Even as he sought air from the crushing kiss Thranduil sent in Liruliniel's way, he still ghosted his lips down her jaw and neck. He could smell the herbs which were no doubt hurriedly mixed and used to go onto her wound. The bandages themselves smelt equally of fresh linen and from how she struggled to move her arm, it seemed the gauze material went under and around her upper arm. Here he tentatively pressed his lips against the concealed skin, still in his arms, Liruliniel wrapped her arms around his shoulders and combed her fingers through his hair. The soft almost white strands got twisted gently in and amongst her fingers, her head rested against his as he stood there still holding her like she weighed nothing at all.

"Goheno nin, meleth nîn." Thranduil's voice was muffled from where he gently nestled against her, his fingers coming to cling against the nightgown.

"Thranduil, there is nothing to forgive you for." Liruliniel said while managing to free herself. She slid to the floor and cupped his face in her hands. She was met with a disagreeing, yet a saddened face. Liruliniel smiled, "Why should you be seeking forgiveness from me?" She tilted her head to the side while brushing hair over his ear and looking at him patiently and calmly.

His eyes looked stormy, like a conflict of emotions were raging within him. Or he just didn't understand why she would ask such a thing. "Because-"

"It was rhetorical. I know why you seek it, and I'm not giving it because there is no reason for it. None of this is because of you, none of this happened because of you. I am hurt, not through any actions of yours. I am hurt because of a fool." Liruliniel said in a quiet tone, light sounding within the dimly lit room. The candles which were burning here seemed to be ebbing down, which left the moonlight to flood the room with pale, silver light. "Is that enough?"

Thranduil mutely nodded, his lips in a thin line while his hand gently edged around the bandage. "How bad is it?" He asked though, nodding over her words, feeling appeased that she held no bad feelings against him, for not listening to her and her inclination towards Voronwë.

Liruliniel shrugged with her good shoulder. "I will heal. Tauriel took the brunt when she blocked the knife. If that elf used anything bigger, then, well...I think we know I may not be here." Liruliniel saw his look harden, she placed a hand to his cheek again. "I am here, Thranduil. I am here." She repeated in a firmer tone, imploring him to listen to her that she was not going to suddenly disappear.

"I thought for a moment I had lost you." Thranduil admitted, though she evidently already knew that. Liruliniel still looked at him with a calm smile on her face, her thumb stroking his cheek soothingly as he confessed to her. "For a split second, and in that moment all I could do was freeze. I heard your scream and-"

"Thranduil, stop. You are going to replay this over, and you will make yourself worse for it. Listen, I am fine. Perhaps a little shaken up, but I am fine. Which can't be said to those that were escorted out. I will heal, and I will be back to my usual self in no time!"

"I do not think an injured shoulder will deter you much." He rolled his eyes; he couldn't imagine her slowing down regardless of her injury. "But he is lucky that is all I did." He said referring to Voronwë and the few that were left out in the cold.

"You're not vengeful, Thranduil."

"For you I could be." Thranduil took her hand from his cheek and kissed her knuckles gently. He just looked down at her while he did so, her cheeks flushing a little and he smirked against her skin.

Liruliniel shook her head, "That is a clear path towards hatred and darkness, and I will not have you walk that way, even for me." She whispered, her voice trailing off a little as he cupped her face and leaned down, even with their lips being so close he didn't close the gap. Instead, he let her finish speaking as his eyes stared into hers. He registered what she said before finally eradicating what space was between them.

Her arms linked around his shoulders, or at least one did. Her injured one stayed against his chest, her fingers managing to stretch up and trace his jawline. There was something akin to an earnest yearning to his kisses, the languishing pressing and deepening of his lips against hers had Liruliniel tightening her fist against his chest as she practically leaned against him. A smirk wound itself up on his face from this, Liruliniel yelped and clung to him again when he picked her up like he did earlier.

He was careful with laying her down, her smaller form fidgeting under him to get comfortable. He kept his weight off of her by leaning against his forearms, his hair trailing off his shoulders and curtaining the pair from the rest of the room. Though it still didn't stop Liruliniel gliding a hand through the curtain as the locks of hair seemed to shimmer almost in the moonlight of the room. One of his hands was more near the top of her head, his fingers stroking curls back from her face while his other hand remained near her shoulder.

The bandage unsettled him, her being hurt unsettled him, and he hoped in some foolish way that his gentle meanderings across the edges of the bandage would make the injury itself go. Of course it wouldn't, but he could ridiculously hope, right? Thranduil just watched her, she seemed always so amused by his hair, and he still didn't wish to know the reasons why. Though turning her face gently, he tilted her head upwards slightly to tuck his hand in the back of her hair, his lips finding hers again as her hands gripped onto his upper arms.

He could not deny it, he wanted her. As ridiculous as that may seem considering all that had happened until this point, he couldn't help it, he just wished to feel her under him, under his fingers and lips. With the way Liruliniel arched into him with a heavy sigh when his kisses trailed back over her jaw and to her neck, Thranduil wasn't ignorant to the fact that she was aware to the situation too. Her fingers clasped onto him and bought him closer to herself; he felt her legs trail over his as her hands shakily bought his face back to hers so she could give him a gentle kiss.

The hesitance of her lips just caused him to apply more pressure, she still seemed so unsure at times that it endeared to him, it really did. His hand left its place near her shoulder, if only to trail down her body carefully. He had never touched her in such a way and gauged her reactions. Liruliniel's body moved seemingly on its own, or Thranduil would've believed so; under his hand he felt the swell of her breast, the curvature of her waist and Liruliniel was lost to a new sensation as her head rolled to the side against the pillow with a sigh.

Thranduil watched how responsive she was without him doing anything, he felt her leg bend to hook with one of his to keep him where he was. This if anything gave him the opportunity to run his hand slowly up her leg, her nightgown having become quite scrunched up and allowing him to do so with ease.

Though the feeling had Liruliniel turning to look at him with unsure eyes, Thranduil's hand stayed unmoving on her hip. "I've not..."

"I know." She didn't need to explain herself to him, though she looked worriedly at him. Thranduil stroked her cheek with the back of his hand with a gentle sigh. "We can stop," he said, he would never put her in a position where she was uncomfortable - even if right now she certainly didn't look that - or likewise make her do something she didn't wish to do, but the look on Liruliniel's face had him rising an eyebrow.

Someone definitely didn't agree to that notion. He smirked, so evidently, she too was perhaps feeling this unending but substantially stronger force pulling at her. The small buttons on his tunic suddenly became quite interesting as her fingers picked at them, never moving to unbutton them though. Thranduil just leaned over her, waiting and watching as her thoughts clearly got carried. He only guessed this because of her facial expressions.

"I want you." Liruliniel mirrored his thoughts without realising it, Thranduil's eyes widened a little and Liruliniel evidently thought she had said something wrong.

He quietened her down with a soft kiss. His eyes opened, half lidded and looking at her pink tinted cheeks, Thranduil wasted little time leaning back down to kiss her with more passion. Liruliniel's hands held onto him as she returned the kiss with as much feeling. Though she did pull her face away with a heavy sigh, her back arching at the feeling of his hand gliding up her side and ribs. She looked back at him though when his hand paused, Thranduil's other hand which had been in her hair now picked at the simple ties on the front of her nightgown.

"Sevin dhâf?" He wouldn't do something without asking first. Liruliniel didn't verbally answer, she just nodded her head. The looser the neckline the less stress would be put on her shoulder to lift it up and out of the material, he didn't remove it though, just simply loosening it. Though this meant that even with laying down, the neckline now bagged around her collarbone, even threatening to drape lower.

Taking a hold of her hand, he placed it against his chest. Liruliniel picked up quickly, and Thranduil found it a bit amusing that the female who could face all evils in her visions, had Sauron whisper to her in the darkness of night, fumbled nervously over buttons. But that was familiar. This was not. He kissed her forehead reassuringly though, just to let her know everything was fine. Hearing a hum, Thranduil looked at her confused face.

"Your...well...I can't get the rest," Liruliniel said quietly with a small laugh. The length of his tunic meant she could only reach the middle of his torso, if she stretched, she could've reached his waist, but she couldn't without her shoulder pulling. With more nimble fingers than her, Thranduil not only undid the remaining buttons but also shed himself of the tunic in a flourish. The feeling of her hands brushing his hair aside and tracing patterns on his chest had Thranduil sighing as he leaned his forehead against hers. Liruliniel chuckled quietly, "Such a simple thing relaxes you so."

His eyes slowly opened and looked into hers, "It is just the feeling of you." He said, her fingers skimming over his collarbones and venturing downwards.

Liruliniel looked a bit perplexed, "But I haven't done anything."

"You are a fool little bird, if you believe you need to do anything to make me feel this way." Thranduil stated feeling her hands divert around his back, her nails and fingers doing tiptoeing motions up his spine.

"And how is that?" She cocked her head to the side on the pillow curiously, her hands now resting on his shoulder blades.

Thranduil took in her features, soft, calm, blushing and with nervous eyes that were looking at him adoringly. "Loved. Unbelievably loved."

"It isn't unbelievable to love you, Thranduil. No matter what, you are as deserving of the emotion as anyone else, and that goes for expressing it too!" Liruliniel laughed gently, bringing her hands back to her chest before cupping his face as he looked down at her thoughtfully.

"Then with your permission, may I?"

"Hm?"

Thranduil smirked at her flushed face then, her fingers trailed over his smirk which stayed in place. Sure, he may have been doing this now just to tease her but teasing her was fun. "Express my love for you." If possible, her cheeks grew redder as she slapped him on the shoulder gently. Thranduil just laughed quietly, it was mean to do that to her, he knew that, so he apologised with kissing her gently.

He coaxed her lips against his, no matter how much she seemed to keep them in a straight line of annoyance. It didn't last, her hands pulled his face closer as they sought to deepening the kiss, only to have Liruliniel gasp into it when felt a hand against her chest. She had been so distracted by his kisses she hadn't registered his hand slip back under the simple attire she wore.

Thranduil could sense her hesitance again when it came to removing it though. "Will it hurt?" Liruliniel asked, her hands against her chest again and deterring him from doing anything more.

He sympathised, of course she would wish to know this. This was uncharted territory, after all. "Yes, if only for a little while. I will be as gentle as possible." He reassured her, kissing her cheek. He felt her resolve slip and Thranduil removed the nightgown carefully because of her shoulder. It was the first thing he admittedly looked at, making sure there were no signs of blood. And then he looked down at the body beneath him, he leaned down and hovered above her lips, their chests pressed against each other, feeling their heartbeats in an almost matching pace of beating.

The feeling of her skin against his was blissful, and he whispered against her lips how beautiful she was before seeing to ridding themselves of the last of their garments. He had wanted to feel Liruliniel under his hands, fingertips and lips and he commenced showering her with attention she would not get from another. Her responses varied from gasps, a hand seeking to grasp onto him in some way; to her head pressed backwards against the pillows with her back arched and a pleasured whimper of his name coming from her lips. That was something Thranduil didn't think he would get tired of hearing, nor did he wish to.

And with the quiet snow falling outside amongst the wintery woodland, the moonlight shone in brightly at the union which soon happened. Liruliniel's pain pained Thranduil, and he felt awful for it, but he held onto her hand tightly. Their linked hands situated beside her head as her fingers gripped onto him, her nails digging in slightly as a few tears slid down her cheeks, her responses to his kisses shaking slightly from emotions and the painful feeling which rivalled being stabbed in the shoulder by a long shot. Thranduil whispered reassuring words to her, he kissed her softly, gently and did not do anything until he felt Liruliniel push at him.

He looked at her surely, she smiled, and he wiped the tears away from her cheeks before one of her hands weaved into his hair and tugged him to kiss him fiercely. Thranduil's fingers if anything enveloped her hand tighter and the pressure was returned as Liruliniel's kisses deepened and became quiet covers for her heavy sighs and whisperings of his name. Thranduil leaned away from her slightly and had her pouting, his lips mere millimetres away yet each time she tried to kiss him, he moved.

He just smirked and got a playful tap to the chest for it. In repayment to that he angled his hips in such a way that it had Liruliniel arching off the bed again with an enraptured moan slipping past her parted lips. Her hand clutched onto his shoulder; her other one squeezed his and Thranduil dove down to kiss her lovingly while his hand slipped under her and pressed against her lower back. He couldn't help but smile into the kiss from the stuttered blissful noise which came from her then. No other would hear these sounds, and no other would make her feel like she did now, it was him and it would always be him.

Hearing her breaths turn ragged and sharp, Thranduil buried his face against her neck, his eyes shutting from the sounds and feeling of her around him, her legs crossed over his hips as her spare hand dragged down his back, he wouldn't be surprised if there were slight nail indents from this. Yet when she tensed in his arm and against him, Thranduil could've sworn he had never felt something so fulfilling, something so wholesome and so...there was no words; whatever bond they had from simply being with each other had grown tenfold now, and though it was a spiritual bond that had grown exponentially it was also something quite physically felt too.

Hearing her let out a pained noise when he moved from her and bought her into his arms, he couldn't help but nestle his face against the top of her hair as she cuddled onto him. Neither spoke, yet Liruliniel placed a hand to her heart and then to his, Thranduil understood what she was doing, their hearts seemingly more in tune with each other now than they ever had been before.

When he started to shift beside her, Liruliniel's hand stopped dipping over his ribs and looked confused. "Hold on," Thranduil instructed gently, she placed her good arm around his shoulders while her other rested against his chest. Her hands linked together when he easily picked her up, she looked at him with confusion though that confusion was tinged with tiredness lurking.

Thranduil didn't answer her, he just made his way to the bathroom. He couldn't imagine how much she ached, but having a bath would surely prove to tick two things off, clean up and rid herself of the aches travelling through her body. Though she couldn't submerge because of her bandage, Thranduil sent her a knowing look over that as he placed her within the welled bath in the room.

Liruliniel's response was to roll her eyes. Though she winced at the feeling of the warm water, Thranduil hesitated to let her fully go, "It just stings a little," she whispered awkwardly, adverting her eyes and taking to looking at the small bottles which were around the rim of the pool.

Thranduil kissed her on the temple and lowered her in slowly, she quietly grumbled under her breath but soon found herself within the warming waters. Admittedly already she felt her muscles start to loosen up and relax. Keeping her shoulder as elevated as possible she made her way to the other side to look over the fragranced bottles. Frowning suddenly though, she turned with one in her hand and looked back at Thranduil, he'd disappeared and shut the door behind himself.

Popping open the cap awkwardly, Liruliniel sniffed slowly. The smell drifting outwards smelt of pine, of woodland and spices, something like cinnamon or even nutmeg. It was very familiar and very soothing, so she poured a small amount in the water before replacing the cap and the bottle to its resting place. She was busy looking over the other bottles to not realise she had company again.

Thranduil's arms encircled her waist and Liruliniel let out an exclaim. Even more so when he kept her against his chest and let the water take him, practically floating with her, he was cautious of her shoulder as he did this. Liruliniel flailed a little yet looked much more comfortable when he took to sitting on the carved steps in the well, she sat in his lap but relaxed against him.

"Where did you go?" She asked her voice hazy sounding from how relaxed she felt right now. The steam rising smelt of that all too familiar scent which clung to the male behind her, and she was just lost in the feeling of contentedness.

Thranduil brushed hair over her bad shoulder so he could rest his chin against her good one. "The bed needs changing." He whispered, his eyes shutting too even as he felt her tense a little and look at him. Thranduil's eyes opened slowly and looked at her, he was rather sure she did not wish to sleep within a bed that was speckled with her blood.

He donned a robe and tidied the room up a little before he asked for someone to do the task at hand. Would whomever realise the blood specks were in the wrong place for her shoulder? Probably. Were they likely to gossip? Most definitely. Right now, with how this whole day had gone, Thranduil didn't care. He'd rather be a source of speculation alongside Liruliniel, then everyone dwells and talk about Voronwë and that disaster. "How are you feeling?" He asked, his hands resting against her stomach.

Liruliniel looked a bit bashful, she waved a hand in the air, flicking water drops as well as trying to dispel the nervousness. "Well...I ached anyway, and now..."

"You feel worse." Thranduil said rather deadpanned while looking it too. He startled slightly and leaned away when she rather quickly turned in his lap.

"I was always going to hurt, Thranduil." Liruliniel said with a saddened frown and a small pout on her face. It was inevitable, no? That was what she believed. But she removed a hand from his chest and placed it against her own, smiling and shutting her eyes as her face looked downwards, she nodded her head. "But I feel this impression, this sensation that I believe is your aura. It feels funny, I haven't felt anything like this before, it is as if my heart is beating for two, and no longer just myself. There is a sense of strength, which does not feel my own." There was a radiating warmth from her tone that had his rather stoic expression shifting and being replaced with a small smile.

He felt it too, but was less likely to vocalise it, of course she wouldn't shy away from saying something. Cracking open an eye, she saw his expression and continued smiling lightly too. He didn't need to say anything, she understood enough without him speaking up. Liruliniel laughed when one of his hands went over her eyes, shielding them away confused her. "What are you doing?"

"Washing your hair." Thranduil answered so obviously, as if she should've already guessed that and he couldn't help but lightly scoff. Because he would cover her eyes for any other reason, while in this situation? It was clear and obvious how she couldn't do the task herself, so he was going to help. There was a small, shallow pail to one side that had evidently been overlooked by her. Thranduil just presumed that whenever she bathed, she submerged to wet her hair before caressing scented liquids and oils into it.

"Can I do yours?"

Thranduil smirked while hesitantly pouring the filled pail over her head slowly. He was extremely slow in doing so, cautious and careful that the water didn't divert too much near her shoulder. The bandage had held up quite well, with all things considering. "You just want to play with my hair."

Liruliniel laughed, her eyes peeking through his fingers when he parted them before removing his hand completely and taking to doing the task he set out for himself. "I can't even deny it!"

"Nor did you even need to answer. I know your motives, Liruliniel." He said in an accusing tone, an accusing tone which wasn't the least bit serious sounding in the slightest. Her hands rested against his chest again, her fingers simply tracing his collarbones while he covered her eyes and poured water back over her head slowly. "What is it?" He noticed how her lips pressed into a thin line; he didn't need to see her eyes to know she was probably looking thoughtful.

"Do you...you know..."

"I'm not a mind reader, what is it?" Liruliniel shifted a little in his lap, but she didn't move. Thranduil removed his hand and was right, her expression and eyes looked at him thoughtfully.

"Do you think they're dead?"

Thranduil inhaled slowly, he would've liked to talk about this matter tomorrow. But he supposed there was no use hoping this would've happened. He tilted his head, he wasn't sure if she heard the pattering feet in the room opposite, they had been there for a small while but now it seemed like they were leaving. Thranduil was hesitant to talk about this matter with others present that were probably thinking the same thing, he didn't want someone to overhear him, misconstrue his words and spread them.

He waited for a few moments, Liruliniel clearly thought he was thinking because she looked at him patiently. Actually, he was waiting to hear the door shut, and once it did, he looked at her sharply. "Most likely, I do not think I need to tell you or speak to you about how pointless alliances are when whoever is the other party, will have no doubt or remorse in cutting whoever is the weak link, loose."

Liruliniel placed a hand to her chin and nodded over his words, he did point out the obvious there. But she couldn't help but minutely wonder if the few elves that were taken and left outside the gates, if they were still stumbling in the dark and barren woodland. Blinking she hesitantly looked at him, Thranduil tilted his head and started shaking it slowly. "What about-"

"Do not bring up dwarves now, Liruliniel. No." Thranduil despaired, though he did marvel that it took her this long to bring up that nugget of information. Thranduil could not think of a worse situation to be in for that topic of conversation! Thranduil could already feel a headache coming from when that discussion did happen.

She smiled and laughed quietly, awkwardly lifting her injured arm up, she did what he did; covering his eyes and picking the pail up with her good hand, she filled it before pouring it over him. "Sorry." She took her hand away and had him looking at her plainly. "Tomorrow."

"If you can wait until then." Thranduil said with a nod, he wished to enjoy the rest of the evening with her, without the thoughts or responsibilities of the kingdom looming over his head. Liruliniel placed a hand over his heart and nodded, that was her way of promising without speaking. So Thranduil just sat and enjoyed the feeling of her hands and fingers working through his hair. There was something so inexplicably relaxing about the sensation he felt himself growing heavier, tired even. Liruliniel must've picked up on this, she chuckled quietly, and he just continued to enjoy the feeling with closed eyes.

"Thranduil," Liruliniel whispered, his eyes slowly opened though they felt suddenly heavy. She smiled and ran a hand through his wet hair again for good measure. "I'm done." She had been for a few moments, but she took liberties, and he probably knew this but didn't deter her.

"Hold on," Thranduil said and before Liruliniel could question him, his arms wrapped around her middle, and he stood with her practically wrapped around him. She let out a startled noise but reached out and held onto him the best she could. Soon being placed on solid ground, a soft bundle of towelling was wrapped around her and the same went for him too.

This was the longest she had currently been on her feet for, and Thranduil had to admit she still seemed a little wobbly. Minor blood loss, the intimacy between them and now a hot bath with slight steaming vapours was surely all working against her. He was half tempted to carry her back to the bedroom, but she beat him to it and pottered around him in her towelling swaddling.

Thranduil followed suit and watched as she looked over the clean bed and tidied room, she turned on her heels and sought out a clean nightgown, her one from earlier and likewise his clothes had been removed from sight. He had grabbed another soft linen cloth before leaving the bathroom, he walked to where she came to sit hesitantly on the edge of the bed.

She didn't want to get it too wet from where she was drying. She peered up at him as he sat beside her, placing a towel over her head as he did so. He had one resting over his shoulders, but he was under no illusion; Liruliniel would no doubt want to dry his hair like he took to carefully doing hers.

Thranduil peered under the towel in his hands when her hands shot to her mouth and she tried her very hardest to conceal a really tired yawn. He looked at her sympathetically, he was a little surprised really, she hadn't started yawning before this. Especially when in the warm bathroom and bath, that was enough to have him almost falling to sleep. Her hair wasn't as wet as it was, and he retreated his hands with a small nod; she quickly got dressed before looking around and walking to the small vanity table in the room.

With a comb in her hands, she walked back to him and held it out to him. Thranduil smiled, he hadn't brushed anyone's hair other than his own in so many years, let alone that other be female. Liruliniel turned her back to him and he carefully glided it through the dark auburn locks, the more they dried the more the fiery streaks were visible. When he was done, he got a look sent his way from over her shoulder. Thranduil rolled his eyes, he did see this coming and soon had Liruliniel kneeling behind him on the bed doing exactly what he did for her.

Only, when she finished, she wrapped her arms around his middle and leaned her chin against his shoulder. "Melin tye." She said quietly while even placing a soft kiss to his shoulder.

Thranduil didn't understand Quenya, but he understood what she was saying just by her tone and how she looked at him. "Gi melin." He responded in kind, earning another kiss and a smile. She slipped away then and allowed him to finally dress simply as she practically scampered up the bed and slipped into it.

Liruliniel huddled onto her side, burying her face against the clean pillow beneath her. Though she opened an eye when Thranduil slipped in beside her. The pillow was quite quickly forgotten for the sake of returning back to his arms and laying comfortably against his chest. "So much has happened today. When was the last time we had such a hectic day? I can't even remember. But, well, don't be surprised if I don't readily wake early tomorrow."

"You never do." Thranduil replied with a smirk, only to get a hit to the chest for it.

She may not be able to see his face, but she could tell he had a humorous expression on. Her eyes stared towards the windows, just looking at the cold moonlight and floating snowflakes which still fell. "I do sometimes..."

"Sometimes," he whispered while kissing the top of her head. "Not all the time."

"Watch it!" She laughed, looking down at him as she propped herself up onto her good arm. Thranduil just quirked an eyebrow at her, as if secretly challenging her for something. "Can you honestly blame me, could you, I mean?"

Thranduil ran his hand through her still damp hair before cupping her cheek. "Even if you had to sleep the whole day, I'd rather you did if it meant waking and feeling better." Thranduil's words had Liruliniel smiling and leaning against his palm, she turned her face and kissed it before laying back down. He tightened his hold on her slightly, not too tight but tight enough to keep her flush against him.

Liruliniel gave the smallest of fidgets before ceasing moving and with a small nestling motion of her head, she had become comfortable enough that in moments, she had seemingly drifted off to sleep. Thranduil was awake for a little bit longer, perhaps her resting in tomorrow would prove to be a good idea. After all, he needed to have a word with Baramaethor, plus also discuss matters of these roaming dwarves. Both topics troubled him.

Yet with a tired sigh, he shut his eyes and leaned his head on top of hers. The exhaustion was fully kicking in and his limbs felt heavy, Thranduil resisted it no longer and found himself slipping into sleep moments later.

=

The gentle twittering of winter birds singing outside were the first things which steadily became clearer to Thranduil as his mind came out of sleep. Their lively trills and lulls sounded out happily within the otherwise quiet room. Even as he laid there still definitely more asleep than awake, Thranduil could not figure out what they had to sound so cheery over. Winter wasn't easy on the wildlife that inhabited the forest with them.

He for one did not feel wholly content or happy, it wasn't that he wasn't either emotion, he was more than content still curled up warm and comfortable, Liruliniel was still fast asleep and equally curled up in his arms. Her head seemed comfortably nestled under his and somehow, he wasn't sure how, she had curled into a small ball, and he was holding her still while like this. Well, she seemed comfortable, so he was opting not to question it.

His growing sour mood dwelt on the tasks which he had set himself out to do today. He didn't know which one caused him more pain; Baramaethor, or dwarves. That wasn't to say he was putting the old elf in the same ranks as roaming dwarves, least of all those dwarves having Thorin in company, but even still...Thranduil feared there would be a truth uncovered, but most of all he disliked the thought of being lied to.

Which was worse? Honestly, both were as bad as the other; a truth would mean Baramaethor knew the attempt on Liruliniel's life, which would then mean he'd need to take action. This in itself was going to lead to worse things, Anameleth would not look kindly on whatever said actions would be. But then Thranduil couldn't help but muse, how much would Anameleth look kindly on her relative if she knew he was involved in an attempt in killing her close friend?

It got so very messy, and the thoughts were hurting his brain already. Having a finger suddenly poke him between his eyebrows, he looked down. Liruliniel was pouting, eyes narrowed still in an attempt to keep hold of sleep. "It's too early to be so grumpy." Thranduil just found himself frowning more. He most definitely wasn't grumpy, he was thinking, there was a difference. "I can hear the cogs turning in your mind, it woke me up." She continued, Thranduil just raised an eyebrow then. That was ridiculous and impossible, he didn't comment though. "What is it?" Of course she'd want to know, she was too curious for her own good.

"Lord Baramaethor." Her face shifted instantly, Thranduil laid there and watched her eyes darken, her nose twitched, and she muttered under her breath. "Now who is the unhappy one?"

"It is fine for you; he hasn't hated you since birth."

"I doubt...well, maybe you are right. Let us say perhaps you are right; I need to find him and question just what exactly he spoke to Voronwë about." Liruliniel wasn't going to opt to point out the dropping of the title. She instead moved and propped herself up on her elbow, with an expectant look, she patiently waited for him to continue. Thranduil sighed and ran a hand through her hair, "Do I believe he was in on this? No. He may dislike you, but enough to go along with that? But I do not believe he has hated you since birth. He has had good moments-"

"Ah, yes, one. One! And that was when I was near on collapsing back in the old kingdom. He didn't have an option but to be nice and help me. Other times he's too busy arguing with me."

"And you with him, you do not help."

"It's too early for a discussion," Liruliniel was going to say an argument, but no, Baramaethor was not worth arguing over. With a pout she laid back down, "You are thinking which path to take. Do you condemn someone if the truth is found out, or do you do nothing? Well, not nothing, but something not as harsh as say, exiling or death."

"I am not signing anyone's death sentence." Thranduil frowned especially over that, he looked at her thoughtfully. "You'd expect that?"

Liruliniel snorted out a laugh and buried her face against the pillow. "No. As I said, you are not vengeful. So, what other actions could be taken? If perchance he was involved, what could you do that would not be so easily viewed by others? Cannot imprison him, could take away certain tasks and privileges he has; maybe demote him from the council, regardless of the fuss he kicks up." She rubbed her eyes with a small yawn. "But then what if he knew nothing, and is innocent? He will not like fingers pointing at him. I do not doubt that when faced with you, he will go on about rubbish but plead his innocence."

"Which one do you think it is?" Thranduil asked slowly pushing himself to sit. He leaned back against the headboard behind him and looked to her. She was silent for a long time, her eyes just staring off at nothing before she looked up at him. With a sigh she scooted closer and laid her head in his lap. Thranduil twiddled locks of hair between his fingers before absentmindedly braiding pieces together.

"I have never sensed ill will from him, no malice, he just doesn't like me. I don't think he knew." Thranduil paused braiding her hair and looked down at her quizzically, Liruliniel looked over her shoulder and smiled. "If I got killed, I think he knows full well the possible effects it would have. Lord Baramaethor is and could be many things, he isn't a conspirator, he is loyal to his kin and the kingdom, and you. If something upset the establishment, if order was gone, I don't think he'd stand for it. He's obsessed with order, I'm not, that's why we clash." Liruliniel giggled somewhat mischievously.

"There is someone you are not thinking about, if the situation turns bad." Thranduil leaned his head back and glanced to the window, he could still hear the birds singing but couldn't spy them. Liruliniel looked up at him again, "Anameleth." Her eyes widened at that as she looked forwards again. Thranduil went back to braiding her hair, it was somewhat distracting as it was peaceful in a way.

"If and when, we'll cross that bridge." Liruliniel's tone was hard, with a sigh she shut her eyes and tried not to think on her friend and if it was found out someone she was related to, knew about Voronwë's harebrained scheme. "Something else is bothering you."

"Dwarves."

Liruliniel laughed again and a hand appeared from under the cover to go over her mouth and hide her grin. "Bless." She whispered with a heavy sigh, shaking her head she sat herself up and looked at him simply. "They will come this way."

"Of course they would. It is tactically the shortest option to get to Erebor. Any other option throws them out and puts more strain and time on their journey. I imagine they are already running low of resources."

"You shouldn't sound so pleased about that." Liruliniel frowned and took to sorting her pillows out. She didn't intend to get up yet, no way. "They just want to go home. Do I think it is wise? I am not sure, when I think about it, would I try and reclaim my home back from something that had moved in? Possibly." She paused fluffing pillows at that, only because of the look which was sent her way. Humming she shook her head, "No, no, I am not contemplating anything." She said rather surely while laying herself back down. "I'm quite happy here."

"You look it."

"Jealous?" She smirked, knowing full well she had the liberties to stay put while he didn't. She just got a very short sigh in return before he commenced moving and leaving the comforts of the bed. She shut her eyes and nestled more amongst the covers; she really was very comfortable. Although she would've been more so if he was still present. "Say, when the dwarves come this way, what are you going to do?" Liruliniel's eyes opened and flicked sidelong towards Thranduil, she could just about see him in her peripheral vision.

Hearing her question had him pausing, clearly, he was contemplating over some part of it. She was too, Liruliniel was not foolish enough to believe he would aid them through the forest or even look kindly at them trying to do so without permission. "As you said, if and when we'll cross that bridge." Using her own words against her had Liruliniel frowning into the pillow. That said it all though, in a way he had gone and answered her question, regardless of if he knew it or not.

"Just don't be too harsh on them." She whispered, her eyes sliding to a close as her hands clutched onto the pillows she was nestling against. There were still the remnants of his warmth which bought further comfort to her.

"Don't be too soft on them, they will take advantage of that." Thranduil's voice came much closer than she expected. Hazily opening her eyes, she looked to him from over her shoulder. He had washed and dressed for the day and was now leaning downwards to her. Liruliniel just stared up at him knowingly, he knew full well she couldn't avoid such a thing. She was just how she was, with nearly everyone she crossed paths with. She didn't count being friendly, as being soft. "Rest some more, when I return, we shall change your bandage. Don't go trying to do it yourself." He said with a small frown, he didn't want to think of her bad attempts at going solo. But also, likewise, he wished to aid so he could see the damage. He didn't want Anameleth or Caladhiel to do it again, Thranduil didn't believe he needed to be shielded by the two females.

Placing a kiss against her temple and making sure she was tucked in and comfortable again, Thranduil turned away and left her to sleep some more. He whisked his crown off the floor from where she had unceremoniously dropped it, in a flawless action he placed it upon his head and commenced his search for Baramaethor. Perhaps seeking the older elf out could prove to be useful in another way, if anyone knew about roaming dwarves or the business happening in other lands, it would be him. Thranduil wasn't sure if he'd be too forthcoming once interrogated about Voronwë...that was a minor issue.

Thranduil wasn't expecting such guarded looks to be sent his way as he walked the corridors of the complex palace. He should've expected it though, elves weren't exactly forgetful. Clearly having no qualms about exiling someone out of the kingdom, and subject them to winter and whatever else lurked through the trees was, and is, drastic and a clear message not to cross him. Voronwë's kin that opted to stay were still being guarded, much to his pleasure. Pleasure was perhaps the wrong word, but it made him feel calmer that they weren't left to run amok.

Thranduil's eyes narrowed a fraction, Baramaethor was seen talking to a guard which was near some of the newcomers. Thranduil just walked steadily forwards, he didn't pick up his pace as he slowly ventured nearer. Baramaethor clocked sight of him before Thranduil even had to speak up, the older male before him greeted him happily enough, as happy as Baramaethor could be. "May I speak with you?" Thranduil asked, he may be king, but Baramaethor was a law unto himself and really, he deserved respect...unless he did something not worthy of it.

"Of course, sire. What is the matter?" Baramaethor stood a little slumped, Thranduil hadn't really ever noticed it before, but age was slowly catching up with the elf. He still held himself as straight backed as he could, but it seemed like a weight was forever pushing on his shoulders. He still had keen eyes to notice something was on his mind, that was just the result of growing up around him.

"It isn't an easy matter, but I will not hesitate around the subject; did you know what Voronwë had planned?" Thranduil's feet paused in the middle of a step due to Baramaethor stopping abruptly. Thranduil turned and with his best nonchalant expression, he tried to look unaffected by the hard look on Baramaethor's face. He looked angry that Thranduil had even dared to ask such a thing. Surely, he saw this coming? "I am aware to you two having been friends. I am not speculating you were aware to what transpired, rather I'd prefer to know if you knew anything." Speaking about Voronwë in past tense didn't feel as weird as Thranduil presumed it would.

Baramaethor looked at him blankly, Thranduil could see the different emotions flicking through his eyes. Overall, he seemed astounded still that such a thing was asked of him. "I didn't know."

"Is that so?" Thranduil tilted his head in thought, it would be the obvious answer either way. Others which were roaming the corridors tried to not to look and pry, but it was clear they were curious.

Baramaethor seemed able to move from his rooted spot, he stepped forwards frowning as he did so. "Do not misunderstand, as much as I have misgivings about Liruliniel, I would not wish to see her dead. The brief conversation I had with him, we merely exchanged pleasantries. That was all. It was, if anything, a mundane conversation. Nothing untoward was mentioned or discussed." Baramaethor explained quietly as they walked along the corridor. "Apologies for my shock, I should've foreseen this conversation happening." Baramaethor looked awkwardly up at him, "Is she...well?"

Thranduil thought over that simple question, she seemed fine, if not tired. But then how much of that was from her wound, and how much was from their activities? "She is resting." He surmised in a clipped tone, Baramaethor clearly saw this as him not wishing to fully discuss Liruliniel's state. "Has there been any news?"

Baramaethor seemed to straighten up a little at this, he looked forwards and along the corridor they walked down. "No, there was a patrol out early morning, and no one had reported any sightings." Baramaethor replied solemnly, he did feel saddened by the loss of a friend. But he could not help but find that the consequences from the failed actions were justified. If he succeeded, if Liruliniel had perished, a fight would've truly broken out. A fight that would've resulted in Voronwë and what remained of his army, dying. Death was coming for him either way. "It is as if they have vanished, sire." He continued on in an afterthought.

Thranduil's eyes narrowed in thought, he frowned as they turned the corner and walked down the stairs. Vanished, spirited away, killed and disposed of; there were many variations, but Thranduil knew they all meant the same thing. "If anything is found, alert only those who need to know. If we are to house what is left of his kingdom, I do not want them finding false hope in perhaps a reclamation."

"Yes, of course." Baramaethor nodded, he couldn't agree more there. "Is there anything else I can aid you with?" It wasn't that this was irregular, more that Baramaethor couldn't remember the last time he had walked along the corridors with his king. Council meetings were stressful, and idle chitter chatter rarely happened. Yes, Thranduil was questioning about the kingdom and those that were banished from it, but it was still within a casual setting.

Thranduil inhaled slowly, with his hands clasped behind his back, his eyes looked upwards at the waning canopy above them. Snow was falling through, some wayward drifts had come to settle on some walkways, although these were being hastily removed. "Tell me, Lord Baramaethor, have you heard word on a travelling company of dwarves?" Thranduil looked away from the pathways around them, to the elf beside him. Thranduil would garner as much information from as many as possible until he understood everything that was happening.

——

Inventory:

Forgive me - Goheno nin

My love - Meleth nîn

May I? - Sevin dhâf?

I love you - Gi melin

Quenya:

I love you - Melin tye

——

Edited: 7/July/2025