(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]

[ 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.

[tar_minyatur]

[ Elros yelps at him indignantly ]

I'm not being charming, I'm being amazing.

[castintoflames]

(He rolls his eyes and tips his head back to see the sky.)

Don't be too amazing. The world will hate you for it.

[tar_minyatur]

I don't care about the world.

[ Elros reminds him fondly ]

I care about my family. The world can go hang.

[castintoflames]

What of your people? (He grins and reaches for Elros's hand.) Are they family too?

[tar_minyatur]

Course!

[ Elros lets him capture him without fuss, grinning saucily ]

They're my people.

[castintoflames]

(Maedhros leads him down the shoreline where he has spied some turtles resting in the sunlight.)

A good view to have. They are yours - from the youngest babe to the oldest Man.

[tar_minyatur]

[ MOVEMENT yes good and Elros follows willingly, but his steps slow and his eyes turn thoughtful ]

They chose me. I still... why me?

[castintoflames]

(He doesn't let go of Elros's hand, smiling faintly as one of the turtles plops into the water.)

Because you are a born leader. They know you will see to their best interests and guide them through the good times and the bad.

[tar_minyatur]

[ Elros snorts tugging him along to look closer at the turtles ]

Don't feel like much of one these days.