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It was an easy mistake to make.
An elf, with long blonde hair and a flowing green dress. Her likeness to Galadriel was remarkable.
So it was no wonder that, in the midst of a battle of Sauron’s doing, when the guards and Elrond saw Mirdania kill Celebrimbor, they thought it was someone else entirely.
“Galadriel?!” Elrond’s shout got submerged in the crashing of swords. He could not run to her, swarmed by the chaos of orcs, swords, shields, and soldiers. He could barely see the dress follow her as she ran away, up into the forge tower.
What has he done to you?
When at last Elrond managed to weed through the crowd, he followed the path guided by the ring in his pocket. He ran up the stairs in hast and burst into the forge. Galadriel stood there, back turned to him.
But she was not wearing a green dress. Instead, she was wearing grey. Behind her, wearing green, stood someone else. Someone who looked just like her.
“Galadriel?”
The real Galadriel spun around, surprise etched across her face. “Elrond.”
He strode to her, conscious of the sword in his belt. He pointed at the imposter. “Galadriel, that elven smith behind you killed Celebrimbor.”
The elf took a step back in fear. Galadriel stepped between them. “I am aware of what she had done. But she has done so under the corruption of Sauron.”
The girl spoke up timidly. “He- He entered my mind. I saw an orc and... and yet... and yet when I had blinked, I- it was Lord Celebrimbor!”
Elrond furrowed his eyebrows as the girl cried. The honest look in Galadriel's eyes, however, began to sway Elrond. “Regardless, my guardsmen saw her, believing it was you, Galadriel. They believe you have joined forces with Sauron. The false rumor is spreading as we speak. Soon all of Elvin kingdom will wish to see you brought to justice. We must act quick if we want to-”
“No.”
Elrond paused. “No?”
“If I speak my truth, either none will believe me, or Mirdania will be condemned. Let me take the blame in her stead.”
“And what of you?”
“Your soldiers believe I have joined forces with Sauron.” Elrond nodded with great hesitance. “Then let them believe it. Their belief of my betrayal will only help build trust with Sauron.”
Elrond stepped forward in haste. “You do not mean—”
Galadriel gently took his hand. “I will take this chance, friend. I will go with him, use his blind trust to fool him.”
“Galadriel—”
She shook her head, leaning forward against his forehead. “Let me use this chance to make things right.”
“It is too dangerous Galadriel. If he finds out you are a spy, he will kill you.”
“Perhaps. But it is a risk I am willing to take. Let me do this, please.”
“I would wish I could convince you otherwise, but I know you well enough to know nothing will stop you.” Elrond fumbled in his pocket, handing her the ring. “Take it. It will protect your mind from his. Perhaps even allow you to communicate with Gil-Galad in secret.”
She slowly took it from him and placed it upon her finger. “I will.”
Elrond cupped her cheek as a tear fell. “Do not let yourself fall for his promises.”
She gave him a small smile. “How can I, when I know my friend is waiting for my safe return?”
—
He was Halbrand once more with that smile. He held out his hand, and Galadriel took it. Galadriel knew not how much of this had been his design. If he had planned to use Mirdania to get to her. If he had planned Celebrimbor’s death. It mattered not. She would have this one chance to fight her own darkness and never to succumb to it, and she would use it.
He pulled her close. Her heart fluttered for Halbrand despite herself.
“Come,” he spoke softly, leading the way.
Galadriel looked back to the smoking ruins of Eregion one last time, playing with her ring.
It was odd to feel at peace at his side, when she had expected rage and thunder. Instead, it was as if the tempest within her had been cancelled out. She was in control of the storm now.
“Second thoughts?” He asked.
“No,” she said calmly as she turned to him, ceasing to fidget the ring. “I am where I belong.”