IC Inbox [Ruby City]

[bythewaves]

Your pardon, but I am unavailable. If you will, leave a message and I will answer as soon as I may

Comments

Voice

[bythewaves]

Nyelo? I... am already here. Where are you?

Voice

[castintofire]

The edge.

action

[bythewaves]

[ No answer is forthcoming, but shortly a little blue will loop over, looking, and Maglor comes to stand beside his brother.

(The scars on his hands are livid and raw - and show signs that Maglor has been worrying at them himself, bleeding sluggishly in parts)

Luin settles on Maglor's shoulders and creels, worriedly - his elf has locked himself away, and he cannot feel him ]

You met him too.

[castintofire]

{Maedhros' left hand is clenched. If his fingers are pried open, they are likely to come away red. Finno is curled tightly around his shoulders, but he peeks out at Maglor and chirps softly at Luin.}

I led him to his house here.

[bythewaves]

[ Matching scars, and Maglor dares to reach across the distance to lightly touch his brother's hand ]

You are braver than I, who could only flee.

[castintofire]

He commanded me to stay. {A bare whisper. A flinch. Maedhros recognizes the touch, belatedly, and turns to reach for his brother, a shaky breath hisses out.}

[bythewaves]

[ Maglor is so very careful, letting Maedhros decide how much touch he wants.

He looks up at his brother and lets his masks down, the fear and the guilt and the anguish.

Maedhros always did do better when he had a task, and he knows looking after him is one that Maedhros finds comforting ]

You are not hurt?

[castintofire]

{The mask comes down and the emotions Maedhros sees hit him hard. The ground seems to stop shaking at his feet and desperate hands turn gentle as he wraps his arms around his little brother.}

He drew no blood, Kano. He could have taken my life, but he chose not to.

[bythewaves]

[ Maglor has always been good at being what Maedhros needs, and he hums as his brother's arms come around him, leaning into the comfort offered and offering his own ]

I am glad. Are you alright? I know... you were friends with him. Before.

[ Protector, Guardian. His brother has always had a generous heart. ]

[castintofire]

{This is part of why Maedhros asked Maglor to come to him. His brother has always known just what he needed. He rests his cheek on the top of Maglor's head.}

He is remembering some things that happened before. He might not understand it all, and will have some trouble deciding what to do from now on.

{As does the younger brother of the two, though Maglor is now older than Maedhros. His eyes close and his breath slowly settles.}

I have you. And I have Aragorn and Sansa. I will be well, Kano. And you? You said you ran. {Only concern is in his voice.}

[bythewaves]

[ Maglor rests against his brother and hums to him softly, pleased to find him settling ]

I hope you work things out, Nelyo. I know you were fond of him.

[ He falters and looks away, ashamed ]

I... saw his light, at the entrance to the catacombs. I ... was afraid.

[castintofire]

{A hand brushes gently over Maglor's hair, protective and affectionate.}

That is in his hands. I will not fight his choice.

{Maedhros kisses the top of his brother's head, embrace tightening gently.}

I would have run too, had he not seen me.

[bythewaves]

Mm.

[ Maglor nods, agreeing, enjoying being held ]

He followed me, and bade me stand. I promised him I would stay away.

[castintofire]

{Maglor will be held for a good long while then!}

I will help you, as much as I can. I will not make that mistake a second time.

[bythewaves]

[ he is certainly not going to protest! ]

Please don't blame yourself, Nelyo - I know you couldn't help it.

[castintofire]

I wanted to help, instead I hurt you.

[bythewaves]

You couldn't help it. [ Maglor insists ]

Please, Nelyo - I don't blame you, truly I don't.

[castintofire]

{Maedhros sighs, curling around his little brother.}

I love you, little brother.

[bythewaves]

[ Maglor leans into his hold ]

I know. I love you too, my brother.

[castintofire]

{Maglor is too forgiving of him, Maedhros believes. But is intensely grateful of all at once.}

Where were you? Did I interrupt anything?

[bythewaves]

[ Maglor shakes his head ]

No - I was... hiding watching the waves. Do you want to go back to the house?

[castintofire]

I will go wherever you do. You usually follow me home - is it not time I do the same for you?

[bythewaves]

Well I... do not... really have anywhere to go?

[castintofire]

Then you will come live with me. I do not want you homeless while I am here, Kano.

[bythewaves]

I am not! [ He objects mildly ] I have you, and I stay at the little lord's place sometimes, and at the elfhouse sometimes.

[ The perpetual couch surfer ]