(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

[seawanderer]

I could stop you. I could calm you, like you calm me.

[castintoflames]

Why would you take the risk? I am not worth as much as you.

[seawanderer]

[He flinches then frowns at his brother.]

Nelyo. You are everything.

[castintoflames]

(He frowns, genuinely confused.)

Everything - ?

[seawanderer]

Everything. You saw me when I came here. [He sighs and leans against Maedhros.] That is because I had not had you with me for...centuries.

[castintoflames]

I feel I did you little good, especially at the end. (He examines the scars on Maglor's hand, drawing a finger over them.) There I was mistaken. It is just so hard for me to imagine myself as anyone's everything.

[seawanderer]

It's enough for me to have you with me. [He doesn't try all that hard to pull his hand away, though he doesn't watch.]

You know better now, don't you?

[castintoflames]

(His jaw tightens and he covers the scars with his hand.)

I question it. I cannot imagine a place that would not invite you with open arms. Once you raise your voice, they will love you.

[seawanderer]

[He huffs out a breath and nudges his brother.] I won't go anywhere that won't welcome you.

[castintoflames]

(He gives his head a sharp shake.) But Kano, you were free... You could be free here. I would not darken your steps if you asked it of me.

(Though he would miss him with every breath he took.)

[seawanderer]

[He pales and makes a distressed sound before clinging again.]

You promised! Unless... [He draws in a strangled breath and forces himself to let go.] Unless I am being selfish by holding on to you...and you want to be free of me.

[castintoflames]

No. (His voice rumbles like thunder and he pulls Maglor close again.) I love you. I need you. But that is selfish of me, isn't it?

[seawanderer]

[He sags against his brother with a breath of relief.]

How about we be selfish together?

[castintoflames]

(He relaxes again and closes his eyes.)

As long as we are aware of our motives.

[seawanderer]

[Maglor hums softly and snuggles close.]

Agreed.

[castintoflames]

(Maedhros smoothes out a piece of his brother's hair and begins to braid it skillfully.)

Elros asked me to carve.

[seawanderer]

[He'll happily stay put!]

You should. Have you picked a subject?

[castintoflames]

(He pulls some ribbons from his pocket and binds the end of the braid. Then he begins another.)

It's for the boats. Something nautical or...something suitable for us.

[seawanderer]

[Maglor slowly relaxes, calming under his brother's skilled fingers.]

Whatever you make will be perfect.

[castintoflames]

(He has an idea in mind. Let him work! He is also bringing out some pins he made while waiting for the swords to cool.)

I thought I would choose animals that seem...fitting. For each of us.

Do you have any ideas?

[seawanderer]

[Maedhros can take as long as he wants or needs!]

I was thinking a horse, an eagle, and a swan...

[castintoflames]

(This will keep him calm and out of the Forge, at least.)

The eagle is...Finno? You are the swan. Is Elros the horse or is that my designation?

[seawanderer]

[Maglor grins.]

I was thinking one animal per boat, so Elros and mine would be the horse. Yours and Finno would have the eagle, and the swan for Galadriel.

[castintoflames]

(He huffs and talks around a pin he holds between his teeth.)

I want to know what animal I am.

[seawanderer]

[Maglor smiles up at his brother, affection plain in his eyes.]

You are an eagle, Nelyo. Or a bear, for you are fiercely protective and mighty as any I have seen.