When it came to verbally addressing Thranduil, or even having a conversation in general, Tauriel had steadily found herself struggling. This wasn't to say she wasn't articulate in any way or form; it was more as she grew the more jaded it seemed she was treated. It was awkward. Being one of few of his son's friends, Tauriel did not think she would be treated so coldly, not that Thranduil was openly warm, but he seemed to periodically keep her at arm's length.

Conversations were stale, constructed awkwardly and were strictly business, as they should be as his Captain. But the general tones in which he spoke with, they had a way of making Tauriel feel maybe not shaken, but unsure of just where she stood. As perceptive as ever, Thranduil would often find some quip to throw into the conversation, half the time she thought he did it just to see her squirm. It wasn't like the Elvenking was known for kindness, was it?

So of course, she was approaching this meeting with the same level of cold dread as she would if she was outside fighting a spider. In fact, she'd rather deal with the spider than Thranduil; at least she knew where she stood more times with the spider and knew how to deal with it. Thranduil, no. She did not know how Liruliniel managed, no offence to anyone, she must be the most tolerant elf around, honestly.

Regardless, she moved down the stairs to where Thranduil was currently residing, a small offshoot space which was sparse of furniture really, just seemed a place to stand and overlook everything from this vantage point. The long silvery embroidered robe which had been almost carelessly flung over the throne was now being worn, his crown however was not. This didn't make him anymore approachable, in fact the expression of general indifference proved as such.

"I was coming to report to you," her tone was simple, casual even as if this was nothing new, which it wasn't. She sighed a little as her boots made quiet echoing sounds as she descended to be on level ground to him. Still didn't make it better, he was still taller than her and the general aura which surrounded Thranduil day in and out kept her well at arm's length without his efforts.

"I thought I ordered that nest destroyed, not two moon's past." Quick to comment and shoot down any efforts on her behalf of defence, Thranduil wasted little time in getting to the point of this whole report meeting.

Tauriel schooled her expression, her hands limply by her sides as she looked at the blonde before her. This was another tedious, almost painful thing about these meetings; the flippancy. Thranduil would seemingly choose when to care about the spiders and the problems outside, be it almost daily. At times he wouldn't comment, just remain blank like a sheet of paper, and other times he'd have a sarcastic comment to give. At this point in time however, his voice wasn't sarcastic but more serious. The one few times where he was opting to care, it seemed and was taking this as seriously as anyone else could.

"We cleared the forest as ordered to, my Lord. But more spiders keep coming up from the south. They are spawning in the ruins of Dol Guldur; if we could kill them at their source." Tauriel explained, as simply as she could while resisting to roll her eyes as she paced away from the stoically standing king.

Thranduil hadn't moved, he remained almost statuesque as he watched her say her piece. Tauriel knew this forest, she grew up here; it was her home, and she knew where and when something wasn't right. There was only one place where the spiders could keep coming from, and it was the one place many had left behind so many years ago. She vaguely remembered Liruliniel speaking fondly of what was formally Amon Lanc, Legolas had asked, when they were a lot younger, what it was like. Simply and curiously like a child does, and Liruliniel had described it in such vivid fashion it was so easy to imagine herself walking through those halls, regardless of the fact Tauriel had never been there, or seen it. Not even distantly on the horizon.

But also, likewise, with the troubles Liruliniel sees and feels, Tauriel is also very aware to the fact that she too knows that the spiders come from there. It was quite easy to think that Liruliniel had tried to persuade Thranduil to take action to, only to end up hitting a dead end like she did now, and always. It was the same, through and through. She'd ask, he'd refuse. She'd reword and reinstate the query; he'd refuse outright in a harder tone. It was an endless cycle.

"That fortress lies beyond our borders. Keep our lands clear of those foul creatures, that is your task." Cutting Tauriel's thoughts off was not a hard thing to do, she seemed so casual in rambling away her thoughts and what was meant to be a serious report, that Thranduil just stared down at her when she looked mildly surprised.

He did not wish to think of that place, or what evil was spawning there. He heard enough from Liruliniel, and it was enough for him to sway and stop anyone going near. It was dangerous. That place was now a place of death, and he would not send any of his people there, for he knew they would not return. Or if they did, perhaps in pieces.

Tauriel's pacing had stopped moments ago, and she turned to look at the expressionless mask which was being directed her way. He spoke so noncommittally that the expression really gave nothing more away. "And when we drive them off? What then, will they not spread to other lands?" Tauriel couldn't stand still, her feet picked off the floor before she realised, she was pacing to and from again. She couldn't help but ask, an edge more to her tone now as she cast her eyes sidelong at Thranduil each time she turned and walked off again.

There was the slightest of frowns on his face, Tauriel could further presume he'd heard this line before, but not from her. She felt a little sorry for him, only slightly. To have her officially voicing such things, but to have Liruliniel do so when in private, Thranduil couldn't escape the worry both females had for other places.

But, regardless of the momentary frown, it was gone within a second. "Other lands are not my concern." Thranduil's tone was rather insincere over the clarity of what he spoke, and how much he clearly believed in them. Tauriel looked shocked, her eyes wide as he just continued to look her way. "The fortunes of the world will rise and fall, but here in this kingdom we will endure." He furthered on, somewhat speaking down to her as she pressed her lips into a thin line and looked downwards at the ground beneath her boots. How much she resisted bringing up the obvious care in which Liruliniel had for the outside world, she resisted and turned her back knowing that was a sure-fire way to get in an argument. One which wasn't needed, no matter how truthful her words would be. "Legolas said you fought well today; he's grown very fond of you."

His words caused Tauriel to stop her retreating from the room. Slowly she turned and looked sidelong at him before turning and looking somewhat bemusedly over why he was mentioning this. It was random for sure, not usually conversing much on the other blonde royal. "I assure you, my Lord, that Legolas thinks of me no more than a Captain of the Guard." She said so honestly and watched as he finally moved, an almost sympathetic look on his face as Thranduil walked silently along towards a small table to one side.

"Perhaps he did once," though Tauriel noted he looked almost sympathetic, that sympathy was tinged with something more knowing. Like he was already clued in on a secret or having the answers to some great riddle that no one else could solve. "Now, I'm not so sure." His tone hardened as he past her, literally looking down at her with something akin to dissatisfaction.

Tauriel tried to not look affronted, but how could she not? He was presuming things where there was nothing, and blatantly stating so caused her to feel hugely uncomfortable. The quiet tinkering of a goblet against a jug was heard amongst the silence of the space. Thranduil probably knew he had hit a nerve, and Tauriel's shocked face remained even as her mind reeled.

Grasping for some notion of a response, she eventually found the words she was looking for, trying hard not to let her shock creep into her voice. "I do not think you would allow your son to pledge himself to a lowly Silvan elf." Tauriel's tone was cautious, calm and in some way kind and hopeful sounding.

"No, you're right, I would not. Still, he cares about you. Do not give him hope, where there is none." Though originally upbeat, Thranduil's voice turned low and serious as he glanced over his shoulder at Tauriel, she kept her back to him yet with an inclined bow of her head she quickly departed.

Thranduil watched her go, glass of wine in hand, he tried not to interfere with his son's life, Legolas now being old enough to make his own decisions and know what he wanted to do, but forever pining over Tauriel was going to hurt his heart. Thranduil could see it, he could see when someone was disinterested, and Tauriel only looked at Legolas as a friend. He however, no. He didn't want to see his son hurt, so excuse him for trying to nip this in the bud before anything fully formed.

Unfortunately, Thranduil would've liked to have said this was the end of his troubles for the evening. But it wasn't. Liruliniel. He had already got told by a few that she had been spending an awful amount of time in and around the prison cells. He knew why, of course he did, but he would much rather her not get too attached. It wasn't going to end well, much like the Tauriel and Legolas situation, if it could even be called that. Thranduil could see that Thorin was waiting for something, biding time for...he didn't know what, but the moment or the opportunity to run came around, he'd go and Liruliniel would be despondent. He could see it happening. Likewise like his son, he didn't want her to be hurt, she'd been hurt enough.

Luckily Liruliniel was not hard to find, mainly because she was in their room. Sitting upon the window seat, she seemed to be absentmindedly looking outwards while brushing her hair. The tightly bundled curls from the many braids did not seem to want to play ball, most ringlets sprung back and she just continued brushing. Thranduil didn't know if she had realised, he had entered the room, but she continued brushing her hair and singing quietly to herself as she did so.

"What a sad sounding song to come from such a little bird." Thranduil paused in nearing too close, he watched her pause brushing and turn in her seat to look his way. "I have heard word that you bought provisions to the prisoners. Is there a reason for you doing so?" He, much like with Tauriel, didn't waste time and cut straight to the point.

"Other than the fact that they all needed food and drink?" She asked rhetorically and sarcastically, she turned and bought her legs back up to the cushions and stretched them out. Twirling the brush in her hands she picked up locks of hair and commenced brushing again.

"They will be less compliant if they are given everything by you."

"Well, you've already made it clear you don't need them to be compliant to get what you want." Liruliniel's judging tone did little for his growing bad mood. Sipping at the glass in his hand, he walked over. Liruliniel's legs moved instinctively and tucked underneath herself, when it looked like he was simply going to lift them and move them, if only to put them in his lap.

Thranduil let out a barely audible sigh, he looked at the wine within his glass before leaning forwards and placing it against the small table nearby. The letters and important ledgers and documents on it were neatly organised. He knew what everything was, or where it belonged even. "You think I am acting on poor judgement." He stated, it wasn't a question at all.

Liruliniel frowned his way. "I don't like bribery. I think it is petty, childish and low. I believed you both to be old enough to be above such actions. Yet no, you two are being as bad as each other." She said while looking out the window and missing the bristled look he sent her way, his eyes sharply narrowed as he straightened up on the seat. "I am over not being told anything, I don't think you need me to tell you that I am used to those being close to me keeping things from me. Whether they deem it for the better or not. I don't think you're acting on bad judgement, I think you're being spiteful. There's a huge difference, and I don't like either, by the way." Liruliniel turned her face to look at him, watch him while he listened to her words.

Thranduil was staring out at the room completely unmoving, his hands were clasped on his knees, and he just sat there silently listening. In all honesty, she wasn't even sure if he was listening. But when she finished, his eyes flicked sideways at her and narrowed disdainfully. She hit a nerve somewhere along the line. "You seem to be well equipped with the answers." He turned to look at her slowly, his face impassively blank as his eyes stared hard at hers. Liruliniel merely frowned, she straightened up and flung her legs to place her feet on the floor. The coolness underneath her bare feet made her shudder a little, yet she looked at him just as flatly. "What would you do, exactly?"

Liruliniel clicked her tongue and stood up, she sighed and looked at the room before her before turning and looking at him. "I would let the past go and try for a better future. Things are a little bigger than a forgotten heirloom, which neither of you have apparently forgotten about at all. I would try and settle whatever the problems are, with words. Dwarves take to action too quickly, sometimes not thinking about the consequences. It irritates many, I find it somewhat endearing, and I am jealous of their freeness to just do. But action isn't always needed to settle things. You two are both kings. You two have a past, but that's that...it is the past for a reason. If you dwell on that, the future is going to be mighty bleak."

"You would have me let them go." Thranduil said, standing up slowly and looking down at her. Liruliniel looked out the window with a thoughtful expression, Thranduil had rather quickly noted how she seemed to be avoiding looking at him for long periods of time. She was still upset and mad, he could feel the tension lingering about her smaller frame.

"I would have you do the right thing." Liruliniel stepped back from him and retreated to the bedroom to place her brush back in its place.

"And to you, that is letting them go." Thranduil followed only to intercept her path when she came back out the room.

Liruliniel frowned and shook her head slowly. "You asked me originally why I gave them food and drink, what I said was true, but it makes up for the inability I had to help them previously. You would have them starve, until they were at the point of breaking and ready to agree with anything you said. I am not so cruel. Thorin was my friend once upon a time, and I would've helped him if I knew he came to us previously. But I didn't, and that's on you. You didn't do it for me; you did it for you. Yes, honestly, I would have you let them go because it is the right thing to do. I have seen the result of what happens, but because of that, there may be a way to avoid dragon fire raining from the heavens."

Thranduil listened to her words with a measured expression. The lack of a title before Thorin's name had him shifting his weight. But something dawned on him, and he couldn't help but look somewhat mad, a deep frown appearing on his face as his mouth pulled downwards. "You wish to aid them." He almost spat that sentence out but instead spoke it with an immeasurable force. He would say he couldn't believe it, but of course he could.

"If it means keeping evil out of that kingdom, then yes." Liruliniel replied simply, "You're still not listening, are you? This is bigger than your pathetic feud. There is something much bigger on the horizon, and it even outweighs a dragon." Liruliniel moved around him and walked to the bookcase, her fingers skimming across the spines as he turned on his heels and looked to her back.

"I do listen." He said, sounding firm but she just raised an eyebrow from over her shoulder.

"If you listen, or if you listened to begin with, then I am rather sure the spiders wouldn't keep coming, along with the orcs. See, I understood to begin with, and I still do; you do not wish for unnecessary bloodshed. But would it be so, if it meant protecting our home?"

Thranduil's eyes flashed, Liruliniel pulled a book off the shelf nonchalantly. If looks could kill, she'd at least be withering on the floor if it were anyone else. Instead, she just opened the book and flicked to the first page, trying to figure out if she'd like this tale or not. "I see you too were privy to Tauriel's report."

"Legolas was very forthcoming." Liruliniel's clipped response was polite at best but held not much else within it.

Thranduil narrowed his eyes and walked back to stand beside the desk and look out to the forest beyond the windows. His hands clasped behind his back as he stood there for several silent moments. "Is he as forthcoming to you with his emotions, or does he attempt to hide them like he does with me?"

Liruliniel turned the page, "You forget, I trained both of them from a young age before they parted from me to join the others and train alongside them. And then, of course when you allowed me to participate again, I was back with them. Only, they are older now. Not so childish in their games, their words friendly yet promising. I have known for longer than you, that your son has taken a fancy to Tauriel. I for one never shied away from this, nor have I intervened, because why should I? It is not my business who someone falls in love with."

"That is a fanciful thought, isn't it?" Thranduil practically scoffed at the notion.

"Hm, yes, because that is such a bad thought, isn't it? A Prince loving a guard, regardless of her standing within society." Liruliniel's tone was hard as she snapped the book shut and looked at him annoyed.

Thranduil's expression softened, he turned and looked at her and the way she so angrily looked back at him, had his heart clenching. He wasn't ignorant to the paradox and the similarities. Only he knew Tauriel wasn't going to wind up apparently being a princess. "His love is one-sided."

"Sounds familiar."

Thranduil tilted his head, his expression softening just a bit more. "I have always cared for you." He wished she would stop drawing the similar lines between this situation.

Liruliniel raised an eyebrow. "Care and love are two different things at times." She crossed her arms; the book nestled against her chest. "You are against this, because you think he can do better. I will not comment either way because I love them both dearly. But remember the last King that did not agree with a possible outcome; he sent that guard away."

Thranduil frowned, he was becoming more displeased by her words by the moment. "That was also for your own good. We have been through this, must we trudge through history and mistakes made again, honestly, must we? It is tiresome."

"Says the one who wants a necklace from how many years ago?! You are stuck! Instead of getting caught up on that little detail, how about focus on problems more to hand, hm? The spider nests, Dol Guldur, even your son's affections-"

"Do not tell me how and what to do with my kingdom, or my son." Thranduil's tone was threateningly low as he all but rounded on her and leaned down, seething as he narrowed his eyes at her. The blatant implications were enough; the latter was another factor and Thranduil all but watched the heartbroken expression which crossed her face. Yet again reminding in a way that she was displaced. "Liruliniel-"

"No." Liruliniel cut him off as she stepped away, her eyes watery and definitely not looking at him now. "You are right. It's your kingdom, your judgement, your calls, and Legolas is your son." She turned and placed the book back in its place, her head bowed as she made her way around him, Thranduil did try and reach out for her only for her to shrink away. "Unless you accept change, and that there are others who have opinions and feelings which differ from your own, things won't actually change. It will be an endless loop, and you will end up losing everything. You have to embrace change, or it will force you to." Liruliniel's head was still bowed, her hair curtaining her from view as her voice spoke out quietly and a little shakily.

Looking up she stared at him distantly; she looked heartbroken still. "I'm going to see Anameleth, I promised I would drop by once I visited mother." A blatant lie, but Thranduil didn't call her out on it. "Tomorrow is Mereth Nuin Giliath, it has come around so quickly, and I believe she'll probably go on about what to wear. You've probably got preparations to finish so I'll leave you to it."

Thranduil was powerless to stop her, not physically, he could've but emotionally he could see the cut-up turmoil which he had created and letting her go and giving her space - he hoped - would do good. This was not how he wished for this conversation to go, there were many points which could've been corrected, worded better, or just bypassed completely. He didn't know if she actually went to Anameleth, he presumed she would've. But what he didn't actually know was that she ended up in her father's study, curling up on the floor near the barely lit fire that she had stoked for Bilbo.

The hobbit in question hadn't woken up when she quietly snuck into the room, but he had woken sometime in the night because he almost rolled out of the chair. He saw a figure curled up on the floor near the dying fire, and Bilbo twitched his nose in thought before pulling the blanket from his shoulders. He walked over and slowly draped it over Liruliniel, he couldn't help but notice how she looked so unsettled.

Sad, he thought, she looked really sad, even when asleep. She gave the smallest of murmurs from him placing the blanket over her before he patted his sides and returned to the chair. He sat there and looked at her sleeping form for a few more moments before turning and curling up again. He didn't need the blanket, not really, he'd got this far without commodities after all.

=

Rising with dull aches lingering in heavy limbs, Liruliniel sat herself up slowly and looked around the room. Tilting her head, she winced when her neck gave a satisfying click. Looking at the blanket that fell from her form, she glanced to the chair. She couldn't help a fond smile to grace her face at the sight of the hobbit curled up, his arms circled around a pillow and clinging to it desperately as his face nestled against the soft material. He did look comfortable, she had to admit that much, a lot more comfortable than what she was. But then, surely, she must have been somewhat comfortable or else she wouldn't have gone to sleep, Liruliniel frowned, no her mind gave up on running over her last conversation and she just went. She didn't remember falling asleep, she just went.

Inhaling slowly, she patted her knees and stood, the blanket was limp in her grasp before she started to fold it up. Placing it on the back of the chair, she crouched down with an arm balanced on the rest where Bilbo's head resided. Her other arm lifted and with a gentle hand, she shook him. Liruliniel looked at him apologetically when he seemed to come to with a start. Bilbo's mind was clearly reeling and catching up to his now awake state but blinking slowly he looked a little less hazily at her.

"I am sorry to wake you, Bilbo. But are you hungry?" Liruliniel seemed to say the magic words as his eyes lit up, though he seemed to try and hide his excitement at the prospect of food by coughing and patting the cushion he was previously hugging, before placing it back in its original place.

"I don't want to be any trouble."

"My friend, we need to concoct a plan in getting the dwarves out. And I for one find that it is best scheming such things up, while having a full stomach. We have the means, but we need to flesh our idea out a little." Liruliniel said while standing slowly and watching his face turn thoughtful, surely, he didn't think it would be as simple as getting the dwarves out of the cells, then to the cellar? Liruliniel sighed, she supposed there was something else which needed to be stated; "You're going to need a tour of the route you'll be taking."

"But you'll be with me, won't you?" Bilbo looked up at her almost pleadingly. He didn't seem fond of the idea of doing this alone, yes, he had been through worse things thus far on his own. He didn't think he'd do this on his own, seems she was right here willingly offering aid.

"Bilbo," Liruliniel sighed and crouched back down, Bilbo now being taller than her fidgeted a little in his seat and placed his hands on his knees. "There is a festival tonight, well, I say tonight but really it last pretty much right through until tomorrow morning when everyone is clearly hungover and reminiscing about, well, the whole day and night's events...I digress, I can't go missing, Bilbo, I can't. I could. But, well, if I hide away, I believe that will make someone believe that I am not all right." Liruliniel rambled out a bit jumbled and frazzled sounding, Bilbo looked confused. She smiled sheepishly at him and sighed; he didn't need to know her problems.

"You looked sad," Bilbo, ever the observational hobbit just came out with it, Liruliniel blinked and looked up at him hesitantly. "Last night, I...I saw you laying there, and I covered you over, but you looked very sad." He sounded a bit flustered; he swore his cheeks were tinted a little red yet continued on with a short sigh.

"I was sad."

"Oh." Bilbo wasn't expecting her to flat outcome out with it. "Are you...well?" He winced, that was stupid, of course she isn't well if she's sad feeling.

Liruliniel smiled, he was sweet, in a very awkward way. "I had an argument, well, I wasn't even really arguing. I was speaking civilly." Liruliniel scratching a finger to her temple and looked to Bilbo and his poor confused face, he was nodding, attempting to understand. "I am unsure whether you have noticed, but our King here can be very...trying, to say the least. He said things he probably shouldn't have, and it hurt. It hurts to see what your efforts could be reduced to, in a split second."

Bilbo could understand the latter part; he was very trying within the company which he found himself in. Even if some didn't agree or seem fond in the beginning, they were altogether now. Well, not literally, but they seemed to be on the same page. "You...you're not helping out of spite, are you?" Bilbo couldn't help but ask, narrowing his eyes slightly. He didn't mean to be suspicious, but he really didn't want or need aid if it was coming from childish spite and revenge.

Liruliniel scoffed quietly, "Such a sceptical little creature you are, Bilbo Baggins." She didn't sound serious, nor did she take his words personally because she was still smiling at him. "Despite what it could be misconstrued as; no, I am not. I failed to help Thorin the first time, the second time I was kept in the dark, and there is nothing in this land which will stop me a third time. I am making it up to him, because I feel like I have to. He is my friend, as he is your friend, you are helping him in kind because you feel like you must, because that is what friends do. This whole thing is much bigger, and nastier, unfortunately...which is also why I am helping, I need answers." Liruliniel stood with a small sigh, "Plus, I hear Esgaroth is lovely this time of year."

"Is it?" Bilbo raised an eyebrow, not knowing anything about the town.

Liruliniel laughed, "No! It is a dreadful place, I mean, it isn't like I can upstage them with this forest home, but it is...awful. Last time I went, those there did not look welcoming in the slightest. The houses looked close to collapse, and, well, it's a town on a river, it's cold, and isolated." She rubbed her chin in thought, with a smile she looked back at Bilbo, he looked less enthralled about the town now. "I will get us food, then we will discuss matters. But I must say now, I doubt I will be able to stay with you all day. If I don't attend this festival, I will be sought out. But I will put that off for as long as possible." Liruliniel explained, she patted him on the shoulder and left the room.

Bilbo watched her go as he suddenly realised how quiet it was without her talking, well, them talking. The noise of the forest and the elves within didn't seem to reach this quiet room. But Liruliniel stuck to her words, not that Bilbo was expecting her not to. She seemed rather trustworthy, and she plied him with more than enough food to keep him going. Bilbo couldn't remember the last time he saw such an array of food, probably when he was in Rivendell.

He did miss the waterfall city, but he guessed Mirkwood had its charms, if only it was Liruliniel because all the other elves seemed very angry. That's the impression Bilbo got as he trailed behind her, invisible to all of those around them. Their expressions were stormy, despite the clear celebration already starting early. He could easily admire the finery of some, and the joyous nature of others, but there was still this aura around them. Bilbo did not feel at ease here. He felt at ease with Liruliniel though.

He followed her, looking up at her straight back as she walked, head facing forwards and she spoke to very few that she passed. Pausing she leaned against a wall and glanced down to where he was, he let her know he was there by a gentle tug of her tunic hem. "The prison is over there, through that doorway. I would take you, but it is getting reported back how many times I apparently visit. When I became under surveillance I don't know...come, I will show you the cellar." Bilbo glanced to the doorway; he remembered the way in which they got here from her father's study and trailed quickly after her.

Bilbo all but bumped into Liruliniel's back when she stopped, someone was calling her name. She looked over her shoulder, she couldn't see Bilbo but the look on her face was one of concern. She didn't know if he hurt himself from the sudden impact. He gave her hem another tentative tug before looking passed and towards a brunette waving her way. She seemed welcoming enough, unlike everyone else...Bilbo hated to judge, but no one looked particularly happy here.

"You are not ready!"

"Anameleth-"

"Liruliniel, you said you'd come around and we would get ready together." This Anameleth seemed to almost pout before sighing, in Bilbo's eyes the pair seemed to act like sisters. Anameleth seemed put out that Liruliniel hadn't stuck to her end of the bargain, the evidently younger elf was already dressed beautifully. A fine light blue dress with flowing sleeves and silvery embroidery shimmered dazzlingly in the light.

"Well, in all fairness, I didn't think you meant as soon as I woke up. Everyone else may be celebrating all day, but I have other things to do first." Liruliniel rolled her eyes and shifted her weight, even crossing her arms as she looked at the brunette with a smile. "I will come find you once I am done, I promise." Liruliniel placed a hand on Anameleth's shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. She seemed appeased by this, and Bilbo couldn't help but notice that Liruliniel seemed to throw out promises a lot. Was she always this determined to be pleasing and helpful, or did she do it without realising?

"You better, and if I end up finding you in those stables, I am not brushing all the hay out of your hair. You're on your own with that!" Anameleth laughed with a pointed finger before side stepping and continuing on her way.

Liruliniel turned, she smiled and shook her head when it seemed the younger elf had spotted someone else and called out to them. "The cellar is this way," whatever comical fondness was on her face went as she got back down to business. She couldn't see it, but Bilbo gave a nod.

The journey to the cellar was uneventful, thankfully. She paused near the doorway and nodded, Bilbo ventured in and saw the layout of the room, he could spy the trapdoor on the floor, and he left promptly. Liruliniel led the way back to her father's study, once she opened and shut the door, Bilbo was visible again and turning to her with a frown. "The keys, what about the keys?" It dawned on him, he didn't know who had the keys to the cells. Like any other prison system, the owner must change with the guard.

Liruliniel knelt in front of him, placing her hands on his shoulders she sighed. "This will need all of your stealth, Bilbo. Because the guard change will happen in about three hours' time. You will need to get the keys off of whomever it is. This is something I cannot aid you with, I wish I could, but I can't be seen with those keys." She explained, much to the hobbit's dismay as his expression went tense and downcast. Liruliniel sympathised, "You can be brave, Bilbo. Once freed and on your way, I will see to trying to meet up with you all."

He perked up a little at that, it wasn't that he didn't feel protected around his friends, they were tenacious and strong, but to have an elf on side too? Oh no, that made Bilbo feel a little elated. Liruliniel patted his shoulders and stood away from him, "I have bought you enough provisions to keep you going, which unfortunately cannot be said about those in the cells. Stay alert, Bilbo, and I will see you soon." She smiled down at him, he just fidgeted from foot to foot before giving a silent nod, he understood what it was he was needing to do, and he watched her leave without another word.

Liruliniel sought out Anameleth, like she promised and was quite pleased when the younger elf twisted and braided her hair up. A few times her friend had said she preferred her hair being down, but Liruliniel was the opposite. For what she wished to do in her life, having her hair always in her face just wasn't good. She scrunched her nose up, fancy being in a fight and turn quickly with a face full of hair! She couldn't think of anything more ridiculous, didn't mean others agreed...

Shaking her head and smiling her thanks to Anameleth, Liruliniel walked off to get changed. Only, she never said she was going to go with the norm and dress accordingly. Something had struck her as she spent time with Bilbo, while they plotted away, Liruliniel realised how tame her life had become. How her life, unfortunately as bleak as it had become, had turned to a series of trials and moments in an effort to appease someone else.

She loved Thranduil, but why in the name of the Valar should she curb her wants because of him? Liberties could stretch only so much. Bilbo had triggered something in her, when he merely asked whether she'd fight against them to play along with stopping the escape, or fight for them and aid.

Liruliniel had been stuck on an answer, Thranduil's words previously had rather cemented that awful truth; Mirkwood wasn't her home. She grew up here, she wished to protect it, but she definitely felt more at home in the likes of Imladris and Lothlórien. No guessing why, the familial link was stronger there. Would she fight against those here? If it meant freedom for wrongly imprisoned friends, maybe?

She had a lot of thoughts going through her head as she rounded the corner and entered the hall where most were congregated. Her face was rather stoic as she bit her lip in thought, she was not paying the least bit of attention to those around her. Her brain staggered over the fact that poor Bilbo would surely get talked over when he came to suggesting the dwarves getting into barrels. He didn't seem too loud spoken, it was a pleasant trait, but dwarves...Liruliniel's thoughts trailed off as she came to a stop, Caladhiel stood in front of her with a smirk on her face.

"Yes?" Liruliniel asked, her thoughts whizzing out of her head quicker than a bird taking flight.

"Anameleth seems quite upset that through the efforts she took to do your hair; you've decided to wear a tunic." Sure enough, the younger elf was pouting at a table with others around her.

Liruliniel winced and looked back at her adoptive mother figure. "It is a nice tunic though."

"Liruliniel..."

Her shoulders sagged, oh how she wished a possible lecture from Caladhiel wouldn't bother her, but it really, really did. "I'm done with the Princess thing. It's dull, and it's...not me. It was fun, but no."

Caladhiel raised an eyebrow, "You refused to let anyone address you by that anyway, and now you say you are done? My dear, I think you've been done with the routine for a while. You had a dabble in what that life was like, but now?"

Liruliniel straightened up, Caladhiel didn't wholly like the smile which appeared on her face, yet Liruliniel looked proudly at her. "I don't know, and isn't that fun? Isn't that exciting? For once, I feel apprehensive and excited, because I don't know what is to come."

"Are you drunk? You're not making much sense."

"Haven't had a drop."

"Right...have I missed something?" Caladhiel's eyes narrowed thoughtfully, was she out of the loop on something here?

Liruliniel placed her hands on Caladhiel's shoulders, she smiled and shook her head. "Mother, I don't feel like I am in a haze, and I feel like...I feel like what I have always wanted to do, has come in a roundabout way."

Caladhiel's eyes widened a little then as she took her hands from her shoulders and squeezed them gently. "The dwarves."

"You were the one, the first actually who said to me that I could do this. I could aid those if I wished it, even if they declined my help I would still try. Because there is a larger world out there, and what the dwarves are caught up in, affects us here and everyone else in other lands. I have seen the dragon, more times than I can count, and if there is a way in which I can help in it not being freed, then why should I ignore that call?"

"Liruliniel, what have you done?"

"Nothing. I have done nothing, because I don't need to. This is the one time where I can say I am not involved." Not entirely, she thought, but that was a minor detail. Yes, she set Bilbo on the way, and yes, she showed him what he needed to get the dwarves out, but she physically wasn't really involved. Her fingerprints weren't all over this.

Caladhiel sighed, "Somehow, I don't believe you. So, I shall change the subject, are you sure I can't persuade you to change?"

"Done with dresses, so done with them. Don't mind if some still refer to me by that title, or say I should act like it dictates, but I'm done with it. Dresses are uncomfortable, why should a Princess not dress how they wish? Hypothetically speaking, of course. I had never worn a dress before I was put in one by Lady Galadriel. Sort of done with being in a haze and acting like...well, hazy. Being in a loop is boring, and I feel like I have been walking in circles for so long. I mean it, for once I feel good. So no, I won't change, I like this tunic, others can parade around like so, so why can't I?" Liruliniel asked with a shrug, which was true.

Many members of the army and guards which weren't on duty were still decked out in their weapons and simple tunics. Liruliniel's navy blue tunic was high collared, tight sleeved which stopped at her wrists, the hem of the tunic stopped just above her knees and was decorated in fine silvery leafy vines along the hems and even a design of a similar across the back of her shoulders. Her hair was much how Anameleth styled it, twisted and braided off her neck, her silver circlet rested upon her hair, despite the slightly hypocritical words she spoke, Liruliniel still tried to look somewhat the part for the evening.

Caladhiel despaired, yet with a relenting sigh gave her a loose embrace before letting her on her way. Liruliniel smiled, though she diverted around the older elf to go see Anameleth, she merely playfully glared before standing and conversing with her lightly. It seemed she was unable to hold a grudge, or ill will at all towards Liruliniel, which she was thankful of. Having a hand on her shoulder had Liruliniel glance over, thinking the worst naturally she only smiled when it was Imrathon. She was somewhat surrounded in a small bubble of those truly closest to her that she honestly didn't want to leave them.

Unfortunately, for the past minutes since arriving, she could rather physically feel the eyes staring holes into her from across the hall. The atmosphere from over there was icy, to say the least. And Liruliniel didn't wish to struggle through the frigid air to have a clipped conversation. However, if there was an apology...then she'd face it head-on. She waved farewell to her friends and adopted family and turned on her heels to make her way over.

She smiled at some that she passed, but for the most part she was left to walk over unhindered. She wished someone waylaid her, she really wished someone did because the look which was being sent her way was anything but friendly. Thranduil was seated, rather nonchalantly at best, an arm resting against the arm of his high-backed chair while the other was stretched out over the table, his nimble fingers were absentmindedly stroking up and down the neck of the glass before him.

He seemed almost slouching, though that obviously was something he definitely didn't do, sitting at an angle in the chair just made it seem like he was. One of his long legs was over the other at the knee under the table, which was scattered with bits and pieces, plates, cutlery, glasses and such. His expression was rather void, his eyes staring unblinkingly up at her as she stood before him, she hadn't made a move around the table to sit beside him.

Liruliniel's earlier smile just stretched more, he was annoyed, and she was amused. Where exactly was his annoyance being projected, she wondered. She just stood there straight backed with her arms by her sides, whereas he sat himself away from the chair in an almost languid manner. His hand leaving the glass and entwining with his other as they settled on the table. She just raised an eyebrow, inhaling deeply she cursed his moments of blatant childishness, like a stropping child he was not going to sit there and admit or confess he was wrong, or in the wrong. And she wasn't going to be the first to speak, because she hadn't quite figured out what she wished to say to him.

He stood slowly, Liruliniel fidgeted a little from foot to foot, even more so when he moved slowly around the table to approach her. She was distinctly aware to the fact that though everyone else was having the pretence of celebrating and having fun, most were watching. And most could probably sense discord. She stepped away and looked almost confused when he placed a hand on her lower back and directed her to one side. She wanted to dig her heels in, as ridiculous as that was, she really did yet she didn't, and she soon found herself outside.

Like all the balconies, this one looked outwards to the forest and the night sky above. It was a beautiful view and Liruliniel begrudged Thranduil for still looking beautiful in this light, in his silver-coloured robe which was more edging on white and cream. The trail of it whispered against the floor quietly behind him as he walked, his boots barely making a noise as they soon came to stop at the railing. She just stood there, looking upwards, though her eyes did flick to his form every so often. It was as if he knew, because she was caught looking on more than one occasion, this just caused her to pout and look unhappily away while he just slowly smirked.

"This is awkward," Liruliniel couldn't help but state, she felt extremely awkward. The silence wasn't comfortable, no matter how relaxed he looked, she could guess otherwise. Thranduil was a master of emotions, especially from keeping them showing on his face.

"I had it all figured out, what I was going to say to you." He admitted while looking down at his hands which were holding the twisted railing of the balcony.

"Is one of those things an apology?" Liruliniel asked, maybe sounding a bit too snide in her tone. His eyes narrowed marginally but didn't discourage. He deserved that anger, and he knew he did, so he wasn't going to comment on it. Liruliniel just raised an eyebrow again, her arms crossing loosely over her chest.

"It is because you are right." Thranduil said lowly instead, not replying really to her previous question. Hearing a hiss from his side he looked alarmingly at her, that wasn't a noise he was expecting to come so suddenly from her.

Liruliniel was wincing, a pained expression on her face as she looked suddenly sympathisingly at him. "That must have pained you to admit."

"Liruliniel," he said warningly, he was trying to be sincere here, and she wasn't playing ball. Not that he was surprised in the slightest, he'd be more surprised if she made this easy. She held up her hands and leaned her arms against the rail, crossing one leg over the other at the ankle she leaned and looked upwards simply. Thranduil watched her, glad she didn't seem as tense as she did a moment ago. It looked like she wanted to bolt and run away, had she thought she could avoid him, really? But had he truly had that much of an effect on her?

To make her hide, to make her avoid him all night and part of the day; it had bought an ache to his chest that wouldn't shift. Not having her beside him bought discord, and not being able to find her bought even more negative feelings. He knew she wasn't with Anameleth, because he had even inquired to the younger elf earlier. She was in the dark, as much as Thranduil was. "What I said, I said in a moment of anger. Of course I didn't mean what I said," there went her eyebrow raising again in disbelief. Thranduil sighed, "You know as well as I do that your opinions and thoughts are listened to, I take onboard what you say and if I can, I would use your advice. As for Legolas, how could I stand here and even deny that you have been a mother figure to him throughout his whole life? There are things he will speak to you about yet will not even approach me. That was perhaps the most hurtful thing I could've said, and it wasn't even true. I am pleased that he feels like he can confide in you, ironically the apple hasn't fallen far from the tree there, has it?" Thranduil shook his head slightly at that, he looked downwards when a hand encased one of his.

Slowly he shifted his eyes to Liruliniel, she was looking calmly up at him. "So yes, one of those things I have to say to you is an apology. I shouldn't have taken my feelings out on you, nor should I have said all I did. For that I am deeply sorry, Liruliniel."

"I accept your apology, of course I do!" She scrunched her nose up and smiled, with a wave of her hands she practically barged his hands away from the rail so she could move forwards quickly and wrap her arms around his middle. "So...we still have opposing feelings on the dwarves and Dol Guldur, right?"

"Yes." Thranduil looked down as her head nodded against his chest, he wasted little time wrapping his arms around her. He shut his eyes and buried his nose against her hair, it felt so good to have her in his arms again. The familiar aura of her, the weight of her leaning against him and the flowery scent which always surrounded her just bought whatever vice like feelings surrounded him, to go with ease.

"Can't ask for miracles, I guess." Liruliniel said while her eyes stared out at the sky, it was edging on nighttime now and the stars could be seen pricking through the dark velvet sky. The moon was hanging low and bright, a cloud drifted past it lazily, yet the silver shine didn't get snubbed out at all.

"That is something I cannot apologise over." Thranduil stated, and he couldn't. He had his ideals, and she had hers. Unfortunately, Liruliniel just stared out a little sadly. He just inadvertently anchored her thoughts on going in one direction, and that was heading back towards Erebor.

Shutting her eyes, she just inhaled deeply and enjoyed the warmth she was getting from this, and the comfort, she had really missed this and didn't wish to part ways...but how could she standby again? He was going to be seriously annoyed, whereas she'd feel appeased, it was a tough call.

Peeking up at him, Liruliniel grinned, and he looked curiously back at her in return. "I haven't eaten all day really." She picked at the food she got for Bilbo, but for the most part she wasn't particularly hungry, and the hobbit was more than happy to give the food a home in his stomach.

Thranduil's eyes widened, and he pushed her away from himself gently before shaking his head in disdain, holding onto her arm gently, he directed her back to the doorway. "That is not something to look happy about." He really despaired; this elf was ridiculous.

Liruliniel squirmed her arm out of his hold and took to holding his hand instead, it was much preferable, and he paused before entering the busy hall again, if only to look at their linked hands and then at her. The action was seamless and kind, Liruliniel saw nothing of it just wanting to hold onto him and he lifted their hands up, he kissed her knuckles and watched as she fidgeted a little flustered. He smirked against her skin before leading the way, Liruliniel was still a little rosy cheeked when she followed his lead towards the tables which were laden with food of all sorts.

Thranduil frowned her way, and she cheekily smiled only to pout when he swapped the glass of wine in her hand for a plate that had now been stacked with all sorts. No way was he allowing her to drink a drop of alcohol on an empty stomach. This wine was likely to go straight to her head, although he had never seen a drunken Liruliniel, he didn't wish to when in this instance it would surely come with other side effects. He didn't want to see her self-inflict sickness on herself.

Thranduil got pulled into a conversation he didn't seem to wish to participate in while they went to return back to the table. Liruliniel caught sight of Tauriel and slipped away, plate in her hands being picked at now and again as she sidled up to her friend. "So, I hear you also failed to put the point across with where the spiders are mainly hailing from."

Tauriel looked over her shoulder and turned, with a hesitant face she glanced around. No one else was close to listening in, "Yes, it didn't go too well. How did you know?" Liruliniel slyly nodded to the side, Tauriel sighed, "Legolas, of course." The blonde elf was a fair few paces away, but he seemed to still hear his name because he perked up. Tauriel tried to not look suspicious, remembering his father's warnings, and Liruliniel just waved at him with a smile. "I do not think here is such a good place to discuss these matters."

"Look around you, Tauriel. Everyone is getting merry, enjoying themselves. No one is going to listen to what we say. I haven't seen you since before that, and even as I stand here now, I can see you do not look well. Not well, I mean...on edge."

"Our King had some choice words to say to me."

"Ah, me too." Liruliniel toasted her plate at Tauriel, she couldn't help but let out a quiet laugh because it was a ridiculous gesture. "I am not going to get involved in your private life, Tauriel. I cannot stand here and tell you what the right or wrong thing is to do for you. I will always be by your side, regardless. Because we are friends, and no matter what comes in the future, we will always be friends, and I will always love you." Liruliniel smiled and watched the auburn-haired elf before her seemingly relax slightly, she gave her a thankful smile. "Just to let you know, whatever argument you put across and it failed to be seen as sense, I am on your side completely."

Tauriel shifted and looked around before looking back at her. "You've always wanted what's best, not for just those here but everywhere. If even you failed to get sense through, what hope do we have of winning this fight?"

"True, to beat the darkness in our home, we need full backing and compliance. But, fortunately for us, we are not the only ones which wish to defeat this thing. We may seem to be in a hard spot, but troubles are only a lingering thing. Tomorrow is a new day, after all." Liruliniel smiled, Tauriel frowned a little confusedly yet bowed her head suddenly. Liruliniel looked confused this time before smiling, "Finished?"

Thranduil merely blinked and looked between them, he didn't know which to find more suspicious, Tauriel and her avoidance of wanting to look at him or Liruliniel and her happy smile. Something really wasn't right here. "Yes. Have I interrupted something?" He got the feeling he did, and he wanted to know what.

"Well, interesting thing that, Tauriel was just asking if I wished to have a spar tomorrow. Sometime in the morning before she has to go on patrol. Bit of a boring conversation really," Liruliniel said with a shrug, the hand on her shoulder remained as she casually spoke and once finished even started to snack lightly. "I said she was likely to still lose, and that is the face I get for stating the truth!" She laughed, Tauriel shot her an incredulous look, Liruliniel just grinned and laughed more.

Tauriel couldn't quite believe this little make-believe narrative she had just cooked up. What got her more was the fact that Thranduil evidently didn't believe her as he looked at her with a raised eyebrow and an equally doubtful expression. But he wasn't commenting otherwise, he just let Liruliniel go on her tangent before the food distracted her.

Thranduil's eyes flicked quickly to Tauriel and she all but blanched yet stood her ground, with a sigh he looked back at her. Liruliniel let out a happy noise when he lifted his other hand up and relinquished his hold on her glass of wine. They were an odd pair to watch close up, and Tauriel felt almost relieved when, with a bow of his head and a smile from Liruliniel, they moved off.

——

Edited: 7/July/2025