Even if Tilda and Sigrid were declining her aid, Liruliniel sought to finding some who may need it. She couldn't just stand back and watch everyone dismantle this camp; honestly, she didn't know that already those who had made it to the other side of the river before the full extent of Smaug's attack hit, had made it this far back. This camp stretched out further than she first thought, and though she had walked beside the sisters out of the shoreline camp, Liruliniel walked between the makeshift tents with a small frown.

She couldn't deny it; people were truly inventive and hardy; she admired them for it. They had lost everything, or near enough, yet here they were trying to help each other make tents, make rationed food; if only now to dismantle it all. Legolas had quipped about them turning on each other, in regard to Alfrid from what Liruliniel had overheard, she understood it, but they seemed more together now. Maybe that was because of thanks to Bard talking sense into them.

Even now the dark-haired male was walking about trying to rally everyone up and together to move. Winter was coming, but also the creeping nighttime would no doubt come around quicker than anyone thought. They needed to move, Dale was the only viable option and even Liruliniel knew that before he even mentioned it, or at least, inadvertently did so to Legolas. The fact the blonde elf was still around caused Liruliniel to frown slightly. He was not aiding, he was standing and watching.

Putting a bundle in a cart, which had miraculously got over here somehow, Liruliniel walked to his side. He didn't look too bought on the idea of everyone marching to Dale. Exchanging a look, Liruliniel dipped her head to the side. They couldn't stop them; these people needed a home. Even if that home was near Erebor, and without a dragon standing guard...things could get worse, whether these people knew it or not was something else entirely.

Hearing a voice that Liruliniel had come to find as displeasing and slithery as Smaug's, she wasn't surprised at all to see a still rather damp Alfrid skulking about. She couldn't help but frown, he wasn't helping his people. He was seemingly just walking about, apparently telling people what they were doing wrong, or to hurry up. That didn't seem right, Legolas gave her a look, a very understanding look. Yet it was enough to discourage her from speaking up.

Instead, she along with her friend watched Alfrid process the few words which Bard and Legolas shared. "The Mountain? You are genius, sire. We could take refuge inside the Mountain; it might smell a bit dragon; but the women can clean that up. It'll be safe, and warm and dry, and full of stores; bedding, clothing, the odd bit of gold." Alfrid's tone was drifting in and out of thoughtfulness and awareness of the fact that every so often, Bard would cast a look over his shoulder. He would stop packaging something up, to look in Alfrid's direction. Though Alfrid may have believed Bard was truly listening, the look on the latter's face said otherwise.

Bard couldn't be anymore against the idea of ransacking that Mountain if he even tried to think otherwise, no. It was just a no, the fact that Alfrid had thought of all this, didn't surprise him. How many others thought like this too, was a mystery to him. Yet, picking up the bundle he was securing, he turned and looked at the rather miserable faced man standing a few paces away.

"What gold is in that Mountain, is cursed. We will take only what was promised to us, only what we need to rebuild our lives." Bard said, rather unblinkingly as he made his way towards Alfrid. He didn't seem struck on the words yet just nodded mutely and got the secured stack of firewood dumped into his arms, rather unceremoniously too.

"News of the death of Smaug will have spread through the lands." Legolas said, Bard had walked past with a passing glance only to pause hearing the elf-Prince speak. "Others will now look to the Mountain, for its wealth, for its position."

Bard shifted his weight, he looked in Liruliniel's position as she helped some elderly lady take down her and some little children's tent. Legolas glanced over too, his expression turning knowing just by the look Bard sent back at him. "Do you know more than what she does? Lark has been many things, forthcoming with the truth is perhaps at the top of the list."

Legolas couldn't help but tilt his head lightly at that, the endearing nickname was perhaps more for the ease for them then struggling to always say her name, but something about it didn't sit well with him. Was it not a bit strange to be on such friendly terms with a relative stranger? Of course, little to the prince's knowledge, both Bard and Liruliniel in the short space of knowing each other, had got a rather amicable friendship started. She had been honest with him, been polite and no matter what was thrown her way, she coped and adapted. She didn't have to stay with him to take on Smaug, but she did. She kept coming back, even after almost going up in an inferno, she came back to the ruined watchtower looking for him and Bain. That was loyalty which was void in most these days.

Looking one last time at Liruliniel, Legolas just stared at the man before him. "Nothing that is more certain than whatever she has told you. I do fear what is to come though, as I am sure she does too; and so, should you all. Be wary going so close to the Mountain." Legolas said while turning and going to where Liruliniel knelt talking to a small child. He stood to one side watching, the young girl looked at him before backing off.

Liruliniel frowned up at him, "I think you scared her." The stoic aura wasn't all too welcoming at the best of times. Brushing her hands on her trousers she stood and looked at him with a small smile.

Legolas looked around before shaking his head, he didn't think it was possible for her to be rude to anyone. Liruliniel had always been kind, especially to children. He had often thought that she would've made a brilliant mother, and in some parts, she was the figure of that role, much like Caladhiel was to her. "You intend to stay with them?" It was a silly question, he knew that.

Liruliniel sighed heavily, she looked to Erebor, there was a break in the trees, and it could so easily be seen looming. "I feel like I need to. I cannot come to Gundabad with you, earlier I did think it was pointless for me to try and stop you, but I will try. Please, do not go to that place, Legolas. It is a place of death, just death and nothingness. It is a bad land. Bad and evil."

"I know, I remember full well the tales which you used to tell."

"Then you would remember how much I deterred you then to ever stop foot in such a place. Your father will surely go ballistic if he finds out."

"He will only find out, if you tell him." Legolas pointed out, crossing his arms and looking around. Tauriel had disappeared for the time being, but he spied her looking at Erebor from a small distance away. The worry she had was something which he had to take onboard but be indifferent to.

"Like I am not going to tell him! You must be mad if you think I will not, Legolas. It is bad enough you sent a messenger away declining the invite to return home-"

"And you believe I would, without Tauriel?"

"Even I wouldn't!"

"My point exactly," Legolas sighed and looked despairingly at her. They were just going around in circles, and he could see what her problem was. "I will not suffer the same fate as my mother, or your family, Liruliniel."

"My dearest Legolas, you cannot promise such a thing." Liruliniel wished he hadn't uttered those words. She honestly wished she hadn't heard that come from him, it made her heart pull.

Legolas looked at her apologetically, a rare flicker of emotion from the usual blank mask. "We will see each other again, Liruliniel. But you also know that we need to know what the orcs are doing. Their stronghold is not far, if Bolg and Azog are marching, they will march from there; we both know this."

"And if we are wrong, what if they aren't?"

Legolas tilted his head, "Have you seen something?" He was hesitant to ask, but that's what her words seemed to signal to. She shook her head though, everything had been quiet in her mind, and she didn't know when that last happened was. It was disconcerting to say the least.

"I am thinking in hypotheticals."

"There is no point, until we have solid facts."

Liruliniel nodded, she supposed that was true. Yet she looked sadly at him, "Please be safe, please. I do not want you to go to that land, Legolas. Even though your points are very true. Which makes it worse. When did you get so persuasive?" She mused with a smile while crossing her arms and shifting her weight.

"Learned from the best," he replied with a small smile growing on his lips too. Looking up he glanced at Tauriel, Liruliniel looked on too and sighed. "She needs something to focus on. That way it will appease your mind that I am not alone."

"I will worry constantly for you both, believe me." Liruliniel sighed, she'd be a fool if she didn't. Holding up a hand she waved it at him, Legolas was confused yet leaned forwards; only to have her hand go to the back of his head and pull him close. His forehead bumped against hers and she stared at him hopefully, yet sadly. "Come back in one piece, I have lost too many in that place. I refuse to lose you too. Be swift, Legolas, and be safe." Liruliniel felt him nod, he looked a little awkward from the close contact yet slipped back and marched his way to Tauriel, they needed to find a horse and go, while she looked around and mused about, well, everything.

Hearing shuffling feet, she looked slowly to the side. Rolling her eyes skyward, she just inhaled slowly. Alfrid was standing looking still at the Mountain, before his dark eyes landed on her. Liruliniel tilted her head and looked at him plainly, he just seemingly had nothing to say, which was a shock. Yet he looked her up and down before walking away grumbling under his breath.

"I don't think he likes me." Liruliniel looked to the side, Bard stopped aiding some of the injured into a makeshift hammock and glanced at Alfrid's retreating back.

"I don't think he likes anyone." Bard offered as some form of compensation, jokingly said but also there was an attempt at being sympathetic. He walked to her side and looked at the path they were to take, it was rough and cut through the trees. Despite not having anyone walk it for quite some time, it was a miracle it was even still there. Nature hadn't quite reclaimed this land back just yet.

Liruliniel shrugged, "We have a long walk ahead of us, sire."

"Don't you start." Bard shot down with a frown, looking really quite discouraging at her and she couldn't help but laugh. It was like he was scolding one of his children, for the moment it seemed he had forgotten just how old she actually was. It was comical, it really was.

Yet she held up her hands in innocence and gestured to the path, Bard just shook his head and commenced walking to the front. He wasn't all too surprised that her swift footsteps followed after him, him and his family were, after all, the only people she really knew. A burnt shell of what was once a sprawling and successful city; that is what Dale was. What was busy and bustling streets, were now echoes of a past life, cracked brickwork and cobbles on the roads covered still in grime and snow.

Erebor overshadowed the remnants of the city so easily that most of Dale was swallowed in the gloom. Snow from the peak would drift and flit down, the new occupants of the city looked about dubiously, it was clear no one knew how exactly they could forge a life out here. There was nothing, the buildings looked near close to collapse. A few had managed to escape Smaug's attack the first time around, but even still, they probably couldn't be trusted as decent shelter. No one seemed to want to risk it either, hesitant looks were cast about as the survivors made their way upwards and into the heart of the city.

Everyone stuck together, nobody seemed up for splintering off to explore this place, this ghost of a past that they had only heard stories about. No doubt none of them had been here, all of them being bought up on stories of the dragon's attack on the city, the innocent city which was so unsuspecting to what could come for it, just for being neighbours with Erebor. The loss of Dale had struck a blow in this part of the world, it was successful in trade with both the dwarves and those within Esgaroth, hence why the latter stuttered slowly to a fail; it had lost its two trading neighbours and were thus then stuck with trying to push for deals with the elves.

From Liruliniel's memory, Oropher had been rather nonchalant originally with getting a trade route and deal sorted with the Master of old. Thranduil, well, he seemed as nonchalant as his father; not that that was a surprise in the slightest to her. Inhaling, Liruliniel shook her head sadly. She had only a vision, and a long distant view of the city, but being here weighed heavily on her. It felt like being smothered, not just because of the blackened earth and buildings, but because it all seemed so close.

Jumping when a hand was placed on her shoulder, she looked around and at Bard. He looked concerned, little did she know he had been speaking to her, only to not get any replies. "It feels strange being here." She explained, her eyes looking up and scanning the area, the wind seemed to almost moan through the open windows of the hollowed buildings. "Last time I was here, it was so full of life; everyone was so happy, everything was so peaceful."

"With time, it could be again." He offered, getting a wry smile from her as she nodded her head in agreement. It was clear he and everyone else were going to settle here. Esgaroth could be rebuilt and inhabited again, just not too soon. Nobody's memories or nerves were ready to return and clean up the mess from Smaug.

"Ah, yes. Bard the Dragonslayer and his kin shall return and restore Dale to its former glory or give Dale a more shining future than what anyone has seen before." Liruliniel teased, he rolled his eyes dryly and looked rather put out by her joking. She did apologise quietly though; responsibility didn't seem to be a thing he wished to wholly acknowledge. It was strange, humble even in a way. She was aware that he did what he did, because he saw that he was the only one who could.

Before he could say something else, the sound of Alfrid shouting caught both of their attention. It seemed he had found his way up and onto the ramparts, he was looking at something, or rather something had caught his attention. Bard gently patted her on the arm; she got the message and ran after him. In truth, she was curious too. Hearing that the braziers were lit had Liruliniel leaning hesitantly on the brickwork in front of her, she couldn't believe it.

Even Bard sounded shocked, "So, the company of Thorin Oakenshield survived." It was a small miracle, he wasn't sure how they managed it, but they had.

"Survived? You mean there's a bunch of dwarves in there with all that gold?" Alfrid turned and looked darkly at Bard as he slipped from his side. Alfrid for one sounded hugely put out by the prospect of the dwarves still being alive.

Liruliniel felt elated, honestly, she did. She let out a long breath and just stared towards Erebor. Her eyes burned a little, and how could she not almost weep with happiness? She had spent a while with those dark thoughts lingering in her mind. She worried truthfully that Fíli, Kíli, Óin and Bofur were going to walk in on a mass grave. "You would have to get them to share first," Liruliniel commented, or rather furthered on from Bard's words of there being enough riches for everyone. Alfrid shot her a look, "It took a dragon to part them all, you are not as terrifying as a dragon, Alfrid." She sighed and stood from her leaning post and looked at the doorway still. "I could try and talk to them."

"And say what?" Alfrid looked at her with a dirty look.

"Would it work, do you think they would they listen?" Bard decided to ask instead, being more sensible in his questioning.

Liruliniel tilted her head, "We won't know, unless we try." She smiled and passed both men to walk back down the cracked steps. She walked to the stone arches which used to have gates upon them, she looked up at them and frowned sadly. Everything was the same, yet not. It was painful to see, and to be here.

"Where are you going?" Tilda appeared by her side, she had splintered from her sister and brother to go and see what Liruliniel was doing.

"I am going to go talk to the dwarves." Tilda's eyes widened at that, Liruliniel sighed. "No, you cannot come. You and your kin have had a traumatic day and then some, you need rest, Tilda. Go, go find Sigrid and Bain and I shall tell you what happens when I return."

"Promise?"

Liruliniel grinned, "Yes, I promise. Now go, your father will no doubt be unhappy with me if I took you with me. So go, you go on now." She even placed a hand to her back and nudged her away from herself. The little girl groaned yet did so, Liruliniel shook her head, children. Regardless she stepped foot from under the arch and walked briskly towards the Mountain.

The hilly outcrops and boulders still ran along the pathway, sprouting vegetation and flowers were dotted about here and there, Liruliniel couldn't help but smile. This felt very much the same, the same feeling of awe filled her. No matter what happened, she was sure she'd always feel this feeling when coming upon Erebor. How could anyone not? It was so impressive. Even with the doorway smashed in and figures darting about, layering stone and brickwork up.

She frowned at that and ran forwards quickly, her speed having her reach the Mountain quicker than if she was ambling. "Liruliniel!" Bofur exclaimed, being the first to spot her suddenly standing awkwardly on the other side of what appeared to be a barricade. Naturally him exclaiming her name had the others looking and coming over welcoming enough to see her.

"I must admit, I am surprised but happy. I am so happy to see you all!" Liruliniel exclaimed and went to jump onto the brickwork, only to hear a shout from elsewhere and see Thorin more or less stomping his way forwards. She paused standing with one foot on the stones, the other firmly on solid ground. "Can I not come in? I am a friend, am I not?" She questioned, she didn't like the way in which Thorin's head tilted and he looked at her with a hollow look. "Thorin, I come here merely in search of you all, and to ask if we may call upon you to aid us." Liruliniel said on behalf of those in Dale.

Balin waved a hand at her, trying to dispel the serious tension in the area. He shuffled forwards, looking at her with tense happiness. Liruliniel raised an eyebrow, something was not right. "Are there many who have survived?"

"Yes. The numbers are greater than I believed. But I am sure together, we could all help each other. It is what friends do." Liruliniel said, her eyes skimming to Thorin, his silence was unsettling.

"You came here alone, asking for aid on behalf of people who are not your own; could they not seemingly try themselves?" Those weren't exactly the words which Liruliniel expected to come from Thorin. "There is no aid to be had here. Return and tell that to the Master." Thorin said with nonchalance that was bordering on uncaring.

"The Master is dead, Thorin. The people down there are banded together through this hardship which you bought on them. They are suffering, because of you. The least you could do is help them." Liruliniel said, putting her foot down, somewhat literally as she stamped on the brickwork and leaned forwards with a glare. Her words had the dwarves awkwardly looking at each other, some even trying to stop her mid-sentence before Thorin turned and looked at her with something akin to hate. Which was new to her. "When did I become your enemy? Or those within Dale?" She asked while standing away from the stone barricade. "I am your friend, and those people-"

"They only wished to aid because of the promise of riches. That is all. They did not care if we perished or not, as long as they got something for it, then all was fine. No, I will not be sending aid to you or those people. Leave, leave before you regret coming here."

Liruliniel stared at him long and hard before shaking her head and turning away. She returned silently to Dale, the look on her face alone had Bard knowing that the experience with the dwarves went dreadfully. Someone at some point put rationed food into her hands, Liruliniel sighed and looked around. Walking to an elderly couple which were holding onto each other, she knelt down and tore the bread in half before handing each slice to them.

"Do...but-"

"I do not need it. Elves do not require sustenance as much as mortals. I will not starve, and I refuse to eat this while there are those which need it more. Honestly, I will be fine, take it. Take it and I hope it sates you for the evening." Liruliniel said watching the elderly couple exchange a look before taking it from her hands, they quietly thanked her before she left them to it and went to a fire which had been made.

She shut her eyes and eventually pinched the bridge of her nose, though she did not require food she required sleep right now. Spotting a watchtower which seemed still reasonably stable, she retired to there. She shed herself of her weapons and curled up in the corner, from here she could see the moon, the stars, everything. And it was peaceful, honestly it was so peaceful, and it was this peace which accompanied her to sleep.

If only her sleep was peaceful, it was anything but. Clashes of steel, the smell of blood and smoke went hand in hand with screams, shouts and roars. "Broshan, Dreamwalker; hontum mubi latob mubaram." A whispery voice spoke from the darkness, forms could be seen; sometimes close, sometimes far away. The forms jittered and jumped about, swaying and falling; Liruliniel couldn't breathe, it felt like a weight was against her chest and she was powerless to shift it. "Kramp lat hontum it? Kul atigat nul? Kul atigat asgaja? What will you do? You are dying."

Liruliniel couldn't see the talker, very rarely was that something she was granted. Yet the words she understood had her thrashing in an attempt to get her limbs to listen, everything in her body felt heavy and looking down she could see why; her legs and arms were bloody and littered with injuries and shafts from arrows, but her chest, there was a gaping hole that seemed to have punctured straight through. Liruliniel screamed, a noiseless scream in her dream as her ears rung and she couldn't do anything.

The sounds of marching, of calls, of cheers is what welcomed her when her eyes eventually opened. Lifting her head from her chest, she peered outside, she let out a breathless sound and got to her knees. Placing her hands on the windowsill, she couldn't help but marvel at the sight before her; elves, all shining in their golden armour were present in the city, wagons of food were being carefully passed out and unladen for those that needed it.

Presently of course overseeing this to one side was Thranduil, silver armour reflecting the dim sunlight brilliantly already as he was sat upon the equally elegant elk which Liruliniel couldn't help but smile at, the curious looks being cast around was endearing in a way. Familiar, the familiarity of it all had her feeling some form of comfort, if only that was short lived by the sheer number of elves which were present.

It was the whole army, and she couldn't help but frown, a sinking feeling was entering her stomach, and she moved to the side to grab her weapons before pausing. She placed Azkâr over her shoulder slowly, she couldn't go out there readying to argue. She knew this was coming and had known for a long time. Placing a hand to her chest, she rubbed it slowly. The gaping wound may have been fictional, but it felt so real.

Looking over her shoulder she shook her head, glancing at her boots she sunk back down and hung her head in her hands. She was unaware if Thranduil knew she was here, and she had hoped Bard would be polite enough as to not mention her, she really hoped he didn't. But then finding a way to talk to Thranduil alone was making her feel uneasy.

She scrunched her nose up, he was either going to be relieved, which she'd prefer, annoyed naturally on how she went, or some other mixed-up emotion of everything. It was perhaps foolish of her, but she decided to wait and scope out just what sort of mood he was currently in. From the blank look on his face as she scuttled about the more stable rooftops, she could tell he was displeased enough.

Bard was nearby, and honestly throughout the day the two seemed to correspond more and more. When the pair disappeared in the direction of the Mountain, the elves commenced setting up more of a camp for themselves. Liruliniel slumped on the roof and hung her legs over the sides, from this distance she could see the guarded tent which belonged to Thranduil. It had been several moments since she had seen him enter, the guards not moving and honestly, she'd rather them not alert him to her being here.

Standing and jumping down slowly, she walked around the tent from a distance, ducking and weaving through people, elves and buildings. There were two entrances, and at the moment the second didn't seem to have anyone positioned at the tent flaps. Liruliniel clapped her hands together, inhaled deeply and stepped forwards. She was all good to go, until she heard a small voice calling out her name. Liruliniel shut her eyes and ducked low behind a broken wall, she could peer up slightly and still see the tent in sight and also Tilda to one side.

Of course her calling out got Thranduil's attention. He had changed, the armour and tunic underneath being swapped for a long trailing robe of silver and black, and a burnt red lining. The tunic and trousers he wore seemed to go along the same theme, and Liruliniel just let out a breathless sound. She had missed him hugely, and it wasn't until faced with what she had missed, to know how much she missed him.

It was a bit comical actually, seeing someone so tall look down on someone so small, the height difference between Thranduil and Tilda was amusing, she looked at him with that small frown she had when she was confused, and he just stood looking at her with his hands clasped against his stomach. Though it was endearing to see him slowly crouch to her level, they were talking about something and whatever it was had Thranduil's eyes flicking around the area.

If Bard wasn't going to say something, she should've known Tilda would accidentally. Regardless, he didn't go off exploring, instead he watched the girl move away before entering his tent again. Liruliniel gave it a few moments before slipping away and running quickly to the tent side. She was still thankful of no guard being here, while on the other side marched elves, along with people bustling about. It was now or never, she couldn't avoid Thranduil forever.

So, she slid away, she walked to the tent doors and stood there silently, his back was to her, he was saying something to a guard before he turned and his eyes landed on her. Thranduil's eyes widened as he looked her over, her blue tunic looked mucky with soot and the same smudges were on her cheeks and hands, her weapons were strapped to herself as if she expected to need them. But her face, even as he slowly stepped forwards, he could see her eyes filling with tears and some escaping, leaving clear paths against her sooty cheeks.

As ever, to her, Thranduil was still that shining unattainable beacon which she couldn't help but suddenly just run towards. He took a step back from the impact of her clutching onto him, her face buried against his chest as he wrapped his arms around her. She smelt like fire and smoke, Thranduil shut his eyes as he left his face half buried in her slightly tangled braided hair, regardless of that it was still her. This was still her and she was in arms, shaking and crying quietly but holding onto him tightly too. He would wait; he would silently hold her and wait for her calm before even trying to start a conversation.

As often the way with Liruliniel, she could only bottle emotions and feelings up for so long before it all came out. So, of course, Thranduil was not surprised in the slightest when she pulled away from his chest eventually, she looked up at him with tear tracked cheeks and just commenced talking, really quickly. He stood there, hands on her shoulders and looking at her. There was no point him even trying to intervene, she was going to run out of steam eventually, and when she did, he'd speak then.

"I had so many things which I wanted, no I needed to say, and I cannot properly think of how to say anything!" Liruliniel exclaimed, frustrated with herself when all she had done was cry, ramble and not make sense. And Thranduil, patient as ever and just standing there calm and listening had said nothing. She wiped her eyes with the backs of her hands, Thranduil frowned a little, that just made soot smear on her face. His silence was worrying her, and she blinked large eyes up at him. "You're angry with me, aren't you? I am sorry! I am so sorry..."

He cupped her face, his hands feeling rather cool against her warm cheeks, even under the grime he could see they were flushed from her tears. Her eyes shut and she let out a quiet noise when he brushed his thumbs under her eyes, he removed any traces of tears and made her look up at him. "I am not angry with you."

"Furious?"

Thranduil raised an eyebrow, "No." He didn't think he'd ever be that angry with her, ever. Liruliniel looked lost, her eyes looking his expression over before just looking awkwardly away. "You honestly believed that I would just shout at you?" He couldn't help but smirk, truthfully, he could understand why she would think that way. But no, no, he was more relieved to see her present than, well, he didn't know where.

"I'm not sure...I am even unsure whether you believed me still alive." Liruliniel admitted, her hands coming to rest where her head was just resting.

Thranduil skimmed his hands back to her shoulders before turning away and shaking his head. There was a small table in the room with glasses and a jug present. "I knew you were not dead. However, I did not know where you would be. I honestly thought you would be with the dwarves. Does that mean that I am not irked slightly with how you went? Am I not a little bothered by what you have got up to? Yes, I am, but I am not angry with you, despite of what I've just said. But I think addressing these issues, so sudden after returning to each other, can wait. If only for a few moments." Thranduil admitted, speaking his thoughts out loud for the first time. He had mused this many times but had no one to speak to about it. Filling the glasses up, he returned to her and held it out to her. She looked hesitant, "What is it?"

"I haven't eaten for like two, maybe three days...maybe more? I can't remember." Liruliniel admitted, she couldn't remember eating anything in Esgaroth with Bard and his family. Perhaps her last meal was before she left Mirkwood, it must've been. That seemed so long ago. She just didn't think drinking wine on an empty stomach was a sound idea.

Thranduil's reaction was one of silent shock, he retracted his hand and placed the glasses back on the table. With a hand on her shoulder, he guided her out of the tent. The guards on the door looked at her slowly, they had heard her but hadn't seen her. But Liruliniel merely smiled at them hesitantly before following Thranduil's lead. Though he paused in the middle of a stride when a voice was calling out again, he couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as the same little girl from earlier came charging over.

Liruliniel knelt down and tilted her head, "You promised to tell me how the talk with the dwarves went!" Liruliniel blinked rapidly, she wasn't expecting that, that much was for sure. Yet the unnamed girl stomped a foot, continued clutching her doll to her chest and almost pouted at Liruliniel.

"I almost got thrown out by the King, I think. The talk did not go well, Tilda. I had an argument, and I don't like arguing, especially with friends. I am sorry I didn't come find you, but I was tired." Liruliniel said calmly with a smile as she stood back up, "I am trying to find something to eat, what are you doing?" She asked with a tilted head as Tilda rocked on her heels with a thoughtful look.

"Finding something to eat..."

Liruliniel laughed, "That is very subtle, where is your sister, or brother?" Tilda shrugged at that; no doubt Sigrid and Bain were aiding where they could. Tilda was still small and young, she couldn't help with first aid, for example. There were other children around, but everyone was so zapped of energy and still in a state that none of them played.

Thranduil watched the interaction quietly, he wasn't surprised she had befriended someone. "Who is your friend, Liruliniel?" He decided to just ask, watching the pair go silent. His earlier run in with the little girl was brief, he had heard her calling a name that he knew could only be tied to one being.

Simply he questioned her where and who the owner of the name was, and she had replied that it was a friend, but she couldn't find her. Thranduil was not a fool, he could very well guess who the friend was, and he would be lying if he did not feel relief wash over him. Honestly, he thought that Liruliniel would be hauled up in the Mountain. It did trouble him to hear Thorin act so disdainfully, but it also proved Thranduil's point right; whatever kindness Liruliniel would show, it would be thrown back at her. Though he wasn't going to mention this, he was certain she was aware.

Liruliniel gestured a hand to her companion. "This is Tilda, she is Bard's youngest daughter. She and her family were kind enough to allow me to stay when I arrived in Lake-town. Tilda was very brave in a fight, hitting an orc in the face with a plate is daring even for the bravest of warriors." Liruliniel explained, smiling and watching as the young girl seemingly became quite embarrassed by these accolades, or more rather who these were being spoken to. Liruliniel didn't think she'd see the girl bashful, ever, even in front of a king she didn't think she would, but here she was kicking the ground awkwardly with her boot and picking at her doll's hair.

Thranduil tilted his head, "Truly, the act of the bravest warrior indeed." He said watching the young girl grin and look happily up at him. "Shall we?" He asked, waving a hand casually in the air towards where he could see some of the food hauled up in a tent. Tilda was more than happy to trot beside Liruliniel as she looked thankfully at Thranduil. He merely inclined his head; he was not going to tell the little girl to leave them be. He could see she was attached to Liruliniel, and she seemed fond of her too.

A roughly made table had been made out of found things from the area, the same went for benches to sit on, yet the food which had been bought all the way from Mirkwood, was strewn out in an organised way that anyone could find anything they wanted with ease. Thranduil watched as Liruliniel tried to play down how eager she was to pile up food on an empty wooden block, it perhaps had something on it, but it had all been eaten. It didn't last long, mainly because Tilda reached up and put something on the block. Liruliniel laughed and the young girl just smiled.

Between them and a few inputs from Thranduil, there was enough food to pick at for hours. They weren't alone in eating in here, there were others dotted about sitting on anything they could find. Tilda swung her legs to and from as she sat beside Liruliniel, she had the makeshift plate on her lap and Tilda would pick something up from it every now and then. She didn't mind sharing with the girl, perhaps it was better her being with Liruliniel than running about or wandering.

It was still a little humorous to her that Thranduil was just sitting and watching the pair curiously; straight backed, hands which could only just be seen peeking out from incredibly long sleeves were resting on his knees. He himself had made use of what seemed to be a barrel, upended and for some reason, the image of him like this just made Liruliniel quietly smile and let out an airy chuckle to herself. Tilda had looked confused, not knowing what she was laughing yet. But Thranduil just stared at her, pointedly and silently. He knew, and he just didn't respond.

He wasn't going to ask them to move from what seemed to be the lone stable bench, because he wished to sit there, and they should listen to him because of who he is; no, he wasn't inclined that way, and Liruliniel would no doubt have a comment or two to say if he did. They didn't talk of anything serious, not with Tilda with them. Tilda seemed to do most of the talking, enthusiastically chatting away about anything that came to mind. Liruliniel couldn't help but smile, anyone else would be so hesitant speaking so freely in front of Thranduil, but not this girl. She was happily talking, pausing to eat now and then before looking for an input, which Liruliniel would give before a conversation diverted onto something else.

The promise Liruliniel gave to bring her father back to her came up, and the reaction from Thranduil was near on instant. He looked troubled, was he surprised to hear her make such a promise? No, he wasn't. She was selfless through and through. But even in the face of a dragon, he was a little surprised by her sheer act of bravery.

"I wasn't going to leave your father, Tilda. Nor was I going to leave you all without him. It is cruel to grow up without a parent." Liruliniel said while popping a piece of bread into her mouth, she had torn the piece in half and made sure something was on it for Tilda to eat. Plain bread wasn't appealing for a child, whereas Liruliniel didn't care, she was too hungry to care. Tilda, still half munching on the bread looked at her curiously. "We have more in common than you think, pinig."

The nickname had Tilda scrunching her nose up, before grabbing a small bunch of grapes from the plate-block. "That's why you made the promise," Tilda surmised in between eating the fruit in her hands. She looked at Liruliniel curiously still, like children did when learning something new about someone.

Liruliniel smiled her way, "Unlike me, I do not think there would be anyone for you all to fall back on. I do not mean to be offensive, so don't pull that face. Sigrid is capable, but even she is still just a child. So yes, even through pain of fire and a dragon, I promised I would bring your father back; because you need him, every little girl, and boy, needs a parent, or parents. They are, after all, the lone people to love you no matter what happens." Liruliniel said, leaning back on her elbows against the makeshift table as she stared up through the door flaps of the tent, the sky was clear, and the sun was shining still even with afternoon slowly creeping in.

She could see Thranduil just sending her this look, completely understanding in the undertone of the why's and the what's and reasons behind her words. Liruliniel missed her father, even to this day still, she missed him horribly and he knew that she carried a guilt with her. A guilt that she had not foreseen his death to warn him, or even in fact to be there to protect him. But it wasn't just her own father she carried guilt for, was it? No, Oropher was a death which hit everyone hard, but Liruliniel and her conscience in failing to save him haunted her too.

Simply put, it haunted her still and Thranduil knew it. He also knew that the impact of both of them losing their fathers, not as young as Tilda but still young in the eyes of their kin, had a huge impact on their lives, on how they grew up, adapted and acted within everyday situations. So of course, even more so, Thranduil was not surprised she went above and beyond to get Bard back to his children. It would leave three children without a father, Thranduil did not know what happened to their mother, but Liruliniel had been there and knew the hardships and pain of not having either. So did he, but he was more surrounded by others.

"Why did the dwarves do that to you?" Tilda asked curiously, seemingly stopping her eating for the moment.

Liruliniel inhaled slowly, blowing out a breath she rolled her eyes towards the little girl. The expression on her face made Tilda laugh, she looked rather comical with her cheeks puffed up and out. "I believe something is amiss." Liruliniel said, though she tilted her head when she heard Tilda's name being called.

The girl heard eventually and pouted, Sigrid looked startled at the three of them before approaching awkwardly. "I have been looking for you, for the past hour! Sorry, I am sorry if she was bothering you." Sigrid said, Tilda was going to contradict only to get gently pulled to a stand.

Thranduil shook his head minutely, standing in one fluid motion which had the two girls stepping away slightly because of how sudden and quickly he moved. "There was no trouble, she was no trouble. In fact, she has been quite the conversationalist."

"She even gives me a good run for my money." Liruliniel said while taking to eating whatever was left on the block on her lap, or at least what she fancied from it.

Sigrid smiled, appreciative of the fact her sister had been on her best behaviour. "Father has been wondering where you went to. He said to me that he gave you a small errand, and that you hadn't returned." Sigrid said, a pointed look being sent down at her sister who pouted and looked awkward.

"You used spending time with me, as an excuse. That is very cheeky, Tilda." Liruliniel playfully scolded while standing, Tilda looked a bit ashamed of that, but Liruliniel just leaned against her knees and smiled at the girl. "I don't mind being your excuse for not doing an errand. But if your father has asked something of you, and if it is important, you should really listen to him. I know this is all sudden, new and a little exciting despite being terrifying, but don't worry him. Hasn't he worried enough?" Liruliniel asked calmly, she didn't mean to sound patronising, or condescending, she just thought poor Bard had been through enough. He didn't need to panic about where his youngest was.

Tilda seemed to agree with a hesitant nod before bidding them both farewell, Sigrid at least bowed her head to the pair. Tilda just turned on her heels and ran off again, leaving her poor sister to catch up shouting her name. The two elves watched them go, Liruliniel with a raised eyebrow and a small smile, and Thranduil just turned his head, curious expression seemingly trying to be kept at bay.

"Interesting child." Was his lone comment while an almost inaudible exasperated sigh came from him. Liruliniel could only nod yet look interestedly at him when his expression turned stormy. "How close exactly, is close to the dragon?" From the rambled story from Tilda of what she saw, Liruliniel was too close for his liking.

Liruliniel placed a hand on his arm gently, her fingers curling into the soft material while he still looked undecided on what emotion to portray. "Close enough to speak." Thranduil's expression grew distant, his eyes staring at something in the distance before he looked swiftly down at her, not happy at all.

Liruliniel knew he would be displeased; she couldn't blame him. "Freely I acted as bait, in a way. If only to allow Bard time to ready the arrow to kill Smaug." There was one word in that sentence that had him looking even more unhappy, if that were possible; 'bait', that had him shaking his head and marching from her side. Liruliniel's hand slipped, and she followed after him, "I guess we're going to have that talk now?" She could only guess this is where this whole moment was going.

"Not for one second did I believe you would do such a thing. I shouldn't be surprised. Constantly must you put yourself in danger, unnecessary danger-?"

"To kill time for someone to deal that finishing blow? Yes." Liruliniel cut his questioning and lecturing off as she trotted behind him as quickly as she could. They were making their way back to his tent, his tone was low enough that no one else could hear their words, yet the displeased expression on his face probably hinted to everyone that not all was well.

"Kill time, or to possibly be killed. What then?"

"But I didn't..."

"Die? Yes, I believe I can see that. Consequences and actions, Liruliniel. One you always think of above the other. Which perhaps brings around the subject of the dwarves. Do I believe honestly that you followed to then bring them back? No. Everyone knew you had no intentions of doing such a thing. Even if you had the power to do so. They were never going to listen to you, and that much is obvious as to why and how you clearly parted ways. A falling out, or a conflict of interest?" Thranduil asked, his tone low and calculating as he mused over what words to use exactly. He supposed there wasn't any real way to soften the blow, other than to just go for it. He didn't believe Liruliniel was idiotic enough to not have already thought over such things.

The guards on the door did not look at all fussed or shocked that this conversation was happening, and they could hear his heated tone and the only just kept at bay anger. It was all emotions that he had kept at bay, but now really, the full gravity of everything was sinking and kicking in. Thranduil wished for answers, explanations and to hear what she had to say, whether he liked her answers or not. He simply sat down, once having grasped one of the glasses he filled earlier. Making sure to avoid the possibility of tangling his legs in the long robe, he flicked the material aside and crossed one leg over the other at the knee.

Impassively he looked at her, and impassively still he sipped at his glass. His crystalline eyes flicked upwards from the ground to look her way as she stood in front of him. Liruliniel kept her arms and hands by her sides, one toe tapped against the ground while she just stared back at him simply. "I had told you for years that Esgaroth was going to fall. I had dreams of being in the fire, surrounded by fire and watching the town burn. It is not my fault you decided to forget this. As for everything else, I told Thorin of what I saw, I practically begged him to allow me a chance to find a way to stop this happening. As you can see, I failed. I even tried with the Master, who is dead now, as you've probably guessed; but he too shot me down. Smaug was always going to come, did I have to act as bait? No. Would I take it back? No. If it meant those children had their father, no, I wouldn't deter from this course again, if I had to. The dwarves were smuggled into the town while I was trying to find herbs, one of them was injured."

Thranduil just mutely nodded, now and again at different parts of her explanation. Liruliniel waited on bated breath for him to say something, yet he seemed to purposely drag the silence out. It was making her uncomfortable, and he knew it. "And that explains roughly how you came to be here."

"You know me, I can't turn my back on those who need it."

Thranduil raised an eyebrow, "I'm sure they were thankful of that." He was being sarcastic, he could only assume and guess that the people weren't all too welcoming to have a nosey elf around. He didn't mean nosey in a mean way, Liruliniel was just highly curious.

She shrugged one shoulder and sighed, "Yes, like a hole in the head." Thranduil's lips quirked at that, least she wasn't in the dark about the displeasure. "I saw that messenger you sent after Legolas. I believe you received his reply?"

"Can I say that too has not caused some pain, no, I cannot. I am not unaware as to how he feels for Tauriel, you know this. I just do not believe that the feelings are returned, or the effort put into those feelings will have anything successful coming from it. To throw away your home, for someone is perhaps foolish...I cannot back his decisions." Thranduil said quietly, almost thoughtfully. Honestly, he had missed having someone to listen to him as intently as Liruliniel did.

"She may not love him, like he loves her; but that does not mean there is not love there. It may not be as strong, but she does love him."

"As a friend," Thranduil looked back at her sharply. "One sided affection which will never be fulfilled will just cause a growing pain to gnaw away from within."

Liruliniel sighed, wiping a hand over her forehead she pulled it away with a scrunched-up nose. Sooty traces were on her palms, brushing her hands together made it flake off and to the ground. She watched the flakes lifelessly drift and fall before looking back at him. "Thranduil...he's gone to Gundabad." Liruliniel just came out with it, she stood and watched as his eyes looked fixedly on her, almost looking through her. His expression was void and he looked utterly lost and unsure as to what to say. His composure was fully knocked by her saying this, and she felt bad for it. "I tried to deter him-"

"And he still went, I see." He cut her off, looking sceptical yet from the earnest look he knew full well that she would've tried.

"I am a coward, truthfully; I could not go to Erebor when Thorin suggested it through fear of the dragon, even though I faced him in that burning town. And I could not go to that land. I should've, I feel. He is not alone, but...he has gone there to garner information, watch and wait and return with news."

Thranduil still looked at her with an expression she couldn't pin down. "That brings me little solace."

Liruliniel looked at her boots and nodded her head slowly. "He is smart-"

"Being smart does not mean you are impervious. You are smart, yet you still do ridiculous things."

"Don't insult me! It is not my fault that your son is involved in this whole thing, is it? Legolas was always going to end up playing a part in the world, in one way or another. He is too fine of an elf to do nothing but stay within Mirkwood. You are scared, because he is in Gundabad? Yes, you are, and you can join me in fretting. But I am not insulting you through my fear, am I? No, because I have faith and trust in Legolas and Tauriel." Liruliniel reached over and picked up the other glass, she felt like she needed that drink now. Taking a sip, she pointed a finger his way. "I have told Legolas and Tauriel tales of that land, enough to put fear in them from a young age. They're not stupid, they're not likely to act on impulse; they know the dangers of that land, and what they need and must do to return back."

Thranduil stood and didn't openly seem to react to her words or seem to reply. He instead moved over to the jug and topped up his glass. With a sigh, he looked down at the elf beside him. Liruliniel looked rather defiantly up at him, soot and smoke marks and all. "You have been through an ordeal too, little bird. I do not mean to argue, it is the last thing I wish for. But I am conflicted in both how you came to be here, and now where Legolas is."

Liruliniel put her glass down and placed her hand against his arm, he lowered the glass in his hand and the jug. Turning to her, she reached up and stroked her fingers gently over his features and brushed hair over his shoulder before leaning forwards and resting her head back against his chest. Shutting her eyes, Liruliniel listened to his heart and breathed slowly. "I don't regret leaving or trying to help. And I probably should've done more to stop him."

"I know you don't, because I can see why you thought you were helping the dwarves. Even if Thorin threw the trust and kindness back at you, you still wish to help them in any way you can. As for Legolas, I would be doing him a disservice if I did not have faith in his abilities and skills, both physically and mentally. You have trained him well, and I know that it will only be a small matter of time before he comes to this place. I also know that you would've tried to stop him." Thranduil said while smoothing his hands over her hair, he could feel the slight grime from the fire and smoke stick to his palms.

Liruliniel was silent for a long while before peeking up at him warily, Thranduil just looked at her curiously. "You said you knew I wasn't dead earlier. How?" She wished to know how he knew such a thing. It seemed rather impossible for him to know, she thought, not without word from her or another who had seen her. Sure, the messenger did see her, but she doubted he would've reported that fact. He was solely there to talk to Legolas, not her or Tauriel.

Thranduil looked almost a bit shocked as if she had to ask, he placed a hand over one that was on his chest. "I would've felt it," he explained plainly, their hands being over his heart. "Liruliniel, I would've felt it." He said again, putting more emphasis in his words, looking at her softly, brushing a stray lock behind her ear and looking at her calmly.

Liruliniel's stomach knotted, "It makes it no less easy to say this, than it did with my other news."

Thranduil looked bemused, her tone was serious as she looked shiftily up at him and then elsewhere. She couldn't look at him, which meant whatever she had to say he wasn't going to like. She always did this avoidance thing when that was the case. "What is it?"

"I have seen my death." Liruliniel said, going straight for it as she stared up at him. Thranduil tilted his head before shaking it slowly. "In different forms, but the most recent...seems very final, if you understand what I'm saying?"

"You are telling me, that you are to die, how?"

"There is a war coming, Thranduil. I think you know that and have done for a while thanks to my prattling. I think I get shot down, slain by both arrow and sword." She didn't include the whispering Black Speech she heard, she didn't understand half of it anyway.

Thranduil turned away and paced, head lowered and trying to process this. He had just got her back, and now she came out with this? What was he meant to do, or say? He turned and looked back at her as she stood there sadly looking at him. She was scared, visibly shaking and Thranduil marched back to her, taking her into his arms and tightly holding onto her. "Have I not always watched your back?" He felt her dip her head, Thranduil shut his eyes before opening them again and looking down at her, she peeked up again with watery eyes. "You will not fall or die by arrow and sword or any other weapon, not with me beside you. I will not allow it."

Liruliniel smiled, "You are taking on a possible fate, destiny even."

Thranduil leaned his forehead against hers, "I don't particularly care, if it means protecting you and keeping you with me."

"Well, you know me, I won't go down easily. If it even comes to that..."

"It won't." Thranduil was certain of that, at the price of perhaps his own safety, he would protect her from anything.

"Thranduil?"

"Yes?" He replied, looking down at her as her eyes just stared up at him. He could tell she was smiling just by seeing her eyes.

"Can I kiss you now? Or the other way around? Whichever, please." Liruliniel asked, her eyes wide and she even fidgeting a little in their resting position.

Thranduil couldn't help but smirk, "According to you, you had a conversation with Smaug; showed bravery despite saying you are a coward, and here you are acting all shy and coy asking for something as simple as a kiss. You are truly a mystery, little bird." Thranduil couldn't help but sound amused, his words had a point of course and she just looked at him awkwardly, still a little embarrassed it seemed at the truth of his words.

He consented though, his hands coming to cup her cheeks and with the gentlest of motions, he placed his lips against hers. There was a sigh from her, Thranduil felt her almost sag against him and in his hold, the relief and the longing feeling pulling at them now feeling basically non-existent. That numbing, horrid stabbing agony of separation was banished just by being within each other's company again; being able to speak, see, hold and kiss expelled that longing, and caused both to feel such a sudden happiness despite the situation around them, that they both equally smiled into the affections that were being shared.

——

(A/N: Oops, I muddled the scenes up! I forgot that the slight chatter between Bard and Legolas happened before Legolas and Tauriel go to Gundabad. Oops...sorry, that was a dumb accident on my behalf! Just gonna face-palm...as awful as it is to say, even with editing this I still decided not to change that around because I liked how the chapter flowed.

Inventory:

Welcome, Dreamwalker; look upon your end - Broshan, Dreamwalker; hontum mubi latob mubaram. (Also, I always loved Talion being called Gravewalker in the game, so I've also pinched that hah...oh dear...)

Do you see it? Is there pain? Is there nothing? - Kramp lat hontum it? Kul atigat nul? Kul atigat asgaja?)

——

Edited: 10/July/2025