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There is snow everywhere. On the trees, on the path between them and on the small, hardy plants that are now dormant during the colder months. You don’t mind. Snow is beautiful. The queen of winter, and rightly so. You smile as the snowflakes fall onto your face, their cold kisses melting into icy tears on your cheeks. Winter. It is hard sometimes, but always beautiful. It is as necessary to nature as the air in your lungs.
The tables are piled high with food and drink. You recognize a few bottles of wine, and the unmistakable smell of spiced pastries wafts through the air. Just thinking about the little mincemeat pies and the cheeses you noticed earlier makes your mouth water. There are also candied fruits, preserves, roasted vegetables, and all kinds of meat, pâté, and smoked fish.
Everyone has arrived. You walk among friends and familiar faces. This is the time of year when everyone in Caras Galadhon comes together to celebrate the longest night of the year. Songs will be sung until the stars disappear as the sun rises. Your Lady and Lord will lead the singing. Everyone will be merry in this moment of shared joy.
Almost everyone.
Some are missing. You know this because the realm’s guardians are always on duty, even on the most joyful of nights. But there is one in particular. Your heart always worries for him. After all, he’s a March-Warden. Although you have spent your whole life close to the heart of the forest realm, you are very aware of the risks outside this sheltered place. You know the dark forces aren’t taking time to celebrate.
As evening progresses, the cup in your hand feels heavy. The wine tastes like water and the food tastes like ashes. Where is he?
The gift you had intended to give him sits heavy in the pocket of your cloak. You were always too shy to speak to him. You have no idea if his heart is already taken, although many have hinted that the March-Warden’s only love is his forest, and maybe even your White Lady. After all, who wouldn’t be in love with Lady Galadriel? You cannot stop the flutter of love when you think about her.
As if summoned by your mere thoughts, she appears, standing in your path and looking as if the light of the stars has fallen from the sky to celebrate her beauty.
“Greetings, and may the light of Elbereth always shine on you, my Lady.”
“Greetings to you too, my child. I would wish you the same, if not for the shadows haunting your steps. What is it? What makes your heart falter?”
You blink, surprised. You know that Lady Galadriel cares for every one and for each of you. But to notice you in particular? You blush, lower your eyes and mumble an apology. You don’t have the heart to share your worries. You don’t want to sound selfish. After all, it is your Lady who protects your realm, and Haldir is doing his part as well. And you are grateful. However, when you look up, her gaze seems to pierce through you although it is gentle, and you cannot imagine lying to her.
“I am worried about Haldir, the March-Warden. I know he is where he needs to be, and perhaps even, where he wants to be too. I just hope he’ll find time to appreciate the beauty of this night.”
“You wish to share it with him.”
You hesitate, but then nod.
“It is, but truthfully, Haldir doesn’t even know me.”
The smile that then graces the Lady's face is like the gentle twinkle of stars.
“I think you’re underestimating the powers of observation of our beloved march-warden.”
You feel your cheeks flush.
“How could it be, my lady? I have never even spoken to him.”
Her laugh is kind, like the sound of a gentle spring stream over pebbles.
“And yet, your eyes speak volumes, and Haldir is nothing if not a good listener.”
You blush fully now. Then, to your astonished surprise, you feel a warm, gentle hand touch your face.
“The night is not yet over. Quiet your heart, he will come. I would not have my March-Warden miss this night...” Then, her eyes lit with something akin to mischief, she adds in a low voice, “Particularly not tonight, when you have finally found the courage to speak to him.”
You feel yourself grow warm at this promise, and you cannot help but smile. He will come back, you will see him and you will give him his gift.
~~~
But as time passes, you see the sky turn this color, where darkness is not yet grey, but the stars slowly twinkle back to sleep. Soon, you will all say goodbye to them to celebrate the end of one cycle and the beginning of another.
You believe the Lady, but you also know that life on the border of your realm is dangerous, so you clasp your hands together and hope in your heart that he is safe. You would sacrifice the chance of seeing him if it guaranteed his safety. You walk past the tables. They are still covered in food, but people are preparing to leave and so it is being distributed among them. You take a small basket and begin filling it. You still hope that you’ll share this with him, but soon it’ll be the last song.
You can’t bring yourself to stay. You are too worried now. You walk back towards your home. Your footsteps leave prints in the snow, making a soft crunching sound. You wrap your wooden shawl around your shoulders more to comfort yourself than because you are cold. Your hair tumbles across your face as you are lost in thought.
Suddenly, you sense a presence beside you. You stop in your tracks and turn around to find yourself face to face with a tall, blond Ellon wearing the March Warden's garb. He bows to you, his hand on his chest, and a small smile plays on his lips.
You bow as well, shaking slightly.
“The last song is soon to be sung. Will you not stay with me until sunrise?”
You can’t trust your voice, but you nod faintly. The smile widens on his handsome face. Much to your surprise and delight, he holds out his arm for you, and you shyly hook yours through it. You both walk in silence towards a place where you can hear the melody and see the last of the stars.
Before long, you find yourself sitting at the foot of a tall tree. Its branches are spaced far enough apart for you to see the sky clearly. You feel his warmth beside you. Although you haven’t said much, you feel content and sigh happily. He glances at you, making you blush and lower your face. His fingers close around yours and you feel your heart beating like a butterfly’s wings.
Suddenly, you put your free hand to your mouth, feeling mortified. This sudden movement makes him look at you, frowning.
“I'm sorry, you must be hungry after your watch!”
You free your hand from his, upset at the loss, and quickly set out the mincemeat pies, cheese, candied fruits, and wineskin. A small laugh escapes his lips and he nods in appreciation.
“My lady is too generous.”
“Nonsense. Those are from the feast. I intended to share them with you anyway…” The words die in your throat, and you blush again. His eyes glitter in the light and the corner of his mouth twitches in a repressed grin.
“‘And yet you find me at fault, for I have nothing to share with you.”
You shake your head and put your hand back on his.
“This is not true. Your presence is more than enough for me.”
He arches an eyebrow, but says nothing more. You’re thankful for this, as being bold is not your strong suit.
Suddenly, a chorus can be heard. The last song of the year has begun.
“Will you not sing?”
“I must apologize, but I prefer to listen. My voice cannot compare to those of my friends.”
“And I must apologize, for I disagree. I have heard you sing many times, and your voice is as soft as the sound of leaves rustling in the summer breeze.”
“I don’t…” You meet his eyes and your lips form an ‘o’. “You heard me while I was foraging in the forest?”
“Indeed. I hope you are not too upset by my boldness.”
“No! I… I didn’t know you…”
“...noticed you?”
You nod shyly once again. He smiles, but it is gentle and kind. His hand squeezes yours gently and your heart bursts with happiness. Then you remember the gift you have for him. Now would be the perfect time. The New Year is approaching, and the rising sun’s light is caressing the horizon.
You hold it out to him. His eyebrows shoot up in surprise, but he takes the small bundle.
As he unwraps it, you remain silent, like a rabbit in front of a hunter.
His fingers traced the curves of the brooch pin. It is small and silvery, set with small green stones and resembling the vine that grows around some trees.
“My lady, this is far too beautiful...”
“Nonsense. Beside, I made it for you.”
Once again, you surprise yourself with your boldness. Then you notice the way he looks at you. It was as if you were the most precious thing in the world and he was surprised that you would even consider him worthy of your time.
“And once again, I have nothing to give you…” His voice trails off. Then his gaze falls lower, and a small smile graces his lips.
“Unless I can be so bold...”
He leans towards you, stopping close enough for you to feel his breath on your skin.
“Although we know each other by sight, we've never exchanged our name… Would you be willing to give me yours?”
You nod, whispering close to his ear as you breath out a cloud of white. He closes his eyes with a sigh and, even more quietly, answers his own.
You repeat it dreamingly, “Haldir...” At the sound of it, he sighs, “To hear you say it...”
“Yes?”
But he shakes his head and finally closes the distance between you.
~~~
It’s cold in the forest, the snow has returned, blanketing the sky with heavy clouds. But you don’t mind. Nestled between the branches, you sit with Haldir’s head in your lap, threading your fingers through his hair. Winter is here, and spring will come soon enough. Life will resume, and you’re aware that the future of your realm is uncertain. There will come a time when he will return to his post, but for now, he is by your side and your heart is grateful, bursting with love as you sing your song to the rising sun.