To say that Legolas was pleased with the return of his father may have been an understatement; he had acted in his place, the best he could only, there were certain members on the council which sent somewhat backhanded comments his way. Most of these comments boiled down to the fact that really, as yet, Legolas did not hold any power here. Yes, he was Prince, but his activities within the kingdom revolved around making sure that their borders were safe from any breeches. He was a guard, but also a young one who according to some would not know what was best for everyone within the kingdom.

In all honesty, his father was more than welcome to have the responsibility back, Legolas had quickly learned that that whole thing; the routine, the heavy responsibilities of actions and consequences rendered from said actions was too much. In a way, he had learned something about himself, and that was that as harsh as it may be, he didn't have an interest in ruling. He was aware that one day he may have to step up to that role, but as yet, no.

For one he didn't feel ready, but also, he definitely knew his father was nowhere near ready to give in and relinquish. Not that Thranduil was power mad, but he was still very competent and able. Shaking his head, Legolas came out of his thoughts and greeted the returning troupe. They looked tired, not physically but Liruliniel's eyes for one showed she was utterly drained; the others were a similar, no matter how much they tried to hide it.

Legolas, like all elves, had very keen sight and could see the smallest details, the trip to Erebor had not gone well, and he didn't even need to be told anything to learn that truth. Before he even had a chance to speak to his father, Baramaethor was there, the elder practically cut in before he had the chance. Liruliniel frowned his way and watched as Thranduil got more or less led away, she clicked her tongue and looked somewhat peeved off.

The guards which had accompanied them dispersed around them and Legolas was soon left with Liruliniel as company. She looked displeased, she shook her head and placed what belongings which weren't being carried by others down. She walked up to him; she opened her arms and placed them around his shoulders. Being taller than her, Legolas got pulled downwards. His chin rested against her shoulder and his blue eyes just stared back towards the gates which were being pulled shut.

Liruliniel soon let him go, she stepped back and looked at him with a warm, but tired smile. "Let me guess, you wanted to tell your father all the goings on before someone else had the chance? Legolas, I do not believe you have done a too bad of a job. After all, the palace is still standing!" She laughed, trying to lighten the moment.

When they had first announced they were going away, Legolas hadn't exactly been called in to take temporary charge of anything. He hadn't outwardly been offended, but it had irked him a little, did his father not trust him? But really, he soon realised that actually, he was too young to properly discern what to do. Things hadn't gone wrong, and they were only away for a few days, but even still...Legolas sighed, he turned on his heels and helped her with the small trunk she was carrying. Liruliniel sent him a thankful smile, he didn't need to do that.

"I cannot help but think that a bad picture will be painted of me."

Liruliniel laughed, quite loudly at that which had Legolas shooting a narrow-eyed look her way. "I am sorry, little leaf...honestly, Lord Baramaethor paints a bad picture of everyone! I do believe that there has only been one time where he was not sending snide comments my way; and that was only because I was nearly fainting on a forest floor!" Liruliniel waved a hand, as if that was going to dispel the laughter.

That was the one time she could think of where they coexisted without problems, when she first came over with suffering side effects of the oncoming visions. "Legolas, your father knows what he is like. At the end of the day, he will always side with you. Do not ever doubt that or think otherwise. Yes, sure, he may ask you for your side, but do you honestly think your father, keep in mind what he is like, will not come out with something witty and sarcastic about Lord Baramaethor? Because I think he will. The old elf means well, but he is too strict, and too...well, he's annoying quite frankly. But as I said, the palace still stands, you're in one piece, so everything has gone fine."

Legolas and Liruliniel walked slowly along a corridor while she was speaking, he thought about what she said and had to concede that she was perhaps right. "How was your trip?" He decided to ask instead, he didn't want to think of confronting his father about what happened in his kingdom while he was away. He was old enough now not to be scolded by his father, but that didn't mean he couldn't unsettle Legolas still.

Liruliniel perked up at that, "Well, we almost got kicked out." Legolas double took; he looked utterly confused. Somehow, he didn't think this would be the first thing she'd start with. "But then thanks to Prince Thráin and his son, they managed to persuade King Thrór otherwise. So, we were allowed to stay for a few more days."

"Dare I ask how this came to be; what did you say?"

"Me?!"

"It's always going to be you." Legolas smirked in her direction as they slowly ascended a staircase. Liruliniel tried to look appalled by this but then ended up rolling her eyes and shrugging. "See, I am right. So, what did you say?"

Liruliniel frowned, "A great many things that I still believe have fallen on deaf ears."

"Dwarves are not known for their hearing or patience."

"Be nice, how many dwarves have you come across?" Liruliniel frowned up at him, Legolas looked at her sternly before looking downwards because her sea-coloured eyes were just staring unblinkingly at him. "Exactly, none. So be nice. We spoke of what I saw, there is trouble brewing within Erebor and it is something which could be sorted, if they so wish it. This was taken as us trying to tell King Thrór how to run his kingdom, apparently. So yes, he tried to kick us out."

"I can't imagine the rest of the stay was good, it must've been awkward." Legolas couldn't think of anything worse, being in a situation where it is plainly known one being doesn't want you around.

Liruliniel smiled, "We spent one day exploring Dale. You know, despite secretly and clearly complaining in his mind, I would have thought your father would've jumped at the chance really to get out of the Mountain. He seems very sedentary."

Legolas let out a quiet chuckle at that, he sighed heavily and looked at her honestly. "Do not tell him that."

Liruliniel just grinned, she meant what she said though and she wasn't taking it back. Thranduil didn't want to leave their home, he did so grudgingly albeit not showing much interest in where he was ending up. The same still went there, it seemed like as soon as they got to Erebor, he had no interest as such to explore the city nearby. Liruliniel however did, and she had more or less dragged him out, she had no regrets.

"I believe he will be in meetings for most of the day," Legolas went on to say as she opened her quarters door and held it open for him. She simply waved a hand, and he placed the trunk down gently near one of the chairs by the fire. Liruliniel looked a bit put off by that, she turned and paced the room with her arms crossed and Legolas just stood and watched her. He knew her well enough to know she was about to come out with something.

"He doesn't need that," Liruliniel's voice was soft, she looked out of the window and eyed the spring colours which were travelling through their home. Rich green mossy patches could be seen climbing and clinging onto brownish or silvery bark. The leaves on the trees were a fresh green, shining in the light of the day and looking shockingly quite healthy.

Even as she stood where she did, she could see small patches of lavender and bluebells springing up on the grassy pathways near the river. Spring was all about rebirth and really, the forest right now looked like the forest of old, if only she ignored the fact that it was only this piece and beyond the back of the palace that was similar.

Legolas felt a weight shift from him that he didn't know he was even carrying. With a small smile he walked over and stood beside her. Liruliniel's face turned upwards, much like his father, Legolas was incredibly silent in moving. She, not so shockingly, didn't always have this trait. "But it is to be expected." Legolas stated, Thranduil had been away for a few days, and they both knew Baramaethor was going to fill him in with everything he had missed out on. Even if the topic was so small, they both knew the older elf wouldn't miss the details.

Liruliniel looked at her boots and shook her head, biting her lip in thought she ended up turning and looking up at him. "It is a sure way to exhaust him."

Legolas smiled slightly, he wasn't smiling over the thought of his father burning out, but more the fact that someone else was worrying for and about him for the right reasons. Yes, he was both their ruler, but he was a father to one and a partner to the other, they were two who knew him better than any and would no doubt be the only two to witness his moments of trying to hold off any negative feelings or exhaustion for the sake of them all. Legolas knew what others thought and felt about his father, but truly he did not know whether they were aware to how selfless he could be.

"Or make him grumpy." Liruliniel winced, Legolas's blue eyes hardened slightly as they widened there. "He doesn't need to be any grumpier."

Legolas tilted his head; his eyes flickered over the view from her window before looking downwards at her. "Do you think we should go save him? Or at least, listen in to what is going on?"

Liruliniel smirked, "That is sweet of you, but I think it is unneeded. Your father is able to cope and manage. But when he no doubt comes out of these meetings in a foul mood, we can try and...well, I would say cheer him up, but I think it'll be more of us listening to him vent."

Legolas shook his head, Liruliniel looked at him worriedly. "Unless he's going to just be silent."

Liruliniel pulled a face, "I dislike it when he's like that. It's slightly terrifying." Legolas found himself nodding in agreement, Liruliniel turned her eyes back to the window. They both lapsed into silence then, "Did you struggle while we were gone?" She decided to ask, Thranduil was getting no doubt a very lavish retelling of events. Whereas, who was she kidding, she'd get the real truths.

Legolas looked downwards, his eyes sliding up to the seat after a while. Liruliniel gestured a hand, he was more than welcome to sit down and make himself at home here. He surely would've dwelt in this room more times than what she had already. The thought of him as a child visiting Oropher made her heart warm, it was an endearing image. Liruliniel turned and sat down too, she leaned an arm back against the windowsill and waited for him to speak.

"Not as such, though, I believe I was more given things to do just to be a face, I also think that's why I was asked to stay too."

"Did you want to come?" Liruliniel firstly asked, Legolas frowned sidelong her way. She just smiled, she didn't think so. With a sigh, she reached over and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Your father trusts you. Don't make me repeat myself, I find myself doing that too often nowadays and it bores me. Yes, sure, you are the royal in charge when your father isn't here and I think the reason why the full burden of running the kingdom wasn't placed on you, is because Thranduil didn't want you to get weighed down by something that's his responsibility. He's doing exactly what his father did to him, Legolas."

"Really?"

Liruliniel laughed gently, "My friend, you have no idea. Many a time your father would sometimes try and find a way out of lessons with Oropher. Much like I used him as an excuse to get out of my own lessons, he did the same in return. Sometimes your grandfather did leave on business, only to Esgaroth, which meant that Thranduil would temporarily be left in charge. But, ironically, Oropher would not leave him to the full heaviness of stepping into his shoes. You are young, and I for one think it is a cop out when others use this as an excuse, but you are, and you have interest in other things. You guard our borders; you are out there on the front lines against the evil trying to break through. Legolas, your father sees this as something that is more important than trying to bind you to the role of King just yet. Don't be mistaken by how aloof he was on the topic, our home being ravaged by darkness affects him more than you think."

Legolas nodded slowly, he leaned back against the window and stared out at the living space around them. "Did father have other interests then, if he was avoiding grandfather's lessons?"

Liruliniel laughed, "Yes! Your mother," she laughed honestly, Legolas looked at her with slightly wide eyes. "I'm not even joking; you should've seen him. I have never seen someone look so in love with another before. Oropher sort of gave up but then turned his sights to training me more and he was scary! Your grandfather was honestly the scariest opponent I've ever had; orcs have nothing on him. But Thranduil is allowing you to do what you want, Legolas. Oropher didn't really do that with him, he set him on a path he had no choice but to walk down. We've had the freedom to choose what we want to do, he didn't. I am certain at some point he will broach the topic with you, but I think honestly, he is happy to let you continue guarding." Liruliniel shrugged and pulled her legs up to cross them on the plush window seat they were on.

"He never really spoke much about her."

Legolas's quiet tone broke Liruliniel's heart a bit. "Losing a loved one hurts." She sighed, "How much do you remember?"

"It is fragmented."

Liruliniel sympathised with him there, not remembering his mother clearly affected him. She patted him on the shoulder and leaned closer with a smile. "She loved you, very much. She was a very keen archer, once I threw her aim off through joking yet prompted your father to show off his skills to somewhat woo her more." She laughed; she frowned and shook her head. She could be really annoying when she was younger, how was she only just realising this now? Legolas looked curiously at her, a soft expression on his face as he listened. "Oh, never got told the nitty-gritty details about that courtship, hm?"

"Are you trying to gossip?"

"No, I'm trying to cheer you up. It seems you too are unhappy, Legolas. Whether it is because your father has been gone for a few days or not, I don't know. I know what it is like to suddenly look around your home, and notice your family aren't here. Yours was returning, of course...but it doesn't help but make you realise how lonely it can be."

"How are you holding up?" Legolas asked stretching his legs out and watching as she inhaled deeply and sighed. Legolas had a feeling that despite of her, yet again, putting on a happy face and trying to make sure everyone else was fine, she in fact wasn't.

"I feel disjointed. The moment we stepped foot back in here, in the forest I could feel it...that feeling where I believe something is squeezing the air out of my lungs. The air is stale, it feels too hot, yet a freezing chill goes through me. There is something out there, amongst the trees whispering away; I cannot discern what it says, I do not understand the language...but it is there. Then of course, I have the visions of Erebor burning from within and a dragon. I am between a rock and a hard place, which is the worst? Drowning, I feel suffocated as if I was just sinking."

Legolas had the distinct feeling she had not told her true feelings to anyone, mainly because of how honestly, she had spoken to them. He placed a hand on her shoulder, "You're not alone."

"You are very much like your father." He had made sure she knew this too.

Legolas smiled hesitantly, "I am not sure how to take that." Liruliniel laughed, she could see what he meant to be honest. "You should tell him this though."

"He worries enough about me."

Legolas inclined his head, he nodded slowly in thought before patting his knees and standing slowly. He turned and looked at her though, "I'd be more concerned if he didn't. You say about how he used to look at my mother, these glances I do not remember or recall; but you seem ignorant or unaware to how he sends the similarly expressed looks at you."

Liruliniel pulled herself up and off of the seat. "Did I ever thank you for not disagreeing with this?"

Legolas raised an eyebrow, "That is an interesting way of wording it. You needn't, as I said to my father: you two complete each other. But I really do think you should tell him how you feel, Liruliniel."

Liruliniel walked with him back to the door, "I don't wish to be wrapped in cotton wool." Thranduil was hesitant as it was, he really didn't need encouraging to keep her safely inside. Not that she was rushing out and about, but any chance of going for a walk would be called into question whether she was truly safe doing so or not.

Legolas turned in the doorway, "You say he lets me do what I wish through caring, it is the same with you. We should know better than to ignore him or throw his concern back at him." Legolas bowed his head and bid her a quiet farewell to let her rest and bathe.

Liruliniel did so, she promptly unpacked and put aside clothes for washing while packing away those that she didn't wear. Her armour was quickly put back in place on the mannequin before she turned and made her way to the bathroom. She stripped her tunic and trousers off of herself before slinking into the permanently warm water of the welled pool in the room. It was deeper in the middle, and she struggled a little to keep her footing, yet she found herself quite enjoying curling up in a ball and sinking downwards.

Sound was so muted under the water; all she could hear was her pulse thrumming quietly away as she opened her eyes and looked around the well. The water was clear, the fragrant liquids she used caused frothy bubbles to remain at the top on the surface. Reaching out for the stairs carved into the well, she managed to somewhat crawl upwards. She broke the surface silently, the bubbles slinking from her wet hair as she pushed water from her eyes.

Turning and making her way to the other side of the bath, she called out uncertainly. Her hands held onto the rim, her fingers drumming against the smooth flooring as her eyes peeked up. "You're not coming in; can I have some privacy please?" Liruliniel laughed, it seemed whatever meetings Thranduil was in had finished and he came in search of her. But also, he seemed to think it completely normal to just walk in here, while she was in the bath. No, she was not having that as she waved a soapy arm his way with a laugh.

The expression on his face was deadpanned, he rolled his eyes and backtracked, only to sit on the edge of her bed. From his vantage point he could still look into the room and see her there. She placed her arms against the floor, well aware to the small puddles forming from this action. "Hello to you too." Thranduil said dryly, the tone completely matching his expression still.

Liruliniel sighed, he looked like a lost puppy sitting out there. With a sigh, she rolled her eyes and beckoned a hand to him. "What's the matter?" She asked, her knees resting on a stair as she watched him slowly kneel down in front of her.

Thranduil looked down at her as she looked worriedly at him. He reached out and brushed a petal from her hair, the bath water was filled with floral smelling liquids as well as floating flowers. He turned the small pink petal over in his fingers before placing it back within the warm water. "Doubling the efforts when patrols go out as well as shutting down more of our home for preventative reasons, is not what I believed we'd return home to."

"I am sorry," Liruliniel sighed heavily, Thranduil shook his head slowly. None of this was her fault, she didn't play a part in this having to happen. "Meldar tár, Þozyan tyen."

Thranduil's eyes shifted to hers, she leaned her chin against her arms and cheekily smiled his way. He had absolutely no idea what she just said, and she knew it, hence why she looked so mischievously accomplished. "And when did you happen upon Quenya?" Thranduil asked, he knew of the language, but he did not know the language.

"Oh! Did you know that dwarves, well not all, have learned both Quenya and Sindarin? Something about making it easier to socialise and talk to us yet won't allow any to really get near to learn their language." Liruliniel explained with a roll of a hand as she then leaned it against her palm with a small pout.

Thranduil shook his head, trust her to look disheartened over this. Although, he didn't wholly wish to hear her speak the dwarven tongue, he could see she definitely wished to learn. He never knew she liked learning, based on when she was a child...it was a struggle to teach her anything back then. "They had texts in Erebor."

Liruliniel smiled up at him, "They had texts in Erebor," she repeated with a measured nod.

"I still do not know what you said." Thranduil plainly said, he was aiming for her to explain her words.

Liruliniel's eyes shined mischievously still and Thranduil's own eyes hardened down at her. With a sigh, she looked to one side towards the large windows. Perhaps speaking in two languages they had in common was the way to go? So, she opted for their natural language. "Aran vuin, goston achin." She spoke quietly and looked back to him, even lifting up a hand and placing it against his cheek. Well, she tried to. Being still hidden away in bubbled water, she was no way going to leave yet. But also, Thranduil was still tall, even when kneeling.

Thranduil took hold of her hand, being out of the water had made it dry. "You're worried for me?" He translated that time without a problem.

Liruliniel tilted her head with a pointed look up at him, "Thranduil, no sooner did we return back were you absconded into a meeting. Legolas was awaiting your return, even if he won't openly voice it, but he was...you better go see him later; my point is that as soon as possible here you are being pulled back into work. I know, before you start, I know what else are you meant to do? But also, how long was I expecting this not to happen? I worry you'll burn out."

Thranduil couldn't help but find himself slowly smirking, Liruliniel just looked wide eyed and confused. She didn't see what she said that was amusing. "You are worried indeed, guren vell."

"Sweetheart," she whispered quietly while watching him just eye up her small hand still between his. Her hand didn't stay within his for much longer before she slid backwards and into the water again. Her fiery coloured hair writhed and coiled amongst the remnant flowers and bubbles. For the most part the latter had dissolved and disappeared, her form was still shrouded by the water. Most of her was underwater, only her eyes and nose remained above.

"Ci vaer?" Thranduil just watched as her eyebrows pulled into a thoughtful frown. Even before she answered verbally, her eyes gave her away. She wasn't fine.

"Ni lôm," Liruliniel replied, being in hot water did nothing but hit home how tired she really felt. They hadn't paused or stopped on their way home, it had been continuous, and she wasn't expecting herself to feel so tired from it. When had this happened? She didn't know.

Thranduil looked about himself, he stood and moved over towards fresh towelling which was folded up on a countertop in here. Picking it up, he felt the soft material within his hands as he turned and walked back. "Tolo hí," he said quietly, he gestured her over with a slight nod of his head. Liruliniel bobbed her way back to the edge of the bath just as he unfurled the towel and held it up at a respectful height.

She looked hesitant yet trusting him here, she climbed out and took to wrapping the white cotton around herself. Thranduil stepped back, only to return and place another towel upon her head, his hand gave it a slight ruffle which had her laughing. She swatted his hand away with one of hers while peeking out from under the towel with a smile.

"Then rest," he said in response to her last words.

She frowned, "That's all I seemingly do! Rest, or sleep...sit around useless and bored..."

"You believe I may burn out, how do you think I feel about you are forcing yourself to do things which you may not be up for?" Liruliniel just stopped frowning and looked at him with a sorry expression. Thranduil turned and walked out of the room, her bare feet pattered behind him and the pair sat down in the living space near the window.

Making sure the towel around herself was secure, she took to drying her hair. "I'm not an invalid."

"But you are growing weaker." Thranduil was quick to reply, watching as she sat upright, her hands in her towelled lap now as the towel on her head hid her face from him. He could spy wisps of hair peeking out though, the auburn chestnut colours already shining through. Though his words were blunt, they were the truth and they both knew it.

Liruliniel turned in her seat and looked at him. "You didn't need to say it like that," she said quietly and sadly. There was something about the casual way in which he spoke, that had her feeling suddenly cold and a weight fall and plummet within her stomach.

"Is it being here?" Thranduil asked, he reached up and pulled the towel from her head. He couldn't sit here and bear not seeing her face, she was using the towel as a shield, and he didn't like it. Liruliniel's eyes snapped to his, she looked shocked and suddenly a bit scared. "I am merely asking." He reassured, she clearly thought he was going to send her away or suggest it maybe. He turned the towel over absentmindedly before moving forwards and taking to rubbing her hair between his towel covered hands.

"I am not sure anywhere is safe. There is a likelihood of me seeing something, wherever I am." She explained, though the growing darkness in the forest did not help matters but she wasn't going to lay that on him. "What now?" She asked, wishing to change the subject from her ailments.

Thranduil understood what she was doing and looked around, she had settled back in quickly enough it seemed. "Would you care to go and get something to eat?" He asked, turning his face back to hers.

"I would really like that." Liruliniel smiled, honestly, she couldn't think of something else to do, and this was good, more than good in fact.

Thranduil nodded back to her bedroom, "Go get dressed, then we will go."

"Yes, not sure this is a look others would blindly look away from. Think I'd definitely get more comments shot my way." Liruliniel said while standing up quickly, offhandedly wearing mortal looking tunics and whatnot was something that had become the norm here. This though, no. With a quiet laugh she disappeared from view, leaving him to sit and look out the window in silence. "May I inquire as to what Lord Baramaethor actually said to you?"

Thranduil looked back at her when she reappeared a few moments later, her damp hair cascading down and over her shoulders as she stood there in a fresh and clean blue tunic and dark trousers. Liruliniel hurriedly put her boots back on, she knew there was more that was said, the details he said already didn't seem like the whole story. "My, my, aren't you being intrusive, little bird?"

Liruliniel just sent him a grin, Thranduil despaired a little that she found his rhetorical question amusing. "I am merely asking!" She laughed, she held her hands out to him when she had finished lacing her boots up and jumped up to a stand again.

Thranduil stood, he declined her aid to stand, and she looked concernedly up at him. To reassure her, he combed a hand slowly through her drying hair as his other hand rested against her shoulder. He looked her over, his eyes eventually resting on hers. "Other than what was previously said, he did not feel wholly safe with the acting lead while I was away."

Liruliniel sighed heavily, "Yes, I presumed as much when I spoke to Legolas earlier." Thranduil's eyes flashed slightly, if she wouldn't know any better, she'd have said he was worried that there were poor thoughts about his son loitering in some here. "I told him most likely, but then Lord Baramaethor just lives for this, he's always sticking his oar in and speaking negatively. As I said to your son, everything is still standing and running, so he couldn't have done a too bad of a job, could he?"

Thranduil looked a bit more relaxed, he wasn't even going to tell her to behave when it came to the older elf. They'd never get on fully, he knew that. He probably should deter her, but he felt like he'd be wasting his breath. "I didn't ask too much of him, yet it seems like this was a topic of disagreement."

Liruliniel rolled her eyes and let out a dramatic sigh, Thranduil frowned her way. "Don't make me repeat myself! Thranduil...he's your son, if anyone could cope and could succeed at just about anything he put his mind too, it would be Legolas. Don't worry though, I do not think Legolas is in a hurry to take over." She laughed softly, no, definitely not and she couldn't think of something worse for him to be forced into a role he was unprepared for.

In some ways, Liruliniel had seen what that did to his father, she didn't want to see that happen to Legolas too. "So, Lord Baramaethor missed you then, not me, never me...Eruaran and Imrathon still bickering amongst themselves about these strengthened patrols? Well, it sounds like we have not missed a thing, Thranduil. Isn't it good to be back home?" She asked with a wry smile while leaning away from him and turning to the door.

"It truly doesn't feel like we have," he admitted, he felt like he had slipped back into normality with no trouble.

"Are you glad to be back?" Liruliniel opened the door and walked out with him shutting the door behind himself and walking by her side. She looked up at him, she was expecting an instant answer. She definitely wasn't expecting him to look so thoughtful.

"I am, I have missed home. But I have not missed how being home affects you. I have never seen you so free as when you were running through the woodlands around Erebor." Thranduil admitted, whether she knew it or not, but she had become quite obviously affected, restricted even by the surroundings they dwelt in.

Back in the Mountain she had looked happy, content and at peace, full of life and glowing within the splendour that was within Erebor. Here, already she seemed pale, small and fragile. She still glowed, but that was more for the fact that she looked almost opaque in the light of the torches in the palace. He had to give her credit; she still put on a brave face and smiled a lot no matter how she may be feeling. Honestly, she didn't even need to vocalise it, he could see it and it was something he'd seen before but had also grown used to seeing, as awful as that was.

"I haven't an answer to that."

"I was not expecting one."

"Well, you know I can seldom keep my mouth shut."

Thranduil nodded, only to get an exclaim and a playful hit to the arm, which he caught as usual. He linked his fingers with hers as they walked along the corridor. "You just like to talk, that's all." He didn't want her to take it badly; he didn't mean for his action of nodding to possibly be insulting. "I like the sound of your voice, and I like listening to all the things you come out with, no matter how odd some of those things may be."

"I'm the nonsensical one, and you're the sensible one; it's a good partnership."

"You shouldn't look so proud with saying that." Thranduil really did despair, he'd never seen someone look rather proud of calling themselves as having next to no sense at all.

She had so much sense and then some, he didn't like hearing her put herself down like that. As for him being sensible? He wasn't going to argue, if being cautious and calculating a moment made him the sensible one then so be it, not everyone could blindly run off into danger at times like she did.

=

Liruliniel was dreaming of Amon Lanc, back when it sat within a fair and green woodland, bristling with life that meant no harm to others, and did not seek to destroy and kill everything within sight. She remembered the halls, so vast she'd have to sometimes narrow her eyes to see the end of them. The ceilings, so tall she never fully understood how they were constructed; all pillars and arching vaults up there connected in some way or another, the grey stone was light enough to not be oppressive, yet it still held the same beauty as most things elves created. It was a fortress, strong and vigilant on its hill, Liruliniel had often mused how they hadn't seen the evil coming. They could've seen it, surely?

Liruliniel basked in the garden spaces and trundled through the empty corridors. She hadn't dreamt of past homes for many a year. She found she used to yearn for those spaces again, so familiar and welcoming but really, the void had been filled steadily over the years, mainly with thanks to Thranduil. Home was where people you cared about were, not the building in which they all reside. He was the only family she had remaining, and by extension that went for Legolas too.

There was always an offsetting feeling in the fortress, Liruliniel had always thought it. Something never felt right. Or was this just something her mind was conjuring up in her dream? She was struggling to fully remember the large windows which let in floods of light. What was showing now were mere shadowed holes in the walls, the grey brickwork sullied and dirtied by weathering and nature. Patchy ill looking moss clung to the walls and around the doors and windows.

That was when she felt it, the sickening lurch like she was being yanked backwards by a great force. How she remained standing, she did not know. She did however let out a gasp, placing a hand to her stomach she placed her other hand to her head, it was hurting something chronic. Shutting her eyes and turning, she looked at the once great balcony which also converted to a small meeting area to look outwards at the forest.

She had loved coming up here when she was young, the forest had looked so tremendous to her young eyes. Now it looked diseased and dying. "Atigat lat are." The whispering voice seemed to travel all around her, Liruliniel swallowed and lowered her arms and looked around herself. She was alone, but it wouldn't be the first time she had been spoken to. She didn't understand what was said, but she had heard it before in a dream which involved a battlefield.

"Izg can hontum lat." The almost mocking voice continued as she turned on her heels, nothing.

Liruliniel frowned, this was a dream, not a vision, she had full control over the situation whereas in a vision, she did not. She was not powerless here, inhaling deeply she turned and walked away.

"Amal are lat going?"

Liruliniel's pace quickened, and she soon found herself running down a corridor which was once beautiful but now covered in decay. She skidded around a corner and headed towards any room which was nearby, only she didn't end up in a room but rather a stone foyer with stairs leading to the higher tiers of the fortress. The space was changing around her, and it wasn't by her will. She had never been trapped in a dream, a vision, a waking nightmare yes, not a dream.

"Atigat kul asgaja for lat katu." The voice was seemingly right behind her, deep yet flowing calmly, its pitch was always wavering, and the words were almost hissed. Liruliniel turned slowly and looked at the empty archway before her, "Atigat lat are." And that was when fire erupted and she woke up with such a start that she subconsciously scooted backwards in bed and kept going, even when her back was against the headboard.

Her breath was heaving, and she looked around her darkened bedroom with wide, uncertain and scared eyes. She suddenly felt very small, and very alone. Two things which did not sit with her in the slightest. She had her sheets and covers all tangled around her legs, and it took some effort to kick herself free. She felt raging, not with anger but with heat, she felt like she was burning up and it wasn't until she placed a hand to her forehead did, she realise she was sweating profusely.

With unsteady steps she made her way to the bathroom, the moonlight shone through her windows brightly, which was some consolation to her; it was good to see some light, the thought of being in utter darkness right now terrified her. Yet, cupping her hands in the cooling water which came from the tap, she splashed her face to try and bring her temperature down just a little.

She braced herself against the sink with her eyes shut, she mused over what had happened and shook her head. She didn't get it. She was unimportant to pester in dreams, she didn't wholly know this was a thing that was going to spring back up.

Turning out of the room, she grabbed a dressing gown in passing and pulled it on. The length of it trailed quietly along the floor behind her as she exited the room and shut the door behind herself. She passed through the living space silently too, shutting the door and walking across the small corridor, she merely raised a hand and knocked. She stood there waiting, her expression turning more downcast the more time that went by quietly.

She wouldn't just walk in; she wasn't that rude. Sighing and turning, she was about to leave when her ears picked up movement. She looked pretty hopeful when the door opened, only for her to look apologetic. She'd clearly woken Thranduil up, "I'm sorry," she whispered, he didn't sleep as regularly as her.

Considering everything that had transpired within the day, the travelling back, the meetings and everything in between, no wonder he'd opt to sleep this night. She didn't rightly blame him, though she felt awful for not thinking this previously. She wouldn't had bothered him if she had just thought.

Instantly he could tell though that something wasn't right, he could just see it let alone sense this discord. "What happened?" He asked, dismissing her apology with a shake of his head. He guided her into the room, watching as she looked almost relieved that there was a low fire burning.

Liruliniel turned and shifted from foot to foot, Thranduil waited patiently, she sighed and hung her head. She was clearly thinking over her words, and oftentimes when she did this it was usually quite important. "I heard him again," Liruliniel couldn't think of any other way to come out with it.

Thranduil had looked rather relaxed, although his eyes betrayed his concern, but hearing this had him tensing where he stood and looking at her warily. Even in the simple attire in which he chose to sleep in, it didn't detract any imposing feelings which went along with the elf before her. Thranduil was staring hard at her, and she shook her head, she knew where his thoughts wandered to.

"I said nothing."

"What did he say to you?" Thranduil's tone was hoarse, as if he hadn't drunk anything for weeks. This was a situation he did not know how to deal or cope with. It had unnerved him the first time she spoke of this, it did the same now. How to protect someone from an unseen force, a ghost as it were?

Liruliniel shrugged, "I don't understand Black Speech." Which she didn't, not that it was likely, but Sauron could've been asking her how the weather was for all she knew.

"It was definitely him; you are sure of it?" Thranduil finally moved forwards, he hadn't realised he hadn't moved from the door. Liruliniel came here for comfort, and he was keeping his distance.

Liruliniel smiled painfully, "Same voice as before...there is something happening in that fortress, Thranduil. Whether this moment was an accident, or a play for power, I don't know."

"We do not have the forces to wage another war, Liruliniel." Thranduil placed his hands on her shoulders, the soft material of her dressing gown still didn't hide the fact that she was still a little too warm. Thranduil frowned, it was never just right, either she was freezing or like this.

"I do not wish too...but, what else am I meant to do with this revelation? Keep it secret? What if it happens again?"

Thranduil shushed her gently, her tone was growing in volume, and she was getting hysterical. "Then I will listen, as always. And if it does happen again, I will be here to wake you."

Liruliniel whined quietly, "Waking someone from a nightmare is dangerous."

Thranduil shrugged slowly, "I have fast reflexes if you are to lash out."

"Don't joke about this!" Liruliniel despaired yet couldn't help but chuckle quietly.

"It got you smiling though," Thranduil said honestly while tracing her smile with his thumb. Nodding his head, he directed her forwards.

Liruliniel sent a small frown over her shoulder at him. "You said you'd wake me..."

"I am unaware whether you have fully come to realise it or not, but you spend more time in here than I think I do at times." Thranduil said thoughtfully, which was true, she did. Sometimes in the past he'd come in from a meeting, and she'd be reading on the window seat. She'd welcome him into his own quarters! Ridiculous, but she did it anyway.

"So?"

"That includes sleeping as well," Thranduil rolled his eyes, he had caught her napping either on the window seat with a book in her hands, or in a chair by the fire wrapped up. She never ventured to sleep in his room, much like her quarters that was usually done with him being present already.

"Yet again, so?"

"For someone so smart, you can be quite dense."

"Excuse me!" Liruliniel frowned up at him again, Thranduil just quirked a brow while moving around to retire back to bed. "That was mean."

"Are you going to go back to sleep?" He merely asked, seating himself back within the warmth of the covers and just looking at her plainly. "I am inclining towards yes," he shook his head when she let out a quiet yawn from behind her hand. She ditched the dressing gown and slipped in, instantly she sought to huddling close to him and he readily took her into his arms and shut his eyes again. "Stay, Liruliniel."

"Can't go anywhere if I'm asleep." She said quietly with a smile, her face burying against the loose shirt he was wearing.

Thranduil frowned, even with his eyes shut he looked displeased instead of peaceful and resting. The elf nestling against his chest let out a quiet chuckle over her words, she didn't sleepwalk...that she knew of. "You spend more time here than in your own room nowadays, Liruliniel. You even sleep in here more. So, stay," Thranduil didn't see what he said as unreasonable.

It made sense, why shouldn't she move into his quarters? So many years had passed now since they first became together, time was irrelevant to either, it went so quickly, but it had been a long time. He wanted her close, both to protect and to provide; sometimes Liruliniel's own worst enemy was herself and sometimes she needed someone to break that habit and loop. But also, he wished to provide her with the support and comfort which she evidently needed.

Liruliniel found herself slowly smiling, "It wasn't my intentions to invade." Thranduil scoffed tiredly, Liruliniel propped herself up against his chest and tilted her head with her smile still in place. "I didn't!"

Thranduil ran a hand gently through her loose hair, he had somewhat noted she didn't braid it as much anymore. Which he was grateful of, there was something comforting about twirling locks of chestnut around his fingers. "That I am unsure whether to believe or not. Keep in mind your history, you've been rather good at appearing in places you may never have intended to be in." He was mainly thinking back to when they were children, and all the mischief she'd get into.

Liruliniel rested her chin against her hands, which laid gently over his heart. Her eyes narrowed playfully, not taking his words to heart at all. "Are you speaking in a more pragmatic sense?"

Thranduil just looked at her simply with a raised eyebrow. Liruliniel continued to smile and tilted her head to rest against her hands, her eyes stared at the darkened wall opposite as she felt his hand thread into the back of her hair as his other arm rested around her. "You never answered me."

"Because I think you already know the answer." She said while her eyes slowly slid to a close, Thranduil kissed the top of her head and settled back against the pillows with her in his arms. He hoped she felt as assured as he did with now sharing the same space. "It is going to feel very strange," Liruliniel said, with the way his arms tensed around her, she was aware he wasn't back asleep, and her words didn't sit well. Lifting her head up, she looked at him with a soft smile, his room was much like hers which meant the large windows in the room let in floods of moonlight. Within the light she could see his features, it was utterly unfathomable to her how he could still look utterly perfect even in this situation. However, his appearance, he looked displeased by her words, as she guessed. "I am moving, yet again! Can I not just stay in one place and not find the need to move?"

"It isn't like you are moving away," Thranduil wished to state, she made it seem like she was upping and leaving.

She nodded slowly, he was right there, she wasn't leaving the kingdom behind, just her quarters. "But also...I have forgotten what it is like to live alongside someone in the same space." Liruliniel admitted quietly, her eyes looking to her hands and her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns against his top.

Thranduil placed a hand over hers, her fingers ceased moving and her face looked upwards at him. "You are not alone," four words she was not expecting to hear as her eyes widened upon hearing him speak. Thranduil gently coaxed her to lay back down, her head tucked underneath his and he felt her fingers latch lightly onto his tunic. "Though, perhaps this will be the last time you find yourself having to pack your things and move." He mused lowly, more to himself as he felt himself becoming comfortable once more.

Liruliniel smiled, she couldn't think of another time where she had heard him sound so sleepy. It was so uncharacteristic of him, he always had up this wall; his expression blank, mocking and sarcastic at the best of times while his attention came off indifferent and condescending, but here he sounded so exhausted and unlike his usual assured self that it was endearing to her.

Little moments when the otherwise perfect mask slipped were rare, showed there was someone underneath all the coldness that was projected at the world. Liruliniel lifted her head again, Thranduil let out a short sigh. He had clearly thought that because she had grown still, she had drifted off to sleep. Tiredly, his eyes opened and looked at her, Liruliniel reached forwards to stroke a hand gently over his cheek.

Blonde strands of hair got moved aside, the pair just looked at each other before she smiled softly and leaned up to place her lips against his. Thranduil cupped her face with one of his hands while the other remained against her lower back. Softly kissing him a few more times, she pulled back and laid her head back down and under his.

Liruliniel's eyes looked suddenly tiredly to the wall opposite again. She was finding herself slowly succumbing to sleep again due to the warmth and comfort she now found herself in. "Can I spend tomorrow with you?" Even her voice was tinted with tiredness, she sounded definitely more asleep than awake now as she felt Thranduil shifting underneath her.

With ease as if she weighed very little at all, he managed to lift her and settle her beside himself. He then turned and faced her, one of his arms now under the pillow to support her head as the other rested between them, though it didn't stay there long before his hand stroked soothingly against her cheek. Liruliniel, with her eyes shut now huddled more against his hand with a tired smile, she missed the thankful look on his face that it seemed she was finally going to sleep.

"It makes a change for you to ask," he commented quietly, earning a quiet laugh from her. He was merely saying the truth, he hadn't known her to ask something like this. She had a habit of just doing whatever she wished.

"I just thought I'd change it up a bit..."

Thranduil hummed in thought, listening as her voice trailed off silently. "Of course you can." He replied, watching her nod as she came to nestle closer to him. Thranduil shut his eyes and leaned forwards too, their foreheads gently bumped against each other as they lapsed into silence, this time both of them finding themselves falling into a dream state, a dream state for Liruliniel which this time had no dreams within it.

All she felt was warm, comforted, peaceful and contented here and now, despite of the awful events which bought her here, she was somewhat not totally hating against it now considering she could now feel this wholesome feeling each and every night.

=

In hindsight, Liruliniel had not dwelt on the fact that the next day would no doubt involve a meeting, like usual, to inform and bring to question little topics within the kingdom which Thranduil would need and possibly help settle. The fact that now these meetings happened with the council in the throne room didn't matter, attending the meeting didn't matter to her for the fact that she was meant to be here. However, the fact that Thranduil stood beside her throughout the whole meeting so far had her feeling a little nervous. It wasn't him, or what was being spoken about so far, but it was just the sceptical looks being sent her way.

Liruliniel sighed, she wasn't a ruler of this kingdom; it was something she had renounced to Thranduil, but it seemed those present presumed she was already their new Queen, without the formalities which bought about her having this title, and most didn't look too certain. Thranduil, though he was being serious, had said she could still have an advisory role.

She had thought he was joking, advising Thranduil was fine if he actually listened, and he said about her and listening at times! He was just as bad, if not worse, that elf was so damn stubborn. But it just hurt a little on the inside to see and plainly know that some still did not approve of them being together, even after all these many passing years.

Spotting Eruaran entering the room with a determined gait had whatever the topic was currently being dropped. Thranduil looked at the captain as he stopped, bowed and stood upright again a little out of breath. It was just him, none of the other guards were present. It was presumed he had just dismissed them, that whatever he needed to clearly say and tell, he'd do alone. "Orcs have been spotted near our borders." That sentence had a horrid silence entering the room, a chill ran through them all and everyone's tensions were palpable.

Maybe in hindsight Liruliniel would've preferred not to be in this meeting, so she could miss out hearing this information. But who was she kidding? She'd come to know of it somehow, even possibly from Thranduil himself. She hesitantly looked up at the elf beside her. Thranduil was straight backed with his arms clasped behind his back, his expression was stormy and a firm frown on his face, his eyes flashed with disgust, the mere thought of those foul creatures being so close to his home affected him greatly, even if he outwardly seemed otherwise calm and the usual.

"How far?" Imrathon was present and considering the last few debates over patrols having members of the army in them, of course it was going to be him to instantly pipe up. It wasn't meant as an insult to anyone's skills and abilities, but honestly, Liruliniel would now say that even with the slow growing numbers within their army, having some go out too was a good idea.

It wasn't to say that Eruaran and his guards weren't experienced, but the army and the guards were trained differently, even Liruliniel knew there was a line between the pair and their routine training experiences. Eruaran sent him a look before looking back at Thranduil, the two leaders of their respected units not getting along was a little comical, but not at this time, it was just a hindrance.

"They have been spotted crossing through the woodlands, heading southwards. They're not using the road; they're making their own one downwards." Eruaran explained, watching and listening as the others in the room whispered amongst themselves. But mainly he was watching Thranduil, and waiting for him to speak or react.

So far, he'd sourly listened, he looked displeased but that was about it. Verbally he had remained silent. Liruliniel beside him seemed to react more, if only that was to rub a hand over her forehead. "We have not had orcs within our lands for many hundreds of years," Eruaran and Liruliniel both looked along with the others to Baramaethor. A chair had been bought in for the elder to sit on, and he sat there looking rather prompt and pleased.

Liruliniel tilted her head, if Eruaran didn't know any better, he would say she was biting her tongue to stop herself from saying something. Which was in fact correct, she was so close to plainly stating the obvious, unfortunately, where they were they were a covered gateway to the dark lands. They always had been and always will be.

"We have already limited excursions out, along with narrowing our own borders. But the more we subtract, the more they are going to take. If we do not act, they will keep taking advantage." Imrathon stepped forwards, seemingly nodding to agree with Baramaethor but also looking imploringly at Thranduil. "We have strengthened most of what was lost. Let some of us meet these trespassers head-on. Surely it will send a message not to venture in or near?"

"Or they will see it as a chance to fight. You would be fighting to protect us, but they would be fighting to kill you." Eruaran stated with a frown.

"And your suggestion is what? To report back sightings and do nothing? How can we sit back and do nothing? If we do, then surely before long they will be swarming all over us!"

"Can you not argue?! How can you two not see that you both have the same goal and intentions? It is infuriating as it is funny to watch you two go at it, but you're coming from the same position. I have to agree with Eruaran, you run headfirst into a fight, it might be a fight you're not ready for and your last. We work better when we are one, we surely can't be divided on this, right?" Liruliniel had had enough of listening to a possible bickering match come about. She ended her sentence turning and looking at Thranduil. "I am not saying or suggesting going to the fortress...but perhaps combining forces to at least deter orc packs venturing near is better than full on skirmishes? The spiders are on their side; this is a two on one fight which will need to get levelled out somehow. We know the terrain; they are blindly travelling because they're being called to." Liruliniel said quietly, looking up at Thranduil as he looked blankly down at her, fighting and a possible fight was not something he clearly wished to discuss.

Yet in the background, Imrathon was nodding along and even Eruaran looked somewhat swayed. "We are not the only ones trying to protect this forest, sire. Radagast...may not be a fighter, but he is a protector of a small piece of land; but likewise, his neighbour sounds like he is trying his best to do exactly what we are doing. We cannot just let them freely roam our home, Imrathon is right there; if we do nothing, they will be upon us like the spiders, and we won't be able to hold them back."

"An alliance." Thranduil said slowly, watching as she nodded hesitantly. To her it made sense to have as many possible able bodies guarding the borders, and deterring orc packs from even entering their forest, at least not without a fight.

"We have enough here to do what is needed, without drawing strangers into the mix."

Liruliniel sent Baramaethor a withering look. "Sticking with what we've got is what's sort of got us into this mess. Sometimes even we need help, and I have the guts to say that right now, we do need help." Liruliniel said plainly, getting a scoff from Baramaethor, she took a step forward only to have Thranduil place a hand on her shoulder. She stilled and looked apologetically at him.

"And would you aid?" Baramaethor asked, just wishing to get a jibe in where he could.

"Pardon?" Liruliniel turned and looked at him again, this time her eyes narrowing dangerously.

"I remember you once said to me about not venturing out, about not aiding. Yet it seems like you have come to the same standstill." Baramaethor said, his hand lifelessly waving in the air as he watched Liruliniel struggle to keep her temper in check there.

"If I go out there, I will most certainly die." Liruliniel said through gritted teeth, the hand on her shoulder tightened a little and she clenched her hands by her sides.

"So may some of our kin, a bit selfish of you. How, as our Queen could you stand back and allow that to happen?"

Liruliniel clicked her tongue, she looked at Thranduil with a struggled expression. She was really struggling right now to keep calm, "May I be excused before I say something which may be later used against me again, please?"

"Go," Thranduil said lowly, even he was annoyed by the older elf's words and flippant disposition of somehow finding amusement in irking Liruliniel. Out of everyone, Thranduil knew Baramaethor would be one who would not approve of them. His hand slid away from her shoulder and down her arm as she bowed her head to him and turned and left.

She couldn't help but stop right in front of Baramaethor though, leaning down to his eye line, Liruliniel smiled sweetly. "Just so you know, I am the Queen of nothing and no one. And if I could go out there without the likelihood of me being hit down with a vision, then I would. The forest and the evil that is eating it alive calls out to me in my sleep, and it haunts me even when I am awake. I can hear the dark whispers of an equally dark creature, and there is nothing I can do to sway the words which I hear from coming. I would very much like to see how you would cope with this forever going through your mind, Lord. Do not underestimate me, I am not a coward, I don't much care for self-preservation, but I learned how to tactically think up plans from four of the best elves I have ever known. If I cannot be of use outside fighting, then I certainly can be where devising a plan of action is involved." Liruliniel said while straightening up halfway through and condescendingly looking down at him, she was truly unaware to how many of the elves here knew of her foresight, but she had now let the secret out and found herself not much caring for it.

Baramaethor looked at her with a stony look, his eyes challenging and displeased that she'd so diplomatically contradicted and answered back to him. She went back on her words, maybe something she said here could be used against her, but she couldn't go without proving him wrong. Liruliniel moved past the seated elf and walked speedily out of the room. She brushed hair over her ears and kept her hands threaded in the back of her head as she turned and walked down the corridor.

Most definitely in hindsight, probably should've avoided coming to this meeting. She wished to spend the day with Thranduil, yes, and she knew most days he had a meeting of some description. But did this one today have to go like that one did? Sighing and shaking her head, Liruliniel swung her arms by her sides and frowned. She should've truly name-dropped Elrond, he had responded to her letter from years ago, informing her that he had bought it up at the council meeting within Imladris, that action would be taken if more activity was reported.

Without proof, none of them would take to arms. But Baramaethor didn't need to know that, just to get one of her own jibes in, she so should've. She did mean what she said though, she had known four great tacticians in her time so far; Hérion, Liruliniel had sat and listened as her father instructed Thalion over routines, movements and what to do in certain times. He had been in many a fight, and each time he had been a key player in devising what to do, and when.

Hérion was keen eyed and clever, perhaps a reason why he despaired over his daughter because she did take after him a little too well at times. But her father had been a brilliant tactician, so had Oropher; the pair together had been an unstoppable team it seemed. And from having to train under him, Liruliniel could definitely say that if she didn't know any better, he may have had foresight too. He didn't, of course, but Oropher had a way of perceiving things before they happened and think up a response before a thought even crossed her mind.

Tactically minded, he was quick and sharp, and she would say he could rival Elrond, almost...Elrond and Gil-galad were two elves which Liruliniel had naturally learned the most from. She had watched and listened and learned as they instructed, planned, and plotted within the context of war. Elrond was the wisest elf she knew, and somehow, she knew he'd be somewhat humbled if she admitted that but also admitted she was finally and determinedly taking his teachings and putting them to proper use here.

She had learned battle strategies and fighting under four imposing elves, and if she couldn't somehow use all of that learning to a real-life problem here, then she knew she'd be failing them. And Liruliniel didn't want to fail them, she really didn't; the thought of failing her father made her feel sick, the thought of failing both her kings had her just feeling depressed and ashamed and the thought of failing Elrond made her feel utterly despondent.

So, it was because of all of this that she went to the library, surveys which came back mapped out where spider nests were, but also the lay of the land as it was now. This was their home, they knew these trees and each upturned root and each boulder and mountain. They had the advantage; the orcs did not. They were being called to Dol Guldur, but that didn't mean they actually knew the way.

From the outside, the fortress was barely viewable, the spires and towers long since crumbling to decay and dereliction, so they were travelling in blind. A faint call from a spirit from long ago was a siren to them, didn't mean it would lead them in safely to the stronghold, did it? Liruliniel found a map, she unfurled it and looked at the vast space which it took up on the large table. She inhaled slowly; it was odd to see her home so simply painted out before her.

Looking about herself, she spotted a table nearby with a pencil discarded on it. She walked over and snatched it up, returning back to the map, she placed a faint cross on Dol Guldur. She eyed the position of the fortress in relation to everything else. They could've gone straight in, cut into the forest and move straight to it. But if they were coming from the mountain range across from them, then tactically it would waste more time doing that than just entering the forest as soon as they came to its borders.

Liruliniel paused, leaning her hands against the table and staring hard at the map. The Misty Mountains led upwards straight to the one orc stronghold she'd never thought she'd have to dwell or say out loud ever again. Gundabad. Something in her ran cold, looking upwards to the window across from her she hated to say that for once the quiet bird song she could hear, did not make her feel calm and collected. It made her feel dread; this withering feeling was winding itself up from within her stomach and she hung her head breathing deeply.

Opening her eyes slowly, she stared long and hard at the map. If the orcs coming down were from Gundabad, then they were marching and preparing for a fight. She stared at another stronghold, just not one of orcish descent, Khazad-dûm. Through tunnelling and mining, the two places could be connected which meant there was a way in from both sides. But also, as it was, Khazad-dûm was strategically a good claim.

Liruliniel racked a hand through her hair, the pieces were all slowly starting to fall into place, and she couldn't help but notice that they were stuck in the middle. The orcs were preparing for a fight, and none of them were any the wiser for it. It was awful, truly it was if she went to anyone with this information, she knew nothing would be done...the elves will not take part in a fight for the dwarves; they just wouldn't, Liruliniel had to step back and stand there knowing that if the orcs from Gundabad marched on Khazad-dûm, they would fight this fight alone, and probably lose.

If the orcs claimed the dwarven realm as their own, they'd have a three-point stance on attacking anyone within that triangular formation, which bought it all back to them. Liruliniel shut her eyes with a heavy sigh, they were stuck in a hard place, they wouldn't go aid the dwarves in a fight, but surely, they could fight those orcs which tried in vain to get to Dol Guldur? Masses could not be allowed to dwell and haul up in there, nothing good was going to come of that.

——

(A/N: These two original chapters were written during the first covid lockdown England had, which is absolutely mind boggling how far away that seems, and here I am in 2025 editing this...I read the notes at the end where I'm concerned for all reading and if you're all doing good, and it's just insanity reading conversations we had during this time where we're all as in the dark as each other.)

Quenya to Sindarin from top to bottom:

Beloved king - Meldar tár

I am worried/fear for you - Þozyan tyen

Beloved king - Aran vuin

I am worried/fear for you - Goston achin

Sweetheart - Guren vell

Do you feel well? - Ci vaer?

I am tired - Ni lôm

Come here - Tolo hí

(A/N: Also, I forgot how much of a headache elvish and Black Speech was...)

There you are - Atigat lat are

Why do you hide? - Amat kramp lat faut?

Where are you going? - Amal are lat going?

There is nothing for you here - Atigat kul asgaja for lat katu

I can see you - izg can hontum lat

——

Edited: 3/July/25