Peril had become a rather constant companion and feeling throughout the whole journey to Erebor so far; that wasn't to say that by now Bilbo was impervious to it, completely desensitised to the point that any dangerous situation was met with indifference. Quite the opposite, Bilbo was anything but cautious, he couldn't say the same for his companions. No, he definitely travelled with an interesting bunch of characters, it was reasonably hard at times for him to figure out just why he was truly still here. He was assigned the job of being a burglar, Bilbo had never stolen anything in his life, ever.

Although, in some ways this could be a tarnished record, the ring in which had fallen from the creature in the tunnels beneath Goblin Town, was rather speedily snatched up by him but he hadn't actually stolen it. The ring fell from Gollum's person, and Bilbo just happened to pick it up. Finders' keepers, and all that.

Regardless of the matters of stealing, or not stealing, the main point of his wandering thoughts was peril, danger, the blatant wrong thing staring him right in the face and knowing, just knowing, this thing was not to be trifled with. He was on about a forest. Mirkwood, to be exact. He stood away from the dwarven group while they conversed with Gandalf about something. Bilbo didn't feel right, it was like the forest was trying to repel him. His eyes narrowed and looked around and up at the sky, he was half expecting to see some sort of barrier, there was none. Honestly, the forest didn't feel right.

He remembered Beorn briefly conversing about the forest, his tone low and dangerous sounding as he mentioned details. The more prominent feature in the conversation was those that lived in there. Bilbo didn't know how anyone could live in such a dark place. And it was dark, the trees creaked and groaned from an invisible wind, almost like a voice whispering through the shattered bark covered limbs and trunks of the silvery greying trees. The forest from where he was standing, looked dead.

The trees did not seem alive, the forest didn't feel alive, which bought him back to the elves that lived in there. They were alive, definitely alive, Beorn had warned them all off them. Thorin had been jaded on the subject, him and the other dwarves dislike of elves and anything elven was made more than obvious from the brief stay in Imladris. Bilbo for one thought Rivendell was beautiful, he hadn't ever thought he'd see such a magnificent place before. So used to rolling hills and open pastures of the Shire, he was surely a long way from home.

But what would the home within Mirkwood look like? Bilbo had a natural curiosity in him, especially if elves were involved. It unsettled him to hear Beorn speak so sourly about the woodland elves. Despite of running away and the small interactions with Elrond and the elves he lives alongside, they all seemed polite enough, charming even; Beorn said the woodland elves were the complete opposite. It made Bilbo's stomach drop. How much opposite, was opposite?

Calculating, secretive, allusive and quick to anger and action. Bilbo didn't think he liked the sounds of these elves all too much, and it seemed like a feeling which was shared when they were all seated around Beorn's huge dining table having breakfast. However, and this was a however coming from a being who as yet hadn't contradicted himself; he had said the princess within Mirkwood was different.

From the recognition which flickered across Thorin's face, Bilbo presumed he knew of her. Even Gandalf paused smoking his pipe upon hearing this. "Understanding and determined. The intelligence in that one goes beyond her years." Allusive and slightly ominous, but that's what Beorn used to describe the nameless princess. Maybe he wouldn't mind meeting her...

His thoughts were quickly shaken from his head, his eyes narrowed slowly when he spotted remnants of statues, crumbled and broken. The white marble of them seemed to have an almost decayed look, veiny tendrils wrapped and travelled up and over them. The marks from a female statue with her hands clasped together was perhaps the most unnerving to Bilbo, mossy lines etched her face, and it almost looked like she was crying. If it was a clean statue and if the carving was to likeness, he would say the female would've been beautiful in life. This statue was eerily beautiful, and that made it worse.

Dwalin, who when first met seemed most unimpressed by Bilbo, looked along the horizon line with narrowed eyes. "There's no signs of the orcs." He commented, Bilbo twitched his nose at that. Yes, the orcs. Bilbo couldn't help but feel at times how everything seemed to be against them.

There was a list of things and creatures Bilbo never thought he'd encounter in his life. Trolls, check, almost got pulled limb from limb by them right at the beginning of this whole thing. Orcs, check, almost got shot by them. Wargs, check, Bilbo didn't want to think any more about the gnashing jaws and beady cunning eyes. Elves, check, he didn't mind that experience at all. Not to forget stone giants and goblins. The former being utterly awe-inspiring and terrifying in the middle of a storm, the latter being disgustingly morbid, sadistic and in cahoots with aforementioned orcs that were hunting them.

The worst thing was, Bilbo knew the dragon would be the worst creature to meet above all these...and he was trying not to dwell on that, maybe the dragon wasn't still alive? After all, no one had seen or heard it for many a year now...

Gandalf strolled amongst the short grass of the field they were in; he glanced over his shoulder and spied Beorn in his bear form patrolling the cliffside nearby. He was overseeing and keeping guard at the same time. "Set the horses loose. Let them return to their master." Gandalf instructed, those which weren't dismounted did so and took to saying farewell to their steeds. They had run as fast as they could, and as safely too.

Bilbo couldn't help it, he strolled a little more forward, warily though. His eyes stared back to the woodland before him, another moaning whispered wind travelled through the gaping maw of the forest opening. The white brick of the road could easily be seen under the fallen leaves. Inhaling slowly, he tilted his head as if questioning himself again what it was, he was looking at.

This forest was very confusing, already and he hadn't stepped foot inside. He didn't want to know what he was confronted with. He opened his mouth and simply spoke out, "This forest feels sick, as if a disease lies upon it. Is there no way around?" Bilbo asked, almost distantly hopeful that there would be an alternative.

"Not unless we go two hundred miles north, or twice that distance south." Gandalf briefly looked at Bilbo before moving forwards. He wished to see just what they were getting themselves into. Radagast and the sword he presented weighed heavily still in Gandalf's mind. There really was something wrong here. Gandalf hadn't been this way for many years.

Bilbo stood and watched as the wizard tentatively explored the small pathway ahead of them. Bilbo's eyes widened and he almost double took when Gandalf soon turned hurriedly on his heels and marched back towards them. He was exclaiming something about a horse. "Surely you're not leaving us?" Bilbo couldn't help but look at him with startled eyes. They had struggled whenever their wizard companion wasn't around, whether the dwarves wished to take note on this or not, Bilbo didn't know.

"I would not do this unless I had too." Gandalf seemed despondent over having to say this, having to leave them for some unknown reason. He sounded torn, but also clearly thinking heavily over something that alluded the rest of them. The saddened look which flitted across the hobbit's face didn't go unnoticed, Gandalf looked down at him with a light frown. "You've changed, Bilbo Baggins. You're not the same hobbit as the one who left the Shire." Gandalf's tone was thoughtful, quizzical even as he stared down at the halfling.

Bilbo looked up a little startled from hearing this, Gandalf watched him shift from foot to foot unsurely. Something was different, and he couldn't quite pin down what, yet. "I was going to tell you, I...I found something in the goblin tunnels." Bilbo smiled a little awkwardly, trying to formulate words. He so wished to tell Gandalf about the golden ring in his pocket, but he wasn't sure how to form the words. His voice pitched a little as he swallowed thickly and looked up at the wizard who, if anything, now had a hard expression on his face. His words had piqued Gandalf's interest.

"Found what?" Gandalf's voice was low, questioning as to not raise suspicion amongst the others. His hands held onto his staff as he leaned against it and down towards the hobbit. "What did you find?" Bilbo looked up at him with wide eyes as if suddenly lost, Gandalf just stared at him long and hard.

With a quick sigh, Bilbo answered simply, "My courage." His hands, which were fidgeting with his waistcoat pockets, now diverted away hurriedly.

Gandalf was silent for a small time, a few minutes if that before nodding his head slowly. "Good, well that's good; you'll need it." He said decisively though there was something in Bilbo's words and tone which didn't sit right with him. He smiled though, even if this smile slipped and his serious composure appeared again. Bilbo smiled in return too, only for it to disappear from the blank look which was sent down at him.

Leaning away from his staff and moving away from the hobbit, Gandalf returned to where his horse was. "I will wait for you at the overlook, before the slopes of Erebor." Gandalf said strongly and sternly, and with meaning for them all to wait for him in return. Not that dwarves were ones for always listening...regardless, he marched past the company one by one before reaching his horse. "Keep the map and key safe. Do not enter that mountain without me." Thorin was fixed with an icy look by the wizard, Gandalf prayed that Thorin would get the hint and listen. Gandalf looked away from the dwarf-King, his blue eyes looked to the forest. "This is not the Greenwood of old. The very air of the forest is heavy with illusion that will see to enter your mind and lead you astray." Gandalf had spied enough from his brief exploration; the painted symbols linked to Sauron was enough to warrant the warning and him needing to go to the High Fells. Being seated upon his horse, Gandalf took one last look at the company, he sighed and tugged the reins. The horse let out a sigh of its own, a bleating neigh coming from it as it pivoted and dashed off.

The feeling and knowing of peril loomed over Bilbo again. He may have felt some confidence going through the forest with Gandalf in tow, but without him...the dwarves around him often had their own way of doing things. It was for that reason Bilbo already knew that going through this forest, was going to be a chore, a hard task completely.

Did that mean he foresaw hallucinations, losing the path, mindless wandering and subsequent parting of ways, no. Yet it happened, up felt down, sometimes it felt like he was backtracking - actually at one point they were - looping round and turning up somewhere they'd been before. Bilbo's vision felt like it was fading at times, black spots looming on the edges as whispering echoed dimly in his ears.

The darkness was all encompassing by now; fractured light came through the canopy as webs drooped and wound around nearly everything. The air was suffocating as whatever chatter they shared seemed to die within the lifeless air. So far, what added even worse marks against this place was the influx of gigantic, horrific spiders unlike anything Bilbo had ever seen. He had spied these from a treetop, in an effort to find their way, when he returned the dwarves were gone.

Hence the parting of ways, Bilbo was lost and confused and had gone off in search of his missing friends...only when he did eventually find them, he did not believe that he would spy them being surrounded by elves. Almost camouflaged against the darkened surroundings, the elves were seemingly hostile straight off the bat. Being invisible thanks to his ring, Bilbo was able to run at a slower pace to the lither figures, but he crossed the threshold into the palace, nonetheless.

=

Thranduil had heard the oncoming dwarves before they even stepped foot in the palace. His hearing was good, but it wasn't that good. No, patrols had caught sight of them, reported back and another patrol had to go out and subsequently save them when they ran into trouble with the spiders. Legolas had seemed displeased when he crossed his father's path. He wanted the dwarves in here as little and as much as Thranduil did.

But also, upon bringing them in and herding them to the prisons, they made a lot of noise. So much commotion that Thranduil could hear their echoing shouts and calls all the way in the throne room. He resisted so hard, to not slap a hand to his forehead and despair over this whole situation.

No, instead he continued to ignore the angry dwarf behind him, silent and stewing in said anger. The guards which stood in the room were equally still and silent, watching and observing in case they were needed. So far, Thorin had done nothing but stand, rightly glare at nearly everything he could spy, and stay silent. His disdain was easily felt, rolling off of him in waves that just had Thranduil glancing over his shoulder indifferently.

No, Thorin didn't wish to be here either. Well, least that was something they could both agree on. Thranduil's eyes lazily slid back to the surroundings of the room they were in. The corridors and passageways surrounding the room was given a wide berth. Within the torchlight, the room had flickering shadows which hung heavily around. Yet the warm glow radiated off the silvery tunic which he was dressed in.

In comparison to Thorin, dishevelled and covered in dirt and webs, Thranduil was straight backed and pristine. Thranduil hadn't seen the other dwarves, hearing them was enough, but he could only imagine they were in a similar condition to their king. Thorin didn't appear to be hurt, just weary, angry, and too busy shooting icy looks his way.

Standing in silence was clearly grating on the dwarf, and Thranduil in some part dragged the silence on more just because he could. Shutting his eyes with a small sigh, Thranduil turned slowly with a sidelong look at the dwarf behind him. "Some may imagine that a noble quest is at hand. A quest to reclaim a homeland and slay a dragon." Thranduil's indifferent tone to the situation hid away the concern he actually harboured.

Not for Thorin, no. If he and his family listened before, this situation wouldn't be happening. No, Thranduil's concern lay with the one being who could foresee the horrors this dragon could do. And unfortunately, she had woken up a few times before the dwarves appeared, screaming and crying out. She even kicked out and squirmed about and it took a lot for Thranduil to calm her. Liruliniel was struggling, again and he couldn't do anything about it. Simply put; the dwarves and their mission, was a problem.

The slow measured steps towards the dwarf were watched from under dark eyelashes, Thorin kept his head slightly bowed yet looked up rather defiantly when Thranduil drew close. "I myself suspect a more prosaic motive. Attempted burglary, or something of that ilk." He leaned down slowly, his hair loosely falling over his shoulders as he tilted his head slightly, staring Thorin unblinkingly in the eyes. With a slight tilt of his head, Thranduil withdrew a little, but stayed standing nearby. "You've found a way in. You seek that which would bestow upon you the right to rule. A King's Jewel, the Arkenstone. It is precious to you, beyond measure; I understand that." Thranduil sounded knowing, of course he was not surprised that the dwarves had found a way back into the Mountain.

Dwarves were tenacious, that was for sure. But his statement like words just had Thorin looking up at him with an even more blank unhappy look than previously. The smirk growing slowly on Thranduil's face didn't help matters either, Thorin narrowed his eyes slowly at that. Thorin was going to speak, only to pause when his ears picked up sounds of running. Thranduil's smirk vanished as he looked over Thorin, Thorin in turn moved to look too, as much as possible without making the guards present think he was about to do something.

Thorin's eyes widened and Thranduil all but grimaced almost. Liruliniel stood there across from them, having come charging out of a corridor. Her chest was heaving from how fast she'd ran here, to Thorin she didn't seem to have changed; her auburn fiery hair was braided up and off her face and neck, the dark blue of her tunic looked rich and made from luxurious material. Her dark trousers were tucked into well-worn boots. She looked between the pair before she commenced walking forwards.

Thorin wasn't too sure he liked the hard look on her face. But seems the sea-coloured eyes flicked to the elf behind him, Thorin smirked a little. So, she wasn't mad or displeased by him, more Thranduil. That was amusing. That was really amusing. Of course, Liruliniel would find something displeasing about this whole thing. To Thorin, Liruliniel had always been kind, and polite. No ill will towards him, and despite of his hatred towards the elves, he found he could not hold her in the same light. Liruliniel was different, in the sense that she never belittled, never judged and was not as presumptuous as others.

Liruliniel soon stopped in front of him, hesitantly she reached up and picked a particularly thick web from his hair. Flicking it to the side with disdain, she tilted her head. Slowly she lowered herself to be on the same eye level as him. Unlike when Thranduil did this, this action was not surrounded or guided by a smug and condescending air. Liruliniel looked at him worriedly, "Are you hurt?" Liruliniel asked softly, her eyes scanning him over again.

Thorin as at a loss, while a short, very short sigh came from behind him. Perhaps he could play on this a little, just because he could. "No, I am fine. Thank you for asking, but I am unsure about my companions." Thorin did it on purpose, and the movement behind him had him looking over his shoulder to see Thranduil take a measured step forward, the long trail of his tunic gliding along the floor behind him like a silver river.

Liruliniel nodded her head slowly, making a note to go find out for herself if they're fine. Spiders, and the damage their attacks could deal were deadly, precise and could end a life. If any of his friends were hurt, they'd need immediate care. "I wish it was in different circumstances, but it is good to see you again." She whispered, trying to be subtle, Thorin smiled, perhaps an actual genuine one because she was being honest. He couldn't dislike this elf, mainly because he knew that if she was present when his home was being taken from him, she'd probably have gone charging off to aid him and his people.

Hearing her name being said incredibly bluntly, she perked up and leaned away from Thorin, he turned back around and looked almost bored at Thranduil. Her standing to attention, and the dwarf-King's bland look had Thranduil narrowing his eyes. "I do not remember asking you to attend this meeting."

Liruliniel raised an eyebrow, "Oh well," Thorin would've laughed at any other time, she honestly sounded like she could care less that Thranduil subtly told her to leave. Liruliniel was definitely not leaving Thranduil to stand here and have it out with Thorin, likewise the same went for him. She refused. They were both old enough, and smart enough to settle things without getting petty, she hoped too high, hence why she was here.

Thranduil's eyes slid to the guards present, Liruliniel crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow, she still stayed behind Thorin. What would be the point of getting one to escort her away? Honestly, he knew she'd find a way back. He just waved a hand lifelessly in the air, Liruliniel sent a smile down at Thorin when he looked back at her questionably. "Fine, stay. I doubt anything which will be spoken about will interest you though."

"We shall see."

Thorin felt a bit awkward being in the middle of a slight tiff, but he just remained silent. Though he raised an eyebrow when Thranduil rolled his eyes and looked back at him. "There are gems in the Mountain that I too desire. White gems of pure starlight. I offer you my help," the stoic tone did not sound all too welcoming on what he was actually saying.

Though Thranduil's smirk had disappeared and was replaced by the usual blank mask, Thorin found himself smirking despite of everything. "I am listening."

Thranduil bowed his head slightly, grateful at least Thorin was showing equal respect for the moment and hadn't actually refused to listen at all. What use would it do him? He'd wind up in the prisons, although granted a cell was where he was going to be held anyway. "I will let you go, if you but return what is mine."

A light scoff came from Thorin as he thought over that. "A favour for a favour." Of course it would go like this, Thorin wasn't expecting this to be easy. Looking behind himself, he wasn't surprised to see Liruliniel looking confused. He raised an eyebrow, oh...it looked like someone wasn't in the loop. Thorin glanced from her to Thranduil, the look shared between them was tumultuous at best, her confusion was met with nothing, Thranduil's face was void. "You do not know." Thorin's words were a statement, not a question.

"I was unaware we had anything within your home." Liruliniel's tone was awkward as she looked down at Thorin. "Can I ask, what it is?"

Thorin smiled, "It is a necklace that your King refused to pay for."

"I do not need to pay for what is already mine." Thranduil said as soon as Thorin finished, and before the dwarf could even say anything else.

Thorin shot him a glare from the corner of his eyes before looking back up Liruliniel, in fact he ended up turning completely and looking at her sadly. "It was to be a present for his wife," Thorin noted the shift in her body language, he hit a nerve. The atmosphere got steadily chillier in the space now. "Yes, he bestowed upon us the jewels, and the material needed to create something worthy of a Queen."

Liruliniel pinched the bridge of her nose as a long sigh came from her. "Right, so...you are using a necklace, both of you, as a bargaining chip?"

"Was it not for you?"

Liruliniel let out a laugh, a short, very bitter one and shook her head. "No." She leaned down and looked Thorin in the eyes again, he could see she was both sad and angry, her eyes were a clash of both emotions. "I do not get gifts, such as that. And I am not his wife." Officially, no. Spiritually however, yes. And she was sure Thranduil could sense the raging conflict tugging at her.

"Well," he leaned forwards, guardedly looking over his shoulder smugly to see Thranduil shift irritably forwards. "Perhaps you should find someone who will do such a thing for you? You are equally worthy of such finery. But also, maybe you can find another who will clearly treasure you as much as the aforementioned necklace for a Queen long since passed."

"Can we not just aid, without the need to recover something which has no use to anyone, anymore?" Liruliniel asked, her eyes still staring at Thorin, though they shared a knowing look. She stood and looked unflinchingly at Thranduil, he was staring at the pair with a tense look, tense and aggravated. "What are you going to do, wear it yourself?" She quipped, just getting a jibe in because she was annoyed. Thorin coughed, though she looked at him knowing he was trying to cover up a laugh. "Why must we get something out of this?"

"Because the loss will be great, and you know this." Thranduil said, sounding like he was practically speaking through clenched teeth.

Thorin looked at her with wide eyes, "What have you seen?" Thranduil all but bristled when Thorin so easily came out and asked Liruliniel this.

She sighed, placing a hand on Thorin's cobwebbed shoulder, an action which had Thranduil tightly fisting his hands by his sides. "My friend, I have seen misfortune. Your mission will not do any good, that dragon is still alive."

"You see us fail; you see us dying?" Thorin asked, his eyes widening by the moment as his mind reeled for a plan to be made on whatever she said.

Liruliniel smiled and crouched, it was an action which could've come off incredibly condescending and rude, but not with her. Not with how earnestly she was looking at him, almost kneeling and looking slightly sad still. "I have seen fire, and death, Thorin." Addressing him so flippantly was casual to them, not to Thranduil who was just radiating pure anger now. He should've made sure she couldn't have come here, banned her even. He didn't like what he was seeing or hearing at all. "That dragon is still alive," she whispered again, hoping he'd see what she was aiming at. No matter what, if Smaug lived, they would perish.

Thorin lowered his head and moved around her, Liruliniel shot a look at Thranduil before jumping up and stepping aside as Thorin slightly explored. He didn't venture far, but he paused at the stairs and looked out at the woodland which was encroaching in on the palace. It wasn't his type of home, but there was something oddly calming about it. Although, that could be because of what he just escaped. He didn't want to be here, he didn't want to be near Thranduil let alone talking to him, but it was a good respite from the spiders.

Regardless of what transpired and what he had just watched, Thranduil decided to get the conversation back on track; if anything, to hurry it along so Thorin could go to a cell, and he could talk to Liruliniel. "You have my word," he didn't mean it, but Thranduil's tone of voice came out hollow sounding.

Thorin seemed to snap then, whatever calm state he was in went in seconds as he whipped around. A fierce glare on his face as he looked venomously at Thranduil. "I would not trust, Thranduil, the great Elvenking to only his words. Till the end of all days be upon us! You lack all honour! I have seen how you treat your friends! We came to you, once starving, homeless; seeking your help, but you turned your back! You turned away from the suffering of my people, and the inferno that destroyed us!" Thorin all but shouted as he pointed a finger Thranduil's way.

Thranduil for one looked distantly appalled by what was being thrown his way, he didn't know which was worse, the insulting dwarf or the hurt look on Liruliniel's face. Perhaps yes, they may, may, have had a messenger come to them from the survivors, and Thranduil did not tell Liruliniel. It was roughly at the time where he was slowly allowing her to train the guards, between any training and exhausting visions, Liruliniel was in the dark completely, only not anymore.

She took a step back, Thorin may have marched forwards to face Thranduil face on, but she was withdrawing steadily further away from him, even if all she had done was take a step back. With speed which made Thorin jump and lean back, Thranduil had come forwards in a blink of an eye and leaned down to his level. "Do not talk to me of dragon fire! I know its wrath and ruin; I have faced the great serpents of the north." He whispered deathly serious while his eyes bored into Thorin, unblinking and serious as the enchantment which shielded the marred skin from the world all but disappeared for a moment.

Thorin's eyes widened while Thranduil seemed momentarily pained before he recoiled and backtracked. His expression a blank mask again, the burns hidden from view as he looked all but accusingly at Thorin. "I warned your grandfather, we both warned him and your father. His greed was going to lead to no good, and that same greed would summon something none of you were prepared for; but he did not listen." His tone was low, serious and darkly he stared at the dwarf who was still standing looking a little lost, before that look went and he glared at Thranduil in return. "You are just like him," Thranduil had no pleasure, or took none from saying this. Thorin was going down exactly the same path, he could see it.

Thranduil lifted an arm and gestured a hand in the air, two guards suddenly marched forwards and apprehended Thorin by his shoulders. "Stay here if you will and rot. A hundred years is a mere blink in a life of an elf. I'm patient, I can wait." Thranduil said in a somewhat mocking tone as he watched the dwarf-King get pulled away, he tried to resist but didn't get far.

Liruliniel watched the scene with an uncertain expression, she felt out of place. Flicking her eyes to the side, she narrowed them slowly, Thranduil had seated himself upon his throne and looked all but blankly down at her. With a sigh, she hung her head. Shaking it slowly she moved forwards. "Help them."

"No."

Liruliniel shook her head slowly again, "Then let them go."

"No."

"Keeping them hostage, is not going to do anything; it will anger them, rile them up and everyone here will dislike them being here. You know this, why go through the lengths? You do not care so much about the outside world that you are doing this to stop the dragon. You are doing this out of your stubborn pride. This situation, is bigger than that, and what you seek to reclaim."

"You wish them to rush off and bring death on the world, to any and all who aided them? Do you not think the dragon will grudge everyone who was caught helping them? I do not think this is a situation you will fully comprehend. Honestly, you are seeing it in a simplistic way, a foolish way which will render a great many dead."

Liruliniel half turned, looking the way Thorin had been dragged off to before looking back at him. "You could've told me."

"I didn't tell you anything, because I did not wish to." Thranduil watched the pained look flit across her face before she bowed and turned on her heels and walked off. "Where are you going?"

"I have nothing else to say to you." Liruliniel said while her feet quickly skimmed down the stairs as she marched away determined to get as far away, as quickly as possible.

=

Liruliniel's mood did not seem to shift from annoyed, she was uncertain which or what irritated her more; being left in the dark or being privy to the bargaining chip. Which was worse? She had decided that actually both were probably as bad as each other. One did not outdo the other, but she had found that it left her in a sour mood that wasn't going away.

She was curious though, curious over just how the dwarves managed to clearly get in the state they were in. If the others looked like Thorin did, then they took a seriously wrong turn somewhere. It wasn't unheard of for travellers to get lost, to take wrong turns or get turned about and confused. The miasma over the forest made even the wisest second guess themselves.

But, for her curiosity to get answers, she needed to find those that bought the dwarves in. It just so happened that marching through the corridors and peering in anywhere and any room paid off eventually. Legolas and Tauriel spotted her just as she did the same, with a tense smile she walked briskly in their direction. Legolas's eyes narrowed slowly, his eyes perceiving that not all was well with her, while Tauriel just inhaled slowly. She wasn't blind to the angered look in Liruliniel's eyes either but rather opted to not mention it. They both knew their friend would come out with whatever was bothering her when she was good and ready.

"You accompanied the dwarves here, did you not?"

Legolas's eyes couldn't help but slide to the side with disdain. "Yes, and what is it you wish to know?" Legolas had heard from his father Liruliniel's taking to befriending dwarves. Being friendly wasn't always bad, but even Legolas knew that the dwarves were likely to throw that back in her face some day. He didn't wish to see Liruliniel disheartened and hurt from such a thing.

"Were any hurt?"

Tauriel and Legolas exchanged a look before looking back at her. Liruliniel looked patiently at them, if any were hurt then she'd need to find medical herbs. "No," Tauriel answered slowly and uncertainly as to why they would be aware to such a thing. She was definitely certain that if any were injured, they'd rather keep it secret than get medical assistance from any of their healers.

"Can I just ask what exactly happened?" She wasn't aware to the reports which were given, if they had been given yet, and she doubted really that Thranduil would openly tell her now. Things may be a little awkward and terse between them. Unfortunately, dwarves and a memory were hard topics apparently for the two of them to level headedly converse about. In some way or another, one would get offended and hurt, it had happened before. It would probably happen again.

"They were found wandering, making enough noise to wake most spiders from any nearby nests. In fact, they did, they were caught and almost met their demise. It seems though that they are more tenacious than credit can give them." Legolas said while crossing his arms loosely, he sounded almost bored retelling the unfortunate meeting.

Tauriel blinked and set her brown eyes worriedly on Liruliniel, she looked more annoyed now by Legolas and his flippant tone. Holding up a hand, Tauriel placed it hesitantly against her friend's shoulder. "None were harmed, they were freed and captured by us." Tauriel said in a calmer tone, Legolas just frowned her way to which Tauriel shot him a narrow-eyed look. Her eyes then drifted back to Liruliniel who was looking at her boots with a saddened face. Tauriel thought Legolas may have had more tact than his father when confronted with a sensitive subject. "Are you well?" Tauriel ventured hesitantly, she was uncertain whether both herself and Legolas were ready for the answer, and in fact it was his turn to shoot her a look from her asking this.

It wasn't that he didn't worry for Liruliniel, of course he did, but unlike Tauriel, Legolas could evidently see when the older elf had had a disagreement with his father. It always put Liruliniel in a tense mood, despondent and irritable, rash and quick to find something to distract herself from the problem at hand. Unfortunately, Legolas was well aware to the fact that his father wasn't one for skirting around such a thing, Liruliniel had no qualms with facing things head on, but sometimes his father was one thing she'd rather not.

Liruliniel hummed awkwardly, tilting her head she smiled. "I am worried."

"Is that all?" Tauriel wasn't one for ever pressing the matter, but Liruliniel really did look troubled.

"I am worried to what end this will bring. Holding dwarves for the foreseeable does not seem to solve a problem, more make one worse."

"They cannot get out." Legolas wished to state, he shifted his weight and looked at her pointedly. Liruliniel frowned his way. "But it isn't that which worries you, is it?"

"I fear what results may happen from them being here." Liruliniel said while slipping away from the pair. "Do not worry, I will be fine." She bowed to them both and walked down a nearby corridor, she missed the concerned expressions shared by the two as she diverted around the corner.

Honestly, the cells had always been such a quiet place. Never did they need to use them really, Oropher had them built because what fortress doesn't have a place for prisoners, if ever needed? But now, there was chatter amongst those here. They weren't loud, but they were disgruntled sounding.

Standing with her hands on her hips, Liruliniel sighed. "Are any of you hurt?" Not that she disbelieved what her friends said, but she'd rather hear it from them.

Of course, hearing this had the chatter dying down. Liruliniel walked down the stairs and turned and walked along the narrow platform before the cells. She glanced in every now and again before stopping and leaning on the small piece of wall between Thorin's cell and another. He wrapped his fingers around the intricate curved and interwoven bars and looked up and out at her. "You look sad." Thorin stated, observing the blinding obvious as she looked at him. "Do not tell me, you have had an argument with your great King." He said bitterly, Liruliniel just continued to look at him blankly before sighing and turning to sit down. "You are brave."

She laughed, "We're friends, you wouldn't harm me." She looked over her shoulder and smiled, "Plus, your hands won't fit through the bars. So there goes possibly throttling me. Sit down Thorin, I want to talk to you. To all of you, if you will, if you don't mind?" Using her as a hostage to get freedom seemed fruitless to her, ridiculous in another way. Thorin wasn't violent, the small time she spent around him she knew this was coming from desperation.

"It isn't like we're going anywhere!" An exclaim came out of a cell on the other platform above this one.

Thorin looked around before kneeling and looking at Liruliniel's back, she turned and knelt too. Her shoulder leaning against the bars as she looked at him. "I am sorry you find yourself within a cell." She paused, Thorin just leaned back against the wall, his legs stretching out before him as he looked at her. "How did you find yourself being in Mirkwood, of all places?" Asking this question had quiet chatter flare up amongst the others, Liruliniel raised an eyebrow.

"We were to follow the path through. You may need to repair it, because it's broken and led elsewhere." Thorin commented with a wave of his hand.

Liruliniel sighed, "We don't get many visitors."

"I wonder why." He didn't wonder at all, it was clear any newcomer would probably be in similar situations to himself and his friends. "You never answered me earlier, by the way."

"I am sad, I am sad that despite being so similar, you two cannot put aside problems to settle this fairly."

"Fairly? Fairly?! What part of this seems fair?!"

"Don't shout at me!" Liruliniel exclaimed right back at Thorin. He seemed to shift in his seat, not thinking she'd actually hand back what he sent her way. Her anger dispelled and with a sigh, she smiled lightly, awkwardly but it was a smile, nonetheless. "I am sorry for raising my voice. But you do realise that there probably is an easier way out of this?"

"You're going to let us out?" Came another voice from elsewhere.

"No." Liruliniel rolled her eyes with a sigh. "But I can aid you in trying to find a way in which you get freedom to continue your way home."

Thorin frowned at that, "Even with what you saw, you would aid us?"

Liruliniel tilted her head, narrowing her eyes and looking at her hands she clenched them into fists slowly. "You are not the only one who is interested in the Mountain." Her eyes flicked sidelong at him, "There is evil chasing at your heels, Thorin. I cannot visibly see it, but I have seen it, and I can sense it. What is it?" To her, Thorin reclaiming Erebor was definitely the lesser of the evils in which she had spied through visions, even with the slumbering dragon which would wake from such an endeavour.

"Azog."

She hissed through her teeth as she breathed in. "I do not know him. I know of him." Whispered words and news, especially with what happened in the attempt at reclaiming dwarven territory for one painted him in a horrendous light. Shutting her eyes, Liruliniel exhaled slowly. "I am sorry about your family, Thorin." She said it so honestly that he couldn't help but look at her distantly, yet he nodded his head thankful and accepting of her words. "So, you thought you would cut through Mirkwood to get to Erebor? I am sorry that the plan did not happen as you wished. And I do wish I could let you out, but I cannot. I have a hard enough time here sometimes as it is."

Thorin crossed his arms and looked up at the darkened ceiling of his small cell. "We are one short, tell me, was there news of another?" He decided to ask instead, although he looked sympathising over the latter part of her words. He remembered full well her tale, and he could only assume still being a foreign princess from a long-gone kingdom was going to forever hang over her, but also, make others presume certain things and continue to judge. Not to mention the unholy actions in which her grandfather sadly took part in. Only because a relative did something awful, did not mean she was similar.

Liruliniel frowned, "Another? You mean one of your friends is still outside?" She asked worriedly, if that was true then they were probably dead by now. "Who?"

Despite shouts of not telling her anything, whether she could be trusted or not, Thorin leaped to a stand and looked out and to the side as if he could see his friends. "She's the Princess Beorn mentioned, quieten down all of you. His name is Bilbo," Thorin watched Liruliniel stand, she brushed herself down and nodded. "He is a hobbit," she raised an eyebrow at that one, "We somehow became parted when the spiders attacked. None of us saw him, or where he went. It isn't the first time we've parted ways in such circumstances, but I am sure he will appear somehow."

"You wish for me to find him for you and send him your way so...he can join you in a cell?"

"What? No, no."

"I don't understand, I can't hide him. I mean...maybe I could," Liruliniel shrugged and thought about it. She had plenty of hiding places around the palace. Hobbits were small, he'd fit in a small space. Thorin raised an eyebrow, his blue eyes looking alight as he stared up at her. Liruliniel slowly smiled, "Don't drag me into this, Thorin."

"I fear you may be doing that yourself." He quipped with a smirk.

Liruliniel shook her head with a sigh, "Bilbo, I shall try and find him if I can." She paused, the air growing silent as the dwarves seemed to be pleased with this. Or at least she presumed they were. "Where did you go?"

Thorin understood her question, with a sigh he leaned his head against the cold bars. "We travelled further than I think any of us had ever done before. Ered Luin, that's where we've spent many of the past years." Liruliniel's eyes widened, and she gripped the bars and stared at him with an excited expression. Thorin smiled, of course she was interested in that. He remembered her vaguely mentioning the past home, one of few she had. "I believe I met an old friend of yours."

"Bodur, he is alive and well?!" Liruliniel's eyes practically teared up hearing this.

"I worked in his forge for a small while. We all got work where we could, and I found work with him." Thorin smiled watching her look sadden, yet happy about this. Hearing the old dwarf was still smithing made her smile with a quiet laugh. "I mentioned you, and he seemed amused that fortune had turned for you. Yet, he said that he had always had a sense about you; that you were meant for bigger things."

"Bigger things which are slowly killing me." Liruliniel spoke sadly, Thorin's smile slipped as he looked at her worriedly. She leaned away from the bars and looked at her feet sadly. "Being here is killing me, it is an unspoken thing, but it is. The evil, which is chasing you Thorin, it hails from the old fortress; and each and every night it haunts me in my dreams. I see things I do not wish to, I hear things I'd rather not, and each and every time I wake, I feel a little piece of me has gone missing. I am tired of being tired. You do not know how many times I have found myself musing about the sea, the call of the ships and harbours which would take me along the waves to a peaceful place. I just want peace, Thorin. Just like you wish for your home and peace from that, I understand where you're coming from."

"Will you go?" Thorin found himself asking, she sounded torn between leaving and staying.

Liruliniel sighed heavily, "No. Not yet. I do not feel ready to go, just yet that is. Bodur is perhaps right, and I feel like we all have a bigger part to play in something looming on the horizon." She sighed again and smiled at him, "I will try and find your friend now. And if I do find him, well, I won't turn him in. I will try and keep him out of a cell; you have my word." Liruliniel's tone was honest, completely truthful as she placed a hand to her heart and inclined her head before turning and running off. "I will come back later with food and drink for you, if I can!" Liruliniel said while running up the stairs and out of the prison space. Although fully illuminated by lanterns and torches, it was still dismal because of how far down it was.

Liruliniel honestly did not know where to start her search, would this Bilbo be outside? Would he have somehow snuck in? If he did, then how would he avoid so many elves, especially the guards? Liruliniel was uncertain, she honestly was uncertain, it had her scratching her head in thought as she walked along the corridors in a slow pace.

The thing is, although she was uncertain, Bilbo for one was not. He had been sneaking about the palace for the majority of the time, still invisible and unnoticeable to all eyes. But he had spied Liruliniel, and her determined walk to the prisons, to the cells and the conversation she had with Thorin. He alone knew he had no chance in getting them out, he didn't know the palace, he didn't know the layout and he especially did not know where the keys were to the cells his friends were in.

Now, approaching anyone at any given time was hard, being a hobbit most times, Bilbo was overlooked, literally. But trying to approach someone when invisible bought on a whole new load of problems, for one, her worried expression yet determined pace set her at odds, it made her both approachable yet also not. She seemed pleasant enough, from hearing her talk to Thorin. But the elves around them were a problem too, he quietly pottered along at a distance, making sure to not lose sight of the auburn-haired elf-Princess.

She turned and made her way down another corridor, and Bilbo naturally followed. There seemed to be less elves down here, and her pace slowed so much that she eventually stopped. Bilbo stopped too, he stood to one side against the wall with a wary expression on his face. The way in which her head tilted as if listening, did nothing for his nerves. She turned, and Bilbo stood ramrod straight against the wall now as her sea-coloured eyes looked around the corridor. She seemed puzzled, like she couldn't pinpoint on what she was meant to be looking at.

Bilbo didn't know what to do, taking his ring off could be disastrous, especially if an elf came around the corner. "How are you doing that?" Bilbo was surprised by how soft her voice was, not quite a whisper but low and thoughtful. With a tilt of her head, she smiled and nodded. "Follow me, please." Bilbo looked each which way before following her, if he wasn't here then she'd look a bit mad talking to herself.

Soon after a few twist and turns, the pair stopped in a small room, it was tucked away and seemed like not many if any visited this space. It was aired out though; there were no signs of dust. A desk with neatly stacked papers and ledgers was present. She shut the door, Bilbo stepped aside as she almost walked into him on her way to the desk. "You can come out now," she leaned back against the desk staring roughly where Bilbo was standing. He seemed uncertain, yet he pulled the ring off and stared up at her. A wide smile appeared on her face as she came and knelt down before him. She held out her hand and Bilbo nervously stuck his smaller hand in hers. "I am Liruliniel."

"You're the Princess."

She laughed, Bilbo seemed to all but blurt that out and he looked embarrassed about doing so. "I am a Princess. And you must be Bilbo?"

"Bilbo Baggins, pleasure to meet you." He twitched a little from foot to foot as she stayed before him, on his level and smiling kindly. It was a rare thing to talk to anyone else, other than hobbits and almost dwarves, on a similar eye level. The action wasn't condescending, and really, in a way Bilbo was grateful not have to crane his neck up to someone so tall.

"I was trying to find you, or at least I was trying to think of a way to find you. Yet, it seems you have beaten me to it. How did you manage to stay hidden, I am curious." Liruliniel tilted her head and looked him over. He seemed rather unsuspecting, curly brown hair, bright eyes and although he was a little dirty and tired looking, he seemed fine enough. So how did this hobbit manage it?

Bilbo shifted and tucked his hand into his pocket, the action not missed by her. Liruliniel's smile slipped, and she looked at him, her eyes were hard, and Bilbo felt like he was under interrogation. He had already seen how the elves here differed from those in Rivendell; they definitely acted first and seemed to muse later, their tones were welcoming but tinted with something more, not something sinister but there was a tint to their tones that did not make him feel wholly settled. They seemed more suspicious, more cunning and less welcoming.

But Bilbo remembered that Beorn seemed to trust her, and he did not seem like an easy man to sway, and the same went for Thorin; thinking how hostile the dwarf-King was towards Bilbo when they first met, him trusting anyone else other than his kin was something truly to behold, let alone that someone being an elf.

Yet, his friends did not know about his magic ring. And with the way Liruliniel was staring at him, Bilbo already presumed that she was suspecting something otherworldly to be involved. He pulled his hand out of his pocket, and he opened his fingers, the golden ring sitting within his palm and he waited for the reaction and words to come soon after. He was not expecting the almost pained noise which came from Liruliniel as she reached up with a finger to touch the golden band.

Bilbo looked at her worriedly, she cradled her hand as if she just burned it. "Are you alright?" He asked with wide eyes, that was not a reaction he was expecting.

"That is...where did you get it, may I ask?" Liruliniel ventured warily, looking at her hand and seeing no visible signs of injury. The feeling, the ominous dark and heavy aura around the ring had her both repelled and drawn to it. She did not expect to see a flash of fire and the pain which came with it to come to her as she tentatively poked the jewellery.

Bilbo seemed concerned for her hesitance, her pained face and wary looks. "I found it."

"You...found it? Where?"

"Does it matter?" Bilbo asked, watching as she sat down in front of him cross legged. Liruliniel gestured a hand to him, despite looking unsure he sat down too.

"You do not need to look so scared, we are safe here. This room used to be my father's study, no one ventures in here apart from myself. Sometimes I come here to think, to be close to what remains of my family."

Bilbo looked around the room, it was very organised, which meant she probably kept it clean and tidy. "He has passed?"

"Both him and my brother are, they died in battle. A battle over evil, evil which sought control and wielded a power which should not have been." Liruliniel looked at the ring, the fiery eye was seared into her mind, and she shuddered. This poor hobbit didn't seem any the wiser for what he held in his hand, Liruliniel frowned. "Be careful with this ring, Bilbo. It is not safe to wear and trifle with. All magic rings are evil in some ways, but this one is tainted beyond compare." Never in all her lifetime, would she think she'd come face to face with the Ring her grandfather made. It was beautiful, and perfect, yet wrong. Everything about it felt wrong. Her eyes didn't wish to settle on it too long or else she felt something bad would happen.

Bilbo's hand snapped shut though, he looked a little perturbed but not by her words, more the looks she was sending its way. She scoffed; she did not want that thing. Being near it alone was causing her pain. "Thorin and the others, how do we get them out?"

Liruliniel raised an eyebrow, "You followed me down there," she laughed quietly, Bilbo just fidgeted in his seat on the floor. Liruliniel smiled, "You need to go down river, you need to reach Esgaroth. But that is a problem, we have no rafts, or boats; and the forests are dangerous, for many different reasons."

"There has to be a way." Bilbo didn't want to admit defeat, but he sounded a little defeated.

Liruliniel smiled, she reached across and placed a hand on his shoulder. "We are expecting some barrels to be returned to us, if that is of any help. It would do the job of getting you all down the river. But I do not think the dwarves will appreciate such a thing."

"If it gets them out of here, then surely they can't complain?" Bilbo asked, the pair shared a look before both nodded, whichever and whatever the option, there was likely to be complaints. "When do they arrive?"

"Tomorrow."

"T-tomorrow...? But..." Bilbo awkwardly stuttered out, Liruliniel propped her elbow against her knee and rested her chin against her fist. She looked at him knowingly, she understood the need to get out of here quickly. But this was something that was out of her control, and his.

"You can stay in here, Bilbo. As I said, no one will come in here. You are safe." She stood up and moved over to a cushioned chair, she plumped up the main cushions and then the smaller ones to pad it out more. "My father used to sleep in here at times, if he was busy. He wouldn't want to come home and disturb Thalion and I." Liruliniel moved over to a small cupboard, Bilbo stood slowly and watched her pull out a blanket. Opening it up, she moved over to him, unfurling it she reached out and wrapped it over and around his shoulders.

It pooled around him, but Bilbo reached out and stroked the burgundy material, it was soft and thick. It was better than just using his coat when camping outside beside a fire. The blanket was large enough that he could probably wrap it around himself twice, but Liruliniel placed a hand on his shoulder and guided him towards the chair. "I will come find you tomorrow, I promise." Liruliniel smiled and watched him settle in the chair, he looked so small in it, especially when he huddled down in the blankets and just the top of his head could really be seen. "Sleep well," Liruliniel kept the small lantern on the desk lit for him before turning and leaving Bilbo to get some much-needed sleep.

The poor hobbit looked exhausted, and she felt like no sooner had she left, would he be out. It was something she was envious of, she wished she could easily go to sleep like that. She knew it wouldn't happen, for one she had to seriously clear the air with Thranduil, and two she struggled to settle. With a sigh she paused, spotting Tauriel a little way off making her way to where their king was waiting for her to give a formal report of what happened today.

She sighed, no way was she going to venture near that space while that conversation was happening, instead she turned and made her way to where Caladhiel resided, she felt like she needed a familiar welcoming face to cheer her up. Or talk sense into her, whichever seemed to work with Liruliniel right now.

——

Edited: 7/July/2025