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As the celebration of Yule came to Lindon, Elrond had begun to enjoy the holiday décor that had sprung up around the place he called home. Over every fireplace mantle was a forest green garland decorated with holly and pinecones and winter berries. Candles were spread in amongst the green hues, only lit when everyone gathered to celebrate and feast. Garlands were hung from wooden ceiling beams, decorated with gold and silver ribbon twined around them. Sprigs of winter flowers and pants hung from the ceiling, evenly spaced.
As Elrond entered the banqueting hall, his eyes scanned through the crowd of gathered elves, a light melody of music playing in the corner of the hall echoed off the wooden beams. The yule log was already placed in the marble fireplace that stood in the centre of the wall from where he stood opposite, he could feel the warmth radiating throughout the hall. From the sight of the décor, the smells of mulled wine and spiced biscuits and stuffed pastries that were freshly baked, to the feel of warmth that circled around him, nothing could’ve put him in a festive mood more than the celebration that all Lindon elves had gathered for.
His eyes soon settled on an elleth whose silvery golden hair glimmered in the light of the candles, her blue eyes sparkled as she smiled, her body moved gracefully as she danced and conversed with the other guests. When her gaze fell to him, she gave him a warm smile which Elrond found himself returning.
“Festive greetings, Elrond.” Galadriel said warmly.
“Festive greetings, Galadriel.” Elrond replied with a smile.
“You look handsome, are you hoping to catch the eye of someone during the celebrations?” Galadriel asked.
Elrond shook his head. There was no particular elleth that he wanted to impress. But the compliment warmed his cheeks and made him smile shyly. He let out a light cough, feeling he need to clear his throat and change the subject of conversation.
“Do you have any ideas who will be putting the yule log on the fire tonight?” Elrond asked.
“I believe I’ve heard that Vorohil has been the chosen elf this year, on the grounds of his recent promotion in the army ranks. The High-King likes to reflect one’s accomplishments with the honour of starting the yule festivities.” Galadriel replied.
“I suppose that’s fair. I like the traditions of Yule.”
Elrond had taken part in more than his fair share of Yule celebrations at Lindon. From the selection of the log, the decorating of foliage on the log after it was brought into the capital, the blessings as it was placed in the hearth to the lighting of the log where it would burn for twelve days. This year, it was Vorohil’s turn to choose and start the ceremony of Yuletide celebrations.
With a little fanfare, the High-King entered the hall, dressed in magnificent robes of gold, with Vorohil at his side dressed in forest green.
“Festive greetings upon you all.” Gil-Galad greeted with a bright smile, “Yule is once again upon us, bringing us the return of light and hope as the new year will soon begin. This year, Vorohil has chosen, decorated and will light the hearth to burn the yule log.”
Everyone in the room watched as Vorohil took a torch and knelt in front of the hearth, gently pushing the torch into the kindling and everyone clapped as the yule log started to burn.
“So, friends, let us feast and dance and celebrate the winter solstice.” Gil-Galad announced, clapping his hands together.
With the chosen log now burning in the fire, Elrond poured out two goblets of mulled wine and handed one to Galadriel. They stood in a corner, listening to the light music that filled the room, watching as elven couples took the centre of the hall to begin another dance.
“Care for a twirl?” Elrond asked.
Galadriel took his empty goblet and placed it on a side table along with hers and turned back to him. Her blue eyes were warm as she nodded her agreement, placing her hand in his as he led her into the crowd, placing one hand out to the side with hers, a slight bend in their elbows, and the other settled on her waist whilst hers settled on his chest. The music began to play, a light but enchanting melody as they started to sway.
“You should dance more often, Elrond. You’re a beautiful dancer.” Galadriel complimented.
“You’re full of compliments tonight, Galadriel. I thank you, but nobody in this room is as beautiful as you are always.” Elrond replied softly.
Galadriel gave him a twinkling smile, one that caused her eyes to light up as he twirled her around and caught her gracefully in his arms, his hands now resting at her waist, their foreheads pressed together as they swayed together. Elrond closed his eyes, his nostrils filled with the scent of wildflowers and mulled wine that emanated from him friend.
As the dance ended, Elrond twirled Galadriel to a far corner, hidden away by a garland covered pillar, trying to catch their breath. A sprig of green fell from the ceiling above them and landed in Galadriel’s loose waves. Elrond delicately pulled it out and the two friends looked up at the garland that hung above their heads, a delicate sprig of green with white berries was centred in the middle of the garland, the white standing out against the green leaves so perfectly.
“You know, there’s a tradition about mistletoe…” Elrond muttered.
Galadriel raised an eyebrow as she gazed at him with a smirk etched on her face.
“What kind of tradition?” she asked playfully.
Elrond blushed slightly at her willingness to play dumb.
“It’s said that those who share a kiss underneath the mistletoe will have good fortune and blessings for the coming year.” He replied quietly.
His cheeks suddenly felt hotter when he felt her warm hands cup his cheeks gently as she stepped closer to him. His heart fluttered as he felt her lips press against his, her eyes closed just as he closed his and realised what was happening.
Galadriel’s lips met his in a gentle, tender kiss. A light brush of soft lips. For a little while, their lips moved together, something warm and something gentle as the room around them faded. When he finally parted from her, he opened his eyes to see a soft smile gracing her face and Elrond felt a rush of emotions that he couldn’t quite name in that moment.
“Happy Yule, Elrond. May the next year bring you good fortune and blessings.” Galadriel said softly, a pink tinge forming on her cheeks.
Elrond placed her hand in his and gave it a light squeeze before they parted ways.
The festive kiss beneath the mistletoe had sparked a flame between the two friends and as Elrond watched his friend walk away, he silently hoped that the next year would bring many blessings and good fortune for them both.