Here is another in The Little Estel series. Hope you enjoy it.

This is based on an incident that actually happened. I should know - I am the one who did it! LOL!

A/N The title should mean “Firefly” Gwil(o)-fly, naur-fire. (At least I hope that is right)

Estel is 5.

Gwilnaur

It was a warm evening in Imladris. Estel was watching the fireflies as they flew above the ground. The child turned to Elrond and said, “They look like tiny candles, Ada. Can I catch some?”

Elrond smiled then replied, “Aye, but be very careful as they are delicate and will not be happy if they are handled roughly.”

Estel caught one and giggled as the insect crawled around in his fist. He was careful not to hurt it. He turned and saw Elladan and Elrohir enter the garden. “Ell’dan! El’hir! Look what I have! I got a candle in my hand!” He ran over to his brothers.

Elladan smiled and said, “A candle? Is it hot? Don’t get burned!”

Estel gave his brother a disgusted look and said, “Not a hot candle, a cold candle. I would like to take some inside and put it in my room. Do you think Ada would let me?”

“I do not know, but let us go and ask. If he says yes, then I will find a bottle to put them in,” said Elrohir, laughing. He remembered when he and Elladan had done the same when they were elflings.

As the trio approached Elrond, he pretended not to have heard their conversation. Estel tugged at his sleeve. “Ada, may I please catch some fireflies and take them inside?” He looked up at his foster father with hope on his face.

“Very well, but with one condition. They must be released in the morning. They would not be happy, else. Agreed?”

Estel nodded, saying “Aye, I will let them loose.” As Estel was trying to catch the insects, Elrohir brought a bottle and a piece of parchment to cover it. He had punched some holes in it.

As Estel put the fireflies in the bottle, Elladan had placed the parchment over the top and fastened it with a piece of yarn. Estel stared as the insects flashed their lights.

The bottle was placed in his room as he was taking his bath. As Elrond tucked in him into bed, he told Estel, “Be sure to have Elladan take the bottle outside in the morning so the fireflies can go free.” He gave Estel a kiss and said “Good night, ion nin.”

Elrond was walking in elven dreams when suddenly he awoke. As he became aware, he seemed to see a light on the end of his nose. That was, of course, impossible. Wait a minute! There WAS a light on his nose. What the…? How did a firefly get into his room?

Suddenly, there were several insects flying around. He sighed and closed his eyes; he really did not want to know.

He rose and padded to Estel’s room. As he opened the door, several insects came streaking out. He shook his head and entered the room. He saw Estel sitting up in bed, the covers pooling around the child.

“Estel, did you release the fireflies?” asked the lord of Imladris.

“I did. I wanted to see if they looked like candles if they were inside. It looked like stars had come inside, Ada! It was beautiful!” Estel’s eyes were shining as he spoke.

Elrond smiled and said, “I understand, but I believe they would be happier if they were let go outside. We will open the windows and they can find their way out.” Elrond put his words into action.

As Elrond exited the room, Estel was confused as he thought he heard his father mutter “Wait until you have children of your own.”