Brb about to cry myself to sleep about Haldir dying in the films and the emotional damage that had to have caused Celeborn in particular.
I can only imagine Celeborn and Haldir being friends and becoming close for centuries upon centuries, and perhaps even Celeborn himself (not Galadriel, but him alone) specifically choosing Haldir to be Marchwarden.
Because he would trust no other more with such a title and task.
And then off Haldir goes with a final goodbye, off to Helm's Deep to fight alongside the race of Men.
And Celeborn waits. And waits. And until all the bodies of elves from the battle get brought back home to Lothlórien, he worries.
And he sees Haldir's bow. Then his quiver, then his sword, and then- his body.
And all he does for weeks is cry. He ponders leaving his own kingdom for Valinor- but what use is it, when his people need him?
Even so, until time comes where he finally leaves Middle Earth- he is miserable and dimmed and lonely, even with Lady Galadriel by his side.
He is only made happy again when he crosses to Valinor, and there are countless familiar faces waiting, banners risen high in honour of his arrival.
And out from behind one steps Haldir, face softened and chin held high, before he dips it to his Lord, like he always had.
Celeborn has never found himself moving faster, and he hugs his beloved Marchwarden so closely Haldir can feel just how much he trembles.
“'The staff in the hand of a wizard may be more than a prop for age,' said Háma. He looked hard at the ash-staff on which Gandalf leaned. 'Yet in doubt a man of worth will trust to his own wisdom. I believe you are friends and folk worthy of honour, who have no evil purpose. You may go in.'"
"Gamling the Old looked down from the Hornburg, hearing the great voice of the dwarf above all the tumult. 'The Orcs are in the Deep!' he cried. 'Helm! Helm! Forth Helmingas!' he shouted as he leaped down the stair from the Rock with many men of Westfold at his back."
"There suddenly upon a ridge appeared a rider, clad in white, shining in the rising sun. Over the low hills the horns were sounding. Behind him, hastening down the long slopes, were a thousand men on foot; their swords were in their hands. Amid them strode a man tall and strong. His shield was red. As he came to the valley's brink, he set to his lips a great black horn and blew a ringing blast.
'Erkenbrand!' the Riders shouted. 'Erkenbrand!'”
I just love those Rohirrim side characters *sob*
I actually called Erkenbrands name out loud when he appeared, because every time I read it, the horror of the long night of Helm’s Deep really gets to me and I’m so relieved when it is over.