(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]

(♥)

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

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

[tar_minyatur]

[ Elros squints at him and pokes him fondly ]

But if I don't seek out dragons and sea beasts, I might get Bored~

[ AND YOU REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENS WHEN HE GETS BORED ]

[castintoflames]

Then I must find a way to keep you entertained! (He taps Elros's nose.) I want to find a Nightingale for Kano. A pair would be even better. But the forests can be a dangerous place.

[tar_minyatur]

A Nightingale? [ ELros snaps playfully at the finger ]

Do they even have nightingales in this world? But Maglor would doubtless enjoy singing to one.

[castintoflames]

Yes. They are his favorites. (He smirks and pulls his finger back.) I don't know, but I intend to find out. I need help in the search.

[tar_minyatur]

[ Elros bounces a little, rocking forward onto his toes eagerly, attention diverted ]

Just us? Like in the old days?

[castintoflames]

Yes. (Maedhros wraps an arm around his shoulders.) If we could bring him back an egg, I know he would make a fine foster-mother.

[tar_minyatur]

[ Elros leans against him a little but then he's pulling away, tugging at Maedhros' sleeve playfully as he used to when he was much much younger ]

He's an excellent foster mother. [ HEH ] But I don't want to part a babe from it's nest. Better if we can coax him one full grown!

[castintoflames]

(Stop being so cute. Maedhros walks quicker and makes a playful grab at Elros's ear.)

If you tease him about it, I will have strong words with you. (Ooooh.) Mm true. A fledgling would be the best fit.

[tar_minyatur]

[ Never it gets him what he wants!

He yelps playfully and ducks ]

I always tease him though! He'd think I was sick if I stopped. Nuh uh. [ He shakes his head ] Not unless you WANT to feed it every few minutes, or bring the parents with it!

[castintoflames]

(He purses his lips.)

Be gentle about it. He isn't as strong as he likes to pretend. (Maedhros huffs.) Fledgling, Elros. A young adult. They will have already left the nest, but they won't have all of their adult feathers yet.

[tar_minyatur]

[ Elros pokes him indignantly ]

What do you take me for?

Ohhhh. Yeah that would work. It's a bit early in the year yet though?

[castintoflames]

(He catches that hand and holds it fast.)

An imp. (His smile is challenging and less gentle than usual.) Unfortunately, but we can look.

[tar_minyatur]

An imp who loves both of you very much.

[ He lets his hand be captured without fuss, still as trusting as ever ]

Do you want to go now?

[castintoflames]

(He pulls Elros close, kissing his brow.)

You are hot. (Like him. Maedhros has a sense that, underneath their lively emotions, something is amiss.) I should like to see us return to normal first.

[tar_minyatur]

So are you.

[ He snuggles close - Maedhros has always been warm, and comforting to frightened, cold children ]

If you think so. Do you want to help me carve the figureheads instead?

[castintoflames]

I have noticed. (He can't stand for children to be frightened and cold. Even in a foul mood, he instinctively tucks Elros close, safe in the circle of his arms.)

I am not a sculptor like my mother.

[tar_minyatur]

[ Something Elros was counting on, as evidenced by the smug way he claims his spot tucked against him ]

No. But your hands know beauty as well as strength. Remember? You carved us replacement pieces for our Kings and Castles set. And that was with one hand. You never did explain how exactly you managed that trick.

[castintoflames]

(Maedhros does not even think as he rubs over Elros's arm, warming him as he had done when the Man was much younger.)

When there is a will, there is a way. (He smiles faintly at the memory.) Kano was put to use near the end. Before then, I held them in place with forge tools.

(No, he will not give himself credit for being able to carve with one hand.)

[tar_minyatur]

[ Elros relaxes with a happy sigh, curling against him ]

Exactly. See? You're more than you think you are. You always were.

[castintoflames]

Compared to her, however...

I wish you had seen her works. They seemed to live. I swear I saw them breathe as a child!

(Oh he misses his mother. As he is sure Elros does too. His lips press against the Man's brow.)

[tar_minyatur]

Well, I never knew Nerdanel.

[ Elros says fondly ]

So I may be biased, but I like your work better.

[castintoflames]

You would love her. (He pauses near the water and breathes in deeply, clearing his lungs of all the Forge air.)

She is wiser than all of us.

[tar_minyatur]

[ Elros visibly perks up as they get nearer to the sea, almost bouncing in his eagerness ]

If you say so, I must believe you! I wouldn't know. [ He shoots him a sly grin ] The only mother I had growing up was Maglor and you!

[castintoflames]

(His face pales and he looks almost...ill.)

That should not have been.