Crashed
All air escaped your body, leaving you with a sickening feeling in your stomach, your mouth agape in shock. She'd found you. Immediately you grabbed Halbrand by the hand, seeking from him any small comfort you could possibly find in this moment. The she-elf was adorned in olive green trousers and shirt, boots laced up almost to her knees, and a dirt brown coloured cloak that billowed out behind her as she stormed towards you. It was a far cry from the elegant emerald bejewelled dress you had last seen her in. Her immaculate blonde hair was braided intricately to her right side, though strands had loosened and framed her face. However what put your senses on edge were her eyes. They were ravenous, icy blue, as if they were shards of frozen water so pointed they could pierce flesh. Galadriel gave off an energy of unhinged determination.
"This man is no king!" she shouted for all to hear. "For he is no man!" Galadriel strode up the steps, pulling out her sword as she did so. Arondir and Bronwyn stepped between the three of you before any strikes were made, and Halbrand squeezed your hand. It was then you noticed Theo off to the side, his face struck with confusion. He still carried the commander's sword. You could feel your heart racing, hear the rumbling conversations that were breaking out amongst your people. Lowering his bow, Arondir attempted to make sense of what was occurring. "Lady Galadriel," he bowed his head. "Is there a chance we could perhaps resolve this without the spilling of blood?"
"The time for words has long passed, Arondir. There is only action. There is only my blade." The she-elf's breath was fast and heavy, her temper clear in her tone.
"I disagree, my lady. You must tell us why you wish to end their lives. What are your accusations?"
Galadriel lifted her sword, pointing it over Arondir's shoulder, directly at Halbrand's head. The elf's bow raised again in response. "Your supposed king and queen have been false with you all. For they are of darkness itself. Halbrand… is Sauron. The dark lord. Morgoth's successor. And the killer of my brother." Those who heard amongst the crowd gasped, and it spread like a ripple in a lake, as the citizens of Pelargir heard the truth you had been praying would stay hidden.
"You are mistaken!" Bronwyn chimed in, shocked to hear these words.
"I am afraid not. There is no heir to the Southlands throne. It is a ploy for power, nothing more."
"A ploy which you helped." Halbrand finally spoke, releasing your hand and walking slowly to Arondir's side. The tip of Galadriel's weapon followed him. "What the Noldor elf is leaving out here is that she was integral in my ascension to my throne."
"Is this true?" Arondir questioned, his eyes and arrow not falling from their intended target.
"Whether or not this is true does not erase the truth that is of greater importance. A foul beast stands at your side, Arondir, one who aided in the destruction of your home. You can defend him no longer. You must give me his head." In that moment your view of Arondir altered. He was still, of course, a steadfast and skilled ally you were lucky to have. He was Bronwyn's great love. Though to you now… he was a victim of the shadow. Another being deeply affected by the actions of evil. Evil that had encompassed your own great love. How were you to know?
The elf lowered his bow. Galadriel did not lower her sword. "I will not believe it!" Bronwyn cried out, causing all eyes to fall to her. "It cannot be possible. This man is our king! The king we were promised! I refuse to consider your treasonous words!" The Southlanders cheered, siding with their lady. "If he is who you claim, Lady Galadriel, then that means we are in fact doomed to suffer the fate of our ancestors. That we belong to the darkness, and only ever in darkness shall we lay. But this is not what I have seen. During the weeks since Orodruin erupted, I have only glimpsed hope in the eyes of our people. I have seen the good deeds done inspired by that of our king. At last… there is a future for us. We will stand on the graves of our forebears no longer. We will redeem them. King Halbrand will lead us into the light."
The crowd roared at Bronwyn's unwavering patriotism. Those that had gasped were now beaming, cheering. Some were even calling for Galadriel's head. "I assure you, he will only be a blight on your people, Lady Bronwyn. He has no desire to do any good. His rule will cost you greatly."
"King Halbrand, I say we imprison the she-elf until we can be certain she will cause you no harm."
"Mother!" Theo called out in opposition.
"If that is what you wish." declared your love, ignoring the boy, a smirk on his face. He was getting some great satisfaction from all of this. Part of you became concerned then that Sauron had reared his monstrous head and was suddenly in control. Although, you had known Halbrand and Galadriel's relationship to be fraught with confrontations such as these, even before she learned who he really is. And Halbrand loved to see people squirm.
As Bronwyn gestured for two burly men to come forth to apprehend Galadriel, something happened that no one expected. Arondir stepped forward to block them. Now, he defended Galadriel. He gazed at his love, eyes filled with sorrow. "Bronwyn… your people are not destined for darkness. You know this. Though I fear… if we do not heed Lady Galadriel… then they may become shrouded in the same shadow as your ancestors."
"We have our king. I look upon him and see our redemption. I trust that, Sauron or no, he means us no harm. Neither him nor his queen." She moved towards Arondir, cupping his cheek softly. "They were destined to rule, as we are destined for the light. Our fates are connected. I cannot believe any other way. I will not lose my faith in my people." You could not see her face, but the sound of her trembling voice told you all you needed. Arondir's expression contained so many thoughts and feelings. It was familiar. He was torn. Between duty and desire. The double edged sword it seemed you all had to bear. A tear fell from him, signifying his decision, and he removed himself from the path of Galadriel's captors.
"Arondir, you cannot let this come to pass." stated the she-elf, as the men grasped hold of her. Shirking them off with ease, she made another attempt on Halbrand's life, screaming as she lunged forward, sword aloft, ready to strike. Arondir however prevented her weapon from coming down, though just barely. "My lady… let me preserve your grace and escort you to the cells myself."
"I will be no prisoner." Galadriel spoke through gritted teeth, remaining defiant.
"Please… come. It is clear that temper will not resolve this. If you want things to change… perhaps a different approach is required." suggested the elf, calming his elder down.
"Arondir! You cannot propose that!" Bronwyn protested.
Galadriel slowed, and you watched intently as she considered his words. Her breathing levelling out, her demeanour faded into placidity. Saying nothing either with words or gestures, Arondir took this as the permission he needed to escort her to jail. Once more, the Southlanders rejoiced, and Galadriel was taken away to pay the penalty for her treason. You and Halbrand looked at each other then, for the first time since the she-elf entered the hall. Neither of you could believe what had just transpired. Sharing concerned looks, you put your weapons away, no longer requiring use of them. You stepped to Halbrand's side and locked your arm with his, resting your head against his shoulder. He moved to kiss your head, a touch that he held in place for a moment that ended too soon.
You stood and watched as Arondir escorted Galadriel down the aisle, with Southlanders hurling very unfavourable words towards her. She did not flinch, and the second she was out of sight, it was as if the air finally returned to your lungs. Galadriel did not lock eyes with you once during the confrontation. The only one who held her gaze was Halbrand. Sauron. He was all she was concerned with.
Bronwyn approached you both then, she had been stood motionless same as you, watching her love take the she-elf away. "Shall I declare the feast cancelled, my lord?"
Halbrand shook his head. His body was present, but his mind was elsewhere. You knew exactly where. "No, the people of this city still deserve to celebrate our union. Who are we to deny them of some long awaited happiness?"
"But what of Galadriel, my love?" you asked Halbrand, curious as to what he was planning.
He paused a moment, before making a declaration to the masses, his voice projecting far enough for all to hear. "My friends! Please enjoy yourselves in our absence! We shall return!" The echo in the room was resounding thanks to the lovely acoustics. The men and women of Pelargir cheered, those with glasses raised them, and you watched as plate after plate after plate was brought into the great hall and placed in front of every chair. The meat still sizzling, fresh from the stove, it's delectable scent moving through the air.
Turning his focus back to you, he answered, "You and I are going to speak with her."
Your eyes widened once more, your stomach feeling amess of knots and nausea. There was great confliction within you. The terror you were now feeling could only be contained by the reminder that not all moments with Galadriel had been fearful ones. She was still your friend somewhere underneath the vengeance, the rage, the hatred. You had not committed crimes such as Sauron had. The darkness within you, though violent and evil, had not slaughtered thousands of people. Had not brought ruin to the lands of Middle-earth. Had not taken Finrod. It was this train of thought that caused an epiphany.
"I alone will speak with her." you decided, voice shaking, your fear manifesting.
"I cannot allow that, my love." Halbrand was stunned.
You sighed deeply, closing your eyes a moment. "You can. And you will. You know why it should be only me. If we have any hope of convincing her… it has to come from me."
Halbrand didn't want you to be right. He had become accustomed to doing things his way, at his behest, speaking for himself. This one time, he had to let his Queen speak for him. And it stung even more that it was Galadriel who would receive these words. "Okay." his expression was somber as he took your hand. "But I will be close by."
You let your fingers slide to their natural place twined with your love, thankful for his touch. Azrahin and Târikun approached you then, their faces filled with shock. "It seems there is much you haven't told us." spoke your oldest brother, resentment emerging in his tone.
"And I am sorry, but now is not the time, brother. Please stay, enjoy the feast. We can discuss everything later." Exchanging ached looks with your family, you felt Halbrand's hold on your hand tighten, urging you wordlessly to leave with him. The two of you then walked down the steps and along the aisle past your people, all of whom were gossiping wildly between their bows and curtsies. Bronwyn lead the way, eager to see Arondir. As you entered the open air once more, a single question remained: what were you going to say to Galadriel? What words would even form in your mind let alone pass your lips? Especially once those penetrating eyes of hers were upon you.
Your thoughts drifted back to Eregion, back to the last time you saw her. A moment you wished you could take back. The rage she had triggered in you, how the darkness had sprung forth, pressing your body against hers, against the stone wall. Your desire to end her long life then and there. You had begged her in anger not to betray you and Halbrand. It was only now you realised that those words had been the only part of that exchange you wanted to keep. For you did not want to be without her. The tears had fallen hard from you once she left. Things were starting to make more sense.
So distracted by your thoughts of Galadriel, you had not paid attention at all to where Bronwyn was leading you. Yet suddenly you were at the jailer's door, where a small gathering of locals made way for you to enter, their frantic eyes hankering for any further glimpse of the Commander of the Northern Armies. Once across the threshold, you released yourself from Halbrand's grip. He spoke your name cautiously. "Fare well."
You nodded at him, smiling slightly, following Bronwyn to where the elves lay. Before he was out of sight completely, you turned to grasp one last look at him. Your king, in all his glory, his expression grim. Though the sight of him gave you the courage you needed to place one foot in front of the other.