Everlong

69

"You must set aside your petty grievances with the dwarves. War is coming; the cess pits of Dol Guldur have been emptied," Gandalf commenced speaking really quite passionately, and seriously. It was a shame that some of his words caused Bard to shoot Thranduil a look, and for him in turn to look almost bored, an eye roll almost happening. It didn't, but the premise was there as Thranduil returned Bard's glance with a pointed look, overall he remained motionless in his seat with Liruliniel standing beside him with wide eyes. It seemed she was the only one taking the wizard's words seriously. Before speaking, he had placed his staff to one side along with his hat, he was also permitted to quickly wash the blood and dirt from his face. But even with it all gone, Gandalf still looked tired. But he also looked annoyed that he wasn't being taken seriously, his hands were on his hips as he looked between the figures before and around him. "You're all in mortal danger!" That had Thranduil snapping to attention, if only to look surprised the wizard had exclaimed, but with wide eyes which weren't taking this all too seriously, Thranduil just waited. Eventually he knew Gandalf would stop...once he got out all he had to say.

Bard however, the mere thought of that and that being near his children was enough for him to look confused. Worried, but confused. "What are you talking about?" Bard stood and dared to take a step or two forwards. He didn't understand what Gandalf was trying to say. It was all...a little confusing.

Gandalf looked at him, somewhat sympathetically. He wasn't surprised Bard, or at least one of them was struggling to keep up. They thought the dragon alone was the problem? No. Even Thranduil got another look sent at him, Gandalf was certain that with Liruliniel in tow, he wasn't in the dark. At the moment, he was just playing ignorant.

"I can see you know nothing of wizards," Thranduil spoke up before Gandalf even had the chance. He shut his mouth, a resigned expression flitting onto his face. There was an almost comical ring to Thranduil's tone, he couldn't help but be a little amused. Bard was a little out of his league here, just a little. Regardless, Thranduil moved slowly out of his chair, giving Liruliniel a look when she eyed it up. He inclined his head, he could see her almost swaying on her feet. "They are like winter thunder on a wild wind rolling in from a distance; breaking hard in alarm, but sometimes a storm is just a storm." Thranduil didn't know whether his analogy helped Bard, but he sought to filling up one of the goblets present. Taking his time with the action while talking before moving past Gandalf and Bard with silent footsteps.

"Not this time, armies of orcs are on the move. These are fighters, they've been bred for war. Our enemy has summoned his full strength." Gandalf shook his head firmly, outwardly and easily disagreeing with Thranduil. Gandalf had seen them, he had witnessed so much before coming here with being held hostage. The two males didn't react as such; Bard still looked thoughtful, torn whether to believe Gandalf's words, and Thranduil lowered his head and inhaled slowly, eyes shut and trying to evidently stop himself saying something that may be regretted.

"Excuse me?" Liruliniel spoke up, Gandalf couldn't help but find himself smiling as she awkwardly sat with her hand held up. "May I speak?" Thranduil looked confused, Gandalf couldn't help but smile more. It seemed Liruliniel did not ask for permission, least of all to speak. Perhaps this was just special treatment for him? Liruliniel drummed her fingers on the arm rests, "Gundabad too, Gandalf. It isn't just the old fortress. But I feel like you may already know this. I have seen them, at night, marching; thousands of boots thunder against the ground, and their commands are brief but deadly. I do not disbelieve you." Liruliniel tilted her head, her eyes narrowing in thought before looking at him with a smile.

Gandalf smiled back, how could he not? At least someone was trusting his words. But he wasn't surprised. No, the surprise was still written over Thranduil's face, or rather in his eyes as he stared at her. Liruliniel just swung her legs and smiled softly. Why should she not say the truth? Regardless, Thranduil turned his head slowly and looked at the wizard. Gandalf looked away from Liruliniel, and back to him. "Why show his hand now?" Thranduil's tone was still one of huge indifference. Unlike Liruliniel's earnest tones and looks, or even Bard's confused ones, Thranduil was still airing on the side of indifference. Why at the moment should he take the ramblings from the wizard seriously? Where was the proof of his words?