Quitting my job and becoming a forest witch.

Pairing: Galadriel x Halbrand/Sauron

Word Count: 3.5K

Summary: The Rings have been forged, and with it, Galadriel has put aside her quest of vengeance. With Yule approaching, Galadriel decides to start her new life by visiting Bronwyn and the other displaced Southlanders in Pelargir. What she doesn’t expect is to touch the darkness once more, or for the darkness to reach back out.

A/N: We’ve got a little bit of angst, a little bit of fluff, a little bit of enemies to lovers, maybe a bit of soulmate!AU if you squint–everything you’d want in a Yule-themed story. This is my first fanfiction written in probably a decade so yay for that! And a big thank you to my writing partner @javier-djarin​ for keeping me encouraged, proofreading the story, and adding that extra bit of oomph; the Dynamic Writing Duo is on the move! Happy Holidays to everyone; may this holiday season be warm and merry, and all the best wishes going into 2023 ☃

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A breeze blew through the trees Galadriel found herself under, a chill in the air. Winter was soon approaching.

The sudden memory of Forodwaith came to Galadriel, causing the slightest grimace to overtake her face. Yet despite the memory, the thought of winter didn’t dampen Galadriel’s mood. She allowed herself to reminisce on all the Yule celebrations she’d lived through. The moments her family gathered to share in a large feast, tell stories, and enjoy each other’s presence. How Valinor, Lindon, and Eregion had different sorts of glows about them during those times, and when the holly bushes that were ever present provided a touch of red amongst all the greenery. It gave her a small peace that she hadn’t felt in some time, especially after all the loss and failures she had endured; how she’d failed her brother in so many ways.

She felt a bittersweet pang in her chest as she reflected on one of her earlier Yules as a child. Propped against her brother with a full belly, she listened to her older family members tell tall tales to entertain the children until they were too tired to hear another. Finrod carried her back to her quarters that night, and everything was peaceful and simple back then. “I’m so sorry,” she muttered to the winds, hoping he could hear her plea beyond the grave.

The feeling of Nenya on her finger brought her back to the present. She stared down at the ring that she had been given, using her other hand to trace along the designs it had been given as her heart quickened ever so slightly. It was still taking some time to get used to wearing such finery, but Galadriel knew it was her duty to wear this one ring.

“So this is where you’ve run off to,” came a voice from behind her. Galadriel turned her head to see Elrond approaching, a friendly smile on his face. She gave him one in return.

“I wanted a moment to myself,” Galadriel replied, turning back to face the stillness of the Glanduin.

Elrond took a seat beside her, his eyes honing in on the spot where he had pulled her from the waters many months ago. “And of all the places, you come here.”

Silence hung between the two at Elrond’s statement. The half-elf was sure he was the only one who knew the reason his friend found herself drawn to this place. While she seemed to have moved on from her quest of vengeance, she was still lingering on what she had done by bringing Halbrand–no, Sauron–to Eregion. Galadriel had brought a great enemy into their home, potentially putting so many lives at risk. No matter that Sauron had instead helped sustain their people’s lives; Galadriel had been tricked and it was eating away at her.

“A reminder so that I do not repeat my mistakes,” Galadriel murmured, closing her eyes as another breeze blew through the forest.

“What’s done is done, Galadriel,” Elrond urged, turning to face her and lowering his voice. “We are alive because of what you did and the knowledge he provided. All we can do now is move forward.” 

Galadriel let out a deep sigh, opening her eyes and turning to look at her dear friend. Unbeknownst to Elrond there was another reason Galadriel still visited this place. A reason she herself could hardly come to terms with, let alone voice to someone else: she had bound herself to Halbrand. She hadn’t realized it until recently when she’d see his piercing eyes in her dreams, or when her heart would quicken as she ran her fingers over Nenya, or even when she found herself drawn back to the very spot where he had revealed the truth to her. And after going back through her memories on when it could have happened, she finally ended up back on the Sundering Seas. The words had been spoken as an act to save him from the storm, but somehow when he dove in after her, the bond had been sealed.

And every day, she battled against the feelings the bond incited whenever he managed to flit back into her thoughts. Even as she let Elrond’s words sink in, her eyes returned to the water where the faintest shadow of two figures standing next to each other appeared. It pulled at Galadriel’s heart, but she would not be tempted to touch the darkness again.

Elrond glanced down to see her fingers twisting Nenya around, a new habit she had recently developed. His worries began to increase but suddenly an idea came to him. “Perhaps some time away would be best.”

This caught Galadriel’s attention, her head snapping to look at Elrond in surprise. “Away? To where?”

“Have you received any word from Bronwyn? Has she settled in Pelargir already?”

“She has,” Galadriel reported, trying to recall the most recent letter she had received from the young healer. “They arrived a few weeks ago and were welcomed warmly. She mentioned that should I find myself near Pelargir, I should visit.”

“Why not make good on that offer and go see her, especially now that Yule is approaching. I’m sure Gil-galad wouldn’t say no to something like that.”

Though Elrond and Galadriel were the only ones who knew of Halbrand’s deception, Gil-galad had his suspicions that something sinister had taken place and knew Galadriel had something to do with it. Since then, he’d required Galadriel to remain at Eregion until he deemed it fit for her to leave.

Yet the thought of getting away from Eregion lifted Galadriel’s mood. All the more so in being able to visit with the survivors of the tragic event they all endured when Orodruin exploded. Something no one in Eregion could understand.

“I could take some holly bushes to them, as a gift,” Galadriel relented, meeting Elrond’s eyes. They warmed immediately at Galadriel’s suggestion, and he gave her an encouraging nod.

The plan was brought forth to Gil-galad, and though he was wary, Galadriel was granted permission to go visit. Two small holly bushes were chosen as gifts to be presented to Bronwyn and the other survivors, a tradition that Galadriel found brightened her spirits even more. Once the gifts were chosen and her items packed, she began the journey to Pelargir.

Upon arriving in the Gondorian town, she found herself pleasantly surprised at how different the feeling of Yule was amongst Men. Buildings were adorned with winter greenery and colourful ribbons as a fresh layer of snow coated everything in a powdery white. Despite the frigid breeze rolling off the river the town sat alongside, a warmth could be felt through the streets. Savoury and sweet smells wafted from stores and homes, people bustled as they prepared for their Yule celebrations, and music drifted from the taverns. Galadriel couldn’t help the smile on her face as she rode through the streets.

Suddenly the hairs on the back of her neck stood up, and she found herself falling back into her warrior instincts. Her head was on a swivel, looking around for what might have set her off. It was as if the warmth she had been feeling since entering the city was waning. Forodwaith came to mind again, and she felt her heart quicken at the thought. The shadows were darker between the buildings, moving with her through the streets. Was it him?

Galadriel was broken from her thoughts when her horse moved slightly below her, growing restless from having stopped in the middle of the street. She also noticed a few people were now looking at her in confusion. Not wishing to bring anymore attention to herself, she urged her horse onwards in the direction of Bronwyn’s home.

As she grew closer, she noticed Bronwyn making her way outside with Theo trailing. 

“My lady! What a pleasant surprise!” exclaimed Bronwyn as Galadriel dismounted. 

“I apologize for not sending word ahead of my arrival. I hope it’s not an inconvenient time,” Galadriel replied, giving the young woman a timid smile.

“Nonsense,” Bronwyn replied, “you are most welcome here. Come inside! Theo, could you take Lady Galadriel’s horse to the stable and bring her bags inside?”

Galadriel exchanged a warm smile with the young boy as he took her horse to the stables while she followed his mother inside. The home was modest and cozy, and if Galadriel didn’t know any better, she would’ve guessed Bronwyn and Theo had been living in it for years. It had even been decorated for Yule, with a small tree sitting in the corner and a few wrapped packages underneath it.

“I’m glad to see that you and Theo have settled in comfortably,” Galadriel commented as she took a seat at the small dining table.

“It’s taken some getting used to, but we’ve done the best we can.” Bronwyn brought over two cups of tea before joining Galadriel. “What’s done is done. All we can do is move forward.”

Galadriel found herself hesitating at Bronwyn’s words but said nothing as Theo came in with her bags.

“Why did you bring two bushes with you?” he asked, nodding to the sack that the holly bushes were in, their green stems poking out with a few off-coloured red berries showing.

“They are gifts for your people,” Galadriel replied. “Holly bushes have always brought cheer to our people during the winter season, and I thought they might do the same as you settle into your new homes.”

“That’s very kind of you, my lady,” Bronwyn said, giving Galadriel a warm smile. “There’s a tavern in the town that our people frequent. I think that would be the best place to plant them.”

“Will you be staying with us to celebrate Yule?” Theo asked, joining the women at the table.

“Of course you must,” Bronwyn answered before Galadriel could speak. “There’s a large feast that will be held down at the tavern tonight. We could go now and plant the bushes, and then you can stay and join us in the festivities.”

With no room to argue, the three brought the holly bushes down to the tavern. After speaking with the owner and getting his permission, they quickly planted the bushes on either side of the tavern door before settling themselves inside to warm by the fire and catch up some more.

The hours ticked by, and soon the tavern was full of familiar faces as the feast began. Music was struck up, candles were lit, and the atmosphere grew even more festive. Galadriel was glad to see that so many of the survivors had not let the circumstances of losing their home sour their mood. They remained resilient, most of them repeating the same sentiment of just needing to move forward. 

As the night went on, the feasting turned into dancing, drinking, and laughing. Tankards of ale were flowing, and the din of conversation filled every corner of the tavern. Galadriel found herself conversing with as many people as possible, their uplifted spirits contagious. She even caught sight of Bronwyn and Arondir revolving around each other, smiles on their faces when they caught each other’s eyes. 

Yet despite all the happiness and cheer around her, Galadriel started to feel as if someone was watching her. She glanced around, taking in each face and wondering where it might be coming from. Her gaze was suddenly drawn to a window where she noticed a shadow standing on the other side. She held her breath, watching and waiting to see if it was real or a figment of her mind.

“My lady?”

Galadriel snapped her head towards the sound of Theo’s voice, seeing him standing next to her and watching her in confusion. She quickly looked back towards the window, no longer seeing the shadow in the pane and doing her best to compose herself.

“Is everything alright?” Theo spoke again, doing his own to glance out the window Galadriel was fixated on to see what she might be seeing. His attention was brought back to her as he noticed her twisting a ring around her finger.

Galadriel closed her eyes tightly for a second before opening them again, turning to face Theo with her best attempt at a reassuring smile. “I’m fine. I think I might just step outside for a moment and get some fresh air.”

Theo nodded hesitantly as he watched her make her way through the crowd and out the front tavern door.

Galadriel stepped out into the evening, glancing up and down the street. There were hardly any people out and about now, with most having retired to their homes for the evening. Her attention was drawn down the street where she heard the sounds of footsteps crunching in the snow a little too fast for a leisurely walk at night. She made her way to follow the sounds, instinctively reaching for her brother’s dagger before realizing almost forlornly it no longer existed. 

Regardless, she continued on before she found herself standing in front of an open-aired smithy workshop. The furnace had been put out for the evening, but from what little light came through some nearby windows, she could see a hooded figure standing in the middle of the shop, its attention focused on the anvil and a tool that sat on top of it.

“It was generous of you to bring a gift to these people, after all they endured,” came a familiar voice that caused Galadriel’s heart to beat faster. “Tell me, was it guilt that prompted you to do such a thing?”

An anger that Galadriel hadn’t felt in months resurfaced, causing her to ball her fists. “How dare you,” she seethed, finding her voice at his insinuation. She was rewarded with a chuckle before he moved away from the anvil and towards her, slowly but confidently. She remained rooted to the spot, waiting to see if it was really him.

It was only when he stopped a few feet in front of her and removed his hood that she was able to see his face. Halbrand looked exactly as she remembered him, his face fully healed from all the injuries he had sustained months prior. His cheeks and the tip of his nose were tinged pink from the cold, and his eyes were filled with mirth. He looked smug as he smirked at her, knowing full well that his words were causing a reaction from her.

“No, not guilt,” Halbrand continued, “I’d wager you did it as a way to strengthen your affiliation amongst the Southlanders, in the event you ever need to rely on them for aid. It wouldn’t be the first time you tried to exploit a group of people to do as you wish.”

The raging fire burning behind her glare was the exact reaction he had anticipated. He knew her as well as he knew himself, and she was clearly eager to strike at him for his snide remark. Before she had the chance, Halbrand reached down to grab her hand, startling her enough to make her forget she ever wanted to slap him. Placing a dagger into her grasp, he brought it up so that the length of the blade rested against his neck, an almost bitter sadness filling his own gaze as he watched her confusion. 

“What are you doing?” she whispered, horrified.

“Giving you what you want,” he replied, swallowing hard and drawing her gaze to his throat for a brief moment. “You were so keen to do it back in Eregion, and I took away your opportunity. Now, I’m giving you the chance to finish what you started.”

Her brows furrowed as she stared at the dagger enclosed in her grip. All the vengeance and anger she had buried months ago was ebbing it’s way to the surface, allowing her to realize she still wanted to plunge the dagger into his throat; to inflict pain on him for taking away her brother, for all the harm he had caused in Middle Earth, but most of all for making her a fool. But then her eyes moved to meet his…

As she gazed into his eyes, she saw they were no longer filled with mirth but instead a warmth she had only briefly seen when he tried to persuade her back in Eregion. Her fingers immediately relaxed so that the dagger fell into the snow, and she moved her hand so that it rested against his cheek. The stubble along his jaw grounded Galadriel, assuring her she was not dreaming or trapped in an illusion. Halbrand didn’t stop her, nor did he flinch as their skin touched. His fingers remained wrapped firmly around her wrist, and she was certain he could feel how her pulse raced. He was afraid to breathe, let alone move, for the fear of spooking her…”like a horse,” he thought, stifling a smile as he remembered how much she’d loved being compared to the animal.

“I’ve moved on,” she coolly responded as she smoothed her thumb along his cheek.

“Is that so?” Halbrand countered, his own thumb rubbing along her wrist. “The great Galadriel, Commander of the Northern Armies, putting up her sword for a life of peace?”

Galadriel scoffed, watching as a smirk appeared on Halbrand’s face. “Touching the darkness never accomplished anything.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t say that,” he responded, stepping closer so there was no space left between them. With his hand still wrapped around her wrist, he guided her hand lower until her fingers were pressed up against his pulse under his jaw. “You feel it, don’t you?”

Galadriel paused, almost scared to admit it out loud. Yet as she felt his pulse race just as fast as she was sure hers was, she knew there was no denying it. “Yes,” she murmured.

The two let silence descend upon them before music and the sounds of “Auld Lang Syne” could be heard from the tavern. Galadriel was taken aback when Halbrand entwined their hands that were still touching while placing his other hand along her lower back and beginning to sway them a bit.

He chuckled as he watched her once again look horrified at his actions. “What? Does the accomplished Lady Galadriel not know how to dance?”

“It’s not that,” she retorted, placing her free hand against his shoulder. “This isn’t a song to dance to.”

“Indulge me,” he said, swaying them through the smithy’s workshop. Galadriel quickly found her footing and followed his lead, unable to believe the situation she found herself in. After he had left her in the waters of the Glanduin, she never expected to see him again. She had refused him, declared with as much finality that he could never right his wrongs and that she would never take his side. Yet as she leaned into his embrace, her heart softened and it all felt so right.

They danced for a few verses of the song before Halbrand stopped them, causing Galadriel to look up at him. “What is it?”

He hesitated before leaning in, the tip of his nose bumping against hers. “Allow me to touch the light, just this once,” he whispered pleadingly.

Galadriel gazed into his eyes once more, seeing the desperation that was there. With a gentle sigh, she closed her eyes and moved forward to seal her lips against his. Her heart began to race once more as Halbrand held her firmly to him, moving his lips against hers. She welcomed the reciprocation, knowing that they only had this moment.

The door from the tavern opened as a patron left for the night, the music and singing growing in volume until the door was closed once more. It was enough to bring Galadriel back to the present as she pulled away, allowing Halbrand one last lingering peck. Her eyes opened to meet his and see the desperation had satiated into contentment. “A Yule gift I’ll treasure forever,” he commented, a smirk adorning his face once more.

“And do I not get one in return?” she asked, feeling emboldened.

He simply brought up the hand where Nenya rested on her middle finger, kissing the ring as his eyes held hers. “Did I not already give you such a precious gift?”

Her cheeks flushed at the gesture, but she had no time to respond as he leaned in once more to kiss her deeply. Her eyes closed, and she kissed back, pouring out all the emotions that had been swelling inside of her. Halbrand eventually broke the kiss, his nose running along hers once more as their breaths mingled. 

“For auld lang syne, Commander,” he whispered before stepping back. Galadriel opened her eyes just as Halbrand blended into the shadows of the smithy’s workshop. And then he was gone.

Love love LOVE this fic!

“Allow me to touch the light, just this once.”

Robert Aramayo  ❤

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