(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]

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!

[castintoflames]

(He wrinkles his nose and tickles Maglor's side in revenge.)

Do not think you have trained me.

[seawanderer]

[He laughs, squirming.]

You are ever the doting big brother!

[castintoflames]

(He huffs in satisfaction.)

I am the only one you have!

[seawanderer]

[He flops helplessly against his brother.]

And the only one I want.

[castintoflames]

(He flushes to his ears, giving his head a shake.)

I fail to see why. I am...

Less than you deserve.

[seawanderer]

[Nope, burrowing against his brother time!]

I don't care. It no longer matters what is or isn't deserved. I love you.

[castintoflames]

(It's so very easy for him to remember his Kano as a baby. Maedhros curls around him.)

I love you too. I always have.

[seawanderer]

[Maglor had slept on him as a baby, he'll sleep on him now!]

Do you remember the first song you sang to me?

[castintoflames]

(He won't have the heart to wake him. Eru knows they need some rest.)

The one about the Trees and the birds?

[seawanderer]

[Sweet big brother.]

Mm. It's ever my favorite, but only you sing it right.

[castintoflames]

(He smiles, knowing the song is simple and a little silly. But if Maglor wants to hear it...

He sings softly, hugging his brother to his chest.)

[seawanderer]

[Always. Maglor tucks himself close and listens, letting himself relax into the music. He'll nap, but not for long- they both have Things To Do!]

[castintoflames]

(The lyrics detail the Two Trees in a way a child will appreciate. The birds too are described simply - from the color of their feathers to the sound of their voices. But the song ends with a little Elf slumbering under the soft glow of Telperion.

Maedhros kisses the top of his brother's head and closes his eyes for a little bit too. Strangely, under his exuberant energy, there is an odd edge of exhaustion. Like his body is being stretched to its limit.)