Their journey to the pools was a feast for the senses, a spectacular sunset painted the sky in pinks and orange and the wild flowers that were abundant at this time of year infused the air with their sweet scent, adorning the ground like discarded jewels, their heads turned towards the setting sun in worship. The gentle harmony of the songbirds' calls lent music to their travel, and all seemed right with the world.

The two elves fell easily into their familiar banter, though there remained an air of shyness to their glances, their conversation was relaxed and of no particular consequence.

An hour later they reached the path that would lead them up to the pools and while it was possible to ride a horse up the slope, they agreed that the horses should remain at the dell below, where they could wander and feed off the tall grasses.

Dismounting, they rid the horses of their tack. Glorfindel held out a hand then to his companion with a shy smile, and Erestor slipped his own into his with a reassuring smile of his own.

They made their way up the slope, and passing the last bend Erestor sighed; he had forgotten how beautiful this place was. The trees opened up at the top of the ridge to reveal a clearing of stone, weathered and softened by years of exposure to the elements. Scattered flowers brightened the cracks and crevices even in the failing light and the pools lay crystal clear, mirroring the sky and the few trees that offered shade from the sun on hot days. The magic of the place seemed to seep into his soul, instantly calming and welcoming.

Glorfindel gestured towards a small encampment comprising an unlit fire with a welcoming looking nest of cushions on a dark coloured soft blanket, and Erestor raised a brow in surprise, before wandering over to settle himself on the ground. Glorfindel was looking smug as he set about lighting the fire, the dry wood bursting into flames after only a moment.

"When did you have time to do all this?" Erestor asked over his shoulder casually as Glorfindel disappeared behind him, settling further into the cushions, their softness seeming so out of place amongst their stone surroundings.

Reappearing into Erestor's line of sight he offered him a goblet before sitting down himself, "there is not much organisation needed for a blanket, some pillows and a picnic basket." He replied, amusement lacing his voice.

"But still you have only been home a short time." Glorfindel just smiled slightly in reply.

Taking a sip from the goblet his eyes widened in surprise. "Does Gil-Galad know you have been raiding his cellar?" Erestor teased, taking another sip of the fine wine.

"There was no raiding; I brought the two bottles he gave me in appreciation of my services with those dwarves three months back."

Erestor laughed, "Appreciation of your services? Was it not more a case of extortion?" pausing he added, "I thought you were saving those for a special occasion?"

Glorfindel's blush was hidden by the soft glow of firelight, "Tonight is more special than you realise," he said cryptically after a pause.

Erestor looked at him curiously for a moment before deciding that his words were true on many levels, for him in any case, he had been reunited with his kin and was finally laying ghosts to rest, and he had never felt happier since Doriath than he did at this moment. Fin was home and they were together and reconciled. A small tendril of doubt worried at him, were they truly reconciled?

"Are you hungry?"

Erestor looked up from his thoughts and nodded as Glorfindel set about unloading the basket.

As they ate, they spoke of all that had occurred in their time apart, of Arvernien and of Balar, of new born elflings and court gossip. Some gentle questions where asked and answered of a life in Doriath and of the future of a young Sinda Prince.

Lying back amongst the cushions Erestor smiled in deep contentment.

Glorfindel meanwhile finished putting away the debris of their meal and lay down alongside the sated elf to studied him, a look of utter devotion upon his face. He reached out to trail his fingers along Erestor's jaw, the dark haired elf leaning into the touch, and he chuckled. Erestor's eyes flew open at the sound, and narrowed, "What is so funny?"

Glorfindel grinned "you look like a satisfied cat! Do not fall asleep on me yet, My Prince." He teased.

Erestor grinned back at him, mischief in his eyes, "It is not sleep that I have in mind."

Leaning over Erestor's prone form, he placed a kiss upon his brow, which furrowed even as his lips left the smooth skin, and he asked, "Do you trust me?"

"When you have cause to ask me that two times in as many hours, I have a reason to wonder!"

"I have a surprise for you, that is all, will you allow me to blindfold you for a few minutes?"

Erestor's eyes narrowed in suspicion but such was the adoring look in Glorfindel's eyes that he found he could not deny him, he nodded once in assent.

He felt the silken band being tied into place, and a kiss placed on his cheek, before he felt Glorfindel move from his side.

Glorfindel lit a taper then, and disappeared into the darkness.