Title: A Kiss by Candlelight

Author: Tuxedo Elf

Rating: PG

Pairing: Glorfindel/Erestor

Summary: Its Glorfindel's first Midwinter back on Arda. Things have
changed a lot since Gondolin and he needs a little help to adjust.
Fluff!

Author notes: An unusual pairing for me these days. But the bunny
bit, so I went with it! Merry Christmas everyone!

For SayAye - Thank you for the lovely Christmas card! *Hugs*

********************


Glorfindel loved this time of year. He always had, ever since
childhood. He supposed he had never really grown up in this regard -
the midwinter festival always filled him with a childish joy.
He was thrilled to be celebrating another one at last - it wasn't
something that tended to be celebrated in Mandos Halls. But now he
was back and he intended to enjoy himself to the full.

Whistling a merry tune he made his way to the kitchens, to flirt with
the cook. He had realised early on that she hero-worshipped him and
though he knew he shouldn't, he knew that just a little flirting
would result in all his favourite dishes being prepared. Roasted
venison stuffed with herbs, gingerbread, fruit tarts. oh, it was
worth the guilt - and the extra work-outs he'd have to do afterwards.

Pushing open the kitchen door, he opened his mouth to address the she-
elf - and stopped dead. It was with no small amount of surprise that
he realised that the cook's attention was already occupied - by
Erestor, no less!

As Glorfindel watched in amazement, Erestor secured a plate of mixed
meats, two raspberry tarts and a bowl of grapes, as well as a large
order of mixed cakes for the following day.

Erestor was doing a magnificent job of flirting, Glorfindel thought,
as the maiden hung on his every word. He was starting to worry that
his own requirements might be in jeopardy. On the bright side, it was
an absolute pleasure to watch Erestor work. He smiled wistfully, if
only those charms were turned on him!

Eventually, Erestor picked up the tray and turned away from the
blushing she-elf. His eyes sparkled, for he had got exactly what he
wanted. Noticing Glorfindel by the door he smiled brightly. "Good
afternoon, Lord Glorfindel! Lovely day!" He said cheerily as he swept
by and out of the kitchen.

To say that Glorfindel was stunned was an understatement. He had
never seen the councillor so cheerful! Apparently, even Erestor was
not unaffected by the festive season. "Aye, it is indeed," He replied
vaguely as Erestor left. So distracted was he, that he almost missed
his own opportunity to flirt with the generous maiden.

"Why Lord Glorfindel, this is a lovely surprise!" She said. "What can
I do for you?"

He did not answer her though; his attention riveted on Erestor's
departing form.

"Lord Glorfindel?" She queried. "My Lord, are you well?" Nervously,
she reached out and tapped his arm.

"Ai!" Glorfindel jumped at the contact, causing the she-elf to squeal
and jump as well.

Giving himself a good mental shake, Glorfindel composed himself and
smiled sweetly. "Forgive me, my lady, I was deep in thought!" He said
smoothly, turning on the charm.

"Oh of course I do!" She grinned at him. "A busy warrior like
yourself has SO much to think about! If I can help in any way, my
Lord, you need only say!"

Glorfindel had to grin - really, it was so easy!

"Now that you mention it, my dear, I was rather hoping for some of
that lovely venison of yours - and maybe one of those raspberry tarts
Lord Erestor had?"

"Oh, with pleasure!" The maid said happily. "It will be just one
moment!"

She hurried off to get the items and Glorfindel congratulated himself
on a job well done.

A moment later however, she was back, looking terribly apologetic.
"Oh my Lord I am so sorry, but Lord Erestor took the last of the
raspberry tarts! Please forgive me; I can have a fresh batch ready by
tomorrow!"

She was quite distraught and Glorfindel had to fight not to laugh.
"Do not trouble yourself so on Midwinter's eve, dear lady! Perhaps
you have something else I might enjoy?"

Glorfindel smirked as the cook opened her mouth, paused and shut it
again, as she reconsidered the answer to that question.

"I have some lovely gingerbreads!"

It was clearly a second option for both of them, for Glorfindel had
wanted raspberry tarts and the cook had wanted Glorfindel, but it
would have to do.

"That sounds lovely, my Lady!"

The maid smiled and a few minutes later Glorfindel found himself
laden with venison, gingerbread and a large jug of mulled wine.
Leaning over he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, which sent her
blushing madly and exited the kitchen to return to his rooms - and
his thoughts.

***************

Many hours later, Glorfindel was still confused. The Erestor he had
seen today was completely at odds with the elf he thought he knew.
Not that he was complaining - that smile was most delightful - but if
nothing else, it was clear that there was far more to the attractive
councillor than he had previously thought.

Unfortunately, there was nothing he could do about it right now. He
was expected in the hall for dinner - though he was sure lunch had
not been that long ago. Shaking his head he rose, quickly changing
into a more formal outfit and brushing his hair out.

He began to hum as he got ready, looking forward to the evening
ahead. All that had been mentioned was dinner, but Glorfindel had
celebrated any Midwinter festivals - he knew that after dinner there
would be songs, games and stories. He was sure that the elves around
tonight would know little of the tales of Gondolin and he looked
forward to sharing a few, as well as hearing a few new tales himself.

He gave himself a quick look over, satisfied that the maroon tunic
and dark green leggings were both festive and attractive. Nodding
happily he left the room, making his way swiftly to the dining hall,
for the second good meal of the day.

Entering the lavish room, he smiled at the others who were already
there. He greeted Elrond politely, though he found that his gaze was
drawn to Erestor, who was resplendent in a midnight blue velvet robe.
"Good evening councillor." He said, smiling at him. "A happy
Midwinter's Eve to you."

"Good evening, Lord Glorfindel." Erestor replied and to Glorfindel's
delight, smiled back. "Happy Midwinter to you also."

Elrond smiled at the pair, feeling almost sorry for Erestor.
Glorfindel's arrival earlier that year had turned his chief
councillor's life upside down. Glorfindel was Erestor's complete
opposite - Loud, outgoing, colourful. Quiet, reclusive Erestor, in
his dark robes was almost invisible in Glorfindel's presence.
Yet, for all that, the two had established a good working
relationship - professional yet friendly. Elrond wondered though, if
there wasn't something more there. It would be nice if there was, he
thought, both elves were single and opposites *did* attract. Still,
there was time enough for them to work it out.

"Shall we eat?" Elrond spoke up, gesturing to the table.

Erestor and Glorfindel moved forward together, sitting opposite each
other at the long table. They were just a few seats away from Elrond,
Celebrian and their hyper-active and very excited young twins.
Glorfindel smiled and listened to the excited chatter of the elflings
as he ate, remembering how he had been just the same at their age.
The wonder of the Midwinter's festival was all the greater when seen
with a child's eyes.

When the meal was done, Glorfindel sat back contentedly, sipping at
his wine. In a moment they would move to the fire and the evening
would begin in earnest.

So he was very surprised when, contrary to this expectation, Elrond
and the twins rose and headed in the other direction.

"Good Eve, everyone." Elrond said happily. "I shall see you all in
the morning!" With that he and his family departed, followed by most
of the other elves.

Glorfindel could not have known, but customs were different in
Imladris. While the Midwinter Eve meal was taken together, the rest
of the evening was traditionally spent with family in the privacy of
their own rooms.

Feeling out of place and suddenly very lonely, Glorfindel looked
around the rapidly emptying room. Elrond was long gone; Erestor was
already at the door and Melpomaen was just finishing his drink before
departing. Even Lindir was not around - Rúúmil had arrived
unexpectedly two days ago and very little had been seen of either
since. The pair had barely made it through dinner before rushing off
again.

He was alone.

Already at the door, something caused Erestor to turn and look back.
He saw Glorfindel standing in the middle of the room, looking very
lost.

Frowning, he walked over to him.

"Glorfindel, Are you alright?" He asked; concern on his face. This
lost expression was very unlike the normally self-assured elf.
Glorfindel sighed and looked troubled.

"This is not what I had expected." He admitted. "I thought the
evening would be spent together, as it was back in Gondolin."
Erestor smiled, a little sadly.

"That is not the way of things here. We eat together, and then retire
to spend the evening in private."

"I was figuring that out," Glorfindel replied, laughing ruefully. "I -
Have never spent Midwinter's eve alone before."

Erestor's heart went out to Glorfindel. He was used to spending
Midwinter alone, but Glorfindel was far more outgoing and popular
than he, it was no real surprise that this was new for him. Before he
had even thought it through properly, he found himself making an
offer.

"I have no real plans. Would you like to come back to my rooms?"

For a moment Glorfindel could only stare in shocked surprise.
"Are you sure? I would not be intruding?" He asked at last.

"Positive." Erestor replied. "I was alone myself anyway; it will be
pleasant to have company."

Seeing no reason to decline and wanting to accept, Glorfindel nodded.
"Thank you, Erestor. I would be delighted."

"Excellent." Erestor smiled warmly. "It's this way."

***************

Erestor's rooms were dark when they entered. The drapes were drawn
across the windows, blocking even the moonlight. Erestor went to a
barely visible table in the darkness and lit a single candle.
"Please, make yourself comfortable." He said softly.

Glorfindel found a chair and sat, waiting for Erestor to light the
rest of the candles. The councillor however, made no move to do so;
instead he poured them both a glass of wine and sat down.

Glorfindel accepted the glass with a word of thanks, looking around
the dimly lit room. He tried not to say anything, but when Erestor
offered no explanation, his curiosity got the better of him.

"Erestor? It's rather dark in here." He said quietly. To his
surprise, Erestor laughed.

"Aye, I know." He replied. He stared at the candle and his expression
softened. "It is an old family tradition. My Adar always said that
Midwinter eve was a time for reflection and family. He said that by
sharing such a small light, it brought us closer together. He was
right, for I remember many Midwinter eves as times of joy and love.
We would sit and talk, or exchange stories by this tiny light. That
is why I still do it myself, even though I am alone now. Those
memories are dear to me."

The story was told with such love, Glorfindel did not doubt it for a
second and his heart warmed even more to the quiet elf.

"That is a lovely tradition, Erestor. I am honoured that you have let
me share it with you."

Erestor looked up, a sad smile on his face.

"It was never meant to be done alone." He said simply.

Impulsively, Glorfindel moved forward and hugged Erestor. "I
understand." He said. "The Midwinter festival is a time for family,
not to be alone."

Erestor nodded and looked back to the candle, surprised but not
objecting to Glorfindel's embrace.

"I remember I used to have to go to bed by midnight. I would bid my
parents goodnight and leave, but I never returned to my room right
away. I'd peek through the door and watch my Adar hold my mother.
They'd share a kiss by the candlelight. I thought it was the most
beautiful thing I had ever seen."

"It sounds beautiful." Glorfindel agreed. "In fact - I'd like to try
it, if I may."

Erestor turned in his arms, trying to ignore how much he liked having
them there.

"What do you mean?" He asked, hope rising in his heart.

"I would like to kiss you by candlelight." Glorfindel responded. "But
only if you wish it."

Erestor looked at Glorfindel with a mixture of shock and joy.
"I do wish it - very much." He whispered.

Glorfindel smiled and then bent his head, pressing his lips gently
against Erestor's.

Warmth shot through both of them and Glorfindel adjusted his hold on
Erestor as the councillor's mouth opened and he deepened the kiss,
tongues entwining and exploring as emotions overflowed.

When the kiss finally ended, Glorfindel sat back and smiled.

"It seems strange that after just one kiss, I know that I am in love
with you. I would have thought it impossible. You are beautiful,
Erestor, both in body and spirit."

He looked lovingly at Erestor, still wrapped in his arms.

"I never expected to fall in love." The councillor admitted. "I
thought I was too quiet and reserved to attract anyone." He laughed
lightly. "I am so glad I was wrong! Aye - I am in love with you too."
He reached up to touch Glorfindel's face lovingly.

"That is wonderful news." Glorfindel smiled joyfully at Erestor as he
leaned into the caress. "I think I will like the new traditions I
have found here."

"I do hope so!" Erestor replied, laughing. "As I hope that future
Midwinter's will be spent together."

"Of that I am sure." Glorfindel said, leaning forward to kiss Erestor
again.

The councillor responded, losing himself in the tender embrace.

On the table, the single candle burned on, a symbol of the new love
found that Midwinter's night.

THE END