(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]

[ 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.

[castintoflames]

Because we are here or is there another reason? (A small turtle watches them plainly just as curious about them.)

[tar_minyatur]

[ Elros pokes playfully at the water surface and doesn't look at him ]

It's hard to feel like a leader of anything when I'm surrounded by my elders and betters.

[castintoflames]

(Maedhros frowns and pushes back Elros's hair affectionately.)

If they recognize your ability, why do you question it? Perhaps they are better in their domains, but being a King is a special honor.

[tar_minyatur]

[ Elros leans a little into the hands ]

I'm no king here though. I'm just the youngest, once again.

[castintoflames]

Just? My Elros, you are not just anything. (He traces a rounded ear.) Age matters little except when it comes to pride and bitterness.

[tar_minyatur]

[ Elros lifts his head to look at him, needing his reassurance as he once did when much younger ]

Does it? You and Fingon and Galadriel and Maglor and even cousin Thranduil, who I barely remember as more than a story. You're all heroes and villains of legend. I'm just Elros, no more than a Man.

[castintoflames]

(Maedhros strokes over his cheek, moving to be closer to him without a thought.)

You are a hero. From you, a line of wonderful Men will rise. They will rule as you do and bring peace and prosperity to their people. Through you, you ensure the survival of the race of Men.

[tar_minyatur]

Will I?

[ Elros leans into his hand ]

Hard to see how, stuck here.

[castintoflames]

Our time here will not interfere with your future. (He holds open his arms.)

[tar_minyatur]

[ Elros doesn't hesitate to burrow into the arms that for a long time meant safety ]

I fear it will.

[castintoflames]

(He wraps him up, sliding his fingers through the young Man's hair.)

I will not let it.

[tar_minyatur]

[ Elros huffs softly ]

I missed you.

[castintoflames]

(He chuckles at the little sound.)

I assure you, you were missed too.

[tar_minyatur]

[ Elros turns a little in his hold to glare beadily ]

Then you should not have sent us away.

[ Objectively, he knows why they were sent away. He's still pissed about it though ]