A Briefer Light by Himring  

A Briefer Light

A warmer light and a briefer than Feanorian lamps, thought Elros, looking at the lanterns of the Edain—nothing secret about them, except that universal, always-to-be-rediscovered secret of the lit flame. Easily passed from hand to hand, easily replaced, easily extinguished by unfortunate gusts of wind or when dropped. A little dangerous, because at any time they might catch fire, if not treated carefully.

There were many, and even at this time of scarcity, they were among the cheapest goods for sale, but the one he held was suddenly immensely precious to him—in his heart the yearning of Finrod.