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Snow was glistening, wherever it fell. The cold temperatures froze the rivers and streams that flowed through Middle-Earth, frost covered the once green grass and icicles hung from bare tree branches. For the elves in Imladris, it was their first winter since Sauron had set his orcs on their previous home, since Sauron had sacked and sieged Eregion where many of their kind had fallen just months prior.
Elrond had been working tirelessly since the founding of Imladris, with half the elves trying to find a new purpose after taking a much-needed rest following the sacking of Eregion. The other half had begun training, scouting for Sauron’s orcs, and helping him to build their new refuge. As their first winter in Imladris came, blanketing the valley in a thin but pristine cover of white, Elrond decided to take his first, well deserved break since leading the elves here.
But the winter conditions didn’t inspire much recreational activity for the elves. They had survived many harsh winters before, and as the snow started to fall, a light snowfall presently, the elves had always had shelter and warmth from the wintery conditions they had previously experienced.
Throughout the valley, tents were their temporary accommodation. The tents offered shelter but it didn’t do much to prevent the cold.
“Elrond, where are you going?” Vorohil called.
“I’m taking a break.” Elrond called back.
So, he walked back to his tent where he wrote a short note to Galadriel who had been slowly training with the Eregion survivors, trying to inspire a spark within them to defend their new home. Once delivered, he changed out of his clothes into something a little warmer and waited for Galadriel at the edge of the camp.
Wrapped in a thick cloak and his best winter boots, Elrond raised his hood as the snow started to lightly fall once again. His eyes scanned the camp and his felt a warmth in his face as he saw Galadriel walking towards him, dressed in her training attire, donned with her own thick cloak to protect her from the wintery elements.
Elrond greeted her with a warm smile and offered an arm out to her. Galadriel wrapped her arm around his and together they set off into the snowy landscape. The snow had yet to create a thick layer on the valley floor, light snowflakes filled their vision as they walked. Icicles hung from the bare tree branches, and icy patches of grass crunched under their feet as they walked slowly, enjoying the serene winter beauty that surrounded them.
“I’m happy you asked me to walk with you, it’s been a while since we last had a moment alone.” Galadriel mused.
“I suppose we haven’t been alone since…”
Eregion.
For a moment the two friends reminisced about the destruction of the city of elven smiths, each sharing a fond memory of those they had lost, those they could only remember now they were cruelly gone from them. Despite the sad topic and the ache that they each felt in their hearts, Elrond was determined to build the elves something to be home, to give their kind hope despite the devastation they had recently been through.
“You’re working hard, Elrond, you need to take a break more often.” Galadriel stated.
“I will try, but building us a home, it’s giving me a purpose and I’m determined to get it finished as soon as I can.” Elrond sighed.
“Even so, it’s important that you rest and seek out peace when you can.” Galadriel advised.
Elrond nodded, a silent promise that he would try.
They strolled some more but this time in silence, walking into a secluded clearing surrounded by fir trees. A stream that flowed through the centre of the clearing was frozen, a thick layer of ice glistening in the patches of sunlight that shone through the cloudy sky. Elrond smiled, the scene was peaceful, magical as he felt cold fingers lace through his own.
“Even in the midst of hardship, beauty can still be found.” Galadriel said softly.
He nodded his agreement, his eyes filled with grateful tears.
“I feel fortunate to still have moments like these, moments where we can find peace in amongst the chaos.” Elrond replied.
“Thank you for inviting me on a walk with you, it’s been a comfort.” Galadriel smiled.
“I do not know when I will next be able to enjoy a moment of peace with you.” Elrond confessed.
Galadriel gave his hand a squeeze, their shared warmth radiating through their bodies at the light touch. Elrond shivered, but not from the cold, as her free hand cupped his face tenderly.
“Whenever it snows, and you feel the need for a winter walk…all you have to do is ask…surely we can find more peace in this winter wonderland?” Galadriel asked.
Elrond nodded his agreement, his forehead touching hers lightly until they parted at the calling of their names from Vorohil in the distance.
Galadriel rolled her eyes as Elrond chuckled. Together, they made their way back to the heart of Imladris, walking side by side through the snow.