Pinned
Morning in Lindon
Reblogged
Rival Memories.
Pairing: Elrond x Galadriel
Word count: 3.026
Request: โThe baby. It's yours?โ
Author's Notes: English is not my first language, so I apologize for any mistakes or confusion. It took a while, I know, but I finally wrote the second part. Even though it was a request, I wrote the first part as a basis for this one. It was interesting to write, because I never imagined this plot for them before.
Warnings: Anguish. Mentions of pregnancy. Nothing really serious.
Summary: After leaving Lindon with the company of Elves, Galadriel spends ages lost on her journey, searching for any trace of the Dark Lord. But when chaos and disorder befall Middle-earth, Galadriel is forced to return to Eregion and face Elrond.
Part I, Part II
When the darkness left Middle-earth, and the sun shone upon Lindon, Elrond knew that her was gone. Gone from him, to hunt the Dark Lord for countless ages. Abandoned once more, all that remained for Elrond were memories, and nothing more.
For the Elves had long memories, and great sorrow and happiness they kept in their hearts. Elrond could not forget Galadriel, and perhaps that made it worse. The emptiness left by forgetting would be easier to bear than so many memories.
He could still remember how her golden hair, bright as the purest jewel, had shone in Lindon, as if all the light of Arda had sprung from her curls. And how could Elrond bridge the distance, when he had been so close to her?
How could he forget Galadriel, when he would continue to live with the memories of the night he had spent with her, as if there was nothing else in Middle-earth but the two of them. Because alone in Lindon, they had known true passion, true affection born of intimacy. All those memories Elrond would bear alone, until he could feel Galadriel in his arms, one last time.
Far from Lindon, Galadriel was. Isolated from the Elves of High King Gil-galad, she set out with the company, in search of the Great Enemy, Sauron. But, it was a tiring struggle, an endless search, with no answers. Because no matter how much Galadriel searched for Sauron, she always seemed one step behind.
She did not feel discouraged, not at all. On the contrary, with each cold trail, each dubious clue, Galadriel became more determined to find Sauron. It could not be otherwise, could it? How could she return to Lindon, to all those she had lost, when she was unable to find the one who had taken everything from her?
Sun and Moon had illuminated Galadriel's journey, day after day. And the quest, as Gil-galad had made clear he suspected, had proved flawed, incomplete. The Elves were tired, Galadriel, even if she would not admit it, was tired.
But she had come too far to give up now, to turn back and accept that they would never be able to defeat Sauron, not completely. As the grey morning dawned over Forodwaith, Galadriel could see that the Elves were very close to the breaking point.
Soon, she thought, they would give up on her path if she did not find proof of Sauron's whereabouts. The problem was, Galadriel did not feel like herself, and she hated feeling that way, because she understood completely what had happened.
Because before she left Lindon, while nothing but grief and sorrow weighed on Galadriel's heart, and all that guided her was the pain of loss, she had allowed herself a moment of peace, of happiness, with Elrond. That had been her mistake, had not it?
Nothing mattered, not when she was beside him, not when all she felt was the purest of peace. But even peace comes with a price and Galadriel had not worried enough about that.
Despair, sadness, and wonder filled her mind, the realization of what she had done, where she was, and how she could not let others know she had made a mistake.
No, it was not a mistake, she knew that, and deep down she knew they would not think so. But if Gil-galad had suspected that Galadriel was pregnant before she left Lindon, he would never have agreed to her company leaving, keeping her imprisoned in Lindon, if necessary for her own safety.
So, Galadriel kept this heavy, dark truth to herself, without letting others know what was so disturbing her mind. She would fight Sauron alone, she did not care, but she would not return to Lindon, just so Sauron could continue stealing all her happiness.
Whether by the blessing or kindness of the Valar, the quests were proving to be increasingly difficult. And when the Elves were attacked in Sauron's ancient stronghold, Galadriel had no choice but to go with the Elves, or remain alone in that desolate and freezing land.
But she was not content to return, no. All she felt was fear, remorse. Galadriel was utterly furious. This was her purpose, what was she without it? Without the constant struggle for Finrod, for Celeborn, for everyone Sauron had so brutally stolen from her?
She could not, no, she refused to live in the peace of Lindon, while so many still suffered at the hands of the Orcs. Against her will, against her hopes, Galadriel returned with the Elves to Lindon, to receive honors. Honors she knew she did not deserve, that she did not want.
Everyone was glad to see her go back, and Galadriel let them go before her, avoiding Lindon as if the Dark Lord himself were taking refuge there. Perhaps, she thought, it would be better. Then she would have a reason never to return to her old home.
For so long, Galadriel had lived alone, isolated, afraid that the truth would be discovered. This, this moment, this feeling, was hers, completely hers. She did not want others to know, as if that made it real, as if that made the risks then possible.
But Galadriel returned to Lindon. So unhappy, so defeated, she crossed the golden forest of Lindon, listening to the celebration of the Elves, celebrating for weeks that they were home again, that they were with those they loved. Galadriel had none of that.
Honestly, it was not true. Because Galadriel still had Elrond, but she did not know how to face Elrond, how to tell him the dark truth she kept hidden in her chest. After all, they had been friends for ages, how would she talk about it with him?
It was simply impossible, she could not. Rival memories dominated Galadriel's mind. Because that night had been special, it had meant something, and yet, she was terrified, she still could not bear to admit that she felt something for Elrond.
It was too dangerous, to care about another person in times of war, when the stakes were too high, and the losses too certain. Galadriel would not tell Elrond, she had decided. She did not even intend to stay long in Lindon.
All she needed was a new army and she could continue her hunt for Sauron, she could still have everything she needed. But when she saw Elrond, with the light of Lindon shining upon his face, as if the Two Trees of Valinor were not as bright as he, she almost, for a moment, changed her mind.
It was easier to remain trapped in that dream, in that illusion of peace. Where everything would be fine, and they could be together in Lindon. Galadriel had seen too much, suffered too much, to believe that. To believe in golden and beautiful days in Valinor. Such days would not exist until Sauron was defeated.
And worst of all, she discovered that Gil-galad planned to send the Elves to Valinor, so that they would be rewarded for all their efforts, and that Elrond knew this, and yet, he had chosen to hide it from her.
Galadriel was keeping an important secret from him, the kind of secret that would make him change his mind and ask the High King to change his mind. But she would not tell him the truth, not when she felt so betrayed by him, so hurt that Elrond had not told her the truth.
Once again Galadriel turned her back on Elrond, refusing to trust him with the secret they shared, even if he did not know it. And on the boat to Valinor, something felt wrong. Everything felt so wrong. The light of Valinor did not grace Galadriel, all she felt was horror.
Horror at hearing the sweet song of Valinor, while the cries of war resounded across Middle-earth. Whether from madness or fear, all Galadriel could do was retrieve Finrod's dagger before abandoning the ship. She was turning her back on the one place in Arda where she could find peace, and she preferred it that way.
Alone in Middle-earth, an outcast among mortals, Galadriel needed to find a new purpose, a new journey. She would only know happiness when Sauron was defeated. Elrond, however, did not fear Sauron's return; what dominated Lindon was worse.
Because the shadow was spreading, consuming all that was good, all that was pure in the Elven Kingdom. Soon, everyone would have to leave, and even though that thought frightened Elrond, he also felt at peace. Only then could he be by Galadriel's side. Still, he did not give up, seeking help from the Dwarves of Khazad-dรปm, the last allies of the Elves in Middle-earth.
Long ago the paths of Galadriel and Elrond were separated. For far from Middle-earth, she walked in Nรบmenor, beside Halbrand, the mortal king who was as lost as she was.
Even in Nรบmenor, the memory of Elrond refused to leave her, every time she walked on the island. An island that had been ruled by Elrond's twin brother, Elros, many ages ago. And here, even though he was far away, she felt close to him.
She was completely close to him, even if the others did not know it. Galadriel was cunning and kept her own secrets. Even from Queen Tar-Mรญriel, even from Halbrand, who was like a friend to her.
If she had only known that the greatest danger in Arda, the one she despised most, walked free beside her, Galadriel would never have trusted him. But how could she know the truth? Galadriel had trusted him, and that had been her mistake.
She trusted him so much that she told Halbrand her own fears, about everything that had happened in Lindon, about how Elrond did not even know they would have a baby together. Long-hidden truths, easily delivered into the hands of the Elves' greatest enemy.
Like Galadriel, Sauron was a great master, and he remained kind and gentle towards her, while pretending to be reluctant to return to Middle-earth, to the kingdom he had lost. Only because he knew that Galadriel would not be able to resist, to stop fighting.
He was right, after all, for Galadriel marched to Middle-earth with the army of Nรบmenor, trusting in Halbrand's words, his lies. Long would be his plan against the Elves of Lindon, against all the Elves.
Side by side they fought, and when Halbrand was wounded, Galadriel had to find Elven aid in Eregion. However, she did not expect Elrond to be there, or perhaps she had second thoughts about leaving, seeking out other Elves. For tireless days she rode with Halbrand, worried about the one she thought was her friend.
Hurried footsteps accompanied Galadriel as she helped Halbrand dismount from his horse. The Elves, especially those of Valinor, were more in tune with all beings in Arda, with all living things.
And before Elrond could even call Galadriel's name, before she could glimpse the face she had missed so much, she knew it was him, running toward her. Elrond's arms wrapped around Galadriel's waist, as he could not believe she was there. To Elrond, Galadriel was far away, in Valinor, too unreachable for him. It was as if Eru himself was smiling at him, sending Galadriel back to him.
โGaladriel.โ He whispered, hugging her.
โElrond.โ She murmured, surprised, uncertain, but also pleased.
Galadriel's arms went around Elrond, returning his embrace. His touch was gentle, comforting, the kind of affection she had not felt since she'd turned her back on him. She had not realized how much she'd missed it until she felt Elrond's delicate kisses on her face.
โHow are you here?โ He said, his face so close to hers that she could feel his breath.
โWe have a lot to talk about.โ She whispered.
But she was insecure, because she did not know if she was ready to tell him everything that had happened, everything she had kept from him. Keeping a secret for so long only made it worse when the truth was finally discovered.
โYou can tell me everything that weighs on your heart.โ
Elrond smiled at her, bringing his hands to her face, caressing her with such affection, such devotion, that Galadriel's eyes closed as she enjoyed his touch. So gentle and loving, like everything about Elrond.
โElrond.โ Was all she said.
Confused, he looked at her, still covered in ash, wearing elven armor, but she looked so peacefully at him, so in love, he allowed himself to think. Even though he might be wrong, Elrond knew he was seeing love in her eyes.
When she smiled at him, he knew he was lost. Gently, Galadriel's hands reached for Elrond's neck, bringing him as close as possible, as if he was not close enough.
He did nothing, as Galadriel's passionate lips were pressed against his, with such passion, with such desperation. Alone in the courtyard of Eregion, Elrond let Galadriel kiss him as if he were all she needed, as if he were the only thing important to her in Middle-earth.
Honestly, she was the most important thing in Arda to him. He had already lost so much, she was all he had left, and he conveyed all that desire, all that lack, in the kiss, returning it with as much fervor as she kissed him.
Galadriel's hands reached for Elrond's curls, stroking them as he sighed against her lips. To him, it was as if she had never left, because it felt so right, so safe. Everything was as it should always have been.
He was wrong, he was selfish. Elrond did not want her to go to Valinor, away from him, but he did not have the courage to admit it. Now, with her in his arms, he knew he could no longer pretend.
โWe need to talk.โ Galadriel murmured, reluctantly pulling away from Elrondโs kisses.
โCome with me.โ He said, smiling at her.
Galadriel ignored the curious looks that followed her and Elrond, walking beside him. When he extended his hand to her, she just smiled, accepting the gesture. Maybe, things would be okay, maybe, everything could work out.
As long as he knew the truth, Galadriel thought, the whole truth. And the truth was the hardest part to face. In silence, they made their way to the chambers where Halbrand was being tended by the healers of Eregion, so that Galadriel could be at peace. She was, indeed, glad that he was better, but now she just had to be honest with Elrond, before her strength failed her.
Away from everyone else, Galadriel sighed, looking at Elrond. His hand reached for hers, caressing it affectionately, giving her the courage she needed. And for the first time in a long time, she was honest.
Honest about everything that had happened since her departure from Lindon, and her refusal of the Blessed Realm. She told of Halbrand and how they had been on this journey together, how alongside him, she had met Adar, a former follower of Sauron.
It was surprising, Galadriel thought, how much less frightening the truth seemed when exposed, when the weight was lifted from her chest. Yet, she still was not being completely honest with him. One small detail she had kept hidden from him.
โYou are here now, Gil-galad will be understanding.โ Elrond said, smiling at Galadriel.
โI cannot feel all this hope.โ She sighed, closing her eyes. โElrond, I need to be honest with you.โ
โAre you okay?โ He asked in distress, holding Galadrielโs hand in concern.
โI am pregnant.โ She murmured.
Elrond's surprise was so great, and Galadriel noticed how sad he looked, completely devastated. He even tried to smile, but it did not look like a smile, not really. He just nodded, looking away from Galadriel.
โI am happy for you, really.โ He said, laughing in disbelief. โI hope Halbrand recovers soon.โ
Once again, Elrond felt he was losing the woman he loved. Doomed, he was to spend all eternity loving Galadriel, wishing he was the one she loved, only for her to find happiness in the arms of another.
Confused, Galadriel stared at Elrond. She did not understand why he looked so unhappy, so lost. Then, she understood, seeing how he pulled her hand away, as if he could not bear to touch her, believing she loved another.
โHalbrand?โ She laughed, catching Elrondโs eye.
โWhat is so funny?โ He asked confused.
โThe baby. It's yours.โ Said Galadriel.
Surprise flashed across Elrond's face as he stared at Galadriel speechlessly. She smiled, realizing how wrong he had gotten it all, and how hopeful he seemed now. At the possibility of the future they would have, side by side.
โWeโre going to have a baby, together?โ He asked, still in disbelief.
โYes, Elrond.โ
Galadriel did not expect that reaction, when Elrond pulled her into his lap, hugging her with such passion, with such love, that if she were a Man, she would have given in against Elrond's grip. But she returned his embrace, without understanding the words he was murmuring.
โI love you.โ He whispered.
But she was able to hear it, and she did not think she could unhear it. Because it made everything different. They had been through so much together, and they had lost so much, this was their chance. The only chance they would have to start over.
When Elrond looked at Galadriel, feeling how she stroked his hair, looking with surprise, but love at him, as if she was fighting a battle in her own mind.
โI love you, Elrond.โ
She did not have time to react, not when Elrond kissed her hard, as if he needed her as much as he needed air to breathe. But she would not complain, not when she felt so happy in his arms, kissing him back.
Galadriel would not think about the horrors that dominated Middle-earth, nor about the army of Adar that walked freely. At least, not at that moment, while she was so lost in Elrond's kiss. Tomorrow, they would fight again, but only now, would she enjoy that small happiness with him.
After so much anguish, happiness finally arrives, doesn't it?
tag: @valar-did-me-wrong
Reblogged redrosesandcharmingsouls
Explaing Tolkien lore to the unaware be like:
"... and then the continent of Beleriand was destroyed and sank beneath the waves."
"Oh so like Atlantis?"
"No, Atlantis comes later."
โโฆ..so how did they battle Sauron in the first age?โ
โKaraokeโ
Reblogged
โWarrior Galadrielโ has never been a problem until now. We defended โWarrior Galadrielโ against the lorebros. Galadriel has been a warrior and a military commander since the end of the First age. We are told this in S1 prologue. She married Celeborn in Valinor, before he went to war against Morgoth in Middle-earth. This is what she tells Theo in 1x07. I donโt know why the fandom is arguing against show canon."
Um... no? The most canonical version of Galadriel and Celeborn's story is that they were married in Doriath, in Middle-earth. There is a version where Celeborn is Telerin and they were married in Valinor, but that's in an alternate draft in the Unfinished Tales (one of many contradictory versions of their story), but the most solidly "canonical" version of their story is that they met in Middle-earth, as related in the Silmarillion.
And she doesn't say anything to Theo about being married in Valinor. She says, "The war seemed so very far away then," which imo chimes much more with the Long Siege and Doriath's continued seclusion, even after the siege breaks.
Also, I don't think anyone in this fandom is arguing against the idea of Galadriel as a warrior. What I have seen are people arguing against the idea that Galadriel stepping down as a warrior means that the show is trying to sideline her or turn her into some sort of tradwife, when we know from LOTR that she is one of the mightiest of the Eldar, and a lot of that is to do with her mastery of magic and lore, not just her prowess as a warrior. Especially when she's carrying forward Celebrimbor's message that "it is not strength that overcomes darkness, but light".