Chapter Text
Birdsong filled the glade where Elrond and Erestor rested on the soft grass, enjoying the peace and the last rays of the afternoon sun. Erestor lay on his back, smiling up at Elrond who leaned against one of the large stones scattered throughout the valley, warmed by the sun, tuning his silver harp.
“Play for me, beloved?”
“As you wish,” Elrond said softly. “It is so rare to see you at peace, my Erestor. I shall savour this moment for Ages to come, and the memory shall be as a candle when times grow dark.”
Erestor’s hand gently traced his jawline before coming to rest on his cheek as Elrond took up the harp, plucking idle notes that rang clear and sweet through the valley, and when he sang the birds fell silent and listened, and flowers sprang from the ground and bloomed at the sound of his voice.
“Oh, Elrond,” Erestor breathed. “Elenion Ancalima, brightest of stars, fairest of Eru’s Children, who could not be at peace in your presence?”
As the sun slowly sank below the horizon, Elrond placed aside his harp and settled into his lover’s welcoming arms, and side by side they watched the stars wandering the night sky.