When the knock came, Erestor did not need to second-guess who it was on the other side of the door. Laying his quill carefully next to the parchment, he rubbed his hands nervously on his robe before bidding his guest entry.

As Glorfindel came into the room, Erestor looked at the warrior's face carefully. All there was, however, was an almost tentative smile. There was no anger, nor was there any hint of sadness - something which Erestor had feared might have been because of his gift.

Glorfindel, in turn, looked at the elf before him, and found himself reassured by the fact that Erestor seemed nervous. In hindsight, he realised that the advisor had taken a gamble by giving him the brooch that so reminded him of his house and his previous life.

"I came to thank you for your gift; 'twas most unexpected," the warrior said quietly.

"Then…then you do not mind?" Erestor's voice was soft, like a gentle caress over Glorfindel's skin, and the warrior shivered slightly, wondering what it would be like if Erestor *did* touch him.

"No, I do not mind," Glorfindel affirmed. "In fact, do you not see that I wear it?"

Erestor's eyes followed as Glorfindel pointed to the brooch that he had pinned onto his cloak. "I confess I did not notice," Erestor admitted. "But I am glad you wear it, and that it pleases you."

"It pleases me more than you know," Glorfindel replied. "Did you mean what you wrote in the note: that you wish to be friends?"

The advisor bowed his head, his dark hair hiding his face.

"Erestor?" Glorfindel asked gently.

"I…I would very much like to be your friend," Erestor said, raising his head.

Glorfindel gave a sigh, and a smile broke out on his face. "Good," he said. "For I wish it as well." He strode towards the advisor. "Come. It is too beautiful day to be indoors. Let us take a walk in the gardens." The warrior's eyes lit upon the parchment upon Erestor's desk. "That is, if you do not have anything pressing to do," Glorfindel amended.

Erestor gave the parchment a cursory glance. "Nothing that can not wait until tomorrow," he said decisively. "In fact, this trade agreement is not needed until next week." The advisor rose from his chair and stood before Glorfindel. A tall elf himself, Glorfindel was taller still, standing a good half-head over the advisor, not to mention much broader in the shoulders. It made Erestor feel almost fragile compared to the warrior.

Glorfindel held out his hand. "Shall we, Erestor?"

The advisor smiled as he placed his hand in the much larger one of Glorfindel's, and felt it being grasped gently. His own smile broadening, Glorfindel led Erestor out into the afternoon sun.

And, looking out of their window, Elrond and Celebrían shared a smile of their own as they watched the two elves walking in the garden, their heads close together as they began the journey of friendship.