"Such is the nature of evil, out there in the vast ignorance of the world; it festers, and it spreads. A shadow that grows in the dark, a sleepless malice as black as the oncoming night. So, it ever was, so it will always be." It had been sometime that Thranduil had last had the displeasure of being face to face with something so foul, and inhuman.

Truly, orcs and their sometimes-disproportionate forms were a constant insult as well as a displeasure to deal with. There was no dealing with these creatures, they spoke a language few understood; but their primary goal was to inflict violence and ill-will. There was no speaking sense to an orc.

Even still, it did not stop Thranduil from walking around the kneeling creature which was being held at knife point. Legolas tightened his hold anytime the creature moved or fidgeted. To say he was surprised when his son came in, with this thing traipsing in a languid gait alongside him, was an understatement. He was not in the dark, despite not physically taking part in defending their home, Thranduil knew all too well with what had happened. He was not so in the dark as to not know that there was a band of orcs trying to hunt down the now missing Thorin. Someone wanted him dead, Thranduil was tempted to say that the list was ever expanding, but that was something else entirely.

The dwarves escaping was one thing, one really major annoying thing, the orcs attacking was just the one thing which tipped this moment even more over the edge. By all means, Thranduil would not intervene to stop one from fighting and killing the other, but his people did not need to be dragged into whatever this petty, trivial matter was. His people had no place in their fight, yet they had gone and bought it to his doorstop, his home and his family. Not that Legolas seemed entirely against glaring down at the orc, who gave an awkward fidget as he listened to the monotonous tone in which Thranduil spoke in.

Why should he sound otherwise? This thing was not a friend, this thing was something which had no place here, yet here he was. Truthfully, Thranduil wasn't against a captive, by all means, if it got answers to certain things, he was for it. He would rather this not to have come at the price of some dying, prisoners now escaped, and Liruliniel missing in action.

Oh yes, that point had set him off into an even fouler mood, and this orc unfortunately was likely to bear the brunt of it. Thranduil felt little guilt for that, why would he feel anything other than contempt for the orc and all like it? But yes, Legolas had this look on his face when he entered, captive at knifepoint. He didn't need to say anything, Legolas's expression and disappointed eyes said it all.

Thranduil knew that Liruliniel would interject herself somehow into the fray of things. Did he honestly think she'd go off with the dwarves? Deep down he'd like to say no, but who was he kidding? She had loyalty to them that Thranduil did not understand. He didn't. He honestly didn't understand. Well, that wasn't entirely true; he knew she acted out of guilt for not aiding them the previous times when they needed it. Even if some of those times she was ignorant because of him and his secretive ways. But also, she acted and aided in fondness and friendship; ever wishing to be friends and help all that needed it. It was her downfall, Thranduil believed, but also one of the things he admired the most about her. She succeeded where he knew he himself failed, in this aspect.

Thranduil had merely inhaled deeply, moving from his throne and walking down to meet his son as he kicked the knees of the orc, the creature landed with a heavy thud as he ground his teeth together. Everything about the orc just looked rotten, as most of them did. Thranduil did not trust the dwarves to look after Liruliniel, less than he trusted she wouldn't do something idiotic and put herself in harm's way for them. He knew how that seemed, but he was concerned and unfortunately when it came to emotions, his usual default was to fall back on anger.

His earlier words though, were entirely truthful; he knew what was creeping around his woodland home, but he also knew enough information about it all from Liruliniel. She was very forthcoming in that way when she wished to share. Thranduil had stayed somewhat nonchalant on the matter; why concern himself with what happened outside their borders? If others could not protect themselves, how was it on him to do so for them?

Naturally, he wished to avoid speaking of this topic again, he knew it would just result in Liruliniel being angry. Thranduil could almost imagine the lecture, the fact that even his father put troubles aside to aid others outside their home when the moment needed it. Thranduil wasn't too sure if that could be seen as he wasn't his father, or as good as or worse.

The thought went as quickly as it came, because he had other things to contend with. Liruliniel and her vanishing act would be dwelt over after this. "In time all foul things come forth," he said while stopping behind the knelt orc, there was a very low rumbling growl which came from him. Regardless of the incredibly sharp blade against his throat, he still let his disgruntlement be known. Thranduil raised an eyebrow, not that the orc could see it, did he perhaps just hit a nerve?

"You were tracking a company of thirteen dwarves, why?" Legolas questioned while giving the orc a slight yank, the blade never shifted from his throat and Thranduil was just staring somewhat impassively down at the poor thing. He didn't pity it, but, well, he really wouldn't wish to trade places right now. So instead, he crossed his arms over the maroon-coloured robe he wore and just stared, watching and listening.

"Not thirteen, not anymore." Came the somewhat garbled response. The orc's voice had a disgusting wet sound to it, like there was a need to forever cough something up. Thranduil stuck by it: everything about these creatures was disgusting. But regardless, the two words piqued both elves' interest. "The young one, the black-haired archer; we stuck him with a Morgul shaft. The poison is in his blood; he'll be choking on it soon." All very forthcoming suddenly, the orc's beady little golden hued eyes stared ahead seems one elf in particular seemed interested, if not distinctly concerned about the information. Tauriel.

She too had lost sight of Liruliniel, and with the orc that herself and Legolas captured, they rushed back to the palace without a second of delay. However, she was truly unaware to this, but also if Liruliniel was with the company, then there may be a shred of hope that the worst case wouldn't happen. Unfortunately, most, if not all herbs and any possible plants of healing withered so quickly within the forest. The chances of her finding anything of use was so slim. Yet, as ever, Tauriel schooled her expression, kept it blank as she merely stared right back at the orc.

She did not wish to give the thing satisfaction that he had caused a shudder to run down her back, and a shard of ice to creep into her. Unsettled by the reaction and the information, Tauriel just stared. She barely knew Kíli, but the small talks she had had with him, he seemed so unlike what she presumed a dwarf would perhaps be like. What could she say, she did not have as much experience with them as her fellow auburn-haired elf did.

But Kíli was polite, funny and witty in his own little way that had her smiling lightly more times than she could truly recall. There was something carefree, yet serious about him. To hear he may perish was hurtful to her. It wasn't good to grow fond of prisoners, but she had. "Answer the question, filth." She looked as cold as her tone as she didn't move from her spot near the throne's stairs.

The reply given was spat out in Black Speech. The orc strained against the knife, as if to literally spit in Tauriel's direction. The words resorted in her unsheathing a knife, and Legolas to tighten his hold to almost throttling. The orc didn't seem to care in the slightest either way, and why should he seems he was getting a rise out of two of the elves present.

"I would not antagonise her." Legolas said in a low tone, warning for what little use it would do the orc.

"You like killing things, orc? You like death? Then let me give it to you." Tauriel questioned measuredly, getting a growl or snarl in some way or another before charging forward. She was fully intent in plunging her knife somewhere fatal, but a call to stop had her ceasing suddenly.

"Tauriel, leave. Go now," Thranduil was very firm in the matter, yet unmoving from his spot. She looked instantly displeased, her eyes and expression hardened as she stared his way. Having her in the room was a liability, emotions would run high, and actions would be taken that would have consequences. Be it good or bad. Legolas looked at her sternly, hoping deep down she wouldn't try and dissuade his father's order.

Still with an expressionless mask in place, she sheathed her knife and walked around the orc. The gargling growling still coming from him as she retreated away. "I do not care about one dead dwarf. Answer the question," Thranduil went on as he heard Tauriel's footsteps lightly go down the stairs and further away. Thranduil's tone continued to have no fondness on the matter, which why would it? The dwarves held an interest, when they were here. "You have nothing to fear. Tell us what you know, and I promise you'll be free."

A weird sighing sound came from the orc then, it didn't sound like relief, but maybe some resignation on the matter. Yet again, despite of the knife, the orc fidgeted in its knelt position. "You had orders to kill them, why? What is Thorin Oakenshield to you?" Legolas asked, listening to the slightly hissing breathing which came from the orc beside him.

"Dwarf runt, will never be King!" The whole sentence was spat out venomously, there was deep rooted hate there for both Thorin and the prospect in which was mentioned.

"There is no King Under the Mountain, and nor will there ever be." Legolas said, perceiving movement from the corner of his eyes; his father slowly moved forwards, his head tilted slightly in interest about this. Legolas was not wholly knowing why, but he kept his hold firm as he trained his eyes on the orc. "None would dare enter Erebor whilst the dragon lives." It seemed like utter suicide to even contemplate such a thing. What fool would so freely do such a thing? Well, in part his musing had already been answered; Thorin and his friends.

"You know nothing. Your world will burn," the orc's tone was low and somewhat certain sounding as his golden eyes just stared ahead.

"What do you mean? What are you talking about? Speak!" Legolas gave it a slight shake, seeing as how the last ominous words which were spoken were left hanging lifelessly in the air.

The knife pressing deeper against grey and mottled skin had a snarl coming from the orc's lips. Pained and uncomfortable, yet still able to look slightly triumphant that he had confused at least one of the elves here. "Our time has come again. My Master serves the One. Do you understand now, elfling? Death is upon you. The flames of war are upon you. Did your seer not tell you as such-?" Getting too into reciting whatever this rubbish was that was coming from his mouth, there was a low rising cackle which was growing within his hollow sounding chest.

If only to get cut off as his head was quite literally cut off. Thranduil had heard these prophesied words before, but in a much kinder tone and from another. The mere mention of Liruliniel from this thing's lips and no, Thranduil had had enough. Legolas lifted the dismembered head up with a less than pleased expression. If anything, he seemed utterly perturbed to be holding it still.

"Why did you do that?" Legolas sounded almost accusing, almost. The body by now had collapsed to the floor with a dull thud, the head however was still in his grasp, and he looked at his father's back. He didn't understand, when they were getting answers, why such an action was taken. Surely there was more information to be had? "You promised to set him free." Legolas dropped the head; it bounced on the floor before just stopping and rolling to one side.

"And I did. I freed his wretched head from his miserable shoulders." Thranduil replied as he turned on his heels and walked back to Legolas's side. Lifting a boot, he pressed it against the leg of the still twitching dead orc. He dearly hoped neither the captive nor his son believed that there was literal freedom. Thranduil did not plan to let the orc out of here. No way was he going to walk out of here.

"There was more the orc could tell us." Legolas looked slowly up to Thranduil, he was still looking somewhat pitifully and blankly down at the beheaded corpse.

"There was nothing more he could tell me." Thranduil replied, a little smug sounding while turning away and whipping his sword in the air to rid it of the orc blood staining the otherwise pristine blade.

"What did he mean by the flames of war?" Legolas turned away from the corpse too and commenced following after his father. Ever allusive and evidently not wishing to reply to his son's question, Thranduil stayed silent for a few more moments.

"It means they intend to unleash a weapon so great it will destroy all before it." Thranduil sheathed his sword as he hurriedly made his way down the stairs. A few guards were down here in case something untoward happened with the orc. "I want the watch doubled at our borders; all roads and rivers, nothing moves that I hear of it. No one enters this kingdom, and no one leaves it." Thranduil looked back to Legolas to see him nod, before he left the room entirely. He walked down the corridor intending to go and contemplate everything that had happened, despite him attempting to lockdown his kingdom, it seemed actions which were out of his hands were having the opposite effect.

Tauriel had left, no sooner had she left the room and left the two blonde elves to the interrogation, she had retrieved her weaponry from her quarters and left. No one stopped her, however when it came to Legolas closing the gates, or getting the guards to, they had informed him of her disappearance. It was one thing to leave Liruliniel out there to her own devices, doing who knows what and maybe being into who knows what trouble thanks to dwarves, but Tauriel too? Thranduil seemed resigned to leave them out there, even if Legolas knew he didn't know about Tauriel, and as for Liruliniel...that would be eating him up inside.

But Legolas wasn't going to leave one of his friends out there, not now that he could help it this time, so it was for that reason that he instructed the guards to shut the gates behind him once he left. He couldn't bring Liruliniel back, but at least he could bring one of his friends back home.

=

Liruliniel was not sure what she expected to come across when she returned to where she last left the dwarves. Perhaps a slight squabble like the one she basically left on. The topic of getting to Erebor caused tensions to run high. Everyone seemed to have an idea, but whether any of these ideas were actually good or possible was something else entirely. She had left to find herbs, and she had returned with what she could find, only to return to no one.

Liruliniel frowned, skipping down the rocky path, her boots lightly skimmed the surface of the grey stone as she stood looking downwards at the small pier. The barrels had gone, the dwarves had gone, therefore they were on a barge to Esgaroth, she figured. Evidently between her leaving and returning the bargeman had appeared, the dwarves being ever resourceful clearly managed to bargain their ways onboard. Liruliniel couldn't help but smile, those dwarves...they were truly something.

Though she was immediately a bit peeved she'd been left here, stranded, she couldn't say she blamed them. They were on a schedule and really, she wasn't part of their plan. Because they clearly had a plan, even if she wasn't totally clued in on it. She looked at the herbs in her hands, the small stems probably wouldn't survive the journey to the town. But not only that, within Lake-town, the dwarves could be anywhere.

Jumping down, Liruliniel's boots lightly crunched against the gravelly ground as she walked to the riverbed. Kneeling down, she cupped her hands and shut her eyes while keeping the plants cradled to her chest, she silently whispered words of apology for harming them without a need or cause to. Placing her hands in the cold waters, she let them drift off downstream. She sat and watched them with a small smile, she truly was sorry for killing the plants without needing to, but who was she to know that they'd go before she came back.

Liruliniel tapped a finger to her temple, where was foresight then? Shaking her head, she readjusted her weaponry and turned on her heels to commence walking back up and along the river to a suitable place where she could muse with what to do. Does she return home? Or does she continue onwards on her own? She knew she said she'd aid the dwarves, but what use was she now they had parted ways?

Frowning, she shook her head, returning home meant admitting to Thranduil that he had ultimately been right, that the dwarves cut her loose as soon as they used her for whatever reason. She had protected them through the journey downstream and out of Mirkwood, what more use was she now? Liruliniel frowned and paused, tilting her head and flicking her eyes around the foliage she quickly darted and climbed up the nearest tree as high as she could go. Hopping and jumping and running along the boughs she paused and lowered herself down to crouch.

She was a good distance away from where she was, but even still she could still see the orc pack that had appeared. She had heard their stomping boots against the mud packed and rock dotted ground which was situated around this entire environment. The shouting and gruff words which were often in Black Speech also aided her in hearing them before seeing them. They were very obvious in their journey, and which way they were all headed.

Liruliniel gritted her teeth, there were quite a few of them. And all of them was as grisly looking as the next, the one in charge especially was an interesting character to say the least. Even from where she sat and with her eyes, she looked questionably at the pieces of metal that seemed to be attached to his skin. She shook her head; these were truly morbid creatures that didn't care about clearly maiming themselves in some way or another.

She didn't know what they were saying, but with the way they were looking around it was clear they too were looking for any signs of the dwarves. Liruliniel sat and watched as they ran off and away, they ran in a different direction to where she currently was. Decidedly it seemed that the decision had been made for her; she was going orc hunting. But that many and just her? Liruliniel bit her lip, she had been outmatched before, true, but this was almost suicidal if she went after them.

Jumping down the tree she trudged slowly back the way towards the palace. She was torn, she could not hunt that many on her own, likewise she could not leave those in the town to an orc raid. Her moral compass just wouldn't allow her to. She needed help. Thranduil was unlikely to aid, but perhaps others would be open to it? But then Liruliniel couldn't help but groan, if she entered the palace, she wasn't likely to be let out ever again.

With a sigh she crossed her arms with an angry frown. This was a bind, and it was annoying her. Blinking quickly, she pushed onwards, she heard talking. Voices which were so recognisable that she almost let out an exclaim of happiness. Legolas and Tauriel, but Liruliniel was confused, why were they out here? It seemed out of character for the blonde to come venturing this far, rather like his father there, let alone for the sake of the dwarves, perhaps not so much so for the orcs.

Tauriel however, well, Liruliniel had forever seen a kindred spirit there. Not that Tauriel was actively rebellious, not like how Liruliniel perhaps purposely was when she was younger. But Liruliniel definitely could see why Tauriel would do this. She worried about the outside world too, much like herself. Seeing what the two just did, Liruliniel smirked. Why couldn't she join them? The fact that both looked utterly startled by the arrows which were shot off in quick succession, purposely missing them by inches, had them going on the offensive.

"Actually, if I were an orc, you'd both be dead. Speaking of the pack are quite a way ahead of you two." She had wandered further back than she realised, the sun was drifting lower in the sky than she first thought.

"Liruliniel!" Tauriel exclaimed her name with a mixture of relief, shock and curiosity.

She walked out of the tree line, joining Legolas's side. He shot her a look, not liking the prank all too much. Yet he too looked relieved that she was here, beside him and not off with the dwarves. Not that that came as much of a surprise really, father and son disliked dwarves quite substantially. Although really, Legolas didn't have a reason to dislike them, more...was following suit. Regardless, Liruliniel looked between them and shouldered her bow again.

"Hello," she smiled while resting her hands against her sword belt, her fingers and thumbs looping over the familiar smooth leather.

"But you...Legolas informed us that you were with the dwarves." Tauriel said while flicking her eyes to the blonde, she could see he indeed believed this was true too. She could see that he did not lie, not that Tauriel believed Legolas would lie about such a thing, not when she knew how close each of them was to the other.

"They left without me."

"That doesn't sound surprising." Legolas quipped with a roll of his eyes. He suspected as such, he knew it, he just knew it. The dwarves were likely to take advantage and leave her hanging, he didn't think though that he would be seeing her so soon. He was grateful however, he was pleased, even if his expression was as neutral as ever. Shaking his head though, he commenced walking over to where Tauriel was, Liruliniel beside him as he went. "Tauriel, you cannot hunt thirty orcs on your own. Why else do you think Liruliniel has returned this way?" Legolas opted to say, gesturing to their friend. She was perhaps one of the best fighters he knew, if she had this common sense, Legolas did not understand why Tauriel did not, and she was equally brilliant in her skills.

"But I am not on my own," Tauriel replied rather smoothly, her eyes flicking from the dark waters lightly bubbling to her two friends.

"You knew I would come," Legolas couldn't help but smirk at that and Liruliniel just stood with a raised eyebrow feeling a bit awkward. Well, this was certainly very familiar. Not that she took Tauriel to be the damsel type, but sure, Legolas could be the knight in armour to aid the situation. Legolas saw the look on her face, "Don't say it," it was like he read her mind, Liruliniel's mouth snapped shut and she smiled lightly. Legolas just shook his head, these two were going to no doubt cause trouble for him, not that he was entirely begrudging that is.

"In truth, I was coming back." Liruliniel said, Legolas looked further put at ease by hearing this, and even more so when she wasn't going to comment on the really comfortable familiarity between himself and Tauriel. "There is a great many of them, that is true, and they are heading for Esgaroth. I cannot leave those innocent people to the ways of that pack. It will be a blood bath. From memory recalls, I do not think Esgaroth have any fighters. An army, I mean. They will be slaughtered easily."

"You were optimistic to come find aid," Tauriel said, looking sidelong at her.

Liruliniel waved between the pair, "Aid." She was going to just ignore the slight scoff in Tauriel's voice as she spoke. She had little to no doubt that asking forthright for help, would not actually mean help would be provided. But Liruliniel was just choosing to be cheery on the matter, enthusiastic even.

Legolas rolled his eyes, opting not to comment on that. These two were too likeminded at times. "The King is angry, Tauriel. Do not think you have escaped this either," he said noticing Liruliniel shy away from his side a little.

She winced and came walking back to his side with her head slightly bowed. Legolas could very well say that though what his father did to the orc was, well, totally within his father's character and nature, but even he could see the moment the orc mentioned Liruliniel, it was over, and his father's anger presented itself.

"For six hundred years my father has protected you, favoured you; you defied his orders, you betrayed his trust." Legolas's stride was quick as he jumped and climbed up the smooth grey rocks, they all stood on.

Liruliniel felt her heart twist. A vice had taken a hold and was wrenching it something chronic. Legolas's words hurt her too. Though she could see they bought some pain to Tauriel, it wasn't so visible as Liruliniel wincing. His father was a being almost six thousand years old, Liruliniel herself was a fair few years younger, by like a hundred years, so by Legolas's words, six hundred years of protection was nothing in comparison to how long he had done it with her.

The full weight of guilt leaving him, hit her and she felt momentarily breathless. Perhaps even a little panicked as she looked the way they had all come, she couldn't see the palace, nor the elf in question; but she could easily imagine how he would be.

"Come back with me, he will forgive you." Legolas's tone was soft, imploring, hoping that one if not both would agree. Though he could not say there wouldn't be repercussions for them both.

"But I will not," Tauriel frowned, her eyes narrowing in Legolas's direction. His expression fell a little, though it was already rather void of emotions, what little hope there was went. She was serious, she had no intentions of heading back to the palace. "If I go back, I will not forgive myself. The King has never let orc filth run in our lands, yet he would let this orc pack cross our borders and kill our prisoners." Tauriel said, but her voice held a soft edge to show though she believed this was the right thing to say, she did not wholly believe in it herself.

"It is not our fight." Legolas was very quick to reply, stern sounding and frowning as their friend turned back to look at them.

She had stared out at the water from this cliffy edge for a few moments before rounding back. "It is our fight; it will not end here. With every victory, this evil will grow; you have heard the words in which Liruliniel has spoken. We both have, and we have both heard enough stories from her to know that what I am saying is the truth. If your father had his way, we would do nothing. We would hide within our walls, live our lives away from the light and let darkness descend. Are we not part of this world? Tell me, my friend, when did we let evil become stronger than us?" Tauriel spoke strongly, her voice even and firm as she stared at Legolas. Nearly everything about what she said hit him hard, his face looked at her sourly not pleased that it had such an effect.

Liruliniel however smiled, she was proud. As awful as it was, perhaps her traits rubbed a little too much off on Tauriel. Reaching up, she placed a tentative hand on Legolas's arm. He frowned her way, Liruliniel smiled. "Your father always knew that I would do this. He has always known ever since we were children, that I had two goals in my life; to become a guard, and to help others. He may be angry, undoubtedly, he is angry that he did not try and stop me, or us, but...Legolas, no one wants to fight, not really. Sometimes it is needed to keep the peace, I suppose. We are not fighting to keep the peace, exactly. We are fighting because there are people who cannot. You know, small events have big consequences across the land. Do you perhaps know how much the land has been affected by our home turning dark?" Liruliniel moved from his side and sighed heavily, she turned and looked at Tauriel, "I was a bad influence on you." She smiled softly, Tauriel's stern exterior cracked and the gentle smiling woman she knew came shining through.

Liruliniel looked out across the water, "You mustn't be angry, Tauriel. Our King has lost a lot for the sake of fighting, and it pains him for more loss to come our way, his way especially. Which seems hugely selfish because we three are out here, and Legolas is right, in his own way he does care for you." Liruliniel said with a shake of her head. "As for you, even your grandfather knew when to fight and when not to and if it meant for the greater good, then he resigned to fate. You mean well, just like your father and grandfather before you, but Legolas...surely you can see returning and doing nothing, is the wrong thing to do."

Legolas shifted his weight and borderline glared at his friends. "You two will be the death of me."

"No, no we are the ones leading you down a rebellious path."

"You shouldn't be smiling while saying that." Legolas despaired slightly of Liruliniel there.

"Oh, no. No, I should be smiling. I was wondering how long it would take you to crack, to be honest." She laughed lightly and looked at Tauriel, even she was minutely surprised seems Legolas always seemed to be quite strong opinion wise. "Sometime, Legolas, you will have to make decisions based on a situation with which you may not have asked for and find yourself within. And in those moments, I think you will surpass any of us."

"Do you know something I don't?" He asked while the three of them commenced making their way towards the town, hot on the heels of the orc pack.

Liruliniel smiled, "I feel like this is your first steps towards something much greater, Legolas. And I am excited to see where your path leads you." She smiled fondly, though her mind was minutely twinged with sadness. Her mind weighing heavily as she had still seen herself fall in a battle of some sort. She wasn't sure if she would see where Legolas's life would take him, but she smiled on regardless as to not worry the blonde by her side. "Come on, we can't have those orcs outdoing us and reaching the town so soon. I'll race you two there!" Liruliniel beamed and was off and up in a tree before either of them could say anything.

Tauriel sighed, "I feel endless games will never cease." She smiled though and ran along the ground after the princess running and jumping along the boughs of the trees by her side.

"What's the fun in that?! We are here for so long, we do not wish to become stagnant like Lord Baramaethor, do we?" That statement had a short laugh coming from Tauriel and a frown from Legolas, he wasn't often one for speaking badly about his elders, but even his lips turned upwards in a smile slightly.

He couldn't say he disagreed even if he had to admit that deep down, the childish games were somewhat amusing and passed the time. Liruliniel definitely had a way of keeping things lively and entertaining, the two on the ground parted when she jumped down from her current tree and ran between them with an easy smile on her face.

She felt a bit better now knowing that she would not be heading into Esgaroth alone to deal with these rampaging orcs. Though she could not help but dwell on what damage may have already been done. After all, they were perhaps by now a good half a day ahead of them, a few hours meant a lot of difference, especially when running all the way there by foot. Elves were quick on their feet and not likely to tire, so with speed and agility that was second to none, the three silently continued on their steady way hoping they would catch up to the orcs before they even entered the town.

The thought of a rest never once crossed Liruliniel's mind, not once; she was under the impression that there was haste in hunting down the orcs, but also to get to Lake-town beforehand, possibly. Legolas and Tauriel however, disagreed. There was no point in them rushing ahead, forever pressing onwards just to eventually tire themselves out. Sure, they may not tire as easily as mortals, but even still, steadfastly running to Esgaroth would eventually tire them, it was inevitable.

She felt bad when she slipped away, quite easily, when nightfall came. The worse part being that Legolas did not even try and halt her. He was on guard for the first part of the evening, she hadn't even tried to be that secretive, yet his voice still made her stop attempting to climb into a tree. Legolas sat near the small fire they had made and just looked up at her. "You will not stop, will you? Even with the pack out there too, it will not stop you, will it?"

Liruliniel shook her head, "No. I cannot sit still and wait for the worst to happen. I have sat by too long, and I am restless in standing aside. If that pack reach the town, it will be a slaughter. Likewise, if those dwarves reach the Mountain even worse things will happen."

"So, you do not wish to aid them inside?" Legolas's blue eyes stared upward at her; the flame light made them even more sharp looking.

Liruliniel crouched down beside him once she moved to his side. "I have already seen the dragon, Legolas. And since the first time I did, I have been trying to think of a way to stop it destroying yet another city. I have failed, I am not one for admitting failure, but other than killing the thing...sure, that may seem impossible, but everyone has a weakness. I digress, with enough warning and words spoken to the Master, surely an evacuation can be put in place? I did not physically see the destruction of Dale; I would rather keep to that with Esgaroth and not see it either."

"You are persistent," Legolas tried to sound grumbling on the matter, but he failed because the corners of his lips turned up slightly. Liruliniel smiled and let out a quiet laugh, she looked to their still sleeping friend and sighed. Legolas caught her gaze and looked at her firmly, "I do not need to explain to her why you have gone. Believe me when I say that she would join you if you woke her. But tactically, it is not wise."

"One tired elf is enough, hm?"

"You are very fast at recovery; we all know it. Likewise, you are perhaps the fastest. I just do not like the thought of you forging ahead with the pack not too far in front either."

"I will not engage in fruitless fighting." Liruliniel promised, she wouldn't. She was fast, if anyone had a chance of overtaking the pack, it was her. "I need to do this."

"I may not wholly understand why, despite your reasons given, but I do understand that I will not be able to stop you. I just wish you luck and we will see you when we arrive. Try and save some orcs for us though, it wouldn't do to allow you to have all the glory." Legolas quipped, smirk in place as he looked at her pointedly.

Liruliniel clapped him on the shoulder, "My friend, I am good, I am not that good. But I shall see you both soon. Rest well," Liruliniel said standing if only to lean down and kiss the top of his head. It was an action which had Legolas frowning her way suddenly uncertainly, it was a level of affection which she perhaps hadn't shown him since he was a child. Yet he just sat and watched her shrink into the shadows and up a tree, soon she was out of sight.

Liruliniel did feel slight niggling exhaustion pulling at her limbs. But she meant what she said, there had to be a contingency plan in place for the worst-case scenario. If not, a lot of people were going to die. A lot of people who had no place or purpose amongst the squabble between dwarves and dragon. And that was something Liruliniel could not abide, the senseless loss of innocent lives. As often the way when such matters arise, the innocents would always be the ones who would be the ones suffering the most. And she was sick and tired of this endless cycle.

Jumping onto another branch and running quietly along it, she listened to the breeze shake the leaves slightly. The wind was growing steadily chillier; she had been feeling it the more they had furthered on. But now, now the cold was nipping at her cheeks and nose. Frowning when she caught sight of smoke from a clearing, she huffed quietly. Her breath came out in a small plume, so the orcs too had stopped for the night. She tilted her head and continued on speedily. They did not have too much further to travel, for both parties that is. Esgaroth was looming ever steadily closer, and the closer she got the more Liruliniel's stomach started to twist.

She didn't feel sick, just, nervous perhaps. The last time she came here she was a child, pretending to be a guard. Because that was what she was then, though inducted into training, like heck was she a guard. She could just about hold a sword and block attacks. Her speed was the only thing she could rely on when fighting Oropher, and even then, he outdid her. The strength in his attacks had her spiralling, that much she remembered. But she stood her ground and was allowed to come here.

She disliked Esgaroth the first time. She couldn't say she liked it anymore now that she was seeing it with adult eyes. The houses were still too close, roofs touching and slouching and the houses below looking like they were sagging. Everything just looked...worse, so much more rundown with time. This town had not seen kind years, nor been well looked after it seemed.

She winced as she managed to hop and jump over what seemed to be a toll gate of some sort. Raising an eyebrow, she couldn't help but shake her head. That would only deter vessels on the icy waters, not those within the trees surrounding the town. Getting in was easy, of course it was, she was quick, and she was quiet. Her boots didn't make a sound as she ran along the roof tiles, the terracotta colour looked very weathered underneath her feet. She stood there, on someone's house with her hands on her hips. She breathed steadily, catching her breath a little as she looked about herself. It didn't seem to have change, truth be told. The icy waters were still just that, clumps of ice drifted in amongst the small bridges and wharfs of the town, these bridges and wharfs still connected parts of the town to each other.

The houses, well, though she hadn't ever been in one still looked close to collapse despite of the cosy warm glows from the windows. As she crouched down, she could see into the window of a house opposite, a roaring fire, though small, was burning away in the hearth and a family seemed to be crowded around it. Liruliniel smiled, the small child looked rather joyous about something before her father picked her up and placed her in his lap.

Leaning her elbow against her knee, she placed her cheek against her palm and just watched the simple, yet comforting sight before her. She was aware if anyone else saw her, they'd no doubt be rather creeped out. But she was caught by the sight of the comfortable family that she felt herself sigh. It was content. When was the last time she truly felt content? And all it took was a child's apparent happiness over being in her father's lap that did it.

Liruliniel may aesthetically dislike Esgaroth, but it was these people's homes, and they didn't deserve to lose that because of a dragon. She knew what it was like to lose a home, and it was jarring. There was no need for this little girl to have to lose her home, or life because men were perhaps too proud to put in place a plan to get out. She clicked her tongue, if she remembered rightly, Oropher had said the Master he met with was shrewd, calculating and unkindly.

Her mouth pulled downwards, was this a normal thing? A normal trait even? Liruliniel tilted her head and shot to a stand, there was a ruckus more in town and she was naturally drawn to it. Liruliniel's boots hopped and jumped, her form easily cleared the gaps between some of the houses. Her sea-coloured eyes looked downwards when people were starting to come out of their homes to also see what was going on. She took it this wasn't a normal thing? Some carried torches, others seemed to still be dressed for bedtime. Liruliniel's stomach did another twist, oh...she had a very bad feeling here.

She barely knew the town, so she followed the streaming lines of people. By now her pace had slowed and she just plodded along the rooftops with her hands behind her head. Her eyes looked up at the moon, so bright and silver she was distracted and came from her thoughts by shouting. She shut her eyes then; she so distinctly recognised those voices that she couldn't help but look deadpanned.

Of course it was the dwarves she had come to slowly know, of course. Who else would come into a town and cause such an uproar? Liruliniel resisted slapping a hand to her face, what had they gone and done now? Finding a reasonable place to sit and watch, she hunkered down on her haunches and loosely hung her hands between her knees. From here, the people of the town looked distinctly like an angry mob. She dearly hoped not, although even without weapons the dwarves would surely put up a fight.

Liruliniel couldn't help but wipe that from her mind, the guards of the town were surrounding them with all manner of weapons from pikes to swords. "Hm," she drawled out, "Great." Sarcastically said in a whisper as she rolled her eyes, she hung her head. She fidgeted to the edge of the roof and hung her legs over the side; she might as well get comfortable here. Perhaps there would be a time for her to interject, but she was patient and would wait to see.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Exclaimed from a rather tall, broad man from a set of double doors.

Liruliniel's eyes widened, she placed her hands on her knees and squinted. The town centre as it were, that's where they were! The darkness made it hard to pick up details, but she remembered walking up and down those steps waiting for Oropher. But even still, she winced. The man who came out looked little less to be desired, both in countenance and disposition.

He hauled on a rather thick looking robe with furs as his thinning ginger hair blew in the slight breeze of the night. Liruliniel sighed, so this was the new Master, or rather...the Master at the moment. She couldn't help but look blandly at him, well, it didn't take a genius to see that he perhaps from the overly lush robe he wore that he definitely favoured himself above his subjects.

"We caught them stealing weapons, sire." A guard at the front said. Liruliniel frowned, sire, she thought, well somehow that didn't seem right to her. When did being in charge of a town, make someone royalty? Blowing out her cheeks as she sighed, and she shook her head. This was going to be an uphill struggle if he believed himself to be royal, somehow.

"Ah! Enemies of the state, eh?"

"A desperate bunch of mercenaries, if ever there was, sire." A rather hunched up man with dark hair peeking from a hat upon his head spoke up from the Master's side. Liruliniel frowned, he looked at the dwarves rather distastefully and even his tone was one of displeasure. He looked rather shrew like, she scoffed, Oropher may have used the word shrewd, but she did not believe he meant it in the way of appearance. However, now, she wasn't too sure.

"Hold your tongue," Dwalin said lowly, Liruliniel, from the brief encounters didn't think he was able to sound anymore angry, but somehow right here, he was. "You do not know to who you speak! This is no common criminal, this is Thorin, son of Thráin, son of Thrór." Dwalin spoke the introduction in a strong tone, despite the growing murmurs of the people around them as he walked to Thorin's side and gestured his tattooed hand to him.

Thorin looked downwards, Liruliniel would say perhaps a little embarrassed that introductions were happening like this, she didn't know. But regardless, he stepped forward to be beside his friend. "We are the dwarves of Erebor. We have come to reclaim our homeland," Thorin said, voice unwavering as he fixed an unblinking gaze upon the Master, and his little shrew friend.

The whispered murmurs now grew in volume amongst the people, utterly in shock and disbelief this was happening; like they never once entertained the idea that the dwarves would return home. "I remember this town, in the great days of old; fleets of boats lay at harbour filled with silks and fine gems, this was no forsaken town on a lake. This was the centre of all trade in the north. I would see those days return, I will relight the great forges of the dwarves and send wealth and riches once more from the halls of Erebor!" Thorin's voice grew with passion with the more he spoke, and his enthusiasm and belief in what he was saying was stirring the people up too. By now there was cheers, agreeing shouts and even the odd hand and fist shot in the air to accompany the action.

Liruliniel sighed, "He is very good at speaking," she whispered to herself, that much she couldn't take away from Thorin.

"Death! That is what you will bring upon us." The simple word and sentence cut through the cheering like a knife through butter. Even Liruliniel shifted in her rooftop space, her eyes flicking amongst the crowd before finding the person who presumably shouted out. She could only figure as much seems he was pressing forwards to be in the clear space where Thorin stood. "Dragon fire and ruin, if you awaken that beast it will destroy us all." The earnest expression on this man's face had Liruliniel pitching forwards to look at him better. She almost couldn't believe her ears, here was one person disagreeing with the masses, well why did that sound familiar?

She couldn't help but smile, regardless of the awful topic at hand. An ally. She looked upon this dark-haired man and saw a potential ally. The stern expression which crossed his face perhaps wasn't very welcoming, but the prospect was there. The fact he so blatantly stated what she had in so many words, told Thorin already was something else entirely. She didn't think he had foresight, she just thought that unlike those around him, he wasn't so easily swayed with possible greed.

She admired him somewhat for that, despite not knowing him. Takes a lot of nerve to stand amongst your fellow peers and say no and disagree with everything they are doing because of your own core beliefs. Liruliniel sniffed, she'd been there and done that and respected him actually for speaking up. That took a lot of courage, she hadn't known many mortals, but from what she read they had huge bouts of courage at times which were most odd.

"You can listen to this naysayer, but I promise you this; if we succeed, all will share in the wealth of the Mountain." Thorin's tone was honest as he looked at the crowd again, seemingly ignoring the serious man before him as cheers and excited jitters took up again. "You will have enough gold to rebuild Esgaroth ten times over!" That just did it, cemented the swaying and had the crowd of people cheering ever more loudly with the promise of what Thorin was supplying.

"All of you listen to me! You must listen! Have you forgotten what happened to Dale? Have you forgotten those that died in the firestorms, and for what purpose? The blind ambition of a Mountain King. So driven by greed he could not see beyond his own desires!" The man's voice shouted out and Liruliniel listened to the crowd go silent, awkwardly so as whispers went around. Thorin did not look all too pleased by the sudden change in heart, but this was something which happened to their neighbours.

"Now, now, we must not, any of us lay blame. Let us not forget that it was Girion, Lord of Dale, your ancestor that failed to kill the beast!" The Master all but jeered, and the crowd in a split second took to accusingly shouting and agreeing.

Liruliniel stood up, her heart hurt for the poor man. "It is true, sire, we all know the story; arrow after arrow he shot. Each one missing its mark." The shrew man spoke again, the tone of voice he used completely snide and Liruliniel sighed.

"No, had enough." She simply stepped a foot over the roof and fell down. The fall would not harm her, nor kill her and the fact she came plummeting from nowhere had most, if not all letting out startled screams and jumping away.

The Master and his shrew friend for sure looked close to running inside, Liruliniel frowned. Those double doors would not do much good, she doubted. Yet she straightened and looked at Thorin, she had landed right in front of him. Purposely thanks to doing a jump before falling, he for one looked at her completely bewildered. If Thorin looked bewildered, then, well, everyone looked absolutely taken back.

Liruliniel smiled, she took it she was the first elf these people perhaps had ever seen? Well, she guessed she might as well make a good impression, right? "I am Princess Liruliniel of Eregion and Mirkwood, the last line of the House of Fëanor, High Elf and soldier to King Oropher, Lord Elrond, High King Gil-galad and the Elvenking, King Thranduil. I am here to deliver news, the dragon will come but so will the orcs." Liruliniel wasn't really one for ever throwing her weight around, but to see the two men on the stairs shrink ever more back, along with the whispers and mumbles from the townsfolk, Liruliniel couldn't help but smile politely throughout. Well, needless to say that she had made an impression alright.

——

Edited: 7/July/2025