(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]

There had better not be. [ Elros grumbles, and tucks himself close again ]

Elrond will never forgive me if I let you do something dumb on my watch.

[castintoflames]

Kano would be worse. (He gives an uncomfortable shudder and leans down to rest his chin on Elros's shoulder.)

There are certain aspects, unfortunately, that are beyond the scope of even the greatest Healers.

[tar_minyatur]

I think you might acutally kill him, if you do that again.

[ Elros sighs ]

Just... let me try. Please. For all our sakes.

[castintoflames]

I don't want to imagine a world without him present.

(He tilts his head and cradles Elros's chin.)

Seeing you has done remarkable things for me.

[tar_minyatur]

Nor do I. But I didn't much like a world without you either.

[ Elros smiles up at him ]

I'm glad I could help

[castintoflames]

When did you...know?

(He strokes over those handsome features.)

Never doubt that you do.

[tar_minyatur]

Gil-galad gave us news. Where he found out, we don't know, but Elrond always suspected Maglor somehow managed to send word, but although we searched, we couldn't find him. And... we were both busy. It wasn't as if we could spend forever looking...

[castintoflames]

If he did not wish to be found, you would never find him. (Maedhros knows he shattered his brother's heart beyond all repair.) You have lives to live and neither of us would hold that against you.

[tar_minyatur]

We knew that. But how could we have lived with ourselves if we hadn't tried?

[ Elros leans against him and sighs ]

We went on. We are used to being left behind, after all. It doesn't make it hurt any less. Elrond will probably never forgive me that last parting, when it comes.

[castintoflames]

Thank you. (He brushes his lips against Elros's brow tenderly.)

No, you should never become used to it. (It should never be a given. Maedhros pushes Elros back so he can frown down at him.) As if you can help it! Go into the dark peacefully, yonya. There is nothing to fear in it. I believe...

I must believe we will all be united one day.

[tar_minyatur]

We had to.

[ Elros accepts the comfort but looks up at him with dark eyes ]

Elrond and I... we've had to say goodbye too often. That's one of the reasons I chose as I did. I never thought he'd chose otherwise!

[castintoflames]

(He pulls Elros back to him, leaning down to wrap around him securely.)

I cannot imagine you so separated. Your choices surprise me, yet I know you are both sorely needed amongst the Men and Elves. What you have is too precious to keep to one race.

I sometimes think the Vala intrude and move your hearts to a decision.

[tar_minyatur]

[ he laughs ]

Fool. [ he says fondly ]

Can you honestly think of Elrond as a Man? He's always been one of you, same as I've always not been.

[castintoflames]

(He shakes his head slowly.)

I always saw you as -

(Now he flushes and looks away.)

My son. The one I might have had if -

[tar_minyatur]

Atya.

[ he says fondly ]

Atto. Atarinya. Adar. How many ways do you want me to say it?

[castintoflames]

(The color intensifies on his cheeks, creeping down his neck and to his ears.)

My point is -

You are perfect the way you are and I never thought of you as...different.

[tar_minyatur]

[ Elros smiles and reaches up to kiss his cheek fondly ]

I love you too, atto.

[castintoflames]

(He leans into the contact, eyes closing briefly.)

My fëa will always love you no matter where you travel.

[tar_minyatur]

As mine will yours. We will meet again, Maedhros. I believe it. Everything you have taught me of Eru tells me so.

[castintoflames]

You will see me - either in the Halls or somewhere else when we are all united, the living and the dead.

[tar_minyatur]

And if I don't I will hunt you down. [ Elros promises cheerfully ] So you'd better not try to hide.

[castintoflames]

What makes you think you won't be the one who is hunted? (Maedhros taps Elros's nose.)

[tar_minyatur]

[ Elros snaps playfully at his fingers ]

Because I know you, and I know how impatient I get.

[castintoflames]

(He has raised an adorable predator!)

I think it is likely we will be hunting each other.

[tar_minyatur]

[ Grrr? ]

So long as we don't wander past each other in the confusion, then!