Hellghoul Week

…………

Galadriel didn’t cry at the funeral. She had no more tears left. Not even the sky would cry for her, as the sun shone down upon the Lindon Funeral Home like it was mocking her. Is it too much to ask for some rain? She wondered, sad and aggravated.

She felt the touch of her Mum and Dad’s arms around her but it did nothing to soothe or ease her pain. They may as well have been comforting a porcelain doll. Empty and hard, but so easily broken. Elrond and Arondir were the only ones who could make her feel anything during this time. This unfathomable time of great loss.

Sitting in the front most pew, Galadriel had a clear view of the open casket of her boyfriend, Celeborn.

“What can one say to summarise Celeborn’s short life?” The pastor began, emitting nothing back fake sorrow. “He epitomised someone who lived each day to the best of their ability. He was kind. Charitable.” Sure, unless you pissed him off. Galadriel couldn’t help but think. “A friend to so many. A gifted sportsman. Intelligent and looking forward to his studies at Eregion University.” His daddy bought him his football scholarship. He wasn’t perfect, but he deserves better than these lies. “There was a life ahead of Celeborn. One that may have lead to greatness. But now… the lord has seen fit to call him home.”

Galadriel had to hold in a twisted laugh.

God saw fit to have him hacked up into pieces and thrown in the nearest dumpster.

She craned her neck a little to see if she could see the stitching on his neck, but the mortician had done a great job to conceal it with the shirt and tie. The black suit his corpse wore served as a morbid facade, an illusion constructed to keep him together as one. Suddenly Galadriel’s grief forced an image of Celeborn kissing her into her mind, his smile and his laugh filling her thought like an echo in a cave.

Despite the negative truths the pastor was concealing, Galadriel did love Celeborn. They had been together for so very long and there were many wonderful memories. He was good to her. He loved her. But it seemed that the overwhelming amount of goodness had finally worn thin, and Galadriel was like a frog nestled in a pot of water that had boiled around her.

“I was about to break up with him!” “What?” Both Elrond and Arondir exclaimed in unison. “I should have done it ages ago… after exams maybe, before the holidays started.” “You’ve been hanging onto this for this long?” Elrond asked, completely shocked. “Yeah…” Galadriel was crying. Sad for losing Celeborn and shameful for expressing her want to break the heart of a dead man. “But we all thought you’d be together forever…” Arondir spoke, dismayed by the tragedy. “You gave me and Bronwyn hope. We might have broken up if it wasn’t for you guys.” “Don’t make me feel even worse, Arondir…”

The three friends were out the back of the Doriath residence, with Galadriel needing a break from the incessant run of relatives that wished to give their condolences for losing ‘the love of her life’. “Everyone’s talking to me like I’m the one that died. Like my life has no purpose now that he’s gone.” “That’s all the adults care about though. Wanting their girls to settle down with nice boys and have kids.” stated Elrond, sounding a little frustrated with old fashioned parents. “I’m 18 though! There’s still time!” “Not if the killer gets you there isn’t.” Arondir pointed out, half teasing half serious.

The police had not been able to catch the person who murdered her boyfriend. Galadriel hadn’t really had any time to think about that yet, with all the focus on Celeborn’s death and his funeral. But Arondir was right, the killer was still out there. Roaming free, weapon in hand, probably stalking their next victim. The only evidence Galadriel had heard about from Celeborn’s father, Galadhon, was they knew a meat cleaver had done the job. There were also no defensive wounds on his arms or hands, so either Celeborn knew the person who did it, or, and probably more likely, he didn’t even see it coming.

Galadriel yawned. “Still tired?” Elrond asked. Then she nodded. “Yeah. Sleeping still escapes me. The police kept me for ages at the station the night Celeborn was found. And something tells me the worst nightmares of my life await me if I do fall asleep so… here we are.” “I’ll go find Bronwyn, she was chasing up a glass of lemonade for me. I’ll see if she can get you coffee.” Arondir offered. “Thanks, Ron. You’re the best. You are both the best.” She added the reiteration after Elrond gave her a mock insulted look.

He then put an arm around her to pull her close. “You gonna be okay, Gal?” Leaning her head on his shoulder, she thought about her answer for longer than she probably should have, given the tears that were starting to fall once more. “He… he didn’t deserve to die.”

Her voice broke and her body gave way to sobs as Elrond wrapped both his arms around her. “No… he didn’t.” He replied, sadness overcoming him also. The two friends remained in an embrace on the back porch until Arondir and Bronwyn arrived with Galadriel’s much needed dose of caffeine. Then the group took a moment of silence as they remembered their friend, before proceeding to talk about anything other than Celeborn and the killer that stole him from them.

-----

Almost a month after the tragedy, Galadriel began her first day at University. Walking into Eregion U solo felt strange for how much her and Celeborn had talked about spending their college days together. Him completing his masters in business and politics, and her finishing a course in horticultural sciences. Everything was weird about him not being here. But quickly, something changed. Something that seemed to turn everything around for her.

Galadriel met Halbrand.

Staring at a map of her dormitory, she hadn’t been looking where she was going, clumsily strolling into an innocent bystander and causing him to drop his coffee and papers. “Oh my god… I am so, so sorry!” She was mortified and wanted to go hide behind the nearest tree. But then he looked up at her, his longish auburn hair flicking out of his face in the most perfect way. Eyes of speckled green gazed up at her, and it seemed Galadriel’s breathing had gone into hiding instead.

“It’s no trouble at all, Miss…?” “Galadriel. Galadriel Noldor.” “I’m Halbrand Smith, nice to meet you.” He introduced himself as he got to his feet, offering her a coffee stained hand, which she took anyway without thinking.

So soft. She thought, biting back a grin.

“Please, Halbrand… let me buy you a new coffee.” “Oh no, it’s fine, really.” “No, I insist. I’m a caffeine fiend myself. If anyone destroyed my morning coffee before I had a chance to finish it, I’d want nothing more than to finish them.”

This made Halbrand laugh, which in turn caused butterflies to swirl in her stomach. “You make a good point. I was enjoying that coffee.” Then he gestured ahead of them. “Lead the way.” He smirked at her and now her heart was fluttering. Boy, this is moving fast. Slow down, body. Smiling awkwardly back at him, Galadriel headed in the direction of the nearest on campus café. Or at least, in what she thought was the direction of the campus café. When Halbrand didn’t immediately follow her, she knew she’d made an error.

“C’mon, Noldor. It’s this way.”

Noldor. I already have a nickname? More like slow down, Halbrand.

Clearing her throat, she told a fib. “Oh right, yeah, it is that way isn’t it! Of course. Maybe I hit my head when I bumped into you.” Halbrand didn’t respond, only smiled and chuckled at her as they wandered together in the direction of what would turn out to be Brimby’s Café.

They spent hours there, losing the entire first day of Galadriel’s classes and lectures. But she didn’t care. She was so enraptured in the handsome and slightly rugged man sitting opposite her.

“I still can’t believe you’re a teacher’s aid. I could have sworn by looking at you that you were a student.” “I’m a lot older than I look, but don’t let that startle you.” Halbrand stated. “I guess I am young for an aid though. But Professor Aulë is kind of like my uncle you could say. Complicated family connection, but a connection strong enough to get me a job here.” “I wish you were in my course.”

Did I really just say that? Out loud?

He smiled that smile of his that kept making her weak. She was guaranteed to be a pool of lovesick goo by the time she got to her dorm. If she made it there at all. Galadriel was completely at his whim. His mercy.

“Well at least we are at the same college, right? And I’m glad you got distracted reading that map.” “Coffee tastes better when it’s free.” Galadriel joked. “It tastes better with you.” Halbrand spoke, unprompted but definitely not unwarranted. Thankfully her mouth was empty, otherwise she would have done the worst spit take of all time and covered him in coffee for the second time today. “That’s… um… that’s nice of you to say.” “You haven’t enjoyed our time together?” He asked her, looking mildly concerned. Galadriel tried to recover so fast, her words came out like vomit.

“Noihaveitsbeensolovelytotalkwithyouanddrinkcoffeewithyouand–” She stopped to take a breath. “What I mean to say is… I wasn’t expecting you to say that. I wasn’t expecting you to feel the same way.”

In a moment of spontaneity, Halbrand took out his notepad and pen from his pocket, scribbled something on it and passed it to her across the glass table. Then he stood up, grabbing his bag. “Maybe it is a good thing I’m not in your course. Teachers aren’t allowed to date students. See you later, Galadriel Noldor.” He was so smooth and completely charming, turning to walk away from her with subtle confidence. She was stunned. After a few seconds she reached for the small piece of paper and looked at it. His phone number.

Smiling joyfully, she looked up and called out after him: “But you’re a teacher’s aid!”

He kept walking but she knew deep down he heard.

Now she couldn’t wait to get to her dorm to tell her roommate Míriel everything. She’d only met her once at orientation but felt a connection instantly. She’d want to know. Besides, what girl doesn’t love a bit of gossip?

Gathering her things, Galadriel got to her feet and exited the café, immediately looking forward to the next time her and Halbrand would be in there.

However the moment she passed through the doors and into the cooling sunset air, everything changed for Galadriel again.

Ahead of her, not five metres… was Celeborn.

Bloodied. Bruised. Rotting. The stitches around his neck perfectly clear now. Eyes white as the moon.

Galadriel let out a blood curdling scream before passing out, unconscious before she hit the ground.

-----

She woke up in the infirmary, Elrond at her side, the fluorescent lights stinging her eyes. “Nurse, she’s awake!” He called out to someone somewhere else in the room, and in a matter of seconds, a kind looking woman arrived and began to check her over. “What… what happened?” Galadriel asked, groggy. “You had a fainting spell, Miss Noldor.” The nurse replied, her voice sounding concerned but calm. “How long was I out? What day is it?”

The nurse smiled and Elrond looked on fondly. “It’s only been 15 minutes. Just enough time for you to be moved here safely.” “And for me to find out. The men’s dorm is next door.” Elrond chimed in.

Figures. Galadriel thought. “Am I going to be okay?” “You’ll be fine. Just drink lots of water and get some rest.” “Thank you.” Galadriel spoke appreciatively, and the nurse nodded her head and left the two friends alone. Barely a second with her out the door, Elrond rounded on Galadriel.

“What the hell happened? Some random guy told me you were screaming for your life before you passed out! Like you saw something that scared you to death!” Galadriel had to think for a second, remember, so she closed her eyes, but the moment she did so, she saw him again.

Celeborn’s corpse.

She gasped and her body shook with the fright of it. It wasn’t real. It couldn’t be real.

“You saw it again didn’t you? Just now?” Elrond was so eager. “I… I think I just had too much coffee. It was nothing.” “C’mon Galadriel, really?” “I’m sure my mind was just playing tricks on me.” She was refusing to admit it.

Admitting it meant making it real.

So she changed the subject. “But since you are so interested in gossip, Elrond, the reason I had too much coffee was because I… met someone.” “I think I might faint now.” He joked. “Oh shut up.” Galadriel ordered, hurling a pillow at his head. “You’ll never believe this. He’s a teacher’s aid.” She lowered her voice not wanting anyone nearby to hear her scandalous little secret. Elrond’s jaw dropped and he threw the pillow back at her. “Get out!” “I know right!” “What’s his name?” “Halbrand Smith.” “And who does he teach with?” “Professor Aulë.” “Oh that’s engineering right? Metallurgy?” “Yep. So nowhere near my field of interest.”

Elrond sighed upon taking in the mischievous look on his friend’s face. “Please don’t tell me you are planning on switching courses?” Galadriel laughed. “No. Derailing my career prospects for a man? Not going to happen.” “Be realistic, Galadriel. I know you. And I know how laser focused you can be. When you decide you want something… its to the exclusion of everything else.” “Maybe so.” This she couldn’t deny. She’d pursued Celeborn in a similar manner, leaving her field hockey dreams behind to spend more time with him. But it had also come in handy academically, when her love for the earth bloomed in the science room, learning about the life cycles of plants, the endless types of flora all over the world, and what goes into keeping these species alive. There was a chance for balance here. Lectures and love. Both could co-exist.

“But this will be fine. It’s university, Elrond. We’re adults now. Our lives are at stake.”

If only she knew how right she was.

-----

“Okay but you have to show him to me, Gal!” Míriel proclaimed excitedly, shaking the arm of the much less excited Elendil, her boyfriend, at her side. Galadriel was very satisfied that Míriel was just as interested as she was in the fascinating Halbrand. The night Galadriel got to her dorm, after Elrond walked her there, the two young women stayed up all night discussing him, and Míriel shared some stories of her own, particularly the tale of how her and Elendil got together.

“My entire family frowned upon it, especially my cousin, Pharazôn. He’s always been quite stuck up that one, so when he realised Elendil had no standing in ‘higher society’,” Míriel had uttered with a exaggerated eye roll, “he saw it as his responsibility to shut him out from my life.” “And that worked so well, I see.” “We’ve been together three years.” They both laughed hysterically, just as Galadriel was doing now at her new friend’s passion for her own potential partner.

Walking down the corridor of the engineering wing, they finally hit the lecture theatre they were after, and wandered inside, sneaking up the back but not too far up the back that they couldn’t get a good look. “Oh come on, are we really going to waste our break in here?” Elendil was not interested. “Just five minutes, baby. Then you can go. At least then you’ll be able to get a good glimpse of what we are on about.” “Whatever you say.” He replied, taking out his laptop and opening his latest marine biology assignment.

The seats began to fill quickly over the next minute, until Professor Aulë wandered in, followed by the one and only Halbrand in tow. “Is that him?” Míriel exclaimed, eyes wide. Galadriel nodded, giddy for the sight of him again. “It sure is.” “Damn, has no right to be that fine.” “Absolutely no right.”

Galadriel’s heart was racing. Just being in the same room as Halbrand gave her such a thrill. No man had ever excited her this much before. It might be a little scary if it wasn’t so incredible.

Elendil gave them the five minutes he was promised, before packing up and high-tailing it out of the theatre. He kissed Míriel on the head as he left, and Galadriel couldn’t help but hope for that kind of tenderness from a certain someone. The two women stayed until the lecture was over, finding they actually ended up enjoying Aulë’s class, as he was a gifted professor. He spoke well and knew how to engage his audience, making things like the compositions of certain alloys sound completely riveting, and almost entertaining.

But despite everything, Galadriel was feeling a little cheeky for being there, and with cheekiness in mind, decided to sneak out of the theatre with Míriel, hoping to be lost within the gaggle of students exiting so that Halbrand wouldn’t see her.

She should have known better.

“Forgetting something, Noldor?”

Noldor? Míriel mouthed at Galadriel before they turned around to face the owner of that incredible voice. Standing near the doorway and leaning against the frame like it’s a crime, was Halbrand. He wore dark brown chinos with black slip on shoes, and a navy blue button up shirt not done up the whole way, exposing just the right amount of skin. His near shoulder length hair was tucked behind his ears, and he ran a hand across his stubble as he looked at her.

The man knows exactly what he’s doing.

Galadriel was stunned. It took Míriel nudging her into action for her to even move. “I’ll see you back at the dorm, Gal!” She called out, not that it mattered. Galadriel didn’t hear her. The pull towards Halbrand was great, and once she started stepping towards him there was no escape.

“What did I forget, exactly?” She asked, looking up at him through batted eye lashes. “You’ll see. Come with me.” He replied, turning immediately away and down the corridor, leaving Galadriel with no choice but to follow. After a few seconds they rounded a corner and Halbrand opened the door to a small study room. It was empty. “After you.” He gestured with his perfectly muscular arm that the shirt was having no trouble enhancing. She smiled timidly, her breath shaking, her instincts telling her what was about to happen, but she didn’t want to give in to hope.

Walking past him, Galadriel had no chance to take in any features of the room before Halbrand slammed her against the back of the door, attaching his mouth to hers. Her head started spinning as the older man began to consume her, his tongue, his lips, his hands–

“Um, Isil, you wanna rein it in a bit there?” Ontamo spoke up, interrupting the story. “This isn’t the kind of story we usually tell.” “Shhhh, you’re ruining it!” Came Poppy, whose chin rested on her hands, listening avidly. “Yeah, keep going, Isil!” Both Valandil and Theo cheered. This made Isildur grin from ear to ear, then he looked to Nori for approval. She was smiling, but didn’t say exactly what he wanted to hear. “Keep going, finish the story. But let’s keep this PG-13, okay?” He nodded reluctantly, a little embarrassed. “Yep. Right. So, anyway…”

The kissing eventually ended, leaving the two of them breathless, lips swollen, with their eyes unable to look anywhere else but at each other. “I… can’t believe I just did that.” Halbrand was the first to speak. Galadriel became crestfallen instantly. “Why? Do you… do you regret it?” He laughed, that velvety sound she was falling in love with. “Oh no, god no. I definitely do not regret that.” Halbrand smiled, and Galadriel could tell he was thinking about their kiss. “Then what is it?” She asked with a little smile forming.

“I… this isn’t usually how I do this.” “What, you don’t lure helpless students into empty rooms and have your way with them?” “No, I don’t do that.” There’s that laugh again. “But what I mean is, I don’t usually… move this fast. But when I saw you in the lecture theatre, from the moment my eyes spied you… I had to have you.” “Really?” “Really. I knew that I couldn’t do anything else until I kissed you.”

Now Galadriel was laughing, or giggling more accurately, her cheeks going bright red. “Oh my god. This is… wow. Just… wow.” “You okay?” “Oh yeah, I’m great. All I’ve been wanting to do is kiss you too.”

Halbrand smirked, and stretched his arms above Galadriel, trapping her with nowhere to go, his body a cage, a prison, one in which she would gladly be held. “Mmm that’s good to hear.” He stated, his voice low, sultry. Galadriel’s eyes dropped to his lips, and she leaned in to claim them on her terms this time, but Halbrand backed away before she could.

“Dinner first, Noldor? Then a kiss for dessert, perhaps?”

She took a deep breath in, trying to steady herself. She’d be a little annoyed if it wasn’t for his exceptional cologne that was setting her senses on fire. “Dinner first.” “Somewhere off campus work for you?” “Absolutely.” “Great. Meet me by Lake Mirrormere. I know just the place for us.” “Tonight?” “Tonight. 7PM. See you then, Noldor.” He farewelled her with a gentle kiss to her hand, then he exited the room leaving Galadriel’s head spinning like never before.

She closed her eyes and waited for her body to calm itself, thinking about what outfit she would wear, the kind of makeup she might use, what perfume. Then the thought of Míriel’s reaction to all of this popped into her head and she laughed, feeling the happiest she had in so long.

“You think this is funny?” Came a twisted and creepy voice. Galadriel’s eyes shot open, her joy fading to nothing. There was no one in the room, yet she knew she heard someone. A voice that was familiar in some weird way, but she couldn’t place it.

Or more accurately, she didn’t want to.

“Are pain and suffering a joke to you?”

There it was again, causing a chill to run up her spine.

“Because that is your future, Galadriel. All will lead to your doom!” “Leave me alone!” She cried, but it was futile. Engaging with it only made it stronger, inviting it to get closer. The room lost all heat, and the sun coming through the windows vanished. A deep blue hue overtook the space, and out of the shadows, a figure began to move towards Galadriel, her suspicions realised as its terrifying face came into view.

“I will never leave you alone, Galadriel.” Celeborn’s dead voice spoke. “I still love you.” “You’re scaring me!” “You should be scared! For soon you will be joining me in death!”

She screamed but this time did not faint. Celeborn reached out for her and Galadriel could see the bones of his arms and fingers peaking through his decaying flesh. With no intention of sticking around, she bolted out of the room, running the fastest she ever has, in the opposite direction of her dead boyfriend.

-----

Galadriel spent the night alone in her dorm room. Míriel was out with Elendil so she had the place to herself, which on one hand made her sad, but on the other made her grateful, as she definitely didn’t want to, or let alone knew how to, explain what had happened to her new friend. She could barely make sense of it herself.

Celeborn was haunting her.

And his timing could not be more worse.

She didn’t go meet Halbrand by Lake Mirrormere. So many thoughts, reasons, plagued her mind to the point of near insanity.

What if Celeborn appears? What if he goes after Halbrand? What if Halbrand thinks I’m crazy? What if the reason Celeborn is haunting me… is because I’m moving on?

She couldn’t even bring herself to call him. Galadriel felt trapped. She curled herself up into a ball under the covers of her bed, crying quietly, waiting for sleep or dawn to come. Dawn came first. She was so tired she didn’t think anything when she noticed Míriel hadn’t come home. Her bed still made, everything as it was when she’d left the night before. Galadriel was so tired she didn’t notice the hushed whispers, the students she saw gathering in small groups everywhere on her way to class. So tired that she didn’t notice anyone crying.

The first thing she noticed, was Elendil.

Galadriel saw him standing by a bench, being interviewed by police. His face was distraught, eyes red with tears. The cool calm persona she’d so far known him to have was nowhere in sight.

Suddenly Galadriel’s stomach dropped.

Míriel.

She sprinted over to Elendil, but the police tried to rush her away. “It’s okay,” Her friend spoke up. “She’s Míriel’s roommate.” Suddenly the officer was interested. “We’ll need to speak with you then, Miss–” “Noldor, Galadriel Noldor. But why… what’s happened?” She knew the answer but prayed he would say something different. Tell her Míriel was going to be okay, that she was resting in a hospital bed somewhere. That there was nothing to be worried about.

But when he lead her over to sit down on the bench, Galadriel’s tears started to flow.

“I hate to be the one to inform you, Miss Noldor, but Míriel Palantir was brutally murdered last night.” Galadriel covered her mouth with her hands to hold in her gasp. Then she started crying into them. “She was found only a couple blocks from campus. Bisected.” “Oh my god…” Her voice was a ghost of itself. How fitting. “We need to ask you a couple of questions. Where were you last night between 11pm and dawn?” “In my room.” “Can anyone verify this?” “No, I… I didn’t speak with anyone after… oh but, there is a security camera in the hallway of the building. That should help you.” “Yes, we already have someone looking into that, thank you. Tell me… how long had you known Miss Palantir?” “Days.” “Then you might not know why someone would want to hurt her?”

Galadriel saw only Míriel’s smiling face within her mind, heard her soft laugh as if it were carried past her ear by the wind. A sickening feeling took hold of her as she imagined what she looked like now, what she would look like forevermore. Like Celeborn.

Wait, did Celeborn do this? Is he punishing me through her? Taking down a lover in her prime to show me what I will never receive again?

“Miss Noldor? Are you alright?” The officer spoke politely, trying to snap Galadriel out of it. “Of course she’s not alright, her roommate just died!” Elendil interjected, his grief spilling into rage. “Alright, that’s enough out of you. You’re coming to the station.” Another policeman spoke. “What? No!” Galadriel called out as she watched Elendil be cuffed, his rights read to him. “You can’t honestly believe he’s responsible?! He loved Míriel with all he had!” “He’s aggressive and has no alibi for the time of the murder. He was the last person to see the victim alive. I’m sorry, we’ve gotta take him.”

It felt as if just as soon as she’d found her two new friends, they were both gone.

And the world around her went on.

-----

Galadriel didn’t go to classes for the next two days. Too scared to do anything, too scared to be around anyone, having convinced herself that she was somehow to blame for Míriel’s death. She could feel it in her gut. Celeborn had terrorised her, but she got away. Míriel hadn’t been so lucky.

Three days after Míriel’s death, Galadriel attempted to go to class, but kept finding herself falling asleep against her will. It got so bad at one point that the teacher sent her away on a mission to get coffee. “I don’t care for snoring as background music.” She had said. Galadriel was so embarrassed, but also found it pretty cool that she was just allowed to go get coffee during the middle of a lecture. She was still getting used to that part of university. The freedom that came with studying as an adult. It was up to the students to keep themselves in line. They and only they would be responsible for their education, given how much they are paying for it. Hell, it was part of the reason Galadriel had finally decided to drag herself out of bed. If anything at least, it could be a welcome distraction.

However, while in line at Brimby’s, another type of distraction presented itself.

“Did I scare you?”

It was Halbrand.

The inevitable moment had come for Galadriel to face up to what she’d done. She had believed it had all been for good reason, but the second she turned and looked at his very pretty face, she was overcome with immense guilt.

“I wasn’t trying to scare you. If I came on too strong, please forgive–” “I think it’s me who needs to ask for forgiveness here.” Galadriel admitted, struggling to make eye contact with him. His gaze on her was very intense, it made her feel like the whole world was watching her. A strange thrill.

“Oh?” Halbrand looked concerned. “I…” Don’t mention Celeborn. Do not mention Celeborn! “I… think I scared myself, honestly. It’s just… been awhile since I’ve been with someone new.” Well that’s not entirely untrue. “I’m sorry.” “Don’t be,” Halbrand spoke, his voice filled with empathy and understanding. “We’ve all been there. But I need to ask, why didn’t you call? It would have been okay, Noldor.” “I know… again, I’m sorry. It’s just… I didn’t know what to say and then the next day I found out… um…” She started to tear up at the thought of her dead friend, and it didn’t take long for Halbrand to put it together.

“Oh god, Galadriel…” He said my name! He never says my name! “You were Míriel’s roommate?”

She just nodded, trying to shake off the stupid excitement over the sound of Halbrand saying her name. He pulled her out of the coffee line. “Come here.” And into an embrace. He tucked her head under the crook of his neck, and she immediately nestled against him. Searching for comfort, for consolation, for connection. But also, still really tired and not thinking. Was she supposed to be pushing Halbrand away or bringing him closer? Her body shook at the thought of Celeborn once again waiting for her outside the cafe, and upon feeling it, Halbrand pulled her in tighter. She felt as if he might never let her go, and perhaps, she didn’t want him to after all.

“I’m so sorry. That’s… that’s terrible. And so unfair. Taken so young… and in such a horrific manner. Bisected? That gives me Black Dahlia vibes.” “Black Dahlia?” “You know, Elizabeth Short? Young actress in Hollywood in the 40’s, killed in the same manner as Míriel. Very famous cold case.” “I take it you’re into true crime?” Galadriel asked awkwardly. “It’s a weird hobby of mine. Sorry I’ll shut up now.”

Shit, he thinks I’m judging him.

“No, no, it’s okay. Just, didn’t think you were the type.” “Oh so what type did you think I was then, Noldor?” Good, back to playful. Now hit him in return. “The type who kisses students in classrooms.” Halbrand laughed. “I told you I’m not that type.” “You are now though, aren’t you?” He smirked at her, his eyes lighting up at her forwardness. “How about we skip the coffee queue and get straight into the main course, huh?” He pulled at the belt loops on her jeans, his long fingers threading through with ease and locking in. Keeping her close. Something stirred within her, but she chose to ignore it.

“I can’t right now.” She spoke, a little bashful. “I’m falling behind on my studies. But we can lock in another attempt at a date?” Halbrand smiled, almost reluctantly, like he prayed she would lead him into the café bathroom and have her way with him. His eyes were so darkened by his lust. But he sighed, resigned. “Okay, Noldor. We’ll try again. Lake Mirrormere. Tomorrow night?” “Tomorrow night.” She agreed, hoping she would stick to it. “It’s a date.” Halbrand declared, before kissing her hand, turning on his heel and leaving Brimby’s with Galadriel’s eyes following him.

Though when she stepped up to the counter to place her order for an extra strong mocha, Galadriel forgot her favourite drink order like she’d never spoken it.

On a stand next to the register, was a newspaper with Míriel on the front page.

Local College Girl Slaughtered

Her smile leapt out of the photo.

Completely ignoring the server, Galadriel grabbed a copy and moved to the side, studying the article furiously, hoping to find some answers. Proof. Evidence. But the article revealed nothing new to her. It was sensational if anything, making it sound like Míriel was the type of young woman who invited trouble. It mentioned a row she’d had with her cousin Pharazôn that needed police involvement.

Mmm… she never said it was that serious. Galadriel noted, slightly surprised. She didn’t think Míriel would hide something like that. But then again, she had only known her for a short time before her sudden and tragic demise. Skimming the article further, she concluded the only thing of any use to her was this:

The police have issued no comment on the manner and cause of Míriel Palantir’s death, but have asked it be noted that one man, the victim’s partner, has been taken into custody over the matter.

Galadriel found that strange, the police withholding the cause of death. Though a bisection is hardly front page friendly. Even some things are too gruesome to show.

A bisection. A worrisome thought just burst into her mind. The paper didn’t mention a bisection. So how did Halbrand know about it?

Would being a teacher’s aid give him authority to hear such things? Maybe other teachers knew and he overheard. Maybe he overheard the police telling someone about it. Or did another newspaper have the exclusive gory details?

It was all getting a bit much, so Galadriel finally ordered her coffee and headed back to class. Though now something else was causing her not to focus.

-----

“He kissed you?!” Elrond was livid he was only finding out now. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, it’s just…” “Míriel. I know, Gal. It’s okay. But what the hell he kissed you!?” Galadriel blushed. “Yeah. It was incredible. It would be all I could think about if… if things were different.” “Have you seen him since?” “Yeah, and I’m seeing him tonight.” She completely avoided telling him she stood Halbrand up because she was too busy rocking herself into a depressive stupor. No need to make Elrond worry more about her. “Although…”

Maybe he should worry.

“Although what, Gal?” “I don’t know… I just… I can’t shake this weird feeling.” “Explain.” “Well… Halbrand and I talked about how Míriel died. And the way in which she died, which I already knew because I spoke with the police–” “Is there anything else you need to mention?” He was fuming, but it was of the adorable kind. “-about it. Míriel was bisected.” “Well that’s horrible.”

Galadriel threw the paper at Elrond. “Tell me. Do you see the word bisection in there at all?” She waited for Elrond to finish reading the text, hoping that maybe she misread it, that maybe he’d find something. But it was not to be. Her friend shook his head. “That’s… that’s not good, Galadriel.” “I know… but… it is possible that he heard it somewhere else. Surely.” “I guess?” Elrond gestured with his hands. “Eregion U is a small campus. I’ve already heard from three other people about your ‘incident’ outside the cafe. Speaking of, any more episodes?”

Yes.

“No. I think the shock of Míriel’s death has set me right.”

It hasn’t.

Galadriel looked at her watch and realised they’d been studying too long. “Shit, I’m gonna be late for this date.” “Maybe that’s a good thing?” Elrond was trying not to look too concerned, but at this point his worry lines were becoming tattooed on his forehead. Galadriel sighed. “Elrond. It’ll be fine. It has to be fine, right? Plus I’ve already stood him up once–”

Shit!

“You already what now? Galadriel!” “Sorry, gotta go, bye!” She haphazardly grabbed her things from the study hall and ran out as fast as she could towards her dorm, leaving Elrond behind, begging her to come back.

-----

The moment arrived much quicker than she had expected. Lake Mirrormere was in sight, she was wearing her best casual dress, her favourite dusty lip, and waiting for her, leaning against a lamp post, was the man she desperately needed to kiss again.

“There she is!” Halbrand called out, full of enthusiasm. “Noldor… you look ravishing.” “You’re not so bad yourself, Smith.” “That’s my move.” He smirked, his green eyes twinkling almost devilishly. Holding out his arm, Halbrand gestured for her to take it. Galadriel hesitates, contemplating everything on her mind. The doubt surrounding him was strong. “C’mon,” He egged her, oozing charm. “There’s a bottle of red wine with our name on it.”

He was so beautiful. Dressed casual, but smart, his shirt and pants clinging to him in all the right places. His hair, his stubble, all just so perfect. The warmest of smiles. Eyes so inviting–

“Let’s go then.” Galadriel smiled back and twined their arms together. She felt a chill at her back, which disappeared once Halbrand’s arm covered it.

She didn’t see Celeborn staring at them. She couldn’t. Or perhaps, she didn’t want to.

They wandered a short way down the sidewalk beside the lake, which was sparkling magnificently under the twilight sky. Waiting for a break in traffic, Halbrand threaded their fingers together and lead them across the road to a small but delightful looking restaurant. Númenorea it was called. “I hoped you might enjoy some seafood with me tonight?” “Absolutely!” “Great. If you’d rather dine elsewhere there’s also–” “No,” Galadriel cut Halbrand off, despite appreciating his considerate nature. “I love seafood. Besides, don’t they say oysters are an aphrodisiac?” She raised her eyebrows and smirked. “Why, Noldor… you don’t mind being a little forward now don’t you?” Halbrand was revelling in her flirtatiousness. Galadriel simply said nothing and remained silent but smiling as they were lead to a nearby table.

“Any drinks to start, sir?” “Why yes, a bottle of the beaujolais please.” Halbrand ordered. Galadriel had never had beaujolais before. But then again she hadn’t had much alcohol, having only been drunk once at a friend’s going away party during their last year of high school. Though she wasn’t going to tell Halbrand that. She would sip the red wine with confidence. She was a college student yes, but she was an adult after all, and she wanted him to see her as one.

“Do you mind if I quickly duck to the ladies?” Galadriel asked, the nerves taking over. A tactical toilet trip was expected for a first date right? “Only if it’s a cover for you running out on me.” He spoke with humour. She felt the guilt from standing him up come back. “It’s fine. Go for it.” Halbrand added after seeing said guilt apparently manifest itself in the blush of her cheeks. “I’ll be waiting.” She smiled at him half awkwardly before proceeding to trip over a chair next to their table. Thankfully it wasn’t a complete mess with no recovery, but she still walked as fast as she could, without attracting attention, to the restroom.

After a couple minutes of pride and confidence recovery inside the nearest cubicle, Galadriel flushed the toilet and headed for the sink, checking her face over whilst washing her hands. Makeup was still good, hair… why does my hair never agree with me when I need it to? She thought to herself, giving her long locks a couple of tousles to get it to sit in a somewhat agreeable manner. She resigned herself to her appearance after she remembered that she had looked much worse than this when Halbrand had pulled her into the empty classroom to kiss her. So anything with more effort in than that was sure to knock his socks off. Plus he did call her ravishing, and she loved the sound of that.

“Welcome back.” His sultry voice announced her return as she sat down opposite him. He had poured her glass of the beaujolais and was halfway through pouring his own when she arrived, the scent of the wine playing with her nostrils in a wonderful way. He placed the bottle aside and lifted his fresh glass, prompting a surprise toast.

“To learning. To the machinations of the mind leading to the marvels of the heart.”

Wow, super poetic.

“To learning.” Galadriel replied, clinking their glasses together and taking an accidentally generous sip. Her head swam immediately. The beaujolais was divine. Better than she expected. It was all better than she had expected. Especially when Halbrand moved his hand to rest atop her own. Galadriel couldn’t stop the smile that spread across her face, nor settle the butterflies that were multiplying in her stomach every time Halbrand did something romantic. But he made no fuss over this simple gesture, instead he just notioned for her to peruse the menu.

“Anything you want. It’s my treat.” “That’s too kind, Halbrand. I… I don’t want to put you out.” She spoke nervously, eyeing one of the pricier menu items - lobster. “Oh, go on, Noldor. You deserve it.”

As if summoned by invisible force, a waiter arrived to take their orders. “Ladies first.” Halbrand stated with a gesturing hand. Galadriel gazed at him one last time for confirmation before asking for the Lobster Thermidor. Halbrand grinned and ordered himself a seafood basket with extra sauce. And a serving of kilpatrick oysters of course.

“Lobster?” He asked with a chuckle. “You said anything! Besides, I’ve always wanted to try it.” “Good for you.” He spoke, his voice low, before taking a sip of his wine and staring unblinking at her from over the rim.

Who needs oysters when Halbrand looks at me like that?

Though, Galadriel ate them all the same when they arrived, scooping the shell innards into her mouth and savouring the flavour like Halbrand told her to. “Good, right?” He asked when he noticed the satisfaction she was getting. “Mmm hmm.” Was all she could manage before she scooped down another.

“So tell me about your family. Do they live nearby?” “No, I’m on my own here. Mum and Dad live on the other side of the country and my brother passed away when I was younger.” “Oh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.” Halbrand gave her hand a small comforting squeeze. “It’s okay. I’ve dealt with it. It was years ago now. Almost spent more years being an only child than otherwise.” “You’ve got friends at school though, yeah?” “Yeah. Elrond and Arondir. I’d give my life for those guys, and I’d hope they’d do the same for me.” Galadriel smiled to herself thinking about the two of them, sipping more of her wine.

“What about you, your family, friends?” “I was a foster kid. Never really had a home to be honest.” “That must have been hard.” Now Galadriel squeezed his hand back. Halbrand grimaced, clearly uncomfortable to talk about the subject. “It was. I found it difficult for a long time to make meaningful connections with people. In fact… in this brief time since I’ve known you… you might be the closest to anyone I've ever been.” He was smiling so earnestly.

Weird. It’s only been like what, a week? Galadriel thought to herself, sipping more of that irresistible wine. She wasn’t sure what to say to that honestly, so instead she sucked down another oyster and tried to seem sympathetic. Although Halbrand noticed her instant demeanour change.

“I’m sorry I… I’ve said too much.” He ran his hand through that sexy hair of his she adored so, the move was almost tactical - Galadriel suddenly found something stirring within her at the sight of him and all was forgiven. “It’s okay, Halbrand. It’s sweet of you to be so honest with me. It’s a good start.” He beamed at her, looking relieved.

The conversation changed and suddenly it was like they were flying. It was so easy with him. Laughing, talking about everything and anything. It was the perfect first date. But as Galadriel finished her first glass of beaujolais and began her second, something did not feel right.

She felt dizzy. Her stomach, queasy. It reminded her of that bout of gastro she’d had when she was 15. This was not good.

“Galadriel… are you okay? You’re pale as a ghost…” Halbrand spoke. However his voice contained no affection or consideration. It was dead pan. Bland. As were his eyes, what she could make out of them at least. Her head was spinning so fast she could only hold onto something for dear life or just simply let go.

And when only one thing became crystal clear to her, Galadriel abandoned consciousness without a second thought.

It was Celeborn. His spectre stood next to Halbrand. Even though he was rotted and decayed like he’d appeared to her these past few days, his face contained no horrors.

Only sadness.

“I tried to warn you.”

His words, the last she heard.

Halbrand’s sinister smile, the last thing she saw.

-----

The scent of copper and dust filled her nostrils. Galadriel moaned as she stirred, her head pounding.

“Wakey wakey!”

Halbrand’s voice caused her to jolt, and it was then she realised she was tied up, rope burning her wrists. The world around her had not yet come into focus, but before she could even try her eyes, Galadriel was vomiting onto the concrete floor.

“It’s okay baby, I got you.” He spoke with twisted care. “I’ll clean up your mess.” She felt a damp cloth dab at the corners of her mouth and she flinched away from it. Halbrand did not like this. “Hold still, baby.” He uttered through gritted teeth, grabbing her chin with a vice-like grip. Galadriel couldn’t help but mewl. “There… good as new.”

Halbrand was speaking as if this was normal, as if nothing was wrong. Somehow that made her predicament even more terrifying. She did her best now to take in her surroundings, to see if she was somewhere she recognised. The walls were metal. Bars on the windows. But there were boxes strewn haphazardly around the room, all covered in dust, some covered in mould stains. Wherever she was, it was somewhere that was forgotten.

She prayed she wouldn’t be forgotten too.

Looking at his legs, Galadriel could tell Halbrand was still wearing his dinner outfit. Though she dared not carry her gaze any higher. She didn’t want to see his face. For so many reasons.

This can’t be real, it just can’t…

A mantra she repeated in her head over and over. And as if it were a call to the universe, someone soon answered. “But it is real, Galadriel.” Celeborn spoke, crouched down next to her. Galadriel couldn’t stop crying. Haunted by her dead love and kidnapped by her next one. If she ever made it out of this she decided she was going to remain single for a while.

“No, no, no this won’t do. You can’t go shy on me all of a sudden, Noldor!” Halbrand cried out, kneeling before her. “Where’s the woman I fell in love with, hmm? Look at me.” She sobbed but did nothing to meet his eyes. “Look at me!” The words came out in a fierce growl that reflected the man he truly was, and not the man she thought she knew. He grabbed her chin again and forced her to face him. Halbrand stared at her intensely for what felt like forever. He was studying her, memorising her, or trying to summon something from within her that Galadriel knew wasn’t there.

“You are so beautiful. A maiden fair as the ocean. Or the sun on a cloudless day.” He was being poetic. She wanted to vomit again. “Has no one ever told you this? Fools. You should be worshipped like the queen you are, Galadriel. Doted upon by men and women alike. People should give up their lives for you. My Helen of Troy.” His usual charming smile had taken on an unhinged characteristic. Halbrand was batshit bonkers.

“If you think I am a queen then why have you shut me up in here?” “Ahhh she speaks! But that is not what your voice should be used for. Instead I need you to say, ‘Hello Halbrand. Thanks for saving me from that pathetic and pitiful world. I love you.’. Go on, try it.” “Screw you!” “Maybe later, Noldor. Once you’ve had time to accept your new reality.” “And what reality is that?” She challenged him, starting to find her strength. “The reality that you are mine. No one elses. I told you. From the moment I spied you, I knew. I knew I had to have you all to myself.”

“You did have me, Halbrand! Did you not see that? You made me care for you, I wanted to be with you! You didn’t have to do this. You can still let me go. We can work this out.” “You don’t understand. This is the only way we can be together. I had to remove you from the world that doesn’t appreciate you like I do. I had to make you see how important you are to me.” Galadriel slunk against the wall, choosing to give up for the moment. He was never going to see things the way she wanted him to. There was no fixing him. If she wanted to escape she’d have to find another way.

Rolling her head to the side, Celeborn stared at her, still sad for her situation. “Why didn’t you listen to me? You know I love you. I wouldn’t want to hurt you.” “Then why did you scare me like you did? Do you realise what you look like now?” “Being like this is… not easy. It’s hard to… control yourself. To communicate.” “Then how are you talking to me now?” “Because things are at their worst. It forced me to learn.” “Celeborn… I–”

“Noldor, what the hell are you doing? Who are you talking to?” Halbrand was filled with confusion. Of course he couldn’t see Celeborn. Galadriel must have looked crazier to him than he was. “Nothing. No one.” “Good.” He said, although suspicion remained etched upon his face. “Because you don’t want to misbehave again. I don’t want to have to punish you like last time.” Now Galadriel was confused. “What do you mean, again? Punish me like last time?” “You’re lucky I forgave you, Noldor. Offered you a second chance to be with me.” “Forgave me for wh–”

Oh no. The suspicions were right.

Galadriel felt her spirit practically leave her body. A sickening feeling spread through her like she had never known.

I stood him up. The same night that–

“You killed Míriel.” Her voice was little more than a whisper, disbelief filling her eyes as she looked up at him. “To prove what you mean to me. That I would do anything to keep you. Killing those close to you teaches you a valuable lesson.” Halbrand leaned in, his face barely an inch from hers. His eyes were dark and pitiless, like two endless voids from which there was no escape. “If you hurt me, I have no choice but to hurt you. Now you won’t do it again, will you, Galadriel?”

Tears once again streamed down her cheeks, her bottom lip trembling. Halbrand’s eyes darted down to it, and whether it was out of desire for her or desire to stop it, he took her lip into his mouth and sucked on it, before forcing a kiss she never wished to receive.

“Please… just let me go…” Galadriel begged, sobbing. “I promise I won’t tell anyone. Please.” “Don’t lie to me, Noldor. You and I both know that’s exactly what you will do. Elendil is in jail because of you, and you need me to get him out.” Halbrand snickered. “No… no the only way this ends, is if you submit to me… or I kill you.” He was chilling, horrifying. All Galadriel could do was cry. “Oh did I scare you?” Halbrand asked, calling back to the last time he’d asked that question, when he was just a cute guy in a coffee shop. “Good.”

He rose to his feet and made for the door on the other side of the room. “I’ve got some errands to run, my love, but I’ll be back soon. Don’t miss me too much.” He farewelled her by blowing a kiss, leaving her alone with the ghosts of her mistakes.

-----

Galadriel found herself slipping into memories of her past, the only escapism she could find for the moment. Her ropes wouldn’t give, and even if she did undo them she was pretty confident that the locking sound on the door Halbrand made when he left meant she wasn’t going anywhere. So she drifted inwards instead of outwards, and smiled for the first time in hours as she saw Celeborn’s loving and warm face.

The memory was nothing special. It was just the two of them walking down the street, fingers entwined, as they discussed their plans for the future. High school had been a lot for them both and Galadriel was glad to be done with it. Celeborn however, wanted to remind her it was only the beginning.

“You can’t slack off now, baby. College is where the serious stuff begins.” Galadriel sighed. “Are you my boyfriend or my father?” Celeborn laughed. “I can be your daddy if you want?” “Eww gross!” Galadriel exclaimed as she gave him a playful tap on the arm. Celeborn only laughed harder. “No but seriously, Cel, can’t I just enjoy my freedom from the clutches of education for a little while longer before reality drags me all the way back?” “Of course you can, of course. I just want you to be sure you don’t become lazy or form any bad habits.”

They stopped walking and he pulled her aside. “This is your moment, Galadriel Noldor. And I wanna see you shine.” He beamed at her before she pulled him in for a quick kiss.

Then the memory returned to being what it was. In the past.

“You were always trying to protect me, huh.” Galadriel stated to the empty room, calling Celeborn’s apparition forth. “I only wanted what was best for you. You deserve the world. Not this psychopath.” “And you didn’t deserve to die.” Galadriel suddenly had a brainwave. Surely not. But she had to know for certain. “Celeborn? I need to ask you something really personal.” “You can ask me anything, Galadriel. Always.” “Do… do you know who killed you?” “I’m not going to answer you when you already know.”

It was then that Halbrand returned and Galadriel rounded on him with a fury she did not know she possessed. “You killed my boyfriend too?!” “Well hello to you too, Noldor.” “Did you?!” “I told you… I had to have you all to myself.” His tone was almost nonchalant, unbothered. “How could you? He was young, he had a future!” “Oh please. I heard the conversation you had with your little friends. Honestly Noldor, if you had broken up with him sooner than I wouldn’t have had to kill him in the first place! Look again! Another death on your hands!” “No! Shut up! That’s not true!”

Halbrand hurled the grocery bag onto the floor and stormed over to her. “Do you want more blood, Galadriel? Because I’ll give it to you. Elrond. Arondir. Bronwyn. Your parents. All are next in line. Descendants of your folly.”

Galadriel spat at him. Though it didn’t affect Halbrand in the slightest. He licked his lips to get a taste of her. “He wasn’t worthy of you. He had to go. He didn’t treat you how I can. How I will once you come to your senses.” He groaned, remembering what he brought. “Now look what you made me do! I hope this doesn’t spoil our dinner.”

She watched him rifle through the grocery bag and calm his demeanour once he knew the contents had survived his rage. “Dinner?” She asked. “Our second date. Or is it third now, I’m losing track of all these happy occasions. I just came in to check on you before I went to cook up our feast. I’ve had a chicken roasting all day. But… I don’t know if you deserve my hospitality, Noldor.”

Galadriel’s stomach spoke for her. “I do. Please, I do!” “Prove it. Kiss me. Make me moan like you mean to please me.”

She would rather do literally anything else, but with potential survival at stake… she was left with little choice. Nodding in assent, Halbrand grinned as he wandered back to sit before her, placing himself willing and ready to receive her touch. Galadriel gulped, took a deep breath, and got it over with.

The kiss was frenzied and hurried, all tongue and lips all over the place. There was no romance to it at all. But Halbrand seemed to respond okay.

Then Galadriel had an idea. It was a messed up one, but it was an idea all the same.

She trailed her kiss away from his mouth, down along his jaw, and straight to his throat. Galadriel wasted no time. She bit down hard. The taste of blood entered her mouth but she only let it drive her. Although, Halbrand was not crying out in pain like she had expected him to.

He was moaning in bliss.

“That’s quite enough out of you.” He stated near breathless, pushing her off. He pulled a handkerchief out of his jacket’s inner pocket and held it to his throat. He didn’t seem worried at all that he might bleed out. She was hoping she’d get his jugular. But now she’d likely never get a chance to again. “But you’ve pleased me all the same despite this rather pathetic attempt. I’ll be back with our dinner in an hour.” He left her alone with his blood still on her tongue.

“I didn’t know you had that in you.” Celeborn spoke, a little shocked by the violent display. “What else am I supposed to do? I saw an opportunity and I took it.” “No, it’s good. It’s shown me you want to live, really want to live, to get out of here. Keep looking for those opportunities, Galadriel. They will come along.”

It was the longest hour she’d ever experienced. Celeborn offered little more in the way of solace. He’d said all that really needed to be said. Galadriel still couldn’t wrap her head around the fact that she’d fallen for the man who murdered him. It made her sick. But now she had even more reason to get out of here and see Halbrand brought to justice. He was a mass murderer. A serial killer. He had to be stopped.

Especially before she or anyone else she cared about became his next victim.

The scent of dinner reached her nostrils before Halbrand reached the door. She couldn’t deny it smelt delicious, but that could be because she hadn’t eaten in so long. Halbrand wheeled in their meals on a trolley. Then he quickly left and came back again with a small fold out table and two chairs.

“Now, Galadriel.” Halbrand began, setting the table, Galadriel’s hungry eyes solely on him and not on the roast chicken and vegetables steaming before her. “I am going to show you that I can be trusted.”

What?

“It wouldn’t be very civilised if I didn’t allow you the use of your hands to eat your meal. This date of ours is a special occasion. The door is locked. And your utensils are made of cardboard. So don’t worry, I’m not entirely crazy.”

Whatever you say, psycho.

“Still. If I grant you the gesture of movement, all I ask is for you to return that gesture with the respect it deserves. You remain seated. You eat with me. You do what I say. And I will see that you are greatly rewarded.”

Galadriel was secretly smiling to herself. Halbrand was completely bonkers if he didn’t think she’d seize this opportunity to escape. She’d find a way. Somehow.

“Do you understand, my love?”

Galadriel nodded.

“Good girl.”

Moving around to the rear of her, Halbrand loosened the rope and Galadriel felt step one of her freedom. It was almost like breathing for the first time, being able to move her hands and wrists freely again. She rubbed at their soreness as she watched Halbrand pour them glasses of white wine. Sauvignon Blanc.

It was then that Galadriel saw it. Her escape.

He put her here with a glass of wine. It was only fitting if she escaped because of it.

Galadriel turned her head to the left and saw the spectre of Celeborn gazing at her. He was smiling. “That’s the way, Galadriel.”

She hid her smile behind a fake cough. “Are you alright?” “Yes. Parched is all.” “Would you like me to get some…” Halbrand’s voice trailed off as he watched Galadriel down her wine glass. He smiled at her, approving of her eagerness, liking what he saw. He rubbed his chin appraising the woman before her. “Well… good thing I brought more than one bottle!” He spoke, lifting a second bottle from underneath the food trolley.

“You going to keep up with me, Halbrand?” Galadriel dared him, playing into his clear desires for her. He was noticeably surprised by this change of demeanour in her, but nevertheless, his grin widened and he did as she asked. Galadriel watched every last drop disappear down his throat.

Then after the next time he filled her glass, she waited for him to tip his head all the way back.

Then she tipped her drink over her shoulder.

“Wait, wait, wait, stop.” Eärien chimed in, interrupting Isildur as he breathed in to speak his next part. “This is Raiders. You’re doing a Marion.” She was very satisfied that she’d caught him ‘plagiarising’ someone else‘s work. Especially her brother. “I can’t wait to tell Anarion!” “You can’t actually. He’s not a member.” Theo spoke up. Eärien looked at Nori for confirmation. “He’s right, Ari. Sorry.” “Still! He’s ripping off a movie!”

Isildur groaned. “If you had paid attention last time we watched instead of ogling Kemen, then you’d realise this is different. Marion can hold her liquor. Galadriel just isn’t drinking every glass.” Eärien rolled her eyes. “Oh come on! Are you going to let this fly?” She was determined to see Isildur in trouble.

Nori, to Isildur’s advantage, didn’t see the issue like Eärien wanted. “I love Marion. Great inspiration choice, Isil.”

He beamed then poked his tongue out at his sister before continuing…

This went on for a while, the two of them consuming delicious food, and only one of them really consuming the wine. Galadriel of course couldn’t get away with it cleanly, taking the occasional sip here and there to throw Halbrand off her scent. And the drunker he got, the bolder she became.

“What do you like about me, Halbrand?” She asked, a little playful, a little curious. He ran his intoxicated eyes over her, and a hand through his hair. “I think you’ll find the list of what I don’t like shorter.” He laughed. “Come on, Halbrand. Tell me.” He smirked, the expression now unnerving to her. But she didn’t back down. She stared and she waited.

“If you insist… Stand up for me.” “Are you sure you can trust me?” She batted her eyelashes, playing coy. “Just stand up for me, darling.” He chuckled. Galadriel did as she was told, loathing every second of it. She positioned herself before him, even doing her best to smooth out her crinkled and dirty dress. Halbrand shifted his seat to face her, his legs manspread apart.

If he wasn’t psycho she’d be turned on by how he looked right now.

“Let’s see… I like… your hair. It flows so beautifully, cascading down your body like a heavenly waterfall. I like your legs and the way your hips sway when you walk. It’s positively criminal.” He paused, biting his bottom lip. “C’mon Halbrand, that can’t be all.” “Far from it actually. I adore your smile and the way it lights up your face. And your eyes… they sparkle with such hope and wonder. But I also appreciate what’s on the inside. Your mind, your heart. The way you care. The way you engage with the world.”

It really was a shame he was psycho. Not even Celeborn had said such nice things about her.

And don’t I regret it. The voice of her ghost boyfriend sounded in her mind. It almost made her jump but thankfully she kept her cool. Don’t do that. She thought in reply, hoping he’d hear.

“What’s wrong?” Halbrand asked, noticing her presence shift slightly.

Everything.

“Nothing. It’s just… I wasn’t expecting you to say anything so kind.” Galadriel recovered. “Why wouldn’t I?” He seemed genuinely confused, perhaps a little hurt by her comment. “You are an incredible woman, Galadriel. And you should be celebrated as such.” She blushed a little at his words, not liking all the attention. Especially from someone like him.

“Brush it off, Galadriel. You can do this. Keep going.” Celeborn encouraged, only this time she could see him standing next to Halbrand. “But you’re not going to like what comes next, Cel.” Galadriel warned him, but he was unphased, gesturing with a move of his hand for her to continue.

“Well then let me tell you what I like about you. Then we can even things up a little.” Halbrand smiled. “This should be interesting.” Galadriel stepped towards him and gave herself over to the role she was playing. It was this or death. “I like your thighs. They look strong and perfect for sitting on.” And she did just that, setting herself astride his lap. Halbrand’s smile turned into a wild grin. “Oh I like this.” He couldn’t help but admit.

“I like your chest. Not too broad or overly muscly but,” She ran her hands over his shirt as she spoke. “It is defined… tight. Firm. And it feels good under my fingertips.” “Good gods, Galadriel.” He was gasping, intoxicated by the wine, and by her. “I like your hair… its soft and fits around your face just right. Plus… it’s perfect for running my fingers through, and for holding on.”

Halbrand closed his eyes and moaned as she moved her hands through his hair and tugged on the ends. “And I also like… kissing you.” “Really now?” He spoke, his voice low, his eyes half-lidded. “Show me how you like it.”

Galadriel forced a cheeky grin, before moving in to close the gap between them. As their lips met, she did her best to imagine Brad Pitt on the receiving end, which greatly inspired her passion to be convincing. Halbrand met her with equal fervour, feeding off her false desire.

As they kissed Galadriel started to rack her brain for how she was now going to get out of here. Her plan had been to get him drunk. Check. But getting away? That was going to have to be more improvisational.

Then it hit her. Or more accurately - it would hit him.

The wine bottle.

She opened her eyes and glanced to her left a quick moment, spying immediately the empty bottle. Miraculously, it was within her reach.

Halbrand moaned into her mouth a little as if he was calling her attention back, so she responded with a small moan of her own, before trailing her kisses away from his lips, along his jaw, and down to his neck, giving her the perfect opportunity to get closer to her weapon.

Then in the subtlest way she could imagine, she leaned over and grasped it. “Oh Galadriel…” Halbrand called out. She couldn’t help but grin. She had done it. She was about to escape.

“I wouldn’t try that if I were you.” Halbrand uttered so nonchalantly, like it wasn’t a bother, like he was so sure she was making a mistake. He grabbed on her hair and pulled her off of his throat. Galadriel cried out in pain, and felt the wine bottle slip through her fingers, crashing loudly on the floor.

Her breathing quickened and her heart raced. What was going to happen now?

“Fool me once, shame on me. Fool me twice..." He laughed, a little sinisterly. "So sweet of you to think that you could deceive me. But you should realise, darling - you can’t fool a deceiver.” He pushed her off of him roughly and she hit the floor with a thud, scrambling away from Halbrand towards the door, praying she’d reach it before he did.

Her prayers went unanswered.

“Not so fast, my precious.”

Halbrand grabbed her and tossed her back across the room. She would surely be left bruised and bleeding from these violent displays. Though she didn’t care. What mattered most was getting out alive. And it looked like the chances of that happening were very slim.

She looked up in time to see Halbrand standing over her, wielding something sharp in his hand. A long shard of the wine bottle, perfectly broken into a weapon as if it was forged for him. He was grasping it so tightly, Galadriel could see a trickle of blood dripping from his knuckles. A sign that perhaps he was losing control of things. That his plan was not going the way he had envisioned.

“Why are you trying to get away from me?” He asked her, looking genuinely hurt but insane. “I’m only trying to treat you how a lady should be treated! How someone I love should be loved!” “You have a twisted way of doing it!” Galadriel yelled back, feeling bold in the face of her fate. “If you really loved me you’d let me go! Then maybe we could try again?” She was desperate, saying anything, repeating her earlier offer, even if she didn’t mean it. “No, it’s too late for that.” Halbrand stated, unwilling to see reason. “I just want you to stay, Galadriel! Stay with me. And if you won’t do so willingly, then I can fix you so you will.” Galadriel shrieked as he reached for her legs, kicking at him to no avail. He was stronger than her, taking hold quickly, and raising up her heels to meet his makeshift blade, Halbrand looked perfectly mad and Galadriel felt nothing but terror.

But before he could slice through her achilles, something in the room changed.

The fluorescent lights overhead started blinking, causing darkness to appear and disappear within the room. The sound of wind howling filled the space, yet there was no breeze and no open window or door to let that noise in. Intermingled with that howl was a voice. Haunted. Pained. It echoed all around them and caused Halbrand to freeze, the pair of them locked in their struggle, both waiting for an answer to what this phenomena was.

Galadriel smiled. She knew what it was.

Or more accurately, who.

“Halbrand!” Celeborn’s voice boomed from across the room, calling his killer’s attention. She watched terror enter his expression. Even the ego maniacal killer is afraid of something. Facing the consequences of his actions, perhaps? “Turn around, Halbrand. Turn around.” Galadriel demanded of him through gritted teeth. She had no idea what was about to happen, but it had to be better than what Halbrand was about to do to her.

He released Galadriel and she scurried away, towards where the ghoulish spectre of Celeborn now stood. Halbrand turned around if only to watch her run away from him. His eyes widened at the supernatural sight before him, and the shard of glass fell from his bloodied hand, breaking into smaller parts. “This… this can’t be real! You’re not real!” “Oh but I am. I am what you made me, Halbrand. This is what you did. You stole me from life and gave me a torturous existence in death!”

Galadriel backed herself against the wall, herself cowering in fear from his ghost. Even though he was on her side, he was still terrifying. The door was only three feet to her right. Freedom. But she couldn’t escape now, she had to see how this would play out, and hopefully watch Halbrand get what he deserved.

“Am I supposed to say I’m sorry? I love her! She is the most beautiful thing this world has ever seen! She deserved better than you!” Halbrand found some courage and remembered his arrogance. “And you deserved what I did to you! A punishment fit for someone not fit to be by her side!” “You don’t get to decide who lives or who dies, Halbrand! You are not a god!” “Yes. I. AM!” He bellowed fiercely, but his cry was cut short, his voice fading, as he watched Celeborn lift into the air around them all the broken shards of glass upon the concrete floor.

“If you are a god then, Halbrand, you should survive this.” “No. No. No!” He protested, realising what was coming. His time was through. In a split second, Galadriel watched as Celeborn moved his arms in Halbrand’s direction, a silent command for all the glass to pierce his flesh and end him. The killer became the victim now. His breathing laboured, his blood exiting his body through small wounds all over. Halbrand dropped to his knees, struggling to hold onto what little life remained in him.

Galadriel walked over, saddened but satisfied to see justice carried out. “For Míriel. For Celeborn.” She spoke quietly as he reached out for her. “And for me.” Taking one last look at his dying form, she turned away then, wanting her back walking away to be the last thing Halbrand would see.

Then he fell to his death with a final thud.

“I didn’t know you had that in you.” Galadriel spoke, back at Celeborn’s side. “Are you okay now?” He asked full of concern. She nodded. “Yeah. I’m okay. Thanks to you.” “Don’t sell yourself short. You didn’t exactly do nothing. You didn’t let him do those things to you without a fight. I just came with the assist at the end.” “Celeborn, I’m sorry. You were trying to warn me the whole time he was trouble and that I should stay away. And I was too scared and too guilty to listen.” “It probably doesn’t help that this is what I look like now. But guilty? Why?”

Galadriel took a deep breath. “Because I was going to break up with you. And then you died in the worst way thinking and feeling a lie.” “Oh Galadriel. It’s okay. I’m at peace now. I still care for you, and I know you care for me on some level too. Sometimes things just don’t work out the way we plan. I mean, look at me.” He smiled and his words made her giggle. “I’ve done my duty. My unfinished business. I saved you. And now we can both move on.”

“You… you’re leaving?” “I’m going where all the good ones go. I can feel it.” Galadriel smiled and watched as his eerie glow began to brighten, bathing him in pure white light. “Be free, Galadriel. I’ll see you in the next life.” She couldn’t help but start to cry as she watched him fade away. Maybe he wasn't so bad after all. “Goodbye, Celeborn. Thank you.”

And just like that, he was gone.

Galadriel wiped her tears away. She didn’t look back before she left…

“What happened after that? To Halbrand’s body?” Valandil asked, looking spooked. “Did he get the blame for the murders?” Poppy also wanted to know. “What about Galadriel? Was she okay?” Ontamo was swooning for the fictional heroine.

Isildur held back a grin, not wanting to break the ominous mood he’d set up. “Galadriel reported anonymously the location of Halbrand’s corpse, and told the police he was the murderer. There was enough evidence to match him up to the crimes so Elendil was released with an apology, and the case was closed. Galadriel invited Elendil into her friendship circle with Elrond and Arondir, and the four of them remain close to this day. She never saw Celeborn’s ghost again, and Halbrand was too deep in hell to reach her.”

“Good story, Isil.” Nori stated proudly with approval. “Yeah, much better than your last one.” Theo said, tapping him on the shoulder. Everyone agreed in unison. But there was one person who wasn’t all smiles. Valandil.

“You okay buddy?” Isildur asked him. “I start college next week.”

Everyone groaned and laughed at him getting scared by the tale, and Ontamo gave him a friendly shake to try and snap him out of it.

“I declare this meeting of the Midnight Society closed.” Nori announced, and Poppy grabbed the bucket of water and tipped it on the fire. “Until next week everybody.”

“Get out!”

“It has been six days, Galadriel. How quickly might those days drift into months, into years, into… centuries? You are destined for more than this pitiful place.” “Then release me, fiend!” “Not until you tell me what you want!” Sauron’s patience too was waning. A jolt of satisfaction burst through her body at the sight and sound of his frustration. Galadriel could live on that thrill alone for the rest of existence.

Metal scraping metal filled her ears, as Sauron dragged his blade slowly across the bars of her cell. Then with eyes like fire, he marched towards where Galadriel stood chained to the wall. Tearing at her already tattered gown, he revealed an old wound to his eyes. The mark was still there, almost as fresh as the day he made it, Morgoth’s crown piercing her flesh. Lifting his dagger, Galadriel could do nothing but wait for the pain.

He dragged the sharp tip along the scar, drawing new blood. A small and precise cut. A silent tear made its way down her cheek, her chapped lips pursed together to hold any verbalisation of her suffering. “Now, now, Galadriel. You need not hide yourself from me. Tell me how you feel. What does my dagger evoke in your flesh?”

She refused him again, and all he could do was press the blade in deeper. “Ahhh…” Galadriel winced, losing control. The pain was immense. But what made it worse was Sauron’s laughter. “It is still in you!” He cried out, filled with amusement. The elf looked at her captor and felt sick for the maniacal glee etched upon his face. “The darkness… it refuses to let you go.”

Shifting her neck down and ignoring the strain of it, Galadriel’s eyes widened as she spied a thin trickle of black blood emerging from the wound. She cannot prevent the gasp that passes her lips. “I thought I was free of it… healed…” she whispered to herself more than him, but he answered her regardless. “You will never be free of it Galadriel. Once a metal of Morgoth has touched your flesh… you are forever marked by shadow.” Sauron paused a moment, looking pensive. Haunted. “I… I know because I too have suffered from it. My skin broken and unmade with only darkness to reforge it.”

Galadriel was sad for him, feeling even a glimmer of pity. But it was fleeting. She would not fall for his trickery. Not this time. No matter how badly his former master may have tortured him. Good. She thought.

As if he heard her mind, and she was certain he had, Sauron changed tact. “You speak of healing, Galadriel? You know I can give that to you too. I can show you how to use your darkness. I can give you balance. The same balance I have asked you to give me. Darkness and Light. Shadow and sun. These things cannot exist without the other. I… cannot live without you, just as you…” “Do not say it.” “Say… what… elf?” As he dragged out each word, he dragged his dagger in tandem, causing her wincing to increase, and more blackness to ooze from her wound. “I will not say it. Only you can.”

Galadriel would not admit to anything. Not to please him or herself. Only this physical pain may continue, that she would endure until the breaking of the world. There would be no satisfaction.

When Sauron soon discovered that she was not going to budge, he let up, pulling away and stepping back into the shadows. But she could still see his bright eyes.

“You will come to me.”

He then exited swiftly, leaving Galadriel barren and alone.

For days.

For weeks.

For a time that Galadriel could no longer quantify.

He gave her no food. No water. All she had to sustain her was her elven longevity. Her resilience. But even that determination to remain against him, even that was about to wane…

She was focusing on a small beam of light that was shining through a tiny window across the room. There was no way of knowing if it was real or not, but either way, it gave her comfort, and a reminder of the world outside she had loved so dearly. A world she had come to accept she would never be a part of again.

“Don’t be like that, elf.”

Galadriel shook at the sound of a familiar voice, her chains rattling loudly. Using her elven eyes, she spied a figure in the shadows. A figure that had not been there until now.

Or had he always been there?

Haunting her.

“H-halbrand?” She croaked, sounding almost desperate. It was then that he dipped his head into the light, revealing himself to her eyes, looking the same as the day she met him stranded at sea. “Who else would be here in a cell with you? Its becoming comical now isn’t it.”

Galadriel smiled. For the first time in so long. She had almost forgotten the sensation. “Halbrand!” She cried again, joy entering her haggard voice now. “Are you well, elf? You don’t look it.” “I have… certainly seen better days, my friend. But it is so good to see you again. I thought you were gone. Why are you here?”

Halbrand smirked with a chuckle. “I’m not about to leave my greatest companion to rot, am I? We’ve been through too much for that. You wouldn’t abandon me, would you?” Galadriel shook her head.

All truths forgotten.

“Of course you wouldn’t. We save each other. We pull each other back. That’s what we do. And I will do it until my last breath.” He smiled wide now, the chuckle now a laugh. “But what will you do when I depart these shores for the unknown ahead? I won’t always be—” “Please. Do not speak it.”

Halbrand rose to his feet, walking slowly through shadow to reach her. “Can you not withstand the truth, elf? Of what I am?”

Her mind hurt. Something was missing. Something did not feel right. She could not remember. He spoke of being a man but was there more to his meaning?

It was too much for her mind now.

“You are going to leave me. I… wish things could be different.” “So do I.” He raised a tender hand to her weathered cheek, caressing her softly. Galadriel gave into his touch immediately, the scent of seawater filling her nostrils. “All I have wanted… is for us to be together. Never parted. Is that what you want too?” He asked earnestly, those mossy green eyes of his searching hers for hope, for an answer he prayed she would give him.

“Yes. I want that too. I felt what you felt, remember?” She started to cry. “It is all I’ve wanted.” “Then let me grant it to you.”

Halbrand placed his other hand upon her face, and with a careful gaze into her eyes, he slowly moved towards her, lips threatening to make contact. But they did not. He let himself linger before her, his hot breath on her skin, waiting for her to bind them as was always meant to be. Dizzy with his proximity, the temptation was too much.

With her truth spoken aloud at last, there was no other desire for Galadriel now but to kiss him.

So she did.

A small moan escaped her as they touched, disbelief coursing through her mind. He was softer than she had imagined, but it was like drinking from the most bountiful of fonts. It was destiny defined, this kiss, this feeling she was now allowed to feel freely. And she felt everything. Galadriel could feel him. His body, his spirit, all of Halbrand sang to her in a chorus she sang in harmony. His tongue was magnificent and sent her wild. It wasn’t long before she craved more than just this connection. She was starved. She needed his flesh.

Galadriel kissed him with all of her desperation, all of her want, and Halbrand wasted no moment in responding. He groaned into her mouth as she bit at his lower lip, and soon their hunger spilled over. He parted a tear in her gown, and with his deft hands he proceeded to touch her where the desire was strongest. The elf gasped loudly with no regard for who might hear. In fact she wanted all to hear her pleasure. She was owed that much after all she had lost in being trapped here.

He rubbed her, moved his fingers inside her, and it wasn’t long before her desire spilt over and dripped down her legs. She rattled her chains so hard, furious she couldn’t touch him back. Halbrand noticed. “I know, elf. But for now, isn’t this enough? Let me worship you as you deserve to be worshipped. Just a humble man paying his respects to such… an exalted… being…” He sucked on her neck between words and her chains were suddenly forgotten. Three of his fingers reached the deepest part of her and surrender was all she knew.

The pleasure began to rise in her fast, but Halbrand, sensing it, would not have it this way. Galadriel watched as the man she loved dropped to his knees and truly began to show her what he meant by worship. An unintelligible sound passed her lips as his lips fell upon her, joining his hand in their expert skill to make her come undone. Galadriel was whining, bucking her hips against his head, needing all of his mouth, his tongue, his teeth. The euphoria was blinding. Suddenly all she could see was light. It was as if the shadow itself had retreated from the room, its own form of surrender. Galadriel was bathed in rapture and felt it in every small part of her.

Gazing down she watched Halbrand tend to her. Saw his lips moving, his tongue lapping, and his eyes, heated and ravenous, locked upon her.

It was the most beautiful sight she had ever seen.

One worthy of her falling to pieces.

She tried her best to keep her eyes on him but she simply couldn’t. The power of it was too strong for her weakened body, and Galadriel flung her head back against the cell wall, her chains shaking in tandem with her body as divine glory spread through her. Her voice cried out in a rapturous song, echoing off the walls. Halbrand could do nothing but groan in satisfaction against her, drinking every last pearl of her pleasure as it sprung forth, coveted by him like the sweetest most rarest drop of wine.

Her body gave out and Galadriel went limp without losing consciousness, she had not the strength to remain upright anymore. Through her half-lidded and dazed eyes, she looked down on him again and saw him smirking. By Eru did she love that mischievous grin. “Good girl.” Was all he whispered to her ears. He remained on the floor, kneeling, staring up in awe at his work. He was revelling in it, at what he’d caused in her. A man ravishing an elf, a complete seduction. Total submission. Galadriel felt a power exert itself from him in this moment.

And she liked it.

Eventually, he rose, desiring to be nearer to her once more. It was then her turn to revel in what he’d done, as she tasted her nectar on his tongue and lips, eager to feel him and eager to know what he knew. “Can…” She began, her voice still weak. “Can this be all we do until the end of time?” Halbrand burst into laughter against her throat. “Of course, elf. Anything you want.”

Anything I want…

“I want to make you feel how… how you just made me feel.” “Is that right?” She nods. “But I’ll need you to help me. Guide us together in unison.” “I think I can manage that.”

In a swift, quick moment, Halbrand freed himself from his breeches, and Galadriel was stunned by the sight of him in all his readiness. He began to stroke himself, the elf watching with her lips parted by lust, seeing the moist tip of him. “Imagine that my hand is your hand… for it’s what I am doing. All I feel… is what you are doing to me right now, Galadriel.”

She gasped at his wanton words, and yet was completely taken by them. Her eyes followed his hand, over and over, and she bit her lip, feeling the pleasure build in her once again, needing Halbrand to touch her. But no, this was about his pleasure, not hers as a consequence.

“Galadriel…” He gasped her name. “Your body calls to mine… I can feel it. It aches at the small distance between us, as it has always ached. If you would permit me… I would–” “Yes, Halbrand. By Eru, yes. I need you inside me. Come to me. Bind to me. Make me whole!”

He gave her an inch and she took a league.

His smile was devilish as he approached, and he brushed her gown aside to expose her to him once again. He made himself the closest to her he ever had, her chained body flush against the cell wall, and she parted her legs for him, waiting for the blissful friction to begin.

His breath was hot against her skin as he ran his tongue along her collarbone, her neck, whilst he rubbed his length against that sweet bud of pleasure, teasing and taunting her as much as he dared before he simply had to take her. Galadriel couldn’t breathe. Halbrand filled her completely and traded her air to do it. Inch by perfect inch he bound them as one. The pressure, the tightness, it was incomparable to anything she had ever felt. It was exquisite. They truly were made for each other. Galadriel was the lock and Halbrand was the key, though in this case, she did not want to be let out. She would gladly be his prisoner for all time. His chained prize, his willing hostage. Anything if it could mean she would stay his. Trapped by pleasure.

She had given into the consequence of his, reaping the rapture he gained from her and succumbing to it with no will or power left to stop her. What else was she to do when he was inside her like this?

“Galadriel…” He whispered her name against her ear, his mouth shoved up against it with each thrust of his length into her. It felt so good, and teeth nipping at flesh only made it more euphoric. It was not long before Halbrand began to hit the most divine of places within her, causing her to sing with lustful joy. Every strike was like a blossoming of ecstasy, each more blinding than the last. She wanted so badly to be free of her chains so she could wrap her arms around his body. Instead she had only her cell wall to cling to, her skin beginning to break under the desperate clawing of her fingers. But Galadriel did not care. She would paint the stone crimson with her blood if only to feel a modicum of what Halbrand was doing to her.

He could cling onto her at least. Sneaking one arm behind her, the other pressed into the wall, Halbrand dug his nails into her back, as if he needed her to feel him from all angles. “This is all I’ve ever wanted…” “My desire is the same…” Galadriel panted between moans. “Do I feel good… Halbrand? Am I pleasing you as you have pleased me?” Halbrand moaned into her skin before biting down on her neck. Galadriel winced but was thrilled by the pain in the best of ways. He sucked on her throat before releasing it and answering her question. “You have always pleased me, Galadriel. From the moment I met you your presence has filled me with happiness. This is an elevation of that… your body… not even Aulë himself could craft such an immaculate form. And yet someone created you for me… I should thank them. For they have pleased me as well. But for now,” His voice became guttural, his motions near primal. Halbrand grabbed her by the rear and spun her around, tangling her arms in her chains. What little remained of her gown was torn away, and he quickly mounted her, finding that same delectable spot. “I shall use you to do so.”

His fingers bit at her flesh, harder with every thrust. Galadriel felt pain course through her as her skin ground itself against the stone wall. Halbrand took all she had to give with no regard for her wellbeing, though Galadriel did not mind. It pleased her to please him, even more than her own pleasure. It felt amazing to be pressed and pushed up against the wall, the chains squeezing her skin. Knowing that it was blissful for him, hearing it in his moans that were becoming louder and louder. She wanted to serve him. He who was the rightful king of the Southlands. His crown worthy of an elf such as Galadriel.

Halbrand changed his stance slightly and took hold of her right shoulder, bracing himself to go as deep as he could go. “Yes… yes…” He hissed, a sensual serpent. A darkness took hold of the room and Galadriel felt her body begin to be enveloped by shadow. She had no control over anything anymore, and if it felt this wonderful to surrender, she knew there was no going back. A possession had taken place, one so complete that Galadriel felt completely unmade. Like she had never been Galadriel. Or even Artanis. She had simply never existed in the first place.

All there had ever been, was Sauron’s slave.

*****

He was watching her. Standing on the other side of the bars, gripping their steel as he gripped her body. A bystander to his torture, Sauron the spectator ate up every second of this prurient display. He felt everything his counterpart illusion felt, only in a different manner. Licking his lips as if he could taste her. Rubbing his hardness at the sight of her pleasure. Grinning ravenously as ‘Halbrand’ had his way.

It was all too good. Keeping Galadriel here this long, she had become like a pet or a toy now, and his desire for her had opened him up to pursuing all new paths. He wondered if this might even be the beginning of their future as king and queen. The elf had so very clearly lost herself to him, making her Sauron’s to mould.

Though a part of him always assumed this would be where he and his great love would find themselves. Galadriel was the most stubborn and determined of elves and she was never going to stop hunting him. She was too foolish to see that even with her ring of power, the very same ring of power that rested upon Sauron’s own hand now, that she was to be no equal adversary for him. He was a maia. He was a god. And there were none left in the seen world that would challenge him and win. Galadriel was the only hope any of them had in their eyes to bring him down.

He smiled malevolently as he looked at her now.

Mine. My precious.

The pleasure he felt began to rise within him, as it was within the trickery before him, and soon the dungeon was filled with the euphoric cries of man and elf, with Sauron basking in the afterglow. In full control, he moved Halbrand away from Galadriel, all so he could see her in her most vulnerable and pathetic of states. His eyes cast themselves between her legs where their fluids had mixed, and it took all he had not to enter the space and drink it down. The elf rolled herself around and slunk as low as she could, her shackled arms dangling above her like useless branches.

There was almost nothing to her face, her body almost barren and void of spirit. Nearly nothing of the being he’d met on the Sundering Seas remained, and for the first time in these many many years of being her captor, a feeling unfamiliar and undefined began to surge within him.

This was wrong. This was all wrong.

This was not the elf he had prized. The powerful being he had coveted.

This was a husk. A shell. A living headstone serving as a reminder of what was lost.

This was not Galadriel anymore.

Sauron had gone too far.

In his greed and his lust, he had stretched the boundaries of her life. He had hollowed out what he had wanted to punish and hurt and ground it down into dust. His rage had played too strong a part in this maddening tale. He was disappointed, and yet… he did not regret a single thing. He had gained pleasure from tearing her apart from the inside out. He only wished he could have done it more cleanly, more orderly, so he could savour the parts of her he truly prized. Her mind. Her will. Her psyche. So that he might have different uses for her once his carnal need was slaked.

At least he had her now.

He laughed to himself. The Galadriel he captured would have known the difference between the truth and the lie, the seen and the unseen, the reality and the illusion. But there was nothing left of that. All that remained was…

“Did I please you, Halbrand?” She asked, following the man as he paced around the cell. He kept her waiting for an answer, toying with whether or not to keep her waiting for his words forever, because that was all she had now. Forever. With him.

Eventually, he did stop. He stopped and turned his steps towards where Galadriel lay against the wall.

Sauron caught a final glimpse of her before she was out of sight. Her eyes were lost but devoted to him.

“Did I please you?” She asked again if only to make sure he heard her. Halbrand smiled down at her as he stood at her feet. “Endlessly. Endlessly.” He stroked himself to hardness once more then offered it to her lips as if she were a starving beggar.

“Endlessly.” Halbrand and Sauron spoke in unison.

Galadriel had given him what he wanted by telling him what she wanted. But the only kind of freedom granted to her now would be her mind free from its sanity.

The most horrible of escapes.

Suddenly a light began to appear ahead. Dim, but getting brighter with every step. A clearing. She thought. Almost there. With one final slice of her sword, Galadriel burst into an open space, finding something she did not expect. Something she had never seen before.

Ahead of her was a wall of green. A hedge, with a singular opening in the middle. With her elven eyes she peered deep into it and discovered quickly what lay before her.

A maze.

She had only traded one forest for another.

Then, a soft yet blood curdling laugh echoed in her mind. Galadriel scowled, recognising who it belonged to. “Be gone, Deceiver!” “If you want me gone, Galadriel, you know where to find me.” Sauron’s bodiless voice spoke. “At the centre. Of your mind, your heart. Come to me…” His last words whispered pulled at her like a lure, his hook stuck deep in her flesh. But it did not matter, for they both wanted the same thing.

To face each other.

Galadriel squeezed her hilt and moved onward, breaching the entry of the maze, feeling the atmosphere change instantly. She heard the sounds of vines and branches and leaves behind her, not needing to look back to know that she had just been sealed within.

Only one of us shall make it out alive, Deceiver. Galadriel permeates the words within her head, knowing he will hear her. He responds by pulling at the invisible thread connecting them, and Galadriel senses in which direction to turn.

The sensation brings up many emotions in her, encompassing all that she feels for the one who betrayed her so deeply.

Rage is the strongest, and it is its heat that draws her in, like a moth to a flame and she was begging to be turned to cinders. If it meant putting out the fire for good.

She winds around corner after corner, following the perilous path at her feet. Noises come from the thick brush surrounding her, but they are not just of snapping twig and bristling leaf.

To her horror, Galadriel makes out perfectly with her elven ears, the distinguishable sounds of dark things. Clicking. Scratching. Snarling. Purring. Things seeking her on his behalf no doubt, trained to find her, watch her, and torment her. Fate nipping at the borders of her maze prison.

Yet she remains not rattled by this torturous rattling. In fact, she encourages it, yearning for Sauron’s beasts to burst through the bushes so she could strike them down, warming her up for the duel at hand. What satisfaction it would bring to end the existence of creatures that serve the Dark Lord. Galadriel smirks and waits, slowing her steps but keeping them calculated, her blade ready in fighting stance. A dare.

Though nothing attacks. However the noises continue. Galadriel rounds another corner and is faced with an impasse. The path splitting into two. The dark things go quiet as if to give her time to decide which way to turn.

Both paths look identical, down to the minute detail. It is eerie, false, and concocted by him of course. Only Sauron could craft something that seemed so perfect, a matching illusion to the real world. Perhaps this is the lesson, his game, to decipher which is which.

Galadriel closes her eyes and concentrates, searching for the feeling that lured her in at the beginning. She does not find it. But what she does find is something she did not intend.

A thick black ooze slithers beneath her, ominous and consuming. She cannot help but be startled by it, feeling its intense heat as it moves along her boots, like steamless dark lava. Galadriel attempted to move away, though finding quickly that she was already held in place.

Struggling against it, she waited for the sinister muck to slide up her body and devour her, yet as time passed, it was plain that was not its objective. Galadriel watched as it moved ahead of her, pooling in front of the divide. It began to change form, her elven eyes making out what looked like black worms or tendrils, wriggling and working together to form a new shape. And despite the feeling of fire it gave off, witnessing this obscenity only made her cold.

She began to understand what this was, what it only could be. Refusing to call his name, she simply waited with a steel like glare for him to reveal himself.

His voice was haunted as he spoke to her, ancient and ageless like the world they inhabited, the world he helped to create. “I waited for you, Galadriel. In this helpless state. For thousands of years. Never knowing if I would take the form of a body again. Set deep in a perpetual stupor, contemplating my fate. Waiting for you, the one who would change that.”

“You garner no sympathy from me.” Galadriel uttered in disgust at the faceless dark matter. “And if I had encountered you in this form, it would have been all too easy to snuff you out. To see that you would never return to threaten all that is dear.”

“I seek no sympathy from you. I only offer you truth.” He then slithered across to block one of the paths. A deterrent or an encouragement? She wonders. As Sauron continues, his voice begins to echo around her, shifting into many voices as one, layers of harmonies though he does not sing. “But you are right, Galadriel. I am vulnerable like this, my essence visible to you. You call me The Deceiver but in this form how can I be? There is no facade to lure you, no illusions to blind you. Alone, intangible, unknowable. Rot upon the earth. Proof the first that I needed you. That I needed someone to bring me into the light. To give me form. Give me hope. To heal my disordered spirit as I only wish to heal this world. I have always needed someone at my side, Galadriel. Why should it not be you?”

“Enough of this!” She shouted. “Let me pass or I will pulverise you.” He laughs in her ear, soft yet sinister. “I see that you are not ready. Though I shall leave the choice of which path to take in your capable hands, elf.”

The black ooze begins to fade, and before Galadriel can even contemplate a choice, she dives into it, letting him envelop her completely. The warmth she feels is comforting, pure contentment. A trap? Doubting her peace, she lifts up her sword and slices through the darkness, over and over again. Needing to feel a glimmer of the satisfaction that ending Sauron might give her, contentment she can give herself. Soon, the dark ooze vanishes and the presence of the Deceiver flees, she feels him no longer. Though she trusts that it was not the final duel she was promised.

Scanning her body for any remnants of him, Galadriel spies nothing and moves on quickly ahead, deeper into the maze. The path begins to narrow, the hedges on either side grow thicker as vines begin to wind their way through them, their thorny ropes tangling and twining outward onto the earth at her feet. Was this the right path? She pondered. Could I go back?

Galadriel suddenly felt deep within her however, that there was nothing for her that way. So she pressed on, minding her steps until she saw a light ahead, something that glowed as the moon does in the night sky. Its beams burst through a small gap at the end of the thinning path, a gap she knew she would have to press through, one that would cause her pain. And yet, she had to keep going.

Her sword did nothing to sway the brambles from their sharpness. Any attempt at cutting them down, clearing them, was thwarted as if by some invisible barrier. Galadriel knew the only way out, to the light, was through.

Death by a thousand cuts is it, Sauron?

She tempted him but he did not answer. Instead she steeled herself, taking a breath, then moved onwards towards the pain. This pain was different from that she had felt outside of the maze. There was no ignoring it or casting it off. Galadriel could feel every prick and scratch against her skin as the vines sliced through her presence. She groaned as blood was drawn from her but the sacrifice was necessary. He may have a piece of me, in return for all that he is. Rage once again filled her and pushed her forwards, so far until she burst into the clearing, where her pain began to fade instantly under the glow of the ithildin.

Ithildin. Celebrimbor.

Galadriel’s pain returned, itself taking on a new form, as did someone else, appearing to her now in a loathsome visage.

“Can you read for me the inscription on the stone?” Sauron requested. Tears threatened to spill. “I refuse.” She spat. “But you know what it says. What it means.” “It means that you are a monster!” Galadriel bellowed, sickened at the sight of Annatar, the purported emissary of the valar that tricked Celebrimbor and the people of Eregion. His blonde hair billowed over his shoulders and Galadriel took great offense.

The maia began to pace around the clearing, circling Galadriel slowly like a wolf, though one that is patient. Or perhaps one that liked to toy with its meal. “‘Here is honoured the memory of Lord Celebrimbor.” “Silence!” She protested. “Son of Curufin. Grandson of Fëanor ” “Enough!” “The greatest of all elven smiths, who with the aid of Annatar forged his greatest achievement, the rings of power, before succumbing under the weight of them.” “Stop!” Galadriel screamed, getting to her feet and lunging her sword at Sauron.

He blocked her attack effortlessly, and used a twist of his wrist to remove the blade from her grasp, sending it flying into the maze wall. She went to try and remove it but none of her strength or power could assist in its freedom. With a hiss Galadriel turned back and strode defiantly up to the dark lord, causing him to stop his pacing.

“Celebrimbor did not succumb under any weight! Celebrimbor showed nothing but the truest form of bravery when he went to face you! You who he trusted just as I trusted! You who killed him!” The tears had spilt now, but her rage was increasing. ‘Annatar’ seemed barely moved by any of her words, but he yielded to her all the same. “So you see then that there are truths within the lie? That not everything is an illusion?”

“What?” Galadriel was confused and angry. Why must he torment me so?

“Celebrimbor was of the lineage of Curufin and Fëanor was he not?” “Yes.” “And he was the greatest of elven smiths?” “You know that he was!” “He formed the rings of power with my aid.” “Yes, but their power did not destroy him!” “No. I did.” Sauron was calm as a still sea in his confession.

“You admit it then?” Galadriel practically begged for the confirmation, despite knowing it was true. She only wanted to hear him say it. He simply nodded. “You do not fight me on this fact?” “Why would I when it is the truth, Galadriel? The truth beneath the lie etched into the rock. Look again now at this tombstone. Read to me now what you see with your eyes.”

Galadriel hurried to the front of the stone and let herself be bathed in the ithildin’s light, as if it would mean that Celebrimbor might have returned from the shores of the morning.

She reads aloud, more for herself than for him.

“‘Here is honoured the memory of Lord Celebrimbor. Son of Curufin. Grandson of Fëanor The greatest of all elven smiths, who with the aid of Annatar, forged his greatest achievement, the rings of power. He gave his life in protection of them.’”

He gave his life in protection of them.

She read the final line over and over in her mind, and the image of Celebrimbor appeared within, and their last conversation.

Galadriel felt her tears cascading now, but she kept her eyes closed tight to hold onto her friend, her family.

“But perhaps, the elves need only remember that it is not strength that overcomes darkness, but light.”

It was good to hear his voice again.

“Armies may rise, hearts may fail, yet still, light endures, and it is mightier than strength. For in its presence, all darkness must flee.”

Galadriel felt the ithildin glow brighter before her, and she opened her eyes to take in its beauty, its might. Then, a simple touch upon her shoulder, and a voice at her ear. Though it was not Annatar who spoke.

“Bind me to the light, Galadriel. Make my darkness flee.”

It was Halbrand.

She turned her head fast to face him but he was gone.

And so was the light.

The stone went dim.

Galadriel could not stop the sobs that escaped her, and she fell to the earth clutching herself for it was all she had to hold on to.

*****

She had not meant to fall into slumber, but her grief caused her energy to expire. There was nothing else to do but sleep. Turning over, she gazed up at the night sky. Not much time had passed given the stars still shone overhead. Galadriel stared at them and waited for her numbness to abate, her body, her spirit still feeling the expulsion of her sorrows.

The howling of a wolf startled her.

Then a sickening feeling forced her to her feet. Galadriel had been haunted by wolves since the death of her brother. Knowing how he died and where. Yet she knew not all of them were foul creatures. Huan, the wolfhound of Valinor, was one particular exception. Galadriel could still feel his soft fur under her skin, see his kind eyes inside her mind. But now the one wolf that had played such a role in Finrod’s demise had made himself known. The one wolf whose maw and claws had ripped apart her very being. Sauron had defined so much of her existence, but she was not to let that ruin her chances of taking him down.

Galadriel would define his existence instead.

He howled again, the sound closer this time, and sure enough, the elf soon heard the rushing of wolf steps, and Sauron appeared in the clearing, black and monstrous, wearing a snarl. He barked at her repeatedly, slowly closing in on her position. Galadriel went for her sword but was quickly reminded of its frozen state in the maze wall. Opposite Sauron.

He’s not going to kill me. She told herself. Not like this. I can reach my weapon.

Oh but it would be so poetic, wouldn’t it, Galadriel? Sauron spoke in her mind, spying on her thoughts. To ruin you with these teeth? To tear at your pale skin with these claws? The very same that tore at your brother?

I thought you were trying to get me on your side, Deceiver! Or was that all a lie as well?

Sauron snickered. If you thought any of that was a lie then you clearly have not been paying attention.

The wolf sprung for her across the clearing, and Galadriel sprinted out of his path, narrowly avoiding contact. She reached her sword and with adrenaline behind her, pulled it swiftly from its wooden jail. Though instead of turning to face and strike, she ran on down the untrodden path. Speed had to be her ally now. Any ceased motions would give Sauron an advantage she did not wish him to receive. She had her blade now, and as soon as the opportunity presented itself, she would not hesitate.

You, fleeing from me, Galadriel? How uncharacteristic of you. Sauron taunted. Though, I shall admit, I should have done this a long time ago. Running through the paths of Eregion, perhaps? The rush is simply exquisite. Mmmm, yes that would have been delectable. Hunting you down, forcing you to join me. Pinning you to the earth until you said ‘yes’.

Galadriel chose to ignore his awful words and the strange pang of longing building up inside of her. She kept her head up and straight, her feet moving fast. Concentrating on her breathing, on the obstacles ahead of her, not behind. The future, not the past. An odd sense of clarity washed over her spirit then and she found peace in her sprint. A certainty that she would make it through this. That it would all soon be over. This would be the last time she would face Sauron.

So when she reached another divide in the maze path and hesitated for the smallest of moments, Galadriel smiled as Sauron caught up to her and pounced, sending her into the ground at the beginning of the left path. Making her choice for her? Or was chaos at hand? Knowing Sauron as well as she did, she knew it could be either.

“Please. You think too much of me.” He had told her once when she claimed all was his design. He was capable of grand schemes, yes, but he was also capable of manipulating chance. Of seizing an opportunity and forging it to his will. Fitting it to his design. Like he had done with her, always.

Just as she predicted, Sauron did not kill her. Instead he pinned her as he desired, his four legs astride her body, his dripping maw inches from her face. Looking into his eyes, Galadriel became confused. What laid within them did not match the wolven exterior, nor his threats of violence or domination.

The truth within the lie…

Her peace began to fade, replaced with all too familiar sorrow. Losing herself in those mossy mournful irises, all she could do in that moment was reach up a tender hand and stroke the wolf’s face. She didn’t see the beast that killed Finrod. Not even his low growl could shake off her touch. Though she wasn’t seeing what Sauron wanted her to see either.

She was seeing what she needed to see.

Her confusion fled. As did the facade of the wolf. Sauron ran off ahead of her, down the misty path. Was he entreating her to follow? Or had he simply been caught out in a vulnerable moment?

It could be either.

Rising, Galadriel picked up her sword and sheathed it, moving down and into the mist. It was chilling, and soon her breathing became visible but only for a moment as it disappeared into her cold surroundings. Galadriel had not felt cold like this since she crossed the Helcaraxë. The further along she moved, she started to notice the hedges had frozen. Covered in ice and snow, but looking battered and desolate. The leaves had all but drifted away. The icicles on the branches all pointed behind her, looking like they had been formed in the wake of some massive power surge.

Holding onto herself and what little warmth remained, Galadriel saw something ahead in the centre of the mist, but she could not make it out. Though to discern it was not to know it. For it was already clear to her. The mist began to dissipate, revealing an icy waste. A dead, cold land that was familiar yet foreign. It saddened her to see it this way.

“Perhaps you should choose a different path, elf. Other than killing me.”

Something else that was familiar yet foreign haunted this space. It had been so long since all that time they had spent together, he was almost a stranger. Or perhaps, just an old friend.

“Halbrand?” She uttered, hopeful like a fool.

“This is an unfortunate consequence of my power. My defiance. You dare to break my body?” He chuckles, “Then I shall break the world.”

Galadriel looked around at the devastation before her, the ruin that was this clearing. All ice and bent wood, scattered rock and dry leaf. All stretching out from one location. She watched in silent horror, as Halbrand became fully visible to her. But he was not as she remembered him. He was like a ghost before her eyes. Pallid. Void of warmth, of life. Containing almost nothing of the man she befriended.

Because he never was a man. She attempted to remind herself. But she couldn’t help but gaze into his eyes, holding onto the one thing present of him she could.

“No… I was never a man, was I? But being around you, Galadriel, I began to believe I could be. You pushed me to great heights, remember? You did that. And now… you can do it again, if you so seek to. Save me from this cold death. From the nothingness of my destruction. I ask you again, Galadriel.” He spoke, slowly stepping towards her. “Bind me to the light.”

He reached out for her, but she caught herself before she could take his hand. Frustration and anger rose to the surface, and she turned away from him, seething. “You mean to trick me, again!” “It is not a trick. Not this time. I know you sense that, stop fighting it.” “I came here to fight, Sauron! Not to be played like the harp you once carried at your side!” She yelled, facing him so he could see her rage. “At my side you were in full control, elf. All you sought I gave to you because you made it so easy! Remember the good we achieved?” “Failing to stop Adar, destroying the Southlands? Forging the rings?” Nenya prickled her skin. Always listening. “Rings that saved your kind. That healed your tree, your lands.” “And how do I know that you weren’t behind the blight in the first place? Your influence so clearly left the dwarves with no choice but to need a ring!” “True creation requires sacrifice, Galadriel!” He was sounding so earnest it was borderline pathetic to her. But he was not backing down. So determined, so defiant, willing to prove himself right at all costs.

“The rings of power… they are meant to heal Middle-earth. Truly. I only wish Celebrimbor was still here to see their success.” “Why did you destroy him then?” “There was… no other way… he put himself on that path. All I could do was follow.” “Then are you saying that if I had stayed with you long enough… you might have killed me too?” “To spare you of your madness, yes. To bring the world some peace, yes.”

Galadriel was crying now. “Do you speak truthfully? You have said you do not wish to harm me. I know… I know that you care for me. It is as clear as the bluest of skies. Please… tell me the truth.” As she wiped her cheek she already knew the answer. She only needed him to say it.

“Yes, Galadriel. I would kill you if I had to. And it would give me no pleasure.”

She started to laugh. Only that sound, and that feeling would quell the madness she felt rising in her now. It was the only thing that made sense. Halbrand did not move, nor did he speak. He simply stood in his chilling manner, waiting patiently for the elf to gather herself.

“The truth is not the ally you think it is, Sauron.” “Do not call me that.” “But it is who you are. Or part of who you are at least! There are many lies and truths contained within you, and I see all of what you have been trying to show me this night. That not all of it is a lie. Not all of what you did or do is an illusion. That somehow, inside of you, is the real you. One who only wishes to do things for the betterment of this world. One that seeks to foster perfect order. One that wishes he does not want to hurt me. However, I have a truth for you, so hear it.

“You killed my brother. You helped to unmake this world with Morgoth. You saw to the devastation of many peoples and their lands. You played a part in the tragedy of Middle-earth. You… you broke my heart, in all the ways in which a heart can be broken.”

There was a silence between them. And an understanding. As everything sank in like blood in the earth. Both of them spoke honestly. Their words real and carrying much weight. But the scales would not balance. There was too much misery and destruction and violence and betrayal tangled up between them. Their paths to each other were labyrinthine, so akin to the maze they found themselves in. A maze they still found each other in, yet his darkness and her light would never meet.

“I am the tragedy of Middle-earth.” He spoke, defeated. “I have fallen too far from Eru’s light. So far that no matter what I do… the world only sees my lies. They can no longer see my truth. But… you do. And if I live to see the breaking of the world knowing that only Galadriel sees me… then I will accept my fate with peace. In hopes of… starting anew.”

Galadriel was overcome with unabating sorrow. She mourned for him, what he could have been, what they could have been together. Walking slowly towards him, she knew now what she had to do. The elf placed her hands upon his haunted face, then pulled him down and into a tender kiss. She was surprised to find that warmth was restored between them immediately. His lips were not cold against hers, in fact they were soft and perfect and exactly how they should feel. He breathed in desperation against her between touches, and their kiss blossomed into the true manifestation of their desires. Their hopes for each other on display with every sweet caress of their mouths.

Around them the environment began to change. Life was in the air, and dawn was upon them with the stars overhead beginning to dwindle. The ice, removed of its harshness, dampened the ground softly as it melted. The wind swept in, bringing all the leaves back to their rightful home on their branches. The scent of lilies and gardenias permeated the air. Everything was fresh and vibrant and whole again.

When their lips did part, Galadriel almost didn’t want to open her eyes. She sensed her surroundings but doubted their existence. “Oh, Galadriel…” Halbrand laughed, his voice full of joy. She had no choice but to open her eyes now. Seeing his face, his smile, it made her heart so full. Then she took in what lay around them. It had become the most beautiful of gardens, and reminded her keenly of Lindon, after the tree was restored by the rings.

Though what surprised her the most was Halbrand himself. Looking now only like what he once did. A spark in his eye, colour in his cheeks, humour in his step. Everything she wanted him to be. He held tight to her as he surveyed the consequence of their kiss, and she watched him revel in it all.

Sorrow nipped at the edge of her mind.

He kissed her again, quickly yet sweetly. “This is only the beginning! You and I… you must stay with me, Galadriel. Here is the proof of our binding. The light you have given me. I am restored! The land is restored! Let us continue—”

He stopped as her sword dove straight through his chest. Halbrand looked down at his wound, then back at her who would strike him down. Like she always intended. But like him, she would gain no pleasure from it.

“I am sorry…” She heard herself say, a witness now to her own actions. “You know why…”

Halbrand fell to the ground, and Galadriel gladly went with him, wanting to cradle him in his final moments, secretly hoping the blast of his demise might take her out as well.

He started shaking, blood dripping from his lip. Galadriel wept and kissed him anyway, tasting copper and feeling even more bitter for it. Halbrand smiled against her mouth. “At least… at least it was real.” He uttered between coughs. She nodded, struggling to smile back at him. “And now.. now I will.. start… a… a…”

He could not finish his last words.

Galadriel’s body shakes with grief and no regret. Only a wish that things could have been different. Instead, the one they called Sauron is no more. But the one she called Halbrand will live within her heart.

She waits for the sonic boom of his spirit disintegrating, but to her incredible surprise, it does not come. Instead she watches as her tears softly land on his face, the colour that had only recently returned there now fleeing, leaving him even worse than she found him. Hollow cheeks, flesh deathly pale. Even the clothes he was adorned in began to fray at the edges and seams. It is a silent death, not meant as an act of revenge upon those that might take him down. This is intimate. Private. Meant for Galadriel only.

Blinking her tears, she noticed Halbrand was beginning to fade away. “No, no, no, no…” Galadriel could not help but call out, reaching for him in a futile effort to see him return to her. Could she not ask as part of her sacrifice in killing him, that she keep his body and bury it where she can always visit? Were she not allowed such a gift? Perhaps if he was truly the man she once believed he was, then he would receive the gift of men, and she the gift of his tomb.

Instead, Galadriel watched as her love became a spectre, and in the blink of an eye, an empty space. A void in her grasp. Her sword struck the ground with a heavy thud, the music of finality. Then something different struck her. Everything was still so… warm. The sunrise was above the horizon now, causing this beautiful garden to glow as if it were a treasure. It was bathed in all consuming light. This was no icy waste, no barren plain, no dark and desolate ruined land.

Galadriel smiled.

The darkness fled from the light.

Their binding had not been temporary, had not been undone by her blade. Halbrand was one with the light now, one with her. His death was not meant to be a sad and destructive thing. It was meant to restore hope. The final thing that he could give to this world. A vision of lasting peace for all Middle-earth.

His truth.

*****

Endless time had now passed, and Galadriel was ready at last to leave these shores. To heed the call to the undying lands that she had delayed for so very long.

But first, one final visit must be paid.

Walking slowly but with purpose through the woods of Lothlorien, her queendom, Galadriel felt Nenya stir as the entrance came into view.

It was funny now to think of the maze as a once monstrous place, filled with twisted and dark things, for so long now it had been a place of serenity and wonder. Giving her and her people nothing but joy. Young elves ran through it, older elves tended to its every brush and branch. She never told anyone what it did for her. That was a truth kept for only them. No one need know what really happened that night. Knowing or not knowing was not going to change anything. All that need be known was the smallest of truths: Sauron was defeated, taken down by Galadriel’s sword.

The Lady of Lothlórien was allowed one secret.

Funny, she thought as she wandered on through the maze, down the path once travelled. Now I am the Deceiver.

The further in she moved, the familiar feeling she had held during her first visit here those many years ago came back. As it did every time she let herself be surrounded by the hedge walls. That sense of a certain being close by, growing stronger the deeper she got. Galadriel closed her eyes a moment, and it was as if no time had passed at all.

As if she were still pursuing her foe, her enemy, her love.

As if he were still within her grasp. Her embrace.

She reached the centre of the maze, that most beautiful and bountiful of gardens. Colourful butterflies flutter about, honey bees buzzed their song of nectar. This precious space continued to flourish year after year, never waning, never fading.

Moving near the centre, stepping carefully over a gathering of hyacinths and begonias, hidden beneath the thicket Galadriel found what she had come to seek.

A small stone sat in the earth, etched in an old language few left in this world understood:

For the memory of Mairon. Halbrand. He found the light once more. And I felt it too.

Galadriel shed no tears as she prepared to say her farewells to the one she did not get the chance to love. She sat down and let the sun, the light, envelop her. Taking a deep breath, the scent of fire and forge filled her nostrils and she smiled.

“I’m so glad you stayed, Halbrand.” She spoke to a silent companion. “After all this time. I hope you continue to remain here until the world's fateful end. For the time has come when I cannot. I’m ready to take the final journey. I never thought I would be ready. But it feels right. Time. I have joined you in peace. And I know you would want me to go. I do not wish to linger and lay here with you until the greenery consumes me. I shall go to the shores of the morning. I shall see Celebrimbor again. And you will be with me, in some small form anyway. Bound to my light. Light that will never dim.”

The wind brushed past her shoulder, causing her hair to billow. As if in response to her words. It was a bittersweet thing. A being such as he could regain their form or amass their power once more. Though it seemed that still after all this time, Halbrand understood why Galadriel did what she did. He had to remain formless, powerless, if he intended to remain in the light. And if he loved her as she knew he did, he could not undo her will, nor her bravery to sacrifice him for the greater good. Air caressed the back of her neck, now exposed, and Galadriel hummed, leaning into the softness.

She laid there a while, listening to the mingling sounds of the wind and her breathing. Allowing her body to fall into slumber, Galadriel dreamed of that time long ago.