Warrior by Mirasaui

Erestor paced nervously. Everything was prepared and he was waiting for his guest. The dinner bell had rung a few minutes ago, and the advisor's heart rate had increased at the sound. There is no reason to be nervous, he told himself, you work with Lindir everyday. He is the same elf you have known for years. But he could not help the butterflies in his stomach when he heard the soft knock at his door.

When he opened it, the elf before him took his breath away. Lindir's hair was unbraided and fell softly about his shoulders. He wore a pale blue tunic with a floral design embroidered upon it in gold thread. Underneath was a white silk undershirt tucked into dark blue leggings. Soft tan boots completed the outfit, but Lindir could have been wearing rags as far as Erestor was concerned.

"Come in Lindir," Erestor said with an appreciative smile, secretly thanking the Valar for letting him have this chance.

Lindir returned the smile and presented him with a bottle of wine. "Lord Elrond gave this to me for a special occasion and I thought it would be appropriate."

"Thank you, Lindir," Erestor replied, taking the wine and inviting him in. The room was lit with dozens of candles and near the window a feast for two was laid on a small table. Erestor opened the wine, poured a glass for each of them and pointing to an over stuffed chair, gestured for Lindir to take a seat. When he had done so, Erestor sat down in a similar chair across from him.

They talked for a while and enjoyed the wine, then moved to the table to dine. The meal was excellent and they continued with their conversation while they ate. Erestor found Lindir charming and gracious, and Lindir thought Erestor a most kind host. After they had eaten their fill, they both agreed to a walk in the garden.

A gentle breeze accompanied them as they walked, carrying the heady scents of the many varieties of flowers that graced the well-tended beds. They spoke of nothing in particular, just enjoyed the beauty of the stars and each other's company. Soon it was time for both to call it a night and Lindir thanked Erestor again for the invitation. Erestor nodded and took Lindir's hand in his. "I would like to do this again, Lindir, if you would agree. Your friendship means a lot to me."

"As does yours, Erestor," Lindir said, smiling at the dark-haired elf he had known for so long.

They walked back to their rooms together, pausing outside Lindir's door. "Good night Lindir," Erestor said in a soft voice.

"Good night, Erestor," Lindir said in return.

That night, Erestor's dreams were filled with visions of a white-haired elf with ocean-blue eyes.

In his room, before he went to sleep, Lindir thought about their evening together. He had seen a side of Erestor that not many had, and it made him feel privileged...special. When he let down his guard, there was warmth and humor in the advisor's eyes, and it had pleasantly surprised Lindir. Erestor was not the cold, reserved elf most thought he was, and Lindir had enjoyed watching him come out of his shell.

Time passed, and Erestor and Lindir had many such dinners. Their friendship grew and they learned more about each other. Each loved the night and were often seen strolling through the moonlit gardens together after the sun went down. It was on one such night that Erestor pulled Lindir to him and kissed him. It was a sweet chaste kiss, for his lips just brushed those of the other elf. When the minstrel did not move away, Erestor became bolder. The second kiss was longer and lips parted and tongues entwined. They broke apart slowly and looked into each other's eyes. Erestor saw a sweet companion, a child of the light who would warm his heart and fill his days and nights with joy. To Lindir, Erestor was an anchor, a rock, a shelter from the storm. This was an elf who would honor and cherish him for all time. And where once his heart lay in broken shards, that night it began to grow whole, strong.

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