(But the dawn is brief and the day full often belies its promise.)

[castintoflames]

FORM: Sending Crystal
SENDER: Maedhros
RECIPIENT: Anyone with a crystal.
WHAT: Manic? Did anyone say manic? This can't be good.
WHEN: Spanning a week? (7-10 days?)
WHERE: Kirkwall
NOTES: Someone is afflicted with a strange Flu.

(The fires are high in the Forge and someone is working at all hours. Have they come out for food? Water? Air? Well if you wondered, he does make a quick message.)

Whoever thinks knocking on the door is a good idea, will not leave unscathed next time!

(There is a strange light in his eyes - and if anyone knows of his father, they will recognize it immediately. Abort mission!)

I am on the cusp of making something spectacular and I do not need any interference. Do I make myself clear?

(What happened to the gentler Maedhros? Some might claim he has been swallowed by the flames of ambition.)

Comments

[tar_minyatur]

I had to chose as I did. Elrond knows that. But he's my brother, and I never wanted to hurt him.

[castintoflames]

You did not do it to hurt. He would not want you to be anything less than yourself. (Whenever his brothers made seemingly odd or poor decisions, Maedhros had felt much the same. It hurt to some degree, but he wants them to be them.)

[tar_minyatur]

I know that, logically. So does he. He still wasn't talking to me, when I left.

[castintoflames]

Then you must go to him and convince him to speak to you.

[tar_minyatur]

[ Elros eyes him, unimpressed ]

Have you ever tried to get Elrond to do anything he doesn't want to? I've written tons of letters. When he's ready, I fully expect him to show up outside my door.

[castintoflames]

Yes. (But he has the advantage of being a parental figure. Elrond knows better than to shut him completely out.) Have you reminded him that wasting even a day is treacherous?

[tar_minyatur]

I have, but I've literally only just landed in Elenna a few weeks before being brought here! And the crossing takes a month, if the winds are favourable - even if he left after I did, he won't be there for a while. And I know he's busy - Gil-Galad needs him, after all. We'll be alright, atya.

[castintoflames]

(Excuses!) I would swim my way there just to see you again. Elrond needs to remember to value family. Even if they make you angry, they are all we ever have.

[tar_minyatur]

You're you, and Elrond is Elrond. [ He leans against him fondly ]

He'll come.

[castintoflames]

I expect more wisdom from him, though I admit that might not be fair. (He squeezes his hand.)

You know him better than I do.

[tar_minyatur]

He's my brother. It hurts us both, this choice, even if there was no other way. He'll come around, Maedhros.

[castintoflames]

It would hurt you far more to make a decision that went against your nature. He will understand that in time. That means you have to live a long time for a Man.

[tar_minyatur]

Oh he understands. [ Elros laughs sadly ]

He's my wise brother. Of course he does. He just doesn't like it, that's all.

[castintoflames]

I'm not terribly fond of it, either, though you do make a handsome Man. (He smiles affectionately.)

[tar_minyatur]

[ He eyes him ]

Maedhros I look exactly the same as I used to. I haven't had time to actually start aging yet.

[castintoflames]

There is a difference. It's not visible, but I can sense it. (He shrugs and touches Elros's cheek.) You will be handsome when you are older too.

[tar_minyatur]

Is there? I suppose I haven't really noticed...

[castintoflames]

If someone handed you to me as a baby, I would recognize you. I know your Light and you are now a star that shines differently than your brother.

[tar_minyatur]

Huh. [ He says thoughtfully ] I didn't realise it'd be that obvious. Not until I actually started aging, you know.

[castintoflames]

To Elven eyes, it is - or perhaps in the eyes of your foster-father. (He smiles fondly.)

[tar_minyatur]

Huh.

[ Elros says thoughtfully ]

What's different?

[castintoflames]

Your glow. Some Men burn brighter than Elvenkind; like a shooting star.

[tar_minyatur]

I've never been able to see it.

[ Elros murmurs ]

I suppose I was always more Man than Elf.

[castintoflames]

Both parts resided inside of you from the moment of your conception; only - one side needed your choice to bloom. (He watches him affectionately.)

[tar_minyatur]

"I don't think I could have chosen otherwise."

He says.

"Anymore than Elrond could have made mine. "