(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]

Hm, I am not so sure - I may need proof.

[castintoflames]

I will prove you wrong. Then you must welcome me warmly.

[tar_minyatur]

I always welcome you warmly!

[ He grins saucily ]

It is just sometimes accompanied by a punch.

[castintoflames]

I would prefer if the punch is excluded next time. (He smirks.) You've gotten too strong for me.

[tar_minyatur]

[ That makes him preen, as he had never been able to best Maedhros in practice ]

Well, that will depend on if you've pissed me off by doing something stupid, won't it?

[castintoflames]

(Maedhros will let him best him because, well, Elros has already bested him emotionally.)

No, you must rein in your temper.

[tar_minyatur]

[ But he wants to best him fairly! ]

Even if you've been an idiot?

[castintoflames]

(Who is to say what's fair in love?)

Especially then. It means I need your kinder side all the more.

[tar_minyatur]

[ Letting him beat you isn't fair /sulk ]

But, that's Elrond's job!

[castintoflames]

(But how can he have any inclination to really fight when his opponent is so precious?)

I have seen your kindness.

[tar_minyatur]

[ But how's he supposed to know if he's improving if Maedhros just lets him win? ]

And my temper!

[castintoflames]

(If he's working on his strength daily, he can be certain he is improving!)

I love both. Your honesty and bravery matter too.

[tar_minyatur]

[ But he can't tell if Maedhros doesn't fight him fairly! ]

You flatter me, as always, atarinya.

[castintoflames]

(Oh fine. But don't blame him if Elros ends up on his backside.)

It's not flattery. I have strange preferences.

[tar_minyatur]

[ He won't blame him. He'll just train harder, obviously! ]

I love you too. [ He says fondly ]

[castintoflames]

(What an adorable king.)

That might have something to do with it. (He chuckles.)

[tar_minyatur]

[ No u ]

Probably at least a little bit!

[castintoflames]

(Nope. Elros, the Adorable King.)

But the love wasn't a given.

[tar_minyatur]

[ deniiiiieeeeeed ]

No. It was a choice.

[ Elros leans against him ]

One I do not regret.

[castintoflames]

(Not in Maedhros's head or heart.)

You've always had your own mind about how things should be done. You protected Elrond even when you were dangerously outnumbered. I know what he means to you, little star.

That is why we never tried to separate the two of you. Kano and I were committed to protecting you and raising you even if it meant our eventual imprisonment or execution. You reminded us that such love exists.

[tar_minyatur]

[ Elros guesses he can give him that ]

He's my brother.

[ Elros says simply ]

You would have done the same for yours.

[ He smiles at him ] I would have punched anyone who tried to execute you. [ He says with bloodthirsty cheerfulness ]

[castintoflames]

He's part of you. (He holds up seven fingers, smiling sadly.) I started life with seven parts to me. Nine if you count Atar and Ammë.

(Ten, actually, if one includes Fingon.)

That I can easily imagine, but how can either Kano or I blame anyone for trying to protect you?

[tar_minyatur]

I blame them for not realising how much you and Maglor meant to us.

[castintoflames]

Monsters can't love, you know. They can't care for Elflings.

[tar_minyatur]

[ Elros points a triumphant finger at him and crows ]

HAH GOT YOU TO ADMIT YOU AREN'T A MONSTER.