(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 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.

[tar_minyatur]

[ Elros rolls his eyes and swats him ]

Maybe not, but it is, and I love you, and stop blaming yourself.

[castintoflames]

(He winces and lays a hand against Elros's cheek.)

Are your memories of that day strong?

[tar_minyatur]

[ Elros reaches up to hold the hand there ]

Some things don't fade. [ He says gently ]

The fear I felt that day made sure of that.

[castintoflames]

(Maedhros's hand shakes and he steps in front of Elros, wrapping his other arm around the Man's waist.)

I love you, but that doesn't make what was done - what I did - permissible. I will never forgive myself nor ask your forgiveness for it.

[tar_minyatur]

[ Elros hugs him fiercely ]

Idiot. I forgave you long ago.

[castintoflames]

(He seems to sag in...relief? He isn't allowing himself such an emotion. Or he shouldn't be.)

Elrond is special to me, yet I admit...I feel closer to you in some ways.

[tar_minyatur]

[ Elros snorts but doesn't release him ]

Elrond says its because you and I are too much alike.

[castintoflames]

Maybe we are. I consider that an honor. (He leans their heads together, focusing on the solidity of Elros. The projects can wait. He is remembering something far more important.)

[tar_minyatur]

[ Elros chortles ]

Elrond used it as an insult, when we were children. But I think it is an honor too.

[castintoflames]

(He shifts and turns back to the water, his copper hair spilling over his shoulders as he kneels to touch a small flower.)

I understand why it is an insult. I am perhaps the only one who should be honored.

[tar_minyatur]

[ Elros hugs him tight ]

We were young, and angry. We still are, I suppose! But I love you, Maedhros.

[castintoflames]

(His cheeks flush and he touches the arms around him with the same gentleness he showed the flower.)

My stars are allowed to be angry. I only ask you do not make it impossible for us to see you.

[tar_minyatur]

[ Elros clings tight ]

Never.

[castintoflames]

(Maedhros kisses the top of his head.)

I will see you. I will find you.

[tar_minyatur]

[ That produces a happy hum ]

If you don't, I promise to haul you out of the Void to kick your ass myself.

[castintoflames]

(He snorts and tugs on one of Elros's ears.)

Don't be too charming.