed cruel to curb that. But, but now...no, not a chance. Thranduil didn't like disobedience, nor did he like being so freely ignored. He didn't open up freely with his concerns, so for her to just push these aside had him rushing more down the stairs he was descending.

He was passing the main gates when he heard her voice, Thranduil should've felt relief, the tension he was carrying should've dissipated along with his barely kept at bay anger. It didn't. The opposite happened; he turned and stalked his way towards where Liruliniel was standing talking to a guard. They seemed to be talking as if they were old friends, and it was bad to admit but her laughing and joking was making his mood sour even more.

The guard noticed him first, Thranduil could've sworn his complexion paled when he saw his king come moving over with such a purposeful stride and an expression that was so stormy it had nothing on the bad weather that hit them yesterday. Liruliniel turned, she looked confused before she smiled at him. The smiling had his eyes growing darker and more deadly, she seemed confused by his disposition then.

"You fool!" He all but shouted, standing close to her and watching the guard scamper off awkwardly, Liruliniel jumped and took a step back. She hadn't ever really been shouted at, least of all by him in such a venomous tone, it scared her. But it also upset her, her eyes widened slightly as her eyes teared up a bit. A small part of Thranduil's mind cursed him, full on degraded his idiocy for saying those two words like he did. Shouting aggressively had her physically stepping away, but he could see emotionally she would too.

"Sire-"

"Do not even dare to stand there and defend your actions. Don't even try. Did you not heed my words? Did you just freely ignore them as easily as you listened to them? I am not trying to keep you locked up, Liruliniel. I am trying to look out for you. And as it is, you are making it very hard. I told you no, you didn't listen and went out anyway. You do realise disobedience is not something that is exactly kindly looked upon? You ignored me once, when else are you going to do it? There is something out there that could come for you, again. And what do you do when I say this, when I express my concern? You ignore me. You ignore me, and you do what you want anyway. Liruliniel, one day you will do something you wish to without regard, and you will get in trouble and if you do it in secret, then no one will know, and no one will be able to aid you." Thranduil all but seethed at her as his eyes looked her up and down, he did note she wasn't hurt, other than her expression. "I am saying this out of wanting to keep you safe. I cannot lose you," Thranduil said, feeling like now that he'd practically exploded in his moment of anger that the worry for her could creep in.

It did little, Liruliniel looked heartbroken, a look he had seen few times and hated each time appeared. She looked distressed as she stood there, her hands by her sides and Thranduil watched as she stepped back more and bowed at him before turning and walking off. Even as she walked off, he could see her shoulders slowly shake.

He stood there, well aware that some were still loitering close and seemed to partially enjoy the show. Was it the fact that at long last someone had finally shouted at her and put her in her place, or was it seeing discord between them that made them satisfied? Thranduil didn't know, but he did know he would have a hard time to make up for this. A moment of deep worry and panic had overruled itself in his head and came out as immediate anger.

He knew he should go and hunt her out, but honestly, he believed it was too soon. Emotions were still running high, and another argument was likely to appear; how much of those heated words would be from him or her, he didn't know. He did know though that even if he tried, even if he apologised, Liruliniel wasn't likely to respond.

She had looked so scared and upset, and Thranduil didn't honestly blame her. Who wouldn't have appeared like that, or reacted a similar? He couldn't help but slide his eyes shut with a resigned sigh. He finally moved away from where he stood and walked back the way he had come.

This was not how he wished the day, or morning to go. All he intended on doing was asking her if she'd like to accompany him to breakfast, then maybe just find themselves relaxing in each other's company for the rest of the day. If a patrol returned with news, especially if the information involved the survey, then Thranduil was certain Liruliniel would wish to be present and listen. And of course, he would have his own thoughts and feelings about whatever was said, but he would ask for her input too; because he was curious to her thoughts and outlooks, sometimes one point of view wasn't enough and Liruliniel definitely saw the world like no other he knew.

Thranduil turned into the throne room and sighed as inaudibly as he could, many were already gathered and ready to no doubt inform him about all sorts of things which he was apparently ill informed about happening in his own kingdom. Thranduil sat with the most casual disposition as possible as he listened to everyone have their turn to speak, at least they were all patient and not talking over each other.

Honestly, he didn't need to have much of an input, he spoke now and again and those around him seemed pleased with what he said. Which was good, the last thing Thranduil needed or wanted was more displeasure surrounding him. He let the morning bleed through to the afternoon, and then he decided enough time had passed to try and clear the air. He made one pitstop though, and that was to seek out a way to send this letter.

He had carried it around within his tunic pocket all day. Once that was done, he figured that could perhaps be a good starting point to get her to talk to him. Considering her longstanding love and want to know anything about Erebor. Thranduil didn't get it, but he left it as that.

Arriving at her door, Thranduil didn't waste time knocking on it. Like earlier he got silence for a few moments before it opened. Though it wasn't the elf he expected, Anameleth looked a bit confused, even a bit judging as she frowned unhappily. Thranduil's stomach turned, Liruliniel had evidently vented something to her friend. "Be careful," Anameleth said in a warning tone as she moved passed him and out into the corridor. Thranduil watched her go before looking hesitantly into the room she just left.

Liruliniel was sitting on the window seat, her tunic sleeves were rolled up as she balanced the longsword carefully as she took to sharpening it steadily. Her concentration flickered just a little, if only for her eyes to blankly watch him shut the door and move towards her. After that, Liruliniel looked back down, and the whetstone went skimming down the long blade again.

Thranduil went to talk, only for her to beat him to it. "Unless the next words are an apology, then I don't want to know." She stood and held the sword in her hands; she looked down the length of it before being satisfied with her work.

She sheathed it and latched it onto place on her armour, which was back on the mannequin. Her eyes looked glaringly sidelong at him, her face deadly serious as she watched him hesitate to come closer. "Two words. It isn't hard. Shall I start? I am sorry for disobeying you. But I can't listen to you, not when it comes to certain things. I can't stay inside. I can't stay shut away behind these walls. I refuse to be a prisoner in my own home. Was it wrong to go without telling someone? Yes. But at least I can stand here and have the guts to admit to my wrongdoings and apologise. And you stand there, still and silent as if you are confused about what has transpired. Yet again, you gave me a very public outing. It was degrading, and hurtful. You upset me, Thranduil, again. Is anger the default with you? If I do another thing wrong, are you going to shout at me again? If so...I can't, I can't be dealing with that hurt. It is not something to simply be forgiven because of the love I have for you. You can love something or someone, and it can be wrong for you."

Thranduil watched as she talked evenly, sadly and heavily. She ran a hand over her eyes now and again, trying in vain to keep tears from so obviously showing. "I panicked."

Liruliniel shot him a look as she walked around her armour and to her desk. She nodded shortly, "Yes, well, I believe you overacted." She picked up the letter that she had sat and wrote while also having a bit of a rant to Anameleth, she had met her friend while retreating back to her room and the younger elf naturally wished to know what had upset her.

Thranduil looked at the floor, her words weighed heavily on his shoulders. He expected her to ignore him, or shout. But she didn't, she spoke in a monotone, her words were thought out and genuine. "I can't disagree there."

Liruliniel just hummed and moved past him, Thranduil had just managed to get to her, and here she was aiming to leave her room. Because of him or another reason, he didn't know. Liruliniel just opened the door and looked over her shoulder at him. "The survey is pointless. I was stupid for suggesting it because no amount of killing the spiders will solve the problem. The main problem is Dol Guldur, I met a wizard when I was out, and he more or less said as much too. You want to protect everyone, you don't want any more unnecessary deaths, don't send your forces out too far. I found out my answers or rather cemented the ideals I had on the matter, so you can rest assured now because I have no need to go out. What is in the old fortress would no doubt readily kill me or get others to bring me there to kill." She tapped the letter against her palm and just walked off.

Thranduil stood there thinking over her words before following after her. It wasn't hard, even if she took a step to the side not wanting to be so close to him. "I do not know what to say." Which was true, everything she had said had knocked him.

Liruliniel just ran down the stairs and sighed, "That's a first." She answered in a clipped tone; she eyed him sceptically though when he seemed to just be hanging around her. "Haven't you got someone else to go and belittle?" She asked with a scrutinising face as she turned into the main hub of where letters came and went.

The elf regarded the letter she held out to him, his eyes reading the recipient before looking between them two. Liruliniel stiffly smiled and walked away before she could get questioned as to why she was sending a letter to Elrond. Being shouted at just made her muse, it took so much for Thranduil to write a letter to Thrór; even despite of the urgency that she spoke about, he still did not rush to write or send it. She didn't even know if he had sent it. But her...she couldn't stand back and delay. She had information, she was going to the source. She wasn't going to relay information to him, what was the point? Unlike Oropher, Thranduil didn't hastily act on her words.

"I already told you that I panicked!" He grasped a hold of her upper arm and tugged her away and off of the corridor. He all but pulled her into an alcove, the shadows from the torches hid them perfectly. "How did you honestly think I would react? That I would welcome you back with open arms? That I would be pleased that you dared to venture out further than anyone else? If you did, then you truly are more of a fool than I first thought."

"I wasn't expecting you to shout at me!" Liruliniel said loudly, her voice breaking as she looked painfully up at him.

"I didn't like doing it."

"You didn't have to do it."

Thranduil dared to reach up, he didn't like seeing her tense, yet she didn't push his hand away from stroking her cheek. "No one is an exception when ignoring orders are involved."

Liruliniel scoffed, "I wasn't aware your words were an order. More, you are expressing yourself. If you're going to start ordering me around, we are going to have some serious problems. Before you could use the reasoning of being my King, but considering I am basically on equal ground with you, you can't."

Thranduil stared at her for a long time, they were both silent in the alcove as others pottered past unaware to them even being there. "Did you have to be such a free spirit?"

Liruliniel smiled slowly, "Life would be boring if I weren't."

"Life would be simpler, if you were."

"But then where's the fun?" She shrugged and leaned back against the wall behind her. "Did you want to know what I found, when I went out?" She asked after a few more moments of silence, the silence between them didn't seem as heavy and tense anymore, but it still wasn't wholly comfortable.

"Yes," Thranduil turned, he placed a hand against her shoulder and nudged her out of their hiding place.

Liruliniel nodded, although she shortly spoke earlier, she went into more detail now. She explained how much the webs have covered a large area of the forest, how she saw many nests high up in the trees. She didn't hold back on telling him how the trees are dying or falling ill to this smothering darkness around them. Radagast was quite excitedly spoken about, and Thranduil just looked a bit confused on the matter. He hadn't had many dealings with wizards, but this one sounded bizarre. All in all, Liruliniel unfortunately was the bearer of bad news, their homeland was slowly dying.

"And Dol Guldur?" Thranduil chanced hesitantly, she hadn't explained her words there.

Liruliniel let out a low unhappy noise and hung her head, shaking it slowly, she looked upwards at him. "There is a Necromancer in the fortress, but I do not think he is this alone."

"That evil has been defeated, Liruliniel." Thranduil wished to point out, she stopped and watched him go a few more steps before turning and looking at her. She looked troubled, yet she was thinking over his words, he could see that all too well.

"Bodily, sure. Spiritually, no. Not while the One Ring is still out there." Liruliniel's words had him looking slightly distant, "Isildur kept it. While it remains, so will Sauron; and I hate to say this, he has moved into our old home, and we do not have the strength or the numbers to do anything about it. This he knows, and this he's taking advantage of. Because we can barely keep the spiders at bay, while we are distracted with them, what is he doing?"

Thranduil walked back over, he placed his hands on her shoulders and ran them down to grasp onto her hands. Stroking his thumbs over her knuckles, he felt some calming relief that she wasn't trying to pull her hands free. Fighting pained them both, they'd think they would've learned this from the previous time, yet no. Although both looked resigned and exhausted from it even happening. There was regret on both sides, yet being near and being able to touch her had him feeling better and from her gentle expression, it was clear she felt the same too.

But it still didn't help her words hitting him hard. Even if she felt better, she wouldn't actually considering. The thought of her being plagued in her dreams had him worrying even more. And it just cemented the fact that going out wasn't going to be a good idea. Yes, she admitted to such earlier, but did he honestly think she would avoid going outside again? No. No, of course not. "This is too big for us to think about."

"That's why I wrote to Lord Elrond."

Thranduil's hands grew tense, stroking her knuckles stopped and he looked down at her with a hard to distinguish expression. "Pardon?"

Liruliniel looked sympathetic, "Easier writing what has been observed by me from me, remember?"

"Don't use that as an excuse to-"

"You're doing it again!" Liruliniel stepped back from him with a frown. "Stop trying to have a go at me. You are scared, don't you think I am too? Yes, it is too big for us, we have no control over this, and you hate not being in control of a situation. I am alerting the one being I know which can, and most likely will, devise a solid plan of action. I did it for the sake of saving anyone any grief from listening to me go on about death and destruction some more...I also didn't want to bother you with it, to watch as the information ate away at your thoughts and turn you jaded. I am not going behind your back, consorting with someone who you seem to not perceive as a comrade; I am contacting a loyal friend and ally who can see this evil for what it is too. Lord Elrond is the one elf who could see this too, and if he hasn't already seen the events, then I need to tell him he may. We are all guardians of Middle-earth, Thranduil, and as such we all have a duty to be alert and ready to fend off evil."

He didn't know what to say, he didn't and that was the truth. He looked defeatedly at her before shaking his head slowly and walking away. Why couldn't she, like everyone else, just be content to not try and find a fight to take part in? Was he truly the only one here who wasn't in a hurry to fight again? Fine, he could admit that what she said was true; but was there a likelihood of her needing to leave again, for her safety? Perhaps. And he didn't want that. He couldn't bear that happening again.

Liruliniel watched him go for a few moments before jogging to catch up with him. She looked up at his face, only to see his eyes staring somewhat dully at the corridor before them. "Thranduil," she whispered, earning his eyes to slide sidelong down at her. "I am sorry," she meant this perhaps for everything.

Now he faced a similar problem to his father, a great evil was encroaching on his land only Thranduil didn't have the forces to fend it off, not like when Oropher was still alive. They were stuck between a rock and a hard place, and all they could do was struggle to keep surviving against whatever evil was going to come knocking on their door. "I know you are." Thranduil was under no illusion, she regretted having to tell him this. But also, she was sorry for going without telling anyone.

"You still haven't apologised, just so you know I haven't looked passed that." Liruliniel crossed her arms with a pointed look sent his way.

Thranduil's eyes rolled to the ceiling, he stopped and turned to face her. Him stopping had her stopping too, she uncrossed her arms and clasped her hands behind her back. "I don't know how many times I need to tell you that I fear for you. If what you say is true, there is more need for you to not venture out. Should I have handled the situation like I did? No. But I was afraid that you had disappeared."

Liruliniel sighed, "Just say it, Thranduil." She smirked slowly, she felt lightened by his words, honestly, she did. But that still wasn't him saying sorry, that was him explaining his actions in a calm fashion.

Thranduil frowned, Liruliniel raised an eyebrow and rocked on her heels. She could see him practically brooding there on the spot before he reached out and stopped her rocking. "I apologise." He whispered, others were around and had on and off watched them guardedly and confusedly. He didn't wish others to hear this, Liruliniel smiled, she finally got her apology, and she reached out to wrap her arms around him.

"That wasn't too hard, was it?" She whispered, getting a very short sigh from him as she stood there holding onto him. Thranduil wasn't so open with the affection, he placed a hand to the top of her head and gently patted her back before pushing her gently away. She looked a little put out, before noticing elves getting on with their business around them. She let out a quiet 'oh' sound before smiling sheepishly at him. Affection in private was fine, outside in the corridors, not fine. "So...what have you done with your day, other than you know...be livid at me?"

Thranduil sighed heavily, she was joking, yet it was partially the truth. "I sent the letter," he said watching as her eyes widened and she jumped to walk in front of him. Her backwards steps measured his perfectly and she was looking at him for more information. "Liruliniel, you are expecting too much still. I doubt anything will happen."

Liruliniel narrowed her eyes at him, "You believe that I do not. Come, seems we are both free can we at least try and enjoy the rest of the day together?" The day so far had been...not brilliant, so she hoped to end the day on a better note than what it started on.

But Thranduil's words were ultimately right, much to Liruliniel's unhappiness; nothing did happen, there was no word sent back from his letter, no reply and no response just made Thranduil try and put across to her, that the dwarves did not wish to share words with them. However, many, many years passed by and much to his surprise, word did come. The dwarves of Erebor had discovered something in one of their mines, a treasure so wonderful it was hard to truly take in.

Thranduil had shown Liruliniel the letter, and he had watched as she looked tense and uncomfortable. Lowering the parchment, her eyes looked up at him and her one response was; "It is the beginning of the end."

Thranduil's eyes shut over those words, they sat together on the window seat in her room. It had become a sort of tradition, her within his lap as she was either curled up or had her legs stretched out with his too. He hoped she had said anything else but that.

Liruliniel's head tilted against his shoulder to spy his face, he looked troubled. "Thranduil..."

"It is to show off their might, and what they have. A power grab to show superiority." His eyes slowly opened as he tilted his head to look down at her. He stroked the back of his hand down her cheek, Liruliniel tilted her face against his fingers and smiled at his touch. Thranduil however did not feel as peaceful as she did. "Where written words fail, perhaps spoken words won't." She double took at that, Thranduil just remained stoic faced.

"Are you saying...what I think you are saying?" She whispered unbelievably, even turning in his lap to kneel between his legs.

"We're going to Erebor, Liruliniel. I would not look so excited, for this is not a friendly visit. You say that this is the beginning of the end, then perhaps you can get through to another stubborn dwarf-King and let him know that. If his greed and wants of his kin are going to bring a dragon to our lands, we are another line of defence to stop it truly unleashing itself on the world. Do not misunderstand me, I do not wish to put everyone's lives at risk, I do not wholly wish to go to Erebor, but I know if we don't you will try and go anyway." Thranduil said curtly and to the point while she looked sympathetic.

She knew he didn't want to leave his kingdom, likewise like he knew she'd try and go anyway. Over the past years they had peacefully fallen into a routine which was most natural for them, there was no more disputes or arguments, no more wishing to run out on patrol from her; though Liruliniel wasn't inactive, she aided with training and helped on the council still.

The Woodland Realm had become quite peaceful, despite the lack of peace within the forest itself due to the spider infestation. But that was being kept at a steady, manageable level. Whenever they had free time, they would both venture out together in the safe parts of the forest that their home was near, during one of these times however Liruliniel had noted that Ithilwen was not well, the horse had grown old before Liruliniel's eyes and passed away. The horse had been a present, and she had mourned the loss of her greatly, Thranduil had been a comfort to her and now when they went out, they were usually on foot or riding Arthion.

"When do we go?"

Thranduil glanced out of the window, he thought about it for a long time before looking back at her. "Are you free now?" Liruliniel smiled and nodded, she turned and hopped off the seat and pottered over to her armour. "You do not need to go as if dressed for war, Liruliniel." Thranduil sighed, she was already tugging pieces off the mannequin as he sat there watching her.

She raised an eyebrow and smirked his way, "I believe going as if dressed for war, will get the point across, especially where my words are involved. I'm not joking, and they should know as such by how serious I will look."

"You usually look so happy in your armour, I am not sure they'll think you're being serious while you're smiling away." Thranduil hated to point out, it was true. He hadn't ever seen someone so happy to be in armour, but the lone exception over there was happily shrugging off his words with a smile.

"Fine, well, if I fail there's you." Liruliniel pointed out while stopping and looking at him.

Thranduil couldn't help but frown over that, although he wasn't taking her words seriously, he still stood and slowly made his way to her. His boots barely made a noise against the ground, and he soon stopped in front of her, "What are you implying?"

"I am implying that I do not doubt you'll have any qualms about shooting them down. You really do like to make it known that you're getting your point across, regardless of who it is to; they will listen to you because you'll make them listen." Liruliniel pointed out with a cheeky grin, Thranduil tilted his head and just stared at her for a while, watching her finishing relieving her mannequin of her gear.

"Sometimes one has to be blunt, for others to see sense."

Liruliniel laughed, she looked at him and left her armour resting to one side. She reached up and straightened out the collar of his robe before bypassing it completely and wrapping her arms around his middle. Her hands gently stroked up and down his back, the soft material of his tunic under her hands felt warm and comforting.

Thranduil moved hair over her shoulder, for these was one of those rare moments where she didn't have it braided up. Eventually his hands rested against her cheeks, his fingers threading into the back of her hair as his thumbs stroked at her cheeks.

"No, you're just saying that because they're dwarves, and sometimes, just sometimes, they don't like to listen and think they know best."

"And this is one of those times," he commented obviously with a look sent downwards at her, she just smiled slowly and shook her head in his hands. "You just don't wish to admit I am right," Thranduil's expression turned steadily smugger the more she stood there in denial shaking her head. "I will not deter you from armouring up, I will go gather a few guards and we shall leave as soon as we are all ready. I must speak with the council too, set into place a plan of action for them while we are away."

"Meet at the gates?"

"That's as good of a place as any," Thranduil agreed, save running about half the kingdom trying to find each other. He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead, Liruliniel let out a content sound and tightened her hold on him.

"This is exciting though...admit it, despite of the reason...we're going to Erebor!" Liruliniel all but quietly exclaimed as she buried her face against his chest before jumping back and grinning excitedly.

He sighed, now she was showing her true feelings and excitement on the moment. "I will see you soon," he merely said, he wasn't going to entertain her moment. He just turned on his heels, not before Liruliniel grabbed his arm and stopped him. She tugged him gently to her level and pressed her lips against his softly, Thranduil tilted her head upwards to deepen it slightly before retreating out of the room, leaving her smiling and plucking her armour up and taking too putting it on.

=

Thorin had watched from the ramparts of the stone walkways within Erebor as kites flew over the skies of Dale, he could not think of a day that passed where children weren't outside flying kites; they were in varied designs, and they floated and glided in the sky with ease. But Thorin was mainly up here eyeing up the oncoming guests which were going to be visiting them.

Thorin had no particular thoughts or feelings over elves visiting them, he supposed predominantly he was confused. He was not aware that his grandfather had invited them here. His own father, Thráin, had seemed to try and be casual on the matter; as if it didn't matter at all, yet there was a lingering tension which was growing within him. Thorin could see it, he could sense it too, he was rather sure his brother and sister could too.

He wasn't expecting his father to be all welcoming, but then Thorin wasn't expecting the elves to act a similar. All in all, he knew there was going to be a falling out, he just didn't know who'd set it off. "Shouldn't you be downstairs, lad?" A kind, light-hearted voice asked from his side, Thorin turned and looked to the greying brunette who had just walked out of the large carven doorways.

"Balin, don't tell me you have come up here to escape being part of the welcome party as well." Thorin countered with a smirk, he crossed his arms over his navy tunic and watched his friend mumble under his breath and shake his head. He couldn't help but smirk more, of course he was. There was no need for those who were up here to guard the entranceway. They weren't at war, or even fighting, Erebor was at peace.

"Actually, your father sent me in search of you to go and attend said welcome party." Balin countered watching Thorin's eyes widen, Balin couldn't help but chuckle quietly to himself. He moved over and rested his hands on the thick, grey brickwork of the lookout. "Best not keep them waiting, lad."

Thorin knew better than most that if he wasn't present, then his father and grandfather would not let him hear the end of it. Frerin and Dís were luckily allowed to not partake in this meeting, Thorin found that was a bit unfair. Sure, he was the eldest, but even still how were they able to escape this? "Thanks for that," Thorin passed Balin, placing a hand on his shoulder and exiting quickly enough. Even as he made his way down the stairs, he could hear the large doors open for the elves.

Thorin's heavy boots stomped down the winding stairs as he descended them, he turned and walked briskly onwards. He made his way to the throne room with a determined look, he got a look sent his way by Thráin; he was clearly not happy about his son being late, Thrór however remained sitting in the large stone chair which was up a small staircase. Thorin took his place and stood attentive and watching as the elves were guided and led into the room.

He couldn't help but note that a small number were in similar armour, the muted gold of it shimmered ever so slightly in the light of the room. Thorin couldn't see their faces, due to the helmets they wore. He couldn't even see their eyes; it was disconcerting not being able to see the faces of some of the guests.

At the forefront was Thranduil, Thorin had never met him before and really, with the way he was passively looking up at them, Thorin sort of hoped this may be the one time. There was something somewhat condescending with his expression, as if he was actually the ruler of this kingdom, and they were the visitors which he was trying not to look irritated over being present. If he didn't want to be here, Thorin was rather certain he could've declined the invite. The elf beside him wore similar armour to those of the guards, although it was worn over top a dark blue tunic and minus the helmet.

Unlike Thranduil's hair flowing freely down his back and over his shoulders, the females were braided so much Thorin didn't know where one started and stopped or led onto another. Also, unlike the Elvenking, hers was a rich auburn chestnut colour. But also, unlike Thranduil, her eyes were wide, her mouth was practically agape as she stood gawping at everything.

Now that was a look which Thorin hadn't or couldn't envision on an elf. They were always so plain faced, not calling them expressionless...but Thorin didn't know what to make of that face. If he guessed right, he'd say she was marvelling over the room they now stood in. It was high ceilinged, tapestries hung from the walls, and the large windows let floods of light in. The sunlight shined in, and some of the rays reflected off the stone which was set within the throne of his grandfather's.

So perhaps that was why they were present. Thorin didn't know why they were visiting, honestly, he didn't. But here they were, and here everyone was silent. The female clearly whispered something that only Thranduil could hear, because he slowly turned his head and frowned down at her. Honestly, it was an icy look which was responded to with a sheepish smile. So, his serious countenance meant little to her, Thorin just watched the pair before his blue eyes flicked to a dwarf who informed and introduced the king to them.

"It is so kind of you to allow us to visit your kingdom; the invite was sudden, and we came as soon as we could. We do hope we haven't arrived too early; we did send word ahead." Thranduil said, his voice echoing in the large space.

"We are neighbours, it would be a waste and a shame not to see each other. You are most welcome here, do not concern yourselves with worrying to ask for anything. We will see to it that you are most comfortable here." Thrór responded, the small jewel encrusted ornaments in his long beard jingled with him speaking and moving.

Thorin noted the almost inconceivable narrowing of the unblinking crystalline eyes which stared solely up at his grandfather. There was something almost disjointed about the inclining of Thranduil's head in a bow that had Thorin narrowing his eyes ever so slightly in return. Were all elves like this? He couldn't help but look to his female companion, then again, she still looked utterly awe struck. Only Thranduil had been named, the guards would probably remain nameless but the female? Thorin found that odd, even more so considering she was clearly someone because of the intricate circlet on her head.

Thorin found himself almost laughing, mainly because the female stuck her arm up in the air as if asking for permission to speak; but it was more the dry look which flitted onto Thranduil's face that amused him. He just had the expression of despair, defeated acceptance that clearly showed he was more surprised she hadn't tried to speak until now. Thorin could see his grandfather quirk an eyebrow, he looked a bit confused yet gestured a hand to her so she could speak.

That alone seemed to have her looking even more close to jumping on the spot. Thorin couldn't help but muse, was she alright? Regardless, he shifted his weight and crossed his arms behind his back to listen to her. "I have waited for so many years to come here, truly I have; it is not dissimilar to Khazad-dûm, now...I find myself thinking of what you just said, and I have to ask, may I explore your kingdom?" Her arm lowered and she placed her hands by her sides, looking at Thrór patiently, beside her Thranduil looked a bit displeased with perhaps everything she had said. She clearly felt like she needed to ask, she didn't want to go trespassing somewhere she wasn't meant to.

"Who is it that is addressing and asking such a thing of me?"

She smiled, though his tone was meant to be serious there was a joking tone lingering in Thrór's voice. He clearly found humour from her words, or how she went about talking to him. "Princess Liruliniel," she said while bowing, no curtsey here. The number of weapons she had on herself clinked a little against her armour.

Thrór was not aware to a Princess being within Mirkwood. He misjudged, thinking that she was just another guard but a higher up one. He looked questionably to Thranduil, his expression was still blank. "Not of the Woodland Realm, as such." He explained, earning confused looks to be sent at him again. Thranduil looked to Liruliniel, he looked at her expectedly yet with a raised eyebrow, she smiled anxiously.

"Eregion, my family hailed from Eregion." Liruliniel shifted, seemingly uncomfortable with relaying this information. Thorin could only presume it was because of the awkward looks which his father and grandfather shared. Evidently it was a reaction she had received before. "So...can I have a tour?" Liruliniel let her words hang for a few moments before looking hopeful again.

"Of course, all of you are welcome to explore as much as you wish." Thrór said, though his tone sounded thoughtful. Thorin looked at his grandfather before flicking his eyes to his father, Thráin looked equally thoughtful and Thorin for one felt like he may have been missing out on something.

Liruliniel beamed, "Thank you!" She bowed happily again and looked excitedly at Thranduil, his reaction was to just slide his eyes away from her and around the large room they were in. He didn't seem enthralled by the prospect of being shown around, unlike her.

"Please," Thrór gestured to a nearby dwarf, "Show our guests to their rooms. Once you are settled, please explore as you wish. If you want a tour, I am sure I can find someone willing to show you around. We will discuss business later, please, go and settle in." Thrór watched them all turn and depart down a corridor to one side, the three royal dwarves just sat in silence for a few more moments before they themselves parted ways.

=

Erebor was amazing! Liruliniel couldn't believe it, honestly, she couldn't. She was here, she was really, actually here! Thranduil had to put a hand on her shoulder to stop her literally bouncing down the corridor. He knew she'd be excited, but this was extreme. Everything was being looked at, and over. The tapestries caught her eyes, so she'd stand and marvel; the carvings on the walls and corridors, she'd exclaim quietly over and not be able to avoid running a hand over them, just to feel them and fully observe them.

It was so different to their home, so unbelievably different; unlike their lightly coloured and light flooded halls and corridors, there was dark stone, slate grey and black which went on and on, their corridors did not wind so much as they did back in the palace. There were still torches hanging around to illuminate the way where a window was lacking. The light if anything made the dark onyx stone seem shiny and sleek in the flames.

The rooms were spacious enough, a bedroom with a bathroom attached but there was a door leading off from the former, this door led out to a balcony; the view from there was beautiful and vast. Liruliniel instantly hopped up to sit with her legs over the large, dark grey stone railing. Thranduil hadn't been too bothered about leaving her side to see his own room. The dwarf which guided them to their rooms looked sceptical as he followed Liruliniel into hers, yet he soon hurried off.

He didn't like her sitting there, even if her hands were holding onto the rail. He didn't know what it was with her sitting like this on balconies, but it was something which was appearing more and more. She had got into the habit of it back home, here she wasn't deterring. Thranduil moved onto the balcony too, he reached forwards to wrap his arms around her shoulders. Liruliniel got pulled back against his chest, his head leaning on top of hers as his eyes looked out at the view too.

The trees here were not as tall as the ones back home, but the arrays of greens and oranges on the leaves was truly something. So many different shades, and all of them shone in the sunlight of the day. The balcony didn't look towards Dale, clearly, they'd been given rooms that had some thought put into them. Trees, countless and abundant, their rooms were situated near one of the sloping hills which were to the side of the Mountain. If she leaned forwards, she could probably grasp onto a nearby branch. The leaves were so fresh, and so healthy; they differed so greatly than any foliage back home.

Thranduil did not like the feeling of her trying to lean forwards to grab onto a nearby branch. There wasn't no if with her, she was trying, just so she could feel healthy leaves between her fingers again. His arms tightened around her, Liruliniel let out a quiet laugh and looked over her shoulder at him. Thranduil just frowned in return before looking around them, the sun hanging high in the sky and illuminating everything in a warm orange glow was relaxing, it made everything feel very peaceful.

The light made her armour glimmer and shine; let alone the pointed weapons she had on herself too. As it was, and as he was standing, Thranduil was avoiding the pommel and hilt of her longsword strapped to her back.

"Do you think this talk later on will be when we will get kicked out and banned from returning?" Liruliniel joked, she patted his arms and Thranduil stepped back. He did hold onto her arm gently, paranoid perhaps she'd lose her balance, as if that would ever happen. Liruliniel jumped back onto the balcony and brushed her trousers off before looking up at him.

He rolled his eyes and moved around her; he leaned his forearms on the dark grey stone. His eyes just stared out at the healthy and thriving forestry before them. He had almost forgotten what such a scene looked like, it hurt him deep down, honestly it did; he didn't mean it in a crude or horrid way, but the dwarves here were ruining such a scene with the smoke which came from their foundries.

Feeling a hand trace through the hair which trailed over his shoulder, Thranduil's eyes flicked to look at her sidelong. Liruliniel just smiled, she couldn't help it, the sunlight was making the already platinum-coloured locks shine in this light. He just shook his head, it was soothing actually in a way, even if she ended up sidling right beside him and gave up trying to make the small section join the majority down his back. The intricate sides of his crown were hindering her efforts, so in turn she stood braiding the soft golden strands while humming quietly.

Thranduil looked at his hands, turning rings over on his fingers and listening to her humming away. He didn't know the tune she was absentmindedly singing, but it was calming to listen to and his eyes shut slowly feeling soothed by it. "That would surely be a shame for you, especially after how you practically gushed over the time you had to wait to get here."

Liruliniel laughed and swatted his shoulder gently. "I did not gush!"

"Oh, you really did," Thranduil straightened up, her hands slipped from the unfinished braid and looked ashamedly up at him. He couldn't help but smile, "I felt a little embarrassed for you." He commented with a lopsided smile still in place.

She just hummed lowly, her hands now distractedly playing with the collar of his tunic, he did not wear the usual oversized robe over top for once; but the dark silvery colour of his top had a length which could've easily rivalled it. If anything, the tight fit of it and the length which stopped low down against his legs just accentuated how slim and tall he was; not to be mistaken that there wasn't strength in the lithe body before her, Thranduil was perhaps the strongest elf she knew, and was not to be taken lightly, especially if fighting against.

"Did you wish to go for a walk?" Liruliniel stopped distracting herself with tracing the patterns on his top, she was avoiding admitting that he was right. But with her diverting the topic of conversation, she didn't need to answer, that alone was the answer and they both knew she completely lost it. She lost it as soon as she walked through the doors.

"Dwarven settlements do not hold as much fascination for me, as they do for you."

"Thranduil, you can just say no. I am big enough, and old enough to take being told no." Liruliniel chuckled and watched as he just nodded and turned on his heels to enter the room they had left behind.

He did glance at the forest scene from the balcony one last time before doing so though. There was a lingering sadness in his eyes, she could see it and she felt the same thing. It had been a very long time for either of them that they had seen such lush and green lands. So used to the darkening woodland they called home, it was easy to forget scenes like this were still out there in the world.

She shut the doors as soon as she entered the room, the small amount of luggage that she had bought with her was already situated at the end of the bed. To be honest, inside the trunk was the bare essentials, she mainly wished to store her armour away in it. Thinking of such, she took to unstrapping and removing the many, many weapons from her person. Thranduil just sat down on the edge of the bed and watched, she somehow made suiting up so much harder for herself, simply because of all the weapons.

She remained in the blue tunic though, seeing as there was nothing wrong with it nor was it dirty, she didn't need to change it, she'd change for dinner later but to explore...she intended to really explore. Which usually meant climbing about, a lot of it too. She placed her armour away, and when she had she stood looking thoughtfully down at her swords. "You won't need them," Thranduil's voice cut into her thoughts, she looked up at him as he sat there straight backed and watching her from the corner of his eyes.

"I guess..."

"Unless you plan on showing them off, I would leave them." Thranduil said, although really, he wouldn't be surprised if she did wear them and unsheathe them to show them off. He just raised an eyebrow when his suspicious were true, Silmacil got placed over her shoulder.

She was getting better using the longsword, admittedly he had aided her in training with it, and she had commented that it looked better with him. Thranduil was able to practice fight with the shining silver blade with ease, she struggled. Two-handed swords meant she needed more force, more skill and definitely a lot more planning with her actions and counteractions.

"Are you sure you do not wish to come with me?" Liruliniel asked while moving around and standing in front of him. Thranduil just looked up at her with a knowing look, she couldn't help but quietly laugh. "I thought I'd just ask! But do not think you are escaping so easily, I do believe you will be forced to walk the kingdom eventually. Perhaps not with me, but with King Thrór."

Thranduil's eyes narrowed a fraction, "I look forward to having him boast about how mighty and great his kingdom is, while believing mine is subpar."

Liruliniel leaned against her knees, this made it, so they were on the same eye level. She smiled and clicked her tongue, "Jealousy does not look good on you." Liruliniel just watched his eyes narrow more at her, she continued to smile though. "And anyway, you are believing the same for here; don't be a hypocrite, that's not nice." Liruliniel said shortly and decisively while jumping up and back a step when he went to stand.

Thranduil didn't have a reply for that, so he just placed a hand on top of her head and twirled pieces of hair around his fingers. "Enjoy your exploring. Do not cause too many problems for whoever is stuck with being your guide."

"Are you really sure you do not wish to come with me, instead of our host?" Liruliniel couldn't help but ask one more time, honestly, she did believe it would be better to explore the kingdom together. Thranduil would only humour and entertain Thrór so much before growing bored and wanting to escape his company. She did not know what it was with him, or his family's dislike for dwarf-kind but it was as amusing as it was annoying.

"Go," Thranduil just placed a hand to her back and nudged her forwards gently.

"Stop trying to kick me out of my own room!" She laughed and playfully shooed his hands away.

Thranduil tilted his head, he blinked languidly and sighed. "It is, isn't it?"

"Yes, go to your own room!" She laughed over his blandly, yet hugely sarcastic question. She opened the door and gestured to him, Thranduil all but glided out of the room and she followed suit, shutting the door behind herself.

"I will come find you later," he said while they stood in the quiet corridor, Liruliniel just smiled and nodded. "Don't cause too much mischief." Thranduil couldn't help but let his thoughts get carried away over that one.

If she was still like she was when she was younger, the chance to explore new surroundings would have her running everywhere. The poor guide she'd be stuck with would surely have a meltdown. He smiled somewhat satisfied in a way yet came back to reality when she leaned up against him and kissed his cheek.

"Me cause mischief? Perish the thought!"

"I know you, remember?" Thranduil's eyes stared blatantly into hers as he kept her close by surprising her with wrapping his arms around her waist. She teetered a little, her hands resting against his chest to balance herself as he remained standing at his full height; which wasn't fair on her, he was so tall!

Liruliniel beamed, "Have fun brooding in your room then," she patted his chest and pulled herself out of his arms, much to his unhappiness, and he made that known by the short sigh. "I know you, remember?" She quipped with a smirk while patting his arm gently before turning and running off down the hall.

Thranduil stood and couldn't help but heavily sigh and shut his eyes when a dwarf walked out of a nearby room and she almost barrelled into them. She let out an exclaim, while the dwarf all but jumped in return and looked utterly baffled at the elf before them talking speedily at them. That's what she was doing, she was talking at them, not with them. Shaking his head, Thranduil turned and retired to his own room.

Liruliniel however, once she had stopped blurting out anything that came to mind to the dwarf she bumped into, she then ran off down the corridor. The stairs here were steeper than back home, she still ran down them quickly enough though. Her speed and agility allowed her to not lose her footing, even if she missed a step here and there. Eventually she jumped down and looked up at the vaulted ceilings above her. She couldn't help but let out quiet approving noises. Erebor was truly amazing. Honestly, it did remind her a little of Khazad-dûm, or what she saw of it; after all, she hadn't actually properly ventured in or through the kingdom.

Swinging her arms by her sides, she just walked in a random direction and looked up and around at everything. Fine paintings and tapestries hung quite frequently on the walls; she leaned forwards to inspect some before noticing some tapestries were embroidered with a story. She smiled; the stories were often quite simple but marvellous in their own way too. She couldn't help but wonder if the dwarves had made them, she didn't mean it in a horrid way, but the paintings and tapestries were so finely done. She didn't know if dwarves had the patience to create such things, or, well, the fine craftsmanship needed. She hadn't known dwarves to be painters, but then what did she know?

The corridors were very straight running here, every so often she'd pause to look out of the large windows. She just had a permanent smile on her face; she couldn't help it. She fully remembered being in Esgaroth and spying the Lonely Mountain and wondering, hoping she'd one day see inside its halls. And here she was, so many years later and doing just that. Her pace was slow; her eyes took in and assessed everything they landed on. She was not in a rush to bypass any little detail; she wanted to savour being here.

Pausing though, she tilted her head and darted forwards exclaiming lightly. "Excuse me!" She had called out to the dwarf which was passing the other end of the corridor she was walking down. She watched the dark-haired dwarf step back and look confusedly her way. She smiled, "It's you! I am sorry, but I do not know your name." Liruliniel said happily, she soon stopped in front of the dwarf who had been beside Thrór in the throne room. She hadn't been particularly close yet was able to see his features well enough.

His eyes were ridiculously blue, clear like the sky and within his hair there were few braids which were decorated with rune inscribed clasps. If anything, she had to admit he was quite handsome for a dwarf, not that she was aesthetic or calling them brutish and unattractive, but his sharp features and blue eyes just set him out above the others.

"Thorin," he simply replied while bowing his head.

"You're a Prince!"

Thorin for one looked utterly taken back by her excited exclaim. Her sea-coloured eyes assessed him and Thorin just stood there utterly dumbstruck. "Yes...but then, that shouldn't confuse you."

She laughed, "I'm not confused, I'm more thinking why we weren't introduced to you. Was I meant to already know you, or of you?" Which was true, neither his father nor Thorin had been introduced when they first arrived. She had thought she guessed right, him being a prince was logical, seems he stood beside the dwarf-King.

"That I do not know, I cannot answer that question for you." Thorin said while turning and looking around at the corridor he was in the junction of. "What is it you are doing, exactly?"

"Exploring."

"Of course you are," he sighed with a smile. She had asked, yet he didn't believe she was serious.

"Can you show me around, that is if you aren't busy?" Liruliniel asked, smiling down at him. To be honest, he seemed quite tall for a dwarf even though he still measured just below her shoulders. It was odd to be taller than someone else for once.

Thorin looked taken back by her request and she looked apologetically at him. "I can, is there somewhere in particular you wish to see?"

"Where is your favourite place? This is your home, after all, you show me. I am presuming you have much the same as my home, just...I don't know, let's walk. No destination in mind, let's just walk and see where we go. Sounds fun, no?" Liruliniel decided after contradicting herself and shaking her head lightly in thought.

Thorin still looked lost, he didn't think elves, or royal elves at that acted this way. "You are not like the others with you." Thorin couldn't help but comment, yet he turned and directed her out of this corridor.

"I am a rare case," Liruliniel winked and tucked her hands behind her back. Thorin hadn't ever seen an elf wink, he just looked wide eyed and awkwardly around the corridor, let alone wink at him. "I think the mortals have a saying about being the black sheep, or something along those lines?"

"You're the odd one out."

Liruliniel clicked her fingers and nodded. "Yes!"

"You sound happy about that."

Her shoulders slumped and she pouted lightly. "Oh no, no...do not misunderstand me, it still eats away at me. But I have grown to accept it! I am me, and I am not going to change. If the world and others cannot accept that, then I do not see why I should conform to a preset ideal."

"Despite being a Princess?" Thorin couldn't help but question her there. Surely, much like himself, being royalty meant he had to behave and be seen in a certain light.

Liruliniel looked at him questionably. "You do not know much of Eregion, do you, Prince Thorin?" Her tone turned serious, yet she looked at him curiously as he shook his head slowly. He had felt like he was missing out on something, and the place may have been that. "Eregion fell many hundreds of years ago. I am a Princess essentially in a sort of exile from a fallen kingdom that lay in ruins. I have a claim on a land I cannot reclaim; I do not have an army, but I am part of one; I have no riches and no wealth, yet I am rich and wealthy in being happy in my life."

"My grandfather and father looked confused when you mentioned that." Thorin said, remembering the look shared between his relatives.

Liruliniel blinked wide eyes and looked at him with an awkward smile. "Your grandfather's ring, my grandfather forged. King Thrór may or may not know of this, but he knows that it was created there; along with all the other rings which are in the possession of some of the mightiest beings which walk our lands." Liruliniel said, not sounding all too proud over her grandfather's supposed gift.

It hit Thorin then, "Your grandfather is the great smith, Celebrimbor."

Liruliniel double took, "You know of him?"

"He freely traded and worked alongside our kin in Khazad-dûm, some even working under him to learn from his skills and craft. There is information about him in our library, if you wish to know more?"

Liruliniel smiled, "You revere him." The way he spoke clearly showed that other dwarves may feel the same. "I did not know him, and for a long time I disliked him; for I did not understand how someone so smart, could be so easily fooled. But I have seen Sauron's work, and I have heard his honeyed words, and I understand now how he lost his way. He was quite brilliant, my sword, he made it for my mother; but much like my mother, he met a cruel end. I disliked them both for a long time, harbouring negative feelings towards a grandfather who was tricked and blinded and thus bringing in my mother, swaying her to leave my brother and I, along with our father."

Thorin listened to her tale with a saddened look, how could he not sympathise with her there? He was a little shocked that she had been so open with him, but he was slowly getting the sense that that was just who she was. She didn't hide behind falsities and lies, because she had clearly had to live concealed by these for a long time.

"I will show you those scrolls, come." Thorin led the way, he felt like she needed this information in her life.

Liruliniel happily followed him, she was wowed by the library and how glorious it all was. Thorin laughed at her reaction before scouring the shelves for what he needed. Eventually he found what he was looking for and went over to a table, Liruliniel sat down beside him and let out an awkward noise. "Runes," her eyes flickered over the unfamiliar shapes on the parchment. "Prince, I believe you and I are about to have story time," she laughed, Thorin found himself smirking over her words. "Please," Liruliniel gestured a hand to him.

"Selfless and kind, lacking in pride and greed; there was no signs of anything in this nature with the work which was created by his own hand. It goes on to say that some dwarves joked about him being one in disguise."

"That would be as hilarious as it would be awkward. Carry on, please."

"His obsession with crafts bonded him greatly and quickly to those which called the Mine Realm home, it's another name for Khazad-dûm."

"I believe it fits, with what I know already."

"Artificer and smith in both Gondolin and Eregion, that is what bought him there; he was soon introduced to a precious metal and called it Mithril. The dwarves didn't have a name for it, I don't think until then...it goes on to say that Mithril was found and mined within Khazad-dûm, but with Celebrimbor's aid and knowledge, they managed to make fine items with it. Both dwarf and elf became great friends over a shared love for crafts. They traded, and they shared skills and secrets for a long time, and there was peace. There's nothing more until the end where it describes your grandfather as being the heroic defender of Eregion." Thorin said, his eyes training over the parchment, even the last part was scribbled rather crudely. He slowly turned his eyes to Liruliniel, she had her eyes shut, listening to his low voice was calming but hearing him stop had her looking over to him in return.

"Did he ever come here?"

"Not to my knowledge, or else it would've been written down." Thorin rolled the scroll back up.

"Thank you," he paused and looked at her. Liruliniel looked truly thankful at him. "I understand him a little better now."

"Do you know the rest of the tale?" Thorin asked while they both stood, he returned the scroll to its resting place, and she stood beside him with her hands on his hips. "You said he was tricked, but then you understood why. How so?"

"Sauron fooled him, the One Ring came into existence, and Celebrimbor fought a battle only to fail to win; his death was not swift. He, I believe, felt awful guilt for being tricked into making such a thing. I understand, Prince Thorin, because I too have heard Sauron's words. I...see things, I hear things in the dead of night while I sleep; I have been cursed with foresight, and there is not a limit to what I can see, unfortunately though I wish there was." Liruliniel said awkwardly while they moved down the corridor.

Thorin was silent for a long time, she half feared she'd scared him before he looked at her with a hard look. "You've come here because of a reason, haven't you?"

Liruliniel turned and stopped walking, "Yes. But tell me, you ask this because you have seen something too, haven't you?" Her eyes perceived quite easily that he was hiding something, she just didn't know what. But there was something which was troubling the dwarf-Prince before her.

"Follow me," Thorin picked up his pace and the two of them quickly walked down the corridors. They turned this way and that, Liruliniel quickly lost sense of direction before stopping and following him down a small staircase.

She didn't know where he was leading her, but soon golden light flooded upwards to meet them. For a moment, she thought it was the sun, so bright and brilliant yet it wasn't. No, instead of the sun before them lay a great hall and within this great hall was countless mounds of gold; perfectly gleaming and reflecting off of each other, jewels and gems could be spied too within the great wealth that lay before them.

Liruliniel's eyes stared long and hard at what was before her, Thorin stood beside her with a worried look. She suddenly looked very stricken, pale and uneasy. "Can't be...this cannot..."

"Princess?"

Liruliniel's eyes looked at him, slowly and painfully she tore her eyes away and Thorin was shocked to see tears gathering. "Can't you hear the screams, or feel the fire?" She questioned, her tone hollow sounding and he hated to say it, she was more looking through him now.

"Princess!" Thorin all but shouted when she grasped onto her head and hissed painfully. He placed a hand to her shoulder to steady her as she looked painfully outwards to the room around them.

"This is a bad idea, all of this is bad, do you understand me? What do you see when you come here?" Liruliniel asked in a tense tone while bracing her hands against her knees.

"I see my grandfather."

Liruliniel painfully stood with a quiet groan, Thorin still looked concernedly at her as if she was about to keel over. Breathing heavily, she shook her head slowly, "Did your grandfather tell you of the letter that was sent years ago?"

"No," Thorin shook his head honestly, he hadn't heard of a letter from the Woodland Realm being received. But then again, that was something he wasn't privy to.

Liruliniel shut her eyes, she hated to tell Thranduil he was right, their letter clearly got ignored. "Years ago, I saw either Esgaroth or Dale burn, later I managed to distinguish which one it was; Dale gets set ablaze because a dragon comes. I said this in the letter, ask your grandfather about it. But a dragon comes to Dale, and it burns it to the ground. I have seen drakes, Prince, this is so much worse...truly, I have never seen something so monstrous before, and it comes for you all. I couldn't figure out, I didn't understand really, I didn't think you were doing anything different than any other dwarven kingdom, but now I know. This, all of this is calling out, luring it and it will come. I don't know when, but we came here in warning; if you do not curb your mining, if you do not see fit to use these riches for something else, then the dragon will destroy you all." Liruliniel said, wincing every so often to catch her breath, even as she stood here, she could practically see the creature writhing about within the golden hills in the room, she could almost hear the crashing and the clinking of treasures being thrown around as it enjoyed a frenzy.

——

Edited: 3/July/25