(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]

[Maedhros always braided his hair just how he likes it.]

I do, they are fierce and strong defenders. [And cuddly if you get them in a good playful mood.] If not taller!

[castintoflames]

Remember the cub Tyelko had for one winter? It hadn't hibernated as long as its mother and so he watched it and took care of it around the clock?

(He finishes his creation and kisses the back of Maglor's head.)

I think we all took turns holding it.

[seawanderer]

[He laughs softly, gladly remembering those days.]

I remember how sad we were when we had to let it go back! Tyelko sulked for days!

[castintoflames]

We all sulked for days. (He slips his arms around his brother, tucking his head against his shoulder.) Cubs are sweet when they are so young.

[seawanderer]

[Maglor snuggles happily into protective arms.]

As are all children.

[castintoflames]

Our stars were like that. (He whispers, a little sadly.) Kano, I do not think we were bad parents to them.

[seawanderer]

[He shudders a little and tucks his face against his brother's neck.]

...I look at Elros and he is so strong now...! So brave and good.

[castintoflames]

(His pulse is still fast - too fast - but he is settled for a moment, focusing on Maglor's warmth.)

He is more wonderful than I recall. Age has made him into a fine King.

[seawanderer]

[It's easy to ignore too fast a heartrate and too hot a body when his brother's snuggling him so nicely.]

Elrond is as good as a king as his brother, only he never takes that mantel. His home is beautiful and known to protect and offer knowledge to those who seek it in good will.

[castintoflames]

(He wishes he could keep Maglor protected just like this always. He leans back to make himself a more comfortable place to rest, drawing his hair back with one hand.)

Elven-Kings are few and oftentimes the title brings more grief than joy. (As they well know.) He is better as a Lord surrounded by people who love him.

[seawanderer]

[He can do that here! Maglor moves with his brother, deciding finding more wood and such can wait a bit longer. He's far too comfortable.]

Mm. Elrond has always been wise. It's served him very well, and is loved and respected.

[castintoflames]

You sound like you keep a close eye on him. (He feels a lot of emotion over that - and not just because he can't do it too. Maglor only has Elrond to watch. Elros -

His chest clenches and he sighs.) Did you -

See Elros? Before?

[seawanderer]

I kept as close an eye on both of them as I could manage. Elrond is easier than Elros was. [And that still hurts. Maglor curls just a little closer.]

...I was there...in the end...

[castintoflames]

Elrond knows how to stay still. (He reaches out to hold onto Maglor's hands.)

Was he...

Was it difficult? For him?

[seawanderer]

[He sighs, looking at their hands.] That's not it, Elros lived on an island. I could only catch news of him, unless he came back for a visit.

...No. [A ghost of a smile appears.] He went peacefully, for once. Surrounded by people who loved him. I'm still amazed I didn't drown in getting there and back.

[castintoflames]

(An island King, surrounded by dangerous waters. That is so...Elros.)

Could you...sense...when it was time? I wish I could have been there. He would have liked that.

[seawanderer]

[So very Elros.]

I listened to word until it was close, then went...and waited...

He complains how I coddle him here, but I...can't not.

[castintoflames]

He must understand. (Maedhros nuzzles his ear.) He is our star. Whether he is alive or on death's door, our love follows him.

[seawanderer]

...I think he does, though he huffs and fusses anyway. I don't mind so long as he doesn't make me leave.

[castintoflames]

He would never. (He frowns.) Give him some credit. (And if Elros ever did, he would have to answer to him about it.)

[seawanderer]

I know. He proves it every day, and why he has our love.

[castintoflames]

Then embrace him as much as you need. I am deaf to his fussing when I miss his company.

[seawanderer]

I do the same with you, Nelyo. [It's why he ignored Maedhros' irritation earlier, and snuggling with his big brother has proven he was right!]

[castintoflames]

Do you? (He feigns confusion, chuckling after a moment.) But I never fuss over your embraces.

[seawanderer]

[Maglor grins and swats at his brother before settling right back close.]

Because you know better!