(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

[castintoflames]

I don't need much of either, thank you.

(He lurches towards the chair and sits down somewhat clumsily.)

I'm not sure I feel like apologizing. (Elros, aren't you glad you weren't raised by Fëanor?) She made a request, I raised an understandable concern and she took offense.

I know we're monsters, Elros, but when does it end? Are we not allowed to be safe?

[tar_minyatur]

But you need some [ Elros says pointedly, the restless energy of boatbuilding turned now to this ]

Wasn't it you who used to tell us not to stint of food and drink while it might be found, to better prepare for times when it was not?

[ He curls his arms around him in the chair ]

You are a monster only when you allow yourself to be. And you were monstrous to her, who is so badly damaged. You taught me to be better, Maedhros.

[castintoflames]

(He sighs and frowns in a way that is heavily reminiscent of a defeated Fëanor.)

I will eat tonight.

(The touch is comforting and familiar, but his hands twitch, ready for more work.)

That does not mean it is not tiresome to hear. I worry for Kano especially.

[tar_minyatur]

Thank you.

[ He squeezes fondly ]

'Course it is. But she is your baby cousin, who you used to tell us about. She deserves better from you.

Besides. [ He adds wryly ] Maglor seems rather better at looking after himself than you, at the moment! And I heard you arguing with cousin Fingon. You're not normally this tetchy. Wanna spar?

[castintoflames]

She's...

(His expression softens and he gives his head a sharp shake.)

She shouldn't act like we are going to hurt her. (But she hadn't. She had requested weapons.) How am I to trust she will not use what I make her against us?

(Because...family.)

I'm afraid what I would do to you if we sparred.

[tar_minyatur]

[ Elros coughs and pokes him meaningfully ]

Maedhros, atto, I love you very much but unless you've been lying to me, you did hurt her. Very badly. Several times. Why are you surprised that she took it badly?

[ He pokes him again ]

I'm of age by the count of Men. And I trust you. You need a break, all this forgework has clearly done bad things to your temper.

[castintoflames]

Not here. (He growls and he makes to get up - except Elros is doing a good job of restraining him.) I don't want to hear about any of that. It's -

Why do you think I jumped into the chasm? (Maedhros jerks and looks away.)

I can't stay still.

[tar_minyatur]

Yes but you did, and then you were mean to her. CLEARLY she was going to be upset, and you really should apologise. [ Elros frowns at him ]

No jumping into chasms, that has got to be the single stupidest idea you've ever had, and you spent a good part of my childhood detailing all your stupid to me.

[ He huffs ]

I know. [ He admits ] The itch is in my bones too, but not my temper, it appears! So come and spar with me. You'll feel better.

[castintoflames]

I would ruin it in this mood. (He needs more of his mother in him; more of her wisdom and guidance.) It was...less an idea and more...

A forfeit. A surrender. I was so tired...so angry...and I hated myself so much. I pray you never feel that way about yourself.

(The huff has him tilting his head back.)

You too...? (His restless hands rise and and he smoothes over Elros's hair.) Do you feel well?

[tar_minyatur]

You could write it down for later.

[ Elros suggests and hugs him again ]

I don't hate you. So don't do it again.

[ He leans into the hand ]

I feel restless. Sitting still is boring, but the boats keep me busy.

[castintoflames]

(With his thoughts racing, he has an idea of what he would like to say, but forming it won't be easy. He isn't usually so sluggish with these things.)

I rely on that. I depend on it.

(He holds Elros in his arms, kissing his cheek.)

Will you show it to me?

[tar_minyatur]

[ Elros nuzzles against him ]

Of course!

[ He pulls away but only so far enough that he can grab Maedhros's hand ]

[castintoflames]

(Maedhros follows without complaint. It feels better to walk and the clear air is helping him breathe deeper.)

Where will you sail in your boats?

[tar_minyatur]

Round the harbor to start! I want to teach Maglor to sail it too.

I don't think it will be big enough to go further, but we'll see.

[castintoflames]

(He smiles faintly.) I don't think you want to go further than that. The sea beasts I encountered would put dragons to shame.

[tar_minyatur]

[ Elros' eyes light up ]

Really? Do they go out to hunt them?

[castintoflames]

(He pauses and lifts his shirt, showing Elros the scars on his back.)

Only if they want to be marred.

[tar_minyatur]

[ His eyes gentle and he touches briefly, lightly ]

I will hunt them for you.

[castintoflames]

(The burn scars were made by acid. As if the size of the beasts isn't bad enough!)

I would rather you didn't. The monster that caused that is missing more than a few tentacles.

[tar_minyatur]

It would be a good hunt, especially with you! But if you say not...

[castintoflames]

(He flushes and feels his ears beginning to burn. Why is every silly emotion heightened right now?)

I -

I don't want you hurt, that's all.

[tar_minyatur]

And I do not like seeing you hurt either!

[castintoflames]

(Elros.)

Then let us not chase danger recklessly.

[tar_minyatur]

[ WHAT ]

You were the one who said I should have been named Fearless!

[ He laughs and leans against him ]

[castintoflames]

(♥)

You have ample time to be fearless without seeking dragons or sea beasts!

(Honestly. He is going to have a heart attack!)