Chapter Twelve: The Courtship of Lindir
All was prepared. The dinner bell had sounded and in silken robes of darkest blue, Erestor paced, awaiting his guest. A soft step, a knock, and with butterflies soaring in wild delight inside his stomach, Erestor crossed the room and opened the door.
What he saw near took his breath away. Lindir stood before him with starry eyes and unbound hair, dressed for the occasion in a robe of palest blue embroidered with gold thread. Yet, Lindir could have been wearing rags as far as Erestor was concerned.
"Welcome Lindir," Erestor said with an appreciative and warm smile, secretly thanking the Valar for this chance to court his guest.
Lindir returned the smile and held up a bottle of vintage wine. "Lord Elrond gave this to me for a special occasion and I thought it would be appropriate."
"Such a thoughtful gift, Lindir," Erestor replied, taking the wine and ushering his guest inside. Dozens of candles gave the room a soft glow and near the arched window a feast for two sat in wait on a table laid with crystal and silver and starched white linen. Erestor opened the wine, poured a glass for each and pointing to an overly stuffed and well-used chair near a rug beside the hearth, gestured for Lindir to take a seat. When he had done so, Erestor sat in a similar chair on the other side.
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. All things come to an end and too soon, it was time for both to retire. Lindir thanked Erestor again for the invitation. Erestor nodded and took Lindir's hand in his. "I should like to have you over 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 Erestor let down his guard, there was warmth and humour 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. 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 Lindir 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 that would honour and cherish him for always. And where once his heart lay in broken shards, that night it began to grow whole, strong.