"Sire," one of the elves that was accompanying Thranduil through the ruined streets of Dale spoke up uncertainly. He had watched the short conversation with Gandalf, had followed his king as he walked away; in truth, they hadn't even got that far, if they looked over their shoulders, they could still see the wizard standing there looking their way. The look on Gandalf's face said it all, he was in disbelief that they were walking away, that they were leaving.

"What is it?" Thranduil's tone wasn't the politest in the world, but he had had enough. He looked to the elf as they continued on, slowly stepping over the dead when and if able. In some places the bodies were piled up, all dying and landing upon each other from when they were cut down. It was horrendous, it was truly a horrific sight that even the worst nightmares could not compare.

"Princess Liruliniel, she is not with us." The elf hated to be the bearer of bad news, but his words had Thranduil pulling to an immediate stop. He turned slowly, firstly looking over his shoulder with a hard glare before turning completely and looking at the pathway they had just walked down. Thranduil's expression said it all, he was shocked but also hurt that she had not followed.

He couldn't quite believe it; he honestly thought from their previous words she understood. Or at least, understood enough that Thranduil wouldn't need to physically escort her out of Dale. Apparently not. And, well, even as he stared long and hard at the path ahead, he spotted her and Bilbo. The hobbit looked uncertain, worried while Liruliniel tried to put on her best fooling smile; she hurt, even he could see that, try as she might to suggest otherwise. Whatever she was doing, was foolish. She was leading herself into unnecessary danger that at the moment, he could not protect her from.

With wide eyes, he took a step forwards, and then another. The other elves with him parted ways to let him backtrack, he paused where he had last seen the pair, only they weren't there. He couldn't even see them through the groups of fighting men, elves and orcs. They had gone. Vanished. Thranduil's expression turned stormy then, slowly turning his head to the side, he narrowed his eyes at the wizard. Gandalf stood there, unafraid of the glaring, which was being sent his way, Thranduil was angry, but Gandalf did not see how he was the root.

"I do not appreciate my hand being forced."

"There is no forcing," Gandalf's tone was aghast, he couldn't believe what he was hearing. "I came with a message, you opted to ignore. It seems that not all in your company are lost to the idea of aid."

That did it really, and Gandalf didn't regret saying it even as Thranduil closed the gap between them. His head tilting slightly to look down at the wizard, Gandalf may act casual most times, but even he had a limit. Thranduil was pushing it, so it took little to exude the aura of darkness, of danger, it pushed Thranduil back a step, but he still looked at him with a withering glare.

"If she dies, on your head be it." Thranduil warned while turning, the cloak attached to his shoulders whipping violently in the air as he walked off quickly, his pace purposeful and his eyes staring around and upwards.

Of course he would deter that inevitable, he had promised as such. But to go to Ravenhill meant to be few amongst the many. If another army were coming, even with what energy the dwarves still had, and whatever skills he had, it would not be enough. They would be overrun and then they would be killed. He could not allow that and would not. He was not dying by the hands of some orc.

It seemed like his path was destined to go to Ravenhill, despite of not wishing to. With an altercation with Tauriel and watching as Legolas accompanied her to the outcrop, Thranduil couldn't help but breathe deeply and shut his eyes for a few seconds. He knew what was awaiting up there, it would be death and carnage, chaos and lunacy all rolled into one. But yet, he still found himself moving forwards.

He unsheathed his sword as he went, any orc unfortunate to try and cross his path at this time was brutalised. Thranduil was not in the mood to delay, to humour an outweighed fight in his favour. He was moving increasingly closer to Ravenhill, the brickwork all but destroyed and blacked with time, vines and roots growing up and over different parts of the structure as an unnatural fog hung around the area.

Even as he made his way upward, he could see the bodies of goblins and orcs alike. There had already been a battle here, from both the intricate slashes and deep gorges, Thranduil could tell at least one attacker to the enemy was an elf. What hope of Liruliniel still being alive up here was carefully harboured and cherished, all he felt running through him was a steely determination to get her out of all of this mess. To get them, and all of their kin back home; Mirkwood may not be the safest, but it was a down sight safer than all of this around them now.

Looking to the elves with him, he inclined his head. They got the message and split up, if anyone or anything was still lurking, they would deal with them. Thranduil himself turned and walked quickly up the steps leading to a tower. He sheathed his sword, all the bodies here were those of orcs, and they all appeared to be dead. He looked around confused before looking up at the sounds of movement, from around the corner appeared Legolas.

The hope to see his son well and in one piece washed over him, he felt his breath catch though, although Legolas seemed well, there seemed like something was on his mind. He looked a little on edge, an expression Thranduil had come to learn that it was his son not wishing to voice something, because he feared what his father's reaction would be.

"I cannot go back," Legolas looked around the darkened corridor, the bodies, at anything other than his father. Thranduil was silent, watching his son as he deliberated over that simple sentence. Eventually though, Legolas did look up, he still seemed a little distant, even though the look which was being sent his way was one of equal distance, perhaps a little awkward, but this time was always going to come.

Thranduil would be a fool if he didn't think it wouldn't, Liruliniel had said enough times how she believed Legolas was destined for the wider world, that something out there was calling to him. "Where will you go?" Thranduil questioned simply, merely turning on his heels as Legolas walked past him. It seemed like his son had determined to go right now, he wasn't even going to stay and see if everyone he knew, or was close to, were all fine.

It seemed off, wrong even that that was to happen, even to someone like Thranduil. In his desperate search to find Liruliniel, to find Legolas, he could not watch one just leave now without anything else said between them. As for the former, he would probably think something up only to change tact and voice something else completely, Liruliniel had that affect.

"I do not know," Legolas admitted, he sounded confused. Like he had come to the decision to go on a whim yet had not fully thought it out.

Thranduil couldn't help but sigh, that spontaneity was definitely one of Liruliniel's more irksome traits rubbing off on his son, but he wasn't going to get into that now. Something was amiss, or perhaps, through this whole experience Legolas wished to see more of a world which he could aid in protecting, but he couldn't just charge off without a plan in place.

"Go north, find the Dúnedain. There is a young ranger amongst them, you should meet him. His father Arathorn is a good man; his son might grow to be a great one." Thranduil said in something akin to a whisper as he looked in Legolas's direction, he had half turned to look back on his father.

The words in which he opted to use did not go above Legolas's head, especially the almost longing sadness which was lingering within his father's eyes. If he looked closer, Legolas could even swear they were slightly tear filled. He knew the thought of him leaving was tearing his father in two. But he also knew it took a lot for Thranduil to even show a shred of emotion, and put emphasis in his words in such a subtle way to tell his only son that he was proud of how he had come to be; and he was, Thranduil could not ask for Legolas to have been any more than he was, he was proud of him, even if they had conflicted ideals at times.

He had grown up to be of strong character, a brilliant warrior, smart and able to plan, but he was good; above all else, he was a good soul who only wished the best for those he cared about, for those he loved. What more could a father ever expect or ask for from his son?

"What's his name?" Legolas asked after a few silent moments had passed them by. This time was spent with knowing looks exchanged between the pair before he glanced away.

"He is known in the wild as Strider; his true name you must discover yourself." Thranduil replied, earning a confused look from Legolas, he did not understand. Thranduil was not going to give him all the answers, what would be the point? His son was branching out on his own, Thranduil would not be there to aid if needed.

He had to learn to discover things himself. However, the mortal of which he spoke of would be merely a boy still, but a skilled one nonetheless; if Legolas could learn anything new from anyone, Thranduil imagined it would be him. With a bow of his head though, Legolas turned on his heels and commenced walking away.

"Legolas, your mother loved you, more than anyone; more than life." He was aware that his tone was wavering slightly, yet the upset was kept at bay for the sake of looking surely at Legolas.

His own upset and sadness were clear on his face, and in his eyes. Vanadessë was an area neither broached really, they would talk, awkwardly at that. But for anything more, Legolas would always seek Liruliniel, she was forthcoming with words and told him stories of his mother. Though they had time apart, and they grew apart as well, Liruliniel never denied Legolas knowing about his mother. She thought it was wrong, and she also explained the reason why Thranduil struggled, was because his heart had been utterly broken by Vanadessë's death.

Thranduil inhaled shakily, shutting his eyes and willing whatever tears were gathering to not fall as he turned on his heels and walked onwards. He looked mildly surprised as he turned the corner to see Tauriel knelt on the floor, the dwarf who Thranduil recognised as Thorin's nephew was checking on a cut on her face. Kíli too seemed bloodied and cut, but he was putting no mind to his own injuries, only hers.

Tauriel was the first to notice him, she shot to a stand and looked awkwardly at him. Their last words were heated, angry even, but Thranduil just stepped to the side and gestured a hand to the corridor behind him. Tauriel looked confused, her face turned to an expression of shock, even Kíli looked from her to Thranduil and back again, he was as confused. Thranduil just rolled his eyes and moved on instead, if they were going to stay rooted then he'd leave them to it.

At least neither were hugely harmed, although hearing running footsteps, Thranduil looked at Legolas questionably. Thranduil did not know what had bought him rushing back, let alone so quickly to the point that his breath was coming in short and sharp. He looked behind himself, at Thranduil and opened his mouth to speak yet shut it and shook his mouth.

Whatever seriousness from their previous conversation that was on his face, was gone now. Thranduil walked forwards, placing a hand on his shoulder as Legolas turned and looked the way he came. Something cold and chilling was travelling through him, he could feel it, this disjointed stabbing pain which was attacking his very being; a wrenching agony which had him almost staggering in a step as he walked alongside Legolas.

They reached where Legolas presumably got to before turning back, and Thranduil could see why. Now he understood the almost scared expression on Legolas's face, it reminded him of when he was a child and he'd have nightmares, Thranduil had rarely seen his son scared, but he seemed it now.

From where they were, they had a brilliant view of the icy battlefield below. There were forms walking about, but even from this distance one had caught both of their eyes. Thranduil understood the shock, the sadness and disbelief which was on his son's face as he too stared downwards. Liruliniel. Her body laid out on the ice, her head cradled in Thorin's arms as he seemed to be saying something, Bilbo was there too, his head bowed and even from here Thranduil could tell the hobbit was crying.

"Father," Legolas's voice echoed out softly, pulling Thranduil from his thoughts. He couldn't believe what he was seeing, and his heart couldn't either as he felt it miss a beat, he swore it did as he commenced walking downwards to where the dwarves and prone elf were.

Legolas trailed after him, looking upset and worried for his father and his friend, how could he not be? He had seen what loss did to his father, and if Liruliniel was truly lost, Legolas did not know what to do. He would not leave, he could not. Both elves paused though, the eagles had come to ferry those which were harmed away from this place. Both Thorin and Liruliniel were taken, and Thranduil could only stand and watch as she was flown from his sight.

A breathless sound came from him as he placed a hand to his chest, he felt like he was being pulled in different directions, he didn't feel like he was here, he felt like he was going to fall and not get up. His heart still wrenched, the vice grip growing ever more as he looked in the direction of which the eagles flew. The battle was over, and he was sure places of rest were already being erected, tents for healing, tents to deal with the dead.

Death had Thranduil turning and walking back to the city, he had to be sure. Hearing his name being called, Thranduil frowned at Gandalf, his expression was stony as he looked at the wizard. He did not wish to talk to him; it would do no good. Even Legolas gave Gandalf a wary look, praying he wouldn't try and confront his father, not when his mood was like this. It seemed like the message was received, Gandalf merely inclined his head and watched as the elves marched off, Kíli and Tauriel appeared a few moments after them.

Little to Thranduil's knowledge, the others from Ravenhill were coming back too. At the moment he was unsure if any of them were hurt, but his mind cancelled out whatever ailments they may have, for the simple fact that he did not know if Liruliniel was alive or dead. The bond which was between them was tense, he could feel it stretching thin, close to snapping and breaking and at the sounds of hurried hoofbeats, both himself and Gandalf looked utterly confused when someone new came charging towards them.

Elrond. The elf still appeared to be within his armour from the last time Gandalf had seen him, and he wasted no time in greeting his friend, asking him as to why he is here. Elrond looked from the wizard, to Thranduil, he moved forwards silently, "I believe we know why I am here." He simply explained, moving aside and not telling either that he had felt a disturbance pulling at his mind.

He was all set to return home after the confrontation at Dol Guldur, but something had been niggling away at his mind, something was pulling him, and he was led here. Wasn't until he drew near that he was able to fully pinpoint the problem, it was Liruliniel. No, Elrond did not make it a habit to appear upon every battlefield to aid, but Liruliniel was different. If Middle-earth was to lose another protector, someone else to watch the lands of the east, Elrond feared what could happen.

Bard's youngest was easily heard, Thranduil had watched Bard try and keep Tilda to his side as she easily recognised the body of Liruliniel being laid out with the other, easier to recover dead. The young girl was crying, sobbing so uncontrollably that Bard had to pick her up to keep her from running to the body of the elf. Bard, through his own obvious grief of Liruliniel's state, had looked a bit miffed at the sight of the golden armoured Elrond; but he merely knelt by Liruliniel's side, he placed a hand on her forehead and shut his eyes.

No one truly understood what he was doing, Elrond looked up at Thranduil. The pair hadn't had any more contact, personal or letter wise since the Last Alliance, all those very, many years ago when Elrond aided in healing Thranduil. Elrond recognised the deep-set loss already creeping into Thranduil, this cold aura of despair, his blue eyes just stared downwards at the unmoving Liruliniel. Thranduil had to practically drag his eyes away when Elrond stood.

"She is alive, though she is deep within sleep. She has used up most of her energy, her fëa is weakened, considerably so. But I will help her, if I can." Elrond explained, his tone low and serious, his eyes staring at Thranduil with equal seriousness. He needed the Elvenking to understand that her soul was weakened, that she may stay asleep for a while, or never wake up at all; it all depended on Liruliniel. But Elrond would help, when and if he could. "Her other injuries need seeing to, this can help her recovery."

"Have her moved to somewhere more comfortable and accommodating for this to happen." Thranduil's tone was terse, there wasn't any real emotion in his voice as he didn't even look as two people commenced moving her. It seemed they struggled a little due to her dead weight and her armour and weaponry. Thranduil watched before sliding his eyes back to Elrond. "What are you suggesting in doing?"

Elrond moved after those which moved Liruliniel, "As of right now? I intend to heal her other wounds. It will take less stress off of her body to try and split its focus between multiple problems." Elrond explained, the tent they placed her within was small, but big enough for Elrond to do what he intended. He glanced at Thranduil, he was edging near the tent flaps. "You can stay; I am sure she would prefer that." Elrond said kindly, he didn't think he'd ever see the usual unflappable Thranduil looking close to turning and walking away. He knew he wouldn't, and Elrond's point was proven when Thranduil came and stood by his side. He wasn't leaving, and he would help too in anyway, if he could, but he didn't know much about healing.

=

"Shadows fall, and hope has fled, steel your heart; the dawn will come. The night is long, and the path is dark; look to the sky, for one day the dawn will come." The most calming and melodious voice that Liruliniel had ever heard sung out, the voice and the lyrics seemed to sooth her, and she didn't know why. It was a mystery, but the voice was so enchanting, so easy to listen to, she could lay forever and listen to its lilting rise and fall.

But she didn't, she opened her eyes and looked out at nothing. Not that there was nothing there, there was just nothing to see. She panicked for a moment, thinking she had gone blind. But after waving her hand in front of her face, she was relieved she was not. No, she was just surrounded by darkness.

Liruliniel inhaled slowly, she looked down at her boots and tilted her head. Her feet were bare, her trousers simple, even her tunic was one she had seemingly grown up in; she recognised the feel and the patterns of the forestry green tunics anyway. But herself, her being was what had slowly come to the forefront of her mind.

She was glowing. Positively alight, like the light within her being was shining out, she was a bright beacon in this darkness, of this nothingness that only a singing voice could be heard in. She was confused. Was she dead? She remembered everything, up until her eyes sliding shut. Thorin, she remembered Thorin talking to her, trying to get her to stay awake, to stay with them. Bilbo, Bilbo was there too...and others, Dwalin, she remembered vaguely seeing him lurking on the edges of her sight, what she could see through the creeping shadows that is.

"I do not think I am ready. I am afraid, I do not wish to go to the Halls of Mandos yet. I have so much I still wish to do...there is someone I must return to. For if I don't, he will be lost to a new type of darkness that will not lift. I cannot rest knowing that, and I shan't; please, I am not ready to go." Liruliniel spoke out, her voice soft in this darkness as if it was being swallowed, she even took a hesitant step forward. The ground seemed stable enough, which surprised her seems it felt like she was floating.

"That is the price we all pay, the worries and the fears we all share; to say farewell to the world we know and look upon a new one we do not." A voice replied, Liruliniel turned and looked each which way but could not see the owner. His voice echoed in the darkness, surrounding her as she frowned in thought.

"Who are you?" She didn't know what was worse, to be here alone waiting to go to the Halls, or to be here with an unknown shade.

"You may know me by the name, Telperinquar. My father was Curufin, my mother Nerdanel." The voice replied, casual almost as if he had to have this conversation before. "One of the last in the line of the House of Fëanor. Ruler of Eregion within the Second Age. A master smith who worked with elves and dwarves alike. You may know my work."

Liruliniel stared out at the darkness, her breath caught in her throat as she slowly turned and looked to the side. A figure came walking out from nothing, glowing, but not as brightly as herself. Straight brunette hair, flowing over his shoulders and back, silvery armour and a dark tunic could still be seen. So could the circlet upon his head, even the weapons attached to him could still be seen.

Liruliniel's eyes widened, "Celebrimbor." She all but whispered the name out, disbelievingly, she rubbed her eyes and double took. "But...surely this cannot be."

Celebrimbor strode to her; he stopped in front of her and looked her over. Tilting his head this way and that before looking plainly at her, "You are your mother's daughter."

The mere mention of her mother had Liruliniel placing a hand to her chest. In this form, there was no pain, she could not feel exhaustion either, but something definitely rippled through her at this moment. "My mother, is she here too? But how? How?" Her eyes narrowed sceptically at him before her shock moved over and anger came about. "If she is here, it is because of you! You are the reason why she left, and the reason why she perished! Why couldn't you have left well alone? Why? You destroyed my family! You destroyed...so much, you harmed so much...the reason why I am cursed, is because of you, I cannot know for certain, but I bet I am right."

"You have every reason to be angry, child."

"Don't patronise me! You are a grandfather that I never knew, you have no right to patronise, or to console."

Celebrimbor took her anger in his stride, Liruliniel supposed really, he had seen worse when alive. She was small fry in comparison to the might of Sauron, right? "It is true, if I thought over my actions, things could've been avoided. But you are like your mother, you cannot stand by and watch as wrong doings are taking place. I was lost, and she knew it; she explained it to your father, though I am guessing he did not tell you this."

"Do not try and blame my father. He was a good man! He was both mother and father to Thalion and I. It was hard for all of us!" Liruliniel shook her head, frowning and glaring his way before taking a step back.

Celebrimbor looked almost bored by her outburst. "I never liked your father. I did not believe that he was right for my daughter, but instead of for honour she married for love. I have been watching you, Dreamwalker. That is what they call you, is it not?"

"And you are a Wraith." She replied with her glare still in place, a few paces were between them now and she couldn't help but look her grandfather over. She hated to say it, but aspects of him reminded her too much of herself. The way he stood, defensive yet calm, ready to strike if needed, the number of weapons on his person, even the circlet upon his head. "They haunt me, grandfather...there is no rest, I am weary, true. But I do not wish to leave Middle-earth. If I do, I will never see Thranduil again. He will depart to the Undying Lands, and I to the Halls of Mandos. That is a pain I cannot stand. I have to see him again." Liruliniel admitted with a heavy sigh, he was her grandfather, regardless of her heated words. Scrunching up her nose, she looked at him tearfully. "I can't leave him to despair."

Celebrimbor nodded slowly, "For love, you would do anything. See, you are your mother's daughter. It is why she came to my aid. I do not know what you found out, or what you were told; but she came to help me, to save me, to bring me back with her. Eregion had fallen. My army was shattered. I had barely anything, other than your mother."

"Grandmother?"

Celebrimbor looked solemn as he shook his head, "She died early in the battle. Casualty of war, a prisoner even." He said spitefully while looking heatedly to the side. He nodded his head slowly, "Aesuithiel was a good woman, kind." Blinking slowly, he looked up at Liruliniel. "Her name means like a bird. You are partially named after her, Liruliniel."

She looked unhappy, "Lark. My name is literally that, I never liked the bird. I was always teased with a name like that." She frowned, Thranduil was annoying as a child, she huffed and crossed her arms.

Celebrimbor sighed, placing a hand on her shoulder, she looked up suddenly at the contact. It felt warm, familiar even. "If things turned out differently, I would've been with you. We would've all been together. I am sorry that fate did not allow it, and that you find yourself in this constant struggle. It has been a constant surprise to watch you grow from this netherworld, this shadow realm, you truly are blood of my blood, Liruliniel. And for that, I am proud of what you have done."

Liruliniel smiled, not knowing that she needed to hear that from Celebrimbor of all people. Her chest felt warm, pride was flowing through her, yet she looked around and then at him. He looked curious at her sudden change in behaviour. "That singing earlier. It was not you, who was it?"

"Your mother."

Liruliniel inhaled sharply, "She is here too."

Celebrimbor nodded his head slowly, "We are all here, Liruliniel. We have all lingered, just to say farewell."

"Who..." Liruliniel's voice trailed off as she looked around Celebrimbor, "Thalion. Thalion!" She all but screamed and ran around Celebrimbor to get to her brother. He looked the same, just like he did the morning before the battle. She ran and vaulted at him; she was glad that there was contact in this place. It would be cruel to not embrace her brother again. Thalion laughed, scooping her into his arms and holding her in place.

"I did not wish for you to come to this place, Liruliniel. I wanted you to avoid all battles, you know? You couldn't have just...ducked out of one, for once?" He joked, but he was serious as he put her down.

Liruliniel looked up at him, "But...we are together..."

Thalion shook his head, "When I died, I was sure, resolute that my death was not in vain; and it wasn't, our forces drove back those which were coming to ambush, we fought, and we died to protect all of you on the main field of battle. But you, oh, my dear sister you are not for this place. You have said it already, I heard you. So...want to expand on that?" Thalion asked, raising an eyebrow as he placed an arm around her shoulders.

"Why? So, if you do not approve you can come and haunt us like some common spirit?"

"Common!" Thalion exclaimed, wide eyed and looking at her incredulously, Liruliniel laughed. It felt good, more than good seeing him again, hearing him, feeling his arm around her. She leaned her head against his shoulder and shut her eyes. "I agree with you, by the way. You cannot leave Thranduil. I have always thought you two were meant to be, obviously I could not voice such a thing, I could only tease and tease I did. But he will be lost, and you will not rest."

Liruliniel nodded her head and looked to the side slowly when someone else appeared at her side. Hérion looked at his two children, a woman beside him who looked much like Liruliniel, only taller, with slightly darker hair that trailed way down to her knees. She was beautiful, she was glowing enough as it was, as they all were, but she was sure in life she'd be the same.

"I named my horse after you." Liruliniel all but blurted out while pointing a finger at her mother.

Ithilwen didn't know whether to frown, glare, or laugh. In fact, she went through them one at a time before shaking her head. "Yes, though I cannot say I am too fond of that, I am not surprised."

"Why?" Liruliniel frowned, feeling awkward to talk to her long dead mother who had lingered here for so long just for a freak chance to talk to her.

"You're my daughter, Liruliniel. And if there is one person who will never be surprised by something you do, it would be me. You heard my father, how similar we appear to him. There is nothing you could've done, that I hadn't, or didn't think of doing." Ithilwen said while watching Liruliniel move away from Thalion's side. She stopped in front of the long-haired elf-Princess, Ithilwen couldn't help it, she reached up and cupped her face. Looking her over before kissing her on the forehead, "It is a pleasure to meet you, though it feels weird to say, but you were so young when I went. I am sorry, and all I can hope is that you understand, if not today, then sometime."

"I would do anything to save my family, to save those closest to me. It is what bought me here. A dear friend was in need of healing, he did not wish it...I cannot watch someone die, if I can help them."

"He will be grateful to you," Ithilwen said, regardless of the turmoil in Liruliniel's eyes. She ignored Thorin's wishes. Not that anyone wished to die, but what if he had been sure that was the outcome and had faced facts with it? Likewise, she had foreseen her death so many times that none of those eventualities happened.

"He will be guilty, because he thinks he is my death. Thorin doesn't know that I would do exactly the same again, if it meant he lived." Liruliniel shrugged loosely, she meant what she said to him. The world would seem darker without him. She laughed quietly though, "It means himself and Thranduil now have something else in common, that they can try and deny; I healed them both on the battlefield."

Thalion clapped a hand on her shoulder, "Sure they'll appreciate that." Hérion rolled his eyes at his children's joking.

"Father?" Liruliniel hadn't heard from him yet, Celebrimbor was standing behind them looking rather stern faced. She got it, he didn't like her father, but Celebrimbor had to understand that Hérion had been her world. He had been both parents, along with her tutor and trainer.

Hérion wasted no time in pulling her to him. His arms wrapped around her tightly and she buried her face against him. "You have made me proud, Liruliniel. You have grown up to be more than I could ever hope for. I am proud that you have steered clear of trouble, well, the best you could, and that you have found your own way in the world. I couldn't ask for anything more." Hérion pushed her back gently, of course he'd rather her still living, not here with them awaiting entrance to the Halls.

Liruliniel shakily nodded, his words meant more to her than perhaps any she had ever heard before. Hérion looking over her shoulder though, had her turning too. As if this could not overwhelm her even more, she found herself running again to the figure standing stoically and silently to one side.

Oropher for one looked utterly thrown off by the action of her suddenly embracing him. Her arms were wound around his middle tightly and it seemed as soon as she did the action, she realised who he was and jumped back. "Oh! I am so sorry, sire. I do not know what came over me, just..."

"I understand." Oropher picked up from where she trailed off. She looked sheepishly at him, and he couldn't help but sigh. She was still that awkward child to him, he could see her strength, could see how she had grown, but to him, she was still that child who would muck about, joke or debate with him.

"I'm sorry I couldn't get to you."

Oropher tilted his head at her admittance, her apology was sincere and had her looking teary. "It is a guilt you have been carrying with you, for so many years. Liruliniel, let it go. Unburden yourself from guilt. Do you recall the battle?"

"How could I not?" She frowned and shuddered; it seemed like a ridiculous question to ask.

Oropher placed a hand on her shoulder and edged her back to the family she had left standing to the side. "Do you recall being thrown?" Liruliniel frowned, she had been in the thick of it, Oropher had been beside her too, they were both fighting with everything they had and then suddenly...she was gone. She gasped and nodded, looking at him worriedly. A rare smile appeared on Oropher's face, "It was me."

"Sorry?" Her voice came out strangled, a buzzing in her ears that was white static as she stared at the tall blonde beside her. He was still within his armour too, unhurt and as magnificent looking as ever. Truthfully, now that Thranduil had grown up and especially with how she last saw him, the two looked more alike than ever. Beautifully dangerous, yet so utterly capable of caring and loving in their own ways.

Oropher sighed, he shut his eyes before looking downwards at her. "I know it was your duty, one you took seriously, to fall in battle protecting me; but I could not allow it, you were so young, a child still, Liruliniel." Well, she was a child in his eyes, because of how old he was. But he was genuine, her eyes widened as she listened to him. "You weren't attacked, you weren't ripped from me, I grasped onto you and managed to get away you from me. It was a spur of the moment thing, that I do not regret doing. You had so much life left, something more important to do than die by my side."

Liruliniel looked at the dark ground, silently she nodded and looked at him. "You saved me."

"And in turn, you saved my son. So, we are equal, aren't we?" Oropher questioned, the meaning behind his words ringing out, Liruliniel smiled. She was continuing to save him from himself as much as she could every day, Oropher knew this, of course he did. He would always know of them two. "I must apologise to you though, however my actions in the past, though I believed they were right, I believe they detrimentally impacted on the two of you."

Liruliniel shook her head, "I understand. We both do." Liruliniel blinked slowly, tilting her head she looked back up at Oropher. "Is Vanadessë here too?" She felt awkward, they didn't part on good terms, and then with her father...Liruliniel shuddered, this was an altercation waiting to happen.

"She is." Oropher replied.

Liruliniel looked hesitant. "I would like to make peace."

"As would I," that soft voice that she couldn't forget even if she tried spoke from behind her. Liruliniel turned, Vanadessë in all her brilliance stood there, perhaps one of few that were not in her armour. Much like Ithilwen, she stood in a long flowing gown, her blonde hair cascading in soft waves down her back. She was still beautiful. Liruliniel marched forwards, grasping onto the elf-Princess and pulling her to herself. She was a little surprised when Vanadessë embraced her back, and so tightly too.

"I never wished for us to fall out. Nor did I ever wish for you to feel insignificant because of a friendship I had with your husband." Liruliniel explained quietly, her face still buried against Vanadessë's neck. She felt the other female shudder, something of a quiet sob came from her as her arms tightened around Liruliniel. "You were, and always will be my friend, and my Queen, nothing will change that. I told Legolas stories of you, never allowing him to forget you, knowing the damage that can do was something I didn't wish for Legolas and me to share."

Vanadessë pulled away slowly, she looked sadly at Liruliniel yet thankful. "It is enough to know you still look out for him, that brings me much peace."

"Thranduil doesn't stop thinking about you either." Liruliniel smiled sadly, she sighed and tilted her head as she looked at the looming darkness. "He has never truly recovered from your death, none of us really have. He loves you still, Vanadessë. He truly does, and a part of him always will. You are never far from his thoughts, or Legolas's." Liruliniel said with more conviction, thinking over anytime Thranduil may have dwelling thoughts on Vanadessë hurt her heart still. But that was normal, anyone else would be the same.

"And much like Legolas, you are there to watch over him too."

"You know if Liruliniel had it her way, the whole of Middle-earth would be under her care!" Thalion exclaimed with a laugh, Hérion shot him a look while Ithilwen quietly chuckled. "I'm just saying..."

Liruliniel rolled her eyes at her brother, "I would, I am saddened that though I wished for nothing more than to protect you all, I failed."

"No, no." Ithilwen floated to her side almost, she turned her daughter's face to look at her. Liruliniel looked sad still by her words. "In part, in some way or another, we have failed you. I know I have, and I refuse to do so again. With what little spirit I have left, I give unto you, Liruliniel. Use it to live, to love and be happy like you wish to. It is my last parting gift to you, as your mother." She said while her hand went over Liruliniel's heart, a warmth radiated, her form growing hot and tingling as Liruliniel looked around to see that Ithilwen was not the only one sending an aura her way.

"If you all do this, you cannot enter the Halls." Liruliniel said desperately, she would not wish for those she loved to not find rest.

Thalion scoffed, "I would rather allow my sister to live, then to pass the opportunity to let her to do so while I went and rested for eternity."

Liruliniel looked at him with wide eyes, all of them had her casting teary eyes at them, and in that darkness so much light was being illuminated that it became too much for her to bear. Liruliniel's eyes slid closed again, and though she still felt a little weightless, she was conscious to sounds coming to her ears, to chatter, camp life, the sounds of work and laughter.

Opening her eyes slowly, she looked to the tent roof above her head, the material was rustling in the gentle breeze of the day, a lingering thought in her mind echoed out with love from those she had left behind, again. Looking to the side, Liruliniel observed she was alone in here, looking upwards again, she smiled and shut her eyes, a few tears escaping as she silently sent a thankful prayer to whomever was listening.

=

Thorin was waiting for it really, he couldn't even deny it; he was waiting for Thranduil to plainly confront him. It was going to happen; it was just the matter of when. Thorin actually hated waiting, especially for this. He wasn't going to confront the elf, the thought had his expression darkening quite considerably. He was with it enough to witness Liruliniel be carried off, just as he was being escorted into another tent to be looked over. Thranduil and Elrond had entered the tent with her, and a little while later on, it was just them two who exited.

He hoped his friend was fine, but really, was he a fool to hope? Thorin had seen the damage dealt to her, Liruliniel was barely able to stand during the fight with Azog, let alone before that. She had rushed into battle readily without question, and she had come off worse for it. Thorin remembered all too well the weight of her laying in his arms, her smile was kind and her eyes a little distant, but she stared happily at him.

If he spoke to her, she replied, if not a little slowly. Thorin had seen death, he had faced death, he knew death had many faces, and he did believe he was watching the slow death of his friend. And that pained him. Of course, it pained him more to think that she possibly could die to heal him.

Thorin had made facts and peace with the likelihood of his demise. It was a sacrifice he was willing to give, if it meant his kin were back within Erebor. He could rest easy forever more knowing the dwarves had the kingdom back, and that the dragon was long gone. But now? Thorin was under no illusion, he was truly to become king now, he would take over from where his grandfather and father left off; even if the latter was a ruler in exile more than anything.

It didn't matter. He had secretly vowed to himself that he would not be like either. He had already done that, and it had ended terribly, he had lost friends during that time, even if he had gained them back. He flexed his hand slowly; the stab wound from Azog had been healed quite well by Liruliniel. Though it didn't mean that it wasn't still dressed and his shoulder wrapped in many gauzes. He could feel his grip was weaker than usual, but what was he expecting? Instant healing and being back to full strength? Even he wasn't that foolish.

Naturally, seeing him able and up had caused his nephews to be excitable, they were more excited with walking through the freed kingdom properly with their uncle. Before wasn't right, it was wrong, this was going to be genuine now. All was well and good until a messenger bird arrived, a beautiful black raven, Balin had taken the note from it and looked it over while at the time Thorin was being bandaged up; Fíli and Kíli were confused, Balin had muttered before looking sheepishly between the three males, he had merely uttered one word, one name, and the excitement had dwindled slightly.

Dís was coming. Dís, just the thought had Thorin, Fíli and Kíli silent as the healer finished up bandaging up any grazes, cuts and injuries upon the brothers too. Thorin wasn't sure whether he was ready for his sister. He would rather this argument with Thranduil over his sister; now that was saying something, Thorin knew where he stood with Thranduil, Dís though? Oh no, she was likely to preach and lecture and have some comment or another. It was her way, she couldn't help it, but Thorin wasn't sure he was prepared.

Luckily, the journey from Ered Luin would take Dís and whomever was with her a while. That would give the uncle and nephews time to prepare for the storm. Even more luckily, the tent flaps opened, and a rather hostile distraction was now in place, Thorin's thoughts drifted from his younger sister to Thranduil.

Thorin had to admit he was angrier looking then what he thought he would be. He had changed out of his armour, the bloodstains on his skin washed away, yet his expression still blank; it was his eyes, if looks could kill Thorin would be on the floor, any healing would've been for nothing. Thorin knew Thranduil would be angry. He just didn't know how angry until he looked at him, now he was basically standing over him while Thorin remained sitting on the small bunk, he got it, he felt it, like a rolling wave the negative feelings were just flowing from Thranduil.

"I didn't ask her to do it." Thorin broke the silence, because he was feeling increasingly uncomfortable as Thranduil just stared unblinkingly at him.

It was like Thranduil was trying to figure out the little details, what had Liruliniel's sacrifice been for, exactly? Thorin had to admit, apart from a few cuts here and there on his face, he seemed otherwise fine. The bandage on his shoulder was hidden away underneath a clean tunic, and he was able to move quite freely. With more ease than what Liruliniel could, and that irked Thranduil more, Thorin knew it.

"That I don't doubt."

"You sound like you don't believe me. Or are you calling me a liar?" Thorin's tone lowered to an angry one, he didn't appreciate being called a liar, insinuated or otherwise, he wasn't lying. Thorin knew this was going to be a one-sided thing, whatever he said or didn't say, Thranduil wasn't likely to believe. He had already come to a conclusion, and Thorin's words would mean nothing.

Thranduil's eyes dimly looked around the bland tent, a simple bunk which Thorin sat on was the only real piece of furniture. The healers had taken all they had and moved onto the next patient. Assessing the utterly dull surroundings they were in, Thranduil's eyes fixed firmly on Thorin. He had shifted, if only to swing his legs over the bunk and awkwardly sit there, he couldn't slouch as such because of how the bandages were wound around him.

Thranduil rolled his eyes, he did not believe Thorin deserved the severe wound, as such, but the awkwardness of movement was fair justice for him to watch. Somehow Thorin just made moving looking increasingly more awkward and Thranduil just raised an eyebrow, he wasn't sure what he was trying to do, stand, maybe? Thranduil wasn't sure, he just watched Thorin wobble about.

"Perhaps you best sit, before you fall down." Was the lone comment Thranduil spoke, his tone dry and really, a small smirk was tugging at the corner of his lips. He couldn't help it, despite the circumstances.

"Yes, I think you'd like that too much." Thorin shot back, not listening to Thranduil at all.

Thranduil sighed, he kept his hands clasped before him and over the slate-coloured clothing he had changed into. "It would be a waste." His eyes narrowed slowly, Thorin's actions paused, and he looked slowly up at the taller male to the side. "A shame, even."

"What life she has given back to me, I will not squander." Thorin said, his voice firm and honest. His words caused Thranduil to tense, Thorin would've sworn a shudder ran through him as his head slowly turned and he stared down at the dwarf-King again. Thorin got the feeling he said the wrong thing.

"Indeed. It would be unwise." Thranduil responded tersely while moving to the side when Thorin awkwardly limped his way forwards. He paused by Thranduil's side, his eyes narrowing upwards before he simply pushed the tent flaps aside and walked out.

Thranduil naturally followed after him, Thorin sighed, did he really have to? Thorin got the feeling Thranduil had more to say, why else would he be tailing him? It was awkward really, Thorin would've preferred this conversation to be quick and over with, but it wasn't.

"Yet again, I did not ask her to heal me. She chose to, I tried to stop her, yet she would not listen. Before I knew what was happening, it was too late, and she collapsed within my arms. I did not want her to heal me. I was acceptant of my death, yet she didn't wish it. I am not sure when we became whims of an azaghâl Uzbadnâtha." Thranduil cast a slightly confused look his way, Thorin guessed that was confusion on his face. If it wasn't then perhaps something else, he just said didn't agree with the elf beside him. "Warrior Princess." Thorin explained, perhaps Thranduil thought he had called Liruliniel something else.

Whereas the latter had a clear want to understand his language, no matter the secrecy, Thranduil was the other way inclined. Of course he didn't understand what he just said. Thorin was rather sure Thranduil's grasp of Khuzdul was limited and sparse.

Thranduil nodded his head, "She is a fool, but a kind-hearted fool." Thorin looked a bit troubled by how simply Thranduil seemed to say this, but the tone in which he used wasn't comforting. It was like he was about to start talking about her in the past tense. "She did a similar with me." Thorin raised an eyebrow, he wasn't expecting a sort of war story moment to happen, but here they were walking down the ruined passageways of the city. "I wasn't near death, even if I felt it; do you understand my anger from earlier now?" Thranduil posed the question in a hollow tone as he looked down at Thorin. "Some of her life was already given to me, to heal me. How much did she have to give to you, to get you stable I wonder."

Thorin paused, he didn't think of it like that, yes, he understood why Thranduil looked so angry but how was it his fault? He didn't ask for this. "She will be all right though."

"Debatable," Thranduil replied rolling his eyes to the sky and sighing heavily. "Do not misunderstand this civility, I do not agree with her actions, I likewise do not think you will treasure the gift in which she has given you; but what can I do? I can do nothing. Yet again I am powerless to deter her going through with something that will surely end terribly, and terribly it has ended."

"Me being alive is terrible to you. Well, at least we aren't holding back." Thorin scoffed, Thranduil shot him a look. "Instead of thinking over the possible ways in which you'd have talked her out of saving me, and my kin, how about you dwell over how you are going to look after her when she awakes. If she is to wake and be weakened, which you presume, then she will need you more than anyone. I said I would not squander this new life, and I meant it. I am not the same dwarf you had imprisoned and kept at bay, I was desperate for my home, for peace and freedom of my people; with help from Liruliniel, I will be able to fulfil this, do I think it will be easy? No. I have much making up to do, to a great many of people. But I will do it. Because I am honest, and I stick to my words." Thorin said while staring unblinkingly at Thranduil.

The elf in turn just stared right back at him. Both were rather unwilling to be the first to look away first. "Just to clarify again; I didn't ask to be saved." Thorin thought he would just repeat himself again, just to get the message across. He remembered laying on that ice thinking about seeing his grandfather, father, brother and mother again. "But that isn't to say I am not happy to be alive." Thorin said while looking away with a sigh, he conceded to letting Thranduil have victory over their odd staring match.

"She will need you too."

That had Thorin double taking and looking like he had been slightly winded. "Excuse me?" He even sounded shocked as he stared up at Thranduil, he seemed to be thinking over the right words to use.

"You are her friend. You have a piece of her soul within you, even now it is aiding in healing you, even if you do not fully know it. She will need you to not stand about blaming yourself for the condition she may be in."

"That's why you are here." Thorin had to state, earning narrowed eyes from Thranduil. Thorin just shrugged and painfully crossed his arms, he was waiting to see if he would be contradicted. He knew he wouldn't be.

"Yes, I blame you. I do; I cannot even deny it." And that was making him feel even more bitter, the expression which flitted onto Thranduil's face said as much, Thorin just sighed and lowered his arms from his chest. He could see the conflict pulling at the elf, as much as Thorin hated to say it, he did find himself sympathising.

"Has she not woken at all?" Thorin's voice was low, concerned. He thought he'd get the topic away from the fact that Thranduil still disliked him, even more so now because of Liruliniel.

Thranduil tilted his head, he walked past Thorin, glided was perhaps more accurate. Whereas Thorin limped a little, Thranduil just gracefully walked along, as if he hadn't just taken part in a fight at all. "She still sleeps. There is uncertainty over how long."

"Her wounds?"

"Lord Elrond has dealt with them. Bound and healed, the rest is up to her."

"She is strong."

Thranduil looked at Thorin with a small frown. "Yes, I know."

"Just thought I'd remind you." Thorin smirked and shrugged his good shoulder. "She has a strong will."

Thranduil seemed to contemplate over something before shaking his head. Thorin just glanced at him as they seemed to drift into silence. Thorin felt awkward, it was just, well, the last time they crossed paths Thorin did try shooting Thranduil; then previously, Thranduil was locking him and his friends up. Thorin wasn't sure if Thranduil felt awkward too, he didn't want to ask him really.

"We both care for her, even if we do not see eye to eye, whatever grievances we have, they are in the past." Thorin was close to wincing, he only didn't because Thranduil looked at him as he spoke. Even Thorin could tell this pained him to say.

They were at an impasse, Thorin honestly had no intentions to seek the Woodland Realm out once the rebuild and burials were over with; he wouldn't need to, Dale would be reclaimed and so would Esgaroth, those two would be Erebor's trading partners. The only reason he'd seek the elves out, was to converse with Liruliniel. But it hadn't gone unnoticed by Thorin that this spoken impasse was only happening because Thranduil had said it. In his mind, Thorin was already there.

Thorin wasn't expecting an apology for how Thranduil treated himself and his company, instead Thorin just inclined his head slowly. "They are indeed in the past. Considering all that we have done, and lost, the past is not worth dwelling over. We all have a future to look forward to, to work towards."

Thranduil inclined his head in return, it wasn't like he could disagree. The air between them was less static, still a little awkward but it was bearable as they walked around the makeshift camps of the injured and the survivors. Everyone was coming together to aid each other, it was welcoming after all the horrors which had previously happened. Already a cart was full of orc bodies to go and dispose of. Thranduil's nose scrunched slightly, an action which had been missed by Thorin thankfully. They better burn the bodies far enough away from this place, no one needed that stench to sweep through the streets.

Thorin was in no real shape to aid, Thranduil was just walking and observing yet both pulled to a stop when they heard an ecstatic shout. Both turned and slowly made their way back, they turned the corner and paused where the majority of the tents were. Those who could, had come forwards to see what had happened too.

The owner of the small voice was Tilda, and Tilda right now had been trying to aid where she could, bringing water to those in charge so they could then give it to the injured or those who needed it. She wasn't allowed in the tents, with good reason. But when someone had come walking in a slight daze downwards, she spotted and shouted and ran.

Liruliniel stiffly knelt on the ground, having leaned down to greet the girl. Her arms were wound around Liruliniel's neck, one of Liruliniel's was around the girl's back, the other was splinted and, in a sling, tightly against her chest. Although a small wince was on the elf's face, she still smiled with her eyes shut. Needless to say, Thorin and Thranduil exchanged a look. Though they intended on greeting her, others got there before them.

Kíli had been to check on Tauriel, her cuts weren't bad but being a non-emergency she had waited to be seen. He had all but jogged over to Liruliniel, Fíli naturally wasn't far behind his brother. Even from where the two rulers were, they could see the brothers' exchanging words, finishing their sentences and looking at her with wide eyes. Thorin got the message quite clearly, they were thanking her.

Liruliniel shook her head, staying knelt and keeping Tilda to her side with her arm still around her shoulders. Being like she was, she was almost on the same eye level as the brothers. Liruliniel sent a smile upwards from behind Kíli emerged Tauriel, she looked as shocked as anyone else yet aided Liruliniel in standing before embracing her gently. As peaceful as that little bubble was, it didn't take long for the other dwarves to catch wind of her being awake, and a particular hobbit was more than pleased, and a little teary eyed as he got loosely embraced by Liruliniel.

Whatever was said had them all laughing quietly, Liruliniel still with an arm around Tilda as she spoke to her friends around her. Tilda wasn't following the conversation, but she still looked up enthralled anyway. Thorin and Thranduil were unaware to being joined, Bard had heard his daughter shouting and came in a hurry, only to pause.

He couldn't help but smile at the sight, Tilda had become attached to Liruliniel and he wasn't sure how she'd cope when it came to Liruliniel returning home, that was something to deal with when it came. "She seems like the best of us all," Bard's voice had Thranduil and Thorin looking at him with curious looks. Bard raised an eyebrow, "None of us had that reaction, did we?" He pointed out, yes, his children were ecstatic. Thorin was carefully greeted, those wary of his wounds didn't venture close, and Thranduil was nonchalantly greeted back like the custom of elves often went, not overly flashy and elaborate. "Excuse me," Bard nodded at them both before marching forwards, he managed to get the jump on Tilda.

Being scooped up from behind had her squealing and laughing before holding onto her father as he rested her against his hip. Liruliniel smiled at Bard before throwing out her arm and waving her hand at him, from the look on her face she was all the more encouraging and Bard managed, even with Tilda in tow, to get held carefully.

"He seems to have been onto something there." Thorin mused, watching as if anything, more people appeared. Thorin inhaled slowly before stepping forwards, he presumed Thranduil wished to go last in welcoming her back. The reaction to Thorin being suddenly before her had Liruliniel exclaiming and almost jumping on the spot before clutching onto him tightly, Thorin returned the gesture with a laugh. It was a dramatic hello, to say the least.

Thranduil stayed lingering, watching, he didn't know Liruliniel was truly this popular. Was it something he had always been ignorant to? Though she had never travelled like she wished to, she had definitely managed to make friends with whomever she crossed paths with; this moment was evidence enough, mortals, dwarves, elves, they were all there greeting her, sharing caring words of joy and smiling along with whatever jokes were told. Liruliniel had not glanced in his direction, and for that, Thranduil wasn't sure whether he was grateful or not. If she did look over, she would probably see Thranduil in one of those very rare moments of being caught off guard.

Almost tearfully he looked at her moving, he couldn't hear her, but he could see her mouth move. He could almost hear her voice, just from memories stored within his mind. He was struck by how close he had been to losing her, seeing her laying lifeless within a bunk had his heart hurting, beyond compare. To not see her so energetic despite her wounds, Thranduil had no words. He honestly didn't.

Thorin must've said something because she stilled, her face turning serious as she slowly turned. And that's when it truly hit him, just by the wide-eyed look she was staring in his direction with. To not see her face, those eyes ever again...Thranduil moved from where he was before they stopped, a few paces between them.

"So...I died for a little while. But I'm back now, have I missed anything new?"

Thranduil raised an eyebrow, her words were typical. Couldn't reunite normally, no. "Nothing new to note." Thranduil replied, looking her over. The sudden grin she sent his way didn't go amiss. Though he looked a little sadly at her, a few cuts were against her forehead, one of her eyes underneath seemed bruised and there was a cut on her cheek.

Minor things which Elrond had deemed fine without his aid. Her arm in the sling, Elrond had not been too pleased with, or confidant about; her bones were broken in more than one place, hence the splint and the sling. He had told Thranduil her movement may return with time, or her arm would not be the same again. Her other arm was cut too but not bandaged as heavily. Her limping pace was from a sprain, nothing too major.

Her armour had been removed, she had been changed into a simple white tunic that was too big for her, along with trousers. At the moment much like her usual fashion, she seemed to be barefoot even though Thranduil knew her boots were left near the bunk.

Liruliniel rocked awkwardly her heels before gesturing a hand at him, public affection was something which she knew Thranduil was likely to deter, not be a fan of and discourage; her though, she didn't care either way. Thranduil shut his eyes yet opened them with a sigh when he felt her body slot carefully against his. He leaned his cheek against her hair, the muddy braids still present, yet even through this all he could still smell her scent, forest, lavender and home.

His arms held her to him and Thranduil was opting to ignore the dwarves cheering in celebration, oddly enough, that the pair had been reunited. He wasn't going to comment. Maybe they were happier for her being up and standing and able to move? That seemed more likely.

"Gi melin, Thranduil." Her voice came out as a whisper as her face was still sort of buried against his chest. She peeled away and looked up tiredly, he gently traced the cut on her cheek before simply cupping her face. "I went to another place...I saw them, Thranduil. They had waited for me. Your father was there too." She whispered, reaching up with her hand and stroking a thumb under his eye. "Don't cry, Thranduil. All is well, I am here, we are going to be fine. I know we will be; I just have this feeling." She said while looking down and placing her hand against her heart, a small smile appeared on her face as she nodded surely before looking back at him.

"You were gone from me, you were so far away, and I could not reach you." Thranduil said, watching as her expression turned sad. Though the mention of his father had hit him, he couldn't help but shake his head. "Your family were calling to you, Liruliniel."

She blinked and looked at him oddly. "I love my family, and they understood why I could not go with them. How could I leave you? You would be lost to all and everyone, how could I rest knowing that I alone would've been the one to drive you to despair? There would be no peace for me, none. The only peace I will have and know, is when I am with you. Being with you brings me peace, even if I do not show it. It was good, more than good to see them all, even my grandfather and mother...but I wasn't ready. I wasn't ready to die."

Thranduil just listened to her, even as she paused now and then to think over the words to use. She was so honest, her expression mirroring this as she looked up at him, she still looked tired but earnest. He couldn't hold that against her, she wasn't even trying to hide how tired and exhausted she was, which made a change. He never appreciated her attempts at a brave face; it just signalled to him how hurt she truly was underneath.

Thranduil brushed his hands over her cheeks, he leaned his forehead against hers and shut his eyes. "You must tell me what happened in more detail. But for now, can I just enjoy the feel of you back within my arms?"

"Can we sit, and you still do that? Only, Lord Elrond said my back and ribs probably won't like the strain of standing for too long." Liruliniel said, which was true. When she laid awake, the tent flaps moved and in came Elrond.

She for one was shocked, even tearfully talking to him as he quietly shushed her fussing, he, in his ever-fatherly manner with her, calmed her and talked to her. He explained what happened, how hurt she was and what to do to ease healing. Even now the elf-Lord was on the outskirts watching the moment with a soft smile on his face, he was pleased Liruliniel had pulled herself out of the darkness, in some ways even pleased that Thranduil had disposed of his stoicism to greet her, hold her and even place a kiss to her forehead before gesturing a hand gently to a tent he knew had food provisions set out for everyone.

He kept a hand to her lower back, keeping her steady, but he frowned her way when she waved eagerly at the dwarves to join them, Elrond all but laughed quietly and shook his head at the sight of Thranduil's frown. Yet he didn't deter, the dwarves came too, and so did Bard and Tilda. Elrond would pack his things ready for his journey back home; he would talk to the both of them later once the hype of her returning to the world had sunken in for everyone.

——

Edited: 11/July/2025