bythewaves | IC inbox (Drift Fleet)

How do I transfer to your ship, brother? (In Fëanor's absence, his decision is simple.)

Father's gone, isn't he. [ Maglor says sadly - he thought so, but distance renders such things hard to judge ]

I do not know - I suppose there must be a way to ask. Finrod is your captain, he might know?

[With most of their more pressing problems being tended to, Sorey decides to finally face the one he's been most reluctant to address.]

...Maglor, do you have a moment to talk?

Sorey? [ Surprised ]

Aye, I do. Do you wish me to come to you?

If it's not too much trouble. I'm in engineering.

Of course, I will be right there.

[ Maglor will be there in short order! ]

Sorey?

I'm over here, just a sec, [Sorey calls from where he's buried in a half-disassembled engine. He extracts himself from the belly of the ship, stepping over a bundle of tubing and snagging a rag to wipe his hands down with.] Thanks for coming so abruptly. How're your wounds? How's Fingon?

[ Maglor runs a hand along the engine, humming softly to it, coaxingly. He isn't his father, but he can hear enough to know where it labors, where he might encourage slightly.

He shakes his head a little and smiles at Sorey ]

I am well enough, thank you, Sorey. I was not busy. Fingon heals well, with thanks!

Great, I'm glad to hear it. [There are too many healers on board for any of their crew to be injured for days, after all.

Sorey gestures to his toolbox for Maglor to sit, turning over a bucket to sit on that as well.] We didn't get a lot of time to talk when it came up, so I wanted to see if we could discuss what happened in the cargo bay.

[ Maglor smiles a little ]

We heal fast - I do wish Mikleo had not felt the need to waste his energy on us, but I am grateful, as I do not particularly enjoy being injured, either.

[ He sighs softly and settles nearby ]

I do not understand. [ He murmurs softly ] We were... I was only trying to keep you all safe.

Yeah. [Sorey huffs and wrings his hands around the rag, agitated.] That's why I left it up to all of you to decide without trying harder to force anything. None of you wanted or expected the outcome we got, right?

No. I wanted them gone, before they could do more harm. They had already threatened Sora. I had not anticipated their response - forgive me, usually, I can see further ahead than that, but the Songs of this world are not my own.

[Sorey frowns down at his toes.]

...you guys were all talking about them being evil, and showing no mercy and things like that. It felt extreme to Mikleo and I, but I'm sure you have your reasons. Can you share them with me?

[ Maglor sighs softly ]

To understand you must understand something of our history. Sorey, we have been at war against our Enemy since the very earliest days of our existance as a people. Grandfather is one of the Unbegotten, the very first elves who awoke beneath the stars, to a world new and, so they thought, beautiful. But it was also a world full of peril, for within the first years of their existence, people started to vanish. Grandfather does not speak of those days, but our histories tell us that they spoke of a Dark Shadow, of claws in the night, and those who vanished were never seen again - but, slowly, monsters began to appear. Monsters who sometimes had the faces of those taken. And so we knew that we were hunted.

Grandfather and his friends, those who would become the Kings of the Vanyar and the Teleri, they led us to Valinor, to where they thought we would be safe. Not all of our people went with them, but many did, tired of living in fear. And we were safe, for a long time. That was where I was born, behind the fence of the Valar. But even into paradise, evil came, stealing in as a supposed friend, a penitent. We lost grandfather to the Shadow, and now, he had a name. Melkor, He Who Arises in Might, the first of the Powers, and the greatest, now fallen. Father named him anew Morgoth, the Dark Foe of the World, and although much of what happened during that time was Father's madness, this much is true - that we hate him who has pursued us from our beginnings, and who is the source of all the woes of the world.

For Arda was meant to be a Paradise, Sorey - not just Aman, blessed and guarded, but all of our world. But what Morgoth could not have he destroyed, and his power is so infused in our world now that it is Arda Marred, and to destroy him is to destroy the world itself. He took our people and warped them into the orcs. He took Men and made of them slaves and armies, cowing them and promising them impossible power. He bred dragons and of those who followed him he birthed the Balrogs, demons of Fire and Shadow.

And we have been fighting him ever since, although it is a losing battle. We have all of us lost lands, lost those who followed us, lost family. Fingon lost his father in single combat with Morgoth, and was himself... will be, I suppose, from his time, killed by Balrogs, after I was betrayed my the Men in my army who broke oath to me for Morgoth. So you see, we learnt long ago that our Enemy would show us no mercy, that they would betray us at the slightest opportunity, and the kindest thing we could offer them in turn was to kill them, and swiftly. We are all of us killers, Sorey. Maedhros and I... we are the last of our family saving only Finrod's sister, who survived the bitter wars before the Valar at last threw Morgoth out of Arda, although they cannot change what has already been broken. Maedhros is... neither of us are particularly sane, any more. But Maedhros... Morgoth tortured him, Sorey. He was trying to turn him into an orc. You saw his temper - he was never like that before. But he cannot stand it, to see those he considers his to be threatened. And he is proud, still, so proud, he who was once High King, although he yieled crown and birthright to father's brother, and hence, to Fingon. But Maehdros was always a protector. He will do anything if he thinks it will keep you all safe. Even damn himself.

And so will I.

[That is...an awful lot to take in, but honestly listening to Maglor is sometimes like reading an old, complex text. Sorey pays close attention, memorizes what he hears for later, deeper perusal. That part about their kind being taken and twisted sure explains the hell out of why they'd reacted so intensely to the thought of Sora being carried off. They probably all had flashbacks.]

...thank you for telling me that. I think I understand better now.

I still can't agree with your methods, but I think if this comes up again we'll be able to talk properly, instead of just yelling at each other.

[ Maglor smiles tiredly at him ]

I am sorry we hurt you. [ He says softly ]

But we were only trying to keep you safe.

I understand. [Sorey sighs and scrubs a hand through his hair.] Don't get me wrong; we've seen those things before. Mikleo and I, we're not strangers to the kind of tactics you used, even if we haven't used them ourselves.

Back home, our purpose is to clean up after those tactics are used. Killing people, however justified, desecrating bodies, acting out of anger or revenge, [which maybe the elves have said isn't what they did but he'd seen Maedhros, he'd seen the hatred in his eyes,] those things turn people into monsters.

By defying you we were trying to keep all of you safe.

I know.

[ Maglor murmurs softly ]

But we are all so old, Sorey, and so tired of watching things we love burn. I am sorry we hurt you.

You should talk with a friend of mine, [Sorey says placidly, neatly sidestepping the opportunity to immediately forgive rather than denying it outright.] His name is Zaveid. He's much closer to your age than mine, but he's been traveling with Mikleo and I for a while so he knows us pretty well. Maybe you'll find some common ground with him.

I do not think any of your firends would talk to us. [ Maglor murmurs softly ]

Not right now, I think, perhaps never. Mikleo is very angry - I have asked if he would prefer us to leave.

Oh, you shouldn't do that, [Sorey warns mildly.] If you'd all like to leave because you're uncomfortable around us that's fine, but don't go because Mikleo's mad. That won't anybody any good.

He is the Captain of this ship. To stay when you are all angry...surely it will be too uncomfortable.

Mikleo isn't Captain because he asked- Look, just trust me on this. If you leave he's going to get really, really mad. He won't chase anybody down or anything but it'll put a huge dent into any possibility of making up with him.

He has already sent me away. [ Maglor points out doubtfully ]

If he cannot bear to even speak to me, then what good is us staying?

Well, he's angry. But he won't be angry forever. [Sorey tilts his head, smile unsure.] Are you worried about him hating you?

[ Maglor shrugs a little ]

I am used to being hated. [ He says slowly ] If... it helps him I do not mind. But ... it was my suggestion. He... I would that he forgives my kin.

Yeah, he definitely won't do that as a favor to anybody. Especially if they don't try to talk to him on their own. [Sorey sighs and scrubs a hand through his hair.] Mikleo can get really hot under the collar, but he calms down soon enough so long as something else doesn't happen to make him angry. Honestly if you just give it a little time, he'll be a lot more open to talking to you.

But it was my fault. [ Maglor says softly ] I know how my family works, Sorey. It was my suggestion - and I could have talked Maedhros out of it, if I wanted. That is my role, Sorey - I am his eyes and ears, but also his conscience. And whether or not Maedhros wants it, he has Father's ability to command, and neither Fingon nor Grandfather have the will to want to oppose him.

[Sorey's brow furrows. There's some kind of disconnect here that he's missing, he knows it.] Maglor...the way you talk about your family, it kind of sounds like you guys are all parts of the same soul. Like you're not completely separate beings.

[ Maglor blinks and then shakes his head ]

It was not my intent to give that impression! But we are... very close, Sorey. Too close, perhaps - but our family was always a little... strange. Maedhros and I fought together for hundreds of years, long after we were all that we had left...we... the way we were, at the end... Sorey, we were utterly dependent on each other, and very wrong for each other, but by then there was no one to tell us no. We have not... learnt how to untangle ourselves, yet.

Fingon and Grandfather... both of them hold much guilt for the way they died, although neither could help it. But their deaths... hurt Maedhros and I, and they both know it, how their deaths changed the course that we might have taken. In some ways, they both blame themselves. They will not gainsay us, even when they should.

[ Softly, almost to himself ] Finrod and Turgon were wise to leave, I think, although it did not save them, in the end. But Galadriel escaped, and that is something, at least.

[Oof. That sounds like fifteen tons of issues to unpack with a two-ounce spoon, but Sorey doesn't think he's even halfway near qualified to help out with that. Especially since Maglor's already aware of it and isn't exactly asking for his help.]

...if you like, I can explain what you've told me to Mikleo and it might help him understand, though he'd probably appreciate it more if he heard it from one of you.

[ He is the most crazy, sorry Sorey! ]

I... I do not know how to talk to him. [ Maglor admits ] I seem to only make him more angry.

Okay. I'll do my best.

-I really do think you all should stay, though. If you were that worried about Sora and the rest of us, being on a different ship if this happens again will just make you even more worried.

True.

[ Maglor sighs softly ]

Your counsel is wise, and I suppose if you think it will not hurt, I will stay. Thank you, Sorey.

Mmm. [Sorey nods, a quick bow of his head.] Thanks for explaining your reasoning to me.

No, thank you for listening. [ Maglor shakes his head ]

Your world is very fortunate to have you.

I don't know if I'm that important, but thanks for the compliment. [Sorey stands and rests a hand on Maglor's shoulder.] Don't worry too much about Mikleo. And...I hope that you and your family can find some semblance of peace here.

Every life is, in their own way. [ Maglor hums softly, startling at the touch although he does not pull away ]

But a light so bright as yours, a soul so generous - that is rare, and precious. Thank you very much, Sorey. You really do remind me of Master Frodo.

[oh my god stop]

Is this Master Frodo a friend of yours?

[ He but speaks the truth! ]

No - but all who live in my time know his name, for he was the saviour of us all.

Oh wow, he sounds really important. Is he an elf too? [Maybe some other kind of king? Or like, a religious leader, since he's a savior?]

He is. [ Maglor says, and shakes his head with a soft laugh ]

Oh no! Master Frodo is a hobbit - a halfling, we would say, for they stand no taller than about half my height. He would insist he did nothing special, but Master Samwise and he, they carried the Enemy's Ring right into his lands, under his very nose, and destroyed it there where it was made, in the only place that could unmake all the enchantments laid upon it. And is so doing they robbed the Enemy of all his power and unmade HIM as well.

That's-

Do you mean the same enemy you and your family were fighting against all those years? He got right of that same enemy? [Because if that's so, then it means Maglor has a peaceful home to return to, and not the horrendous mess Sorey was afraid of.]

Not quite. [ Maglor shakes his head ]

Sauron was Morgoth's lieutenant, so you can think of him as a shadow, an echo, a reflection of his Master. He was cleverer, by far - a schemer, and a lier. But Morgoth was by far the more powerful, and more brutal. Sauron is gone, and I think it will be many Ages of the world before he rises again, and Morgoth the same, but they are both Ainur - beings a bit like Sorey, I think? They cannot be slain, for they are a part of the very fabric of the world itself.

[ Softly ] Indeed, the wise have long theorised that Morgoth so inefected our world that the only way to truly defeat him would be to destroy the world itself...

[Sorey isn't sure if he specifically is all as important as Maglor claims, but he does know about the Shepherd legend, as well as the Lord of Calamity. Beings that always seem to rise again in history in pairs.]

...that sounds like malevolence.

[Sorey sinks down onto his seat, elbows on his knees.] Our world's lost a lot of its written history, but malevolence has been around for as long as even the oldest seraphim can remember. Maybe that's like our Morgoth; a sickness of the world that can only ever be treated, but never cured.

[ Maglor thinks so, so there ]

Maybe. [ he says softly, sadness threaded with steel ] My folk call it the Long Defeat, and yet we oppose it at every turn. No reason to give it more a foothold than it has already.

Maybe someday in the future, they'll have Morgoth contained. [Sorey shifts his weight.] ...I don't know if it means much to you, since I can only speak as a human being, but in my world the Shepherd legend is about people who take up the title again and again against the fight of darkness. It's never completely defeated, but there are times of peace.

I think maybe those moments of peace are worth the fighting, even if sometimes the battle seems endless.

Oh, he is - at least, as much as is possible. The Powers of the World threw him out beyond the Doors of Night at the end of the First Age. He can no longer actively influence our world. But his poison runs deep, for he was one of our world's builders, you see.

[ A smile ]

Good. That is good. And you are correct - on such foundations is Hope founded, that day will always follow night.

[This might be a good opportunity to try and explain it in a relatable way, okay,] Malevolence is like that too. It's intrinsic to the structure of our world, but it's completely toxic. ...that's why Mikleo and I were so against the branding. Things like that invite poison, where we're from. We've seen it happen here, too.

Do you see what I'm saying?

Like the way Shadow lingers. [ Maglor murmurs softly ]

I see. That is why you were worried? Is that what happened? [ That time on the planet ] Did we hurt you?

[What happened on the planet is such a complicated mess that Sorey is still trying to sort it out himself, but...] I...think so, maybe. Not because we felt dismissed or disrespected- well, no, Mikleo feels that way, but for me it was more like...

[Sorey folds his arms and frowns thoughtfully. How to put this...] Back home, and here too, I've sworn to do everything I can to prevent these things from happening. I'm...not on particularly steady ground after what I did and my inability to convince you or your family feels like a huge failure on my part.

Ah- [Holds out a hand,] not that that's your problem, I'm not looking for an apology. I'm just trying to make my feelings clear.

You could not help it. [ Maglor says gently ] That is what I was told. I am sorry that you feel so - please do not! We are old, and more than a little mad, maybe, and very set in our ways. You could have commanded us, and I might have yielded, but we have been lords and kings and we do not yield easily to others. That is not your fault, but ours, and I am sorry that we have hurt you so.

Mikleo and I really don't put a lot of stock into the ranking thing; he didn't ask to be Captain, and I only took up First Mate so he wouldn't be doing this himself. It's not really- there's no real power involved in it. [They've literally never been in positions of power before this recent Shepherd's journey, and nowhere near a military authority structure.] Honestly, just the idea of people agreeing with me because they think they have to kinda makes my skin crawl.

I know. [ Malgor nods ]

Mikleo has expressed similarly. But Sorey - we are kings and lords, yes, but we are Captains and Commanders, also. We know, intimately, the structures of authority that will carry an army through a war. If you have to wrangle us again - do not be afraid to order. We do not have to obey. But authority we know, even if only assumed here. If you do not command, we will walk around you. But if you order, and you mean it... I can convince the others. There is no time for reasoned argument in war, Sorey.

[Sorey frowns, folding his arms in thought; he doesn't like it, doesn't like the implication that he must order Maglor in order to see any kind of change, but that Maglor's telling him this...is it more a compromise this way than just standing around arguing? Would this be the kinder choice?]

...it really would help you if I acted like a proper First Mate during disagreements?

Not always. But... in battle, if you want us to listen now ... then yes. You do have the authority - not just given by Atroma, but acknowledged by me, at least - and the others will heed me. [ Manipulating Maedhros is not easy, but Maglor has been wrangling his brother for millenia, after all ] If you think we cross the line, use it. It is highly unlikely that any of us will heed, otherwise. You can explain later, as you are doing now - but in battle, that could wind up with people dead. Even if you command... I cannot promise obedience, but you have a far, far better chance.

Agghh... [Sorey really, really hates it, and almost every single thing that just came out of Maglor's mouth.] F...fine. If I think it's something that's going to specifically harm you or us or the crew, I'll...I'll try. My best. [He really is not good at being authoritative but he'll try.]

I am sorry. [ Maglor says gently ] I wish I had a better solution for you, Sorey.

No- it's alright. It's not your responsibility to come up with something to make me happy. [Sorey shakes his head, rubbing the back of his neck.] I'll work on it. And I'll talk to Mikleo on your behalf, too.

Maybe - but I am sorry, all the same. [ Maglor says softly ]

I told Mikleo once that I would follow his orders - I did mean it.

I really would suggest you probably never say that again, maybe. [Like, Seriously Tho] True or not, I can guarantee Mikleo hates hearing it.

[ Maglor blinks at him, confused ]

Why? He is our Captain, e'en though the title is arbitrary.

It's because it's arbitrary. [Sorey runs a hand through his hair.] Mikleo would much rather you tell him that you'll listen to what he has to say because he's your friend. Not just obeying an order because our kidnappers made him a captain.

Oh! [ Maglor's eyes clear ]

But that's... Sorey, we are warriors. In your parlance, soldiers, I suppose. I don't mind being commanded, certainly not in battle, not when emotions can blur reason. That is why Maedhros and I work well together - because we can reach each other, when deep in the battle fever. It tells me that you care enough to stop me, when you do.

Mmm... [Sorey bows his head in thought, because while he doesn't get that strict adherence to command structure and deference to battlefield authority, he can absolutely understand emotions clouding reason. He's made a few mistakes like that himself.]

...okay, [Sorey says at last, nodding firmly,] I think I understand what you're saying now. And I appreciate that you're willing to trust my judgment. If this happens again and I think it's necessary, I'll order you.

I wouldn't have told him that - or you - if I did not think you capable of leading.

[ Maglor says quietly ] My loyalty is not easily bought - the designation might have been given arbitrarily, but my sentiments are not. Thank you, Sorey.

No, thank you for taking the time to listen, and to help me understand. I appreciate it. [And finally Sorey can give Maglor a genuine smile, albeit a small one. He's going to have to have a talk with Mikleo regarding all of this and see if they can't come to an agreement.]

You have a good heart, Sorey, brave and kind. Thank you for bothering to explain - it only proves that I was right, to accept you and Mikleo in that role.

[UNCOMFORTABLE]

Yes, well. Um, I don't know if they'd care to listen, but if you need me to repeat any of this to your family, please let me know. I just wanted to talk to you first.

I will speak to them.

[ Maglor assures him ]

I have been wrangling Maedhros for centuries - I will convince him.

Okay. [nods and reaches up to clap maglor on the shoulder.] Then I'll leave them to you.

[ Maglor smiles at him ]

Thank you, Sorey.

Do you know anyone in the fleet that can sew?

I can, although I cannot embroider. Why?

I wanted to give robes to Belthazar as part of my apology but sewing was definitely not a skill the Kirin Tor thought I'd ever need.

Ahh... that is a very kind gift, and I am sure one Blethazar will appreciate. Depending on how elaborate they are, I may be able to help but you might do better to ask wider, if there is embroidery to be done, for even if I had known how, my hands are no longer so steady as they were.

Hang on, I can sketch it out.

[He grabs his quill and notebook, scribbling out and image of robes, marking the colors the best he can.]

The Kirin Tor never had much decoration on their robes, just colors really. Except on the belt but I'm sure I can get the design made later.

Edited 2017-02-02 09:47 (UTC)

[ Maglor looks at it thoughtfully ]

I could probably manage that, I think. [ He says slowly ] Apart from the belt, that is. Most of that should be basic hems, which is not that difficult to do.

Are you sure? I- ah, I'll find some way to pay you back, of course.

I think so. [ Maglor smiles at him and shakes his head ]

No need for that here - but if you could provide the supplies, that would help.

I can always ask if anyone has some. I wish I'd thought of this sooner, while we were still docked for repairs.

Well, there will be other places where we might be able to buy things, I am sure. But hopefully someone has appropriate stores.

Yeah. I suppose it doesn't need to be done soon, just as long as it's a surprise. I apologized properly so who knows, maybe I'll need to apologize again at some point. Or I'll find out his birthday.

I am sure they will appreciate it, whenever you give it!

Maybe. I'll be sure to let you know.

I look forwards to that time, then!

Thank you.

Thank me later! But until then, Khadgar.

[Within a few hours of his visit to the ring, Maglor may find several bolts of cotten in vibrant colors as close to the Kirin tor robes as he could find. And there's a good chance he got far too much, with only a vague awareness of that fact.

There's a note:

I got what I could, the colors are pretty close. You can keep whatever the robes don't need, I think I got too much.

It's probably obvious who it's from.]

Edited (i can spell really) 2017-02-14 20:54 (UTC)

Thank you - do you happen to have his measurements?

DAMMIT!

[Give him a minute to get that out of his system.]

I don't. And I'm not sure how to get them without spoiling the surprise.<\

Ah... that might be a problem. Could you tell him it is for a spell, perhaps? Or could you use magic to find out?

I could try enchanting measuring tape but it would be hard to measure him while he's awake. And he'd know it's me, I don't know mant mages here except for the two of us.

Hm. Well you could always tell him you need it for... research maybe?

It's worth trying, I suppose.

Edited 2017-02-15 21:58 (UTC)

I can work without, but estimates are never accurate, and it would be better to know!

I'll do my best.

Let me know either way.

[FWD: Belthazar's measurements.txt]

Ah! Many thanks.

Khadgar? I am done, I think. Would you come over and see if it suits?

Really? [He thought they'd take much longer.

... Long enough for Belthazar to forget his questions.

Oh well.]

Yeah, sure. Absolutely.

Aye! Fortunately the pattern was not too hard to copy. I will see you soon.

I'll be right over then!

[And like a lazy little thing, he teleports.]

[ Maglor jumps, when he does ]

You will terrify me enough to actually hurt you one of these days.

[ He teases fondly ]

[Khadgar can't help a faint grin.]

You won't intentionally though. And I'm hoping you get used to it before that happens.

Are you planning on dropping in frequently, then?

[ Maglor raises an amused eyebrow at him, and gestures to the robes on the bed ]

I tried to match the colors as close as I could to the picture you showed me.

Possibly. I guess we'll see, won't we?

[He makes his way over and looks the robe over, letting his fingers run over them and looks over them.]

This is great. Really.

I suppose I had best get used to it then.

[ He beams, pleased ]

I am glad! Hopefully it will fit - how did you get the measurements, in the end?

The sooner the better. For me.

[A smug little grin.]

I told him you wanted them.

Hm, I wonder if I should rig up a trip wire for the next time!

[ He chuckles ] I see! He must have been surprised. Well, at least he'll know why now.

I'll have to teleport to another spot every time then.

[Good luck rigging the right spot.] I was kind of hoping he'd forget by the time they were done.

Clever.

[ Maglor smiles and laughs softly at that ]

Well, I guess you will know, soon.

Edited 2017-03-03 13:59 (UTC)

Soon. I really appreciate this, I owe you.

[Besides letting him keep all the extra fabric.]

Tis fine - I enjoyed the work. I only hope he likes it!

[ his attempts at removing the sharpie mustache opal gave him while in his coma have yet to be wholly successful, but the real thing didn't stop him from showing his face on the network, so what remains of it the next day isn't going to do it either.

smiling he gives the camera a little wave ]

Hi Maglor, how are you?

Winn! [ Maglor lights up, the sea washing from his eyes as he focuses on the face on his screen ]

You are awake! ... Um, you are aware of your... new facial acroutements, yes?

Yeah, [ he scratches at it absentmindedly ] little welcome back gift from Opal. She's also kinda why I'm calling but I'll save that segue for after we catch up.

Nothing quite like a good friend to ensure you have a proper wake up greeting

[ Maglor says wryly ]

But you are well otherwise?

You know it, she's just looking out for my ratings.

[ said with endless affection. ]

Yeah, yeah I'm fine. Got some new memories, but nothing too bad.

The best sort of friend. [ Maglor agrees with a laugh ]

Spent some time at home, eh? I am glad they were not too bad, at the least. And what will you do now?

About a year. [ he nods ] Uh, madly try to catch up. This was not a good time for a coma.

[ he missed opal's birthday and his one year anniversary with kitty is coming up fast. ]

There has been a few things happening. [ He agrees ]

Did you need help?

Well, yeah actually. [ he runs his fingers through his hair, he's not wholly comfortable with asking for help but it's not ultimately for him and that helps. ]

I missed Opal's birthday and I wanna make it up to her. She's a musician so I thought - writing her a song would be cool but...I never wrote anything but fanfiction. [ cue hopeful look - help? ]

[ Maglor laughs softly ]

Aaah, I see. Is that why she chose to... er, bless you in such a way? Aye, I can help you with that - what sort of song were you thinking of?

No I think that's just her selfless generosity at work.

[ he smiles brightly when he agrees ]

Thanks, Maglor! Something funny, for sure, gotta be. Like 80% of our time we're well - [ he points to his mustache. okay that's the first time it's been physical but they always tease each other, it's how they express their love. ]

Just like a sibling, eh?

[ Maglor nods and smiles ]

Aye, so, you'll want a fast tune then, probably something simple & repetitive, but catchy, so that folk can dance to it, and remember it! Now, as with writing anything, the first step is done, now you have to work out what you want to say! Do you wish to describe her, her personality, her looks. Do you wish to tell a story about her, or to her, do you wish to remember something that happened to the both of you?

[ he smiles when maglor hits the nail right on the head. ]

Exactly.

[ she's his beloved baby sister. he nods as he listens. ]

Well, I was thinking - the first day we met we started arguing about her being a nerd. So, clearly there is no better birthday present than a song proving how wrong she is when she claims she's not a nerd.

You will have to explain that term to me, I think. Also, what she does that would prove - or disprove, that statement!

What she does is argue, which, doesn't really prove anything, but it's fun?

[ shaking his head fondly ]

It's got a bunch of meanings depending who you're talking to but basically it's someone really studious who's into like obscure stuff most people don't care about. Case in point she took advanced scientific classes in school, she likes classical music, she's looking to go to one of the best uh - school of higher learning - in the country, and she hangs out with me.

[ Maglor chuckles softly ]

Ah, I see - so your main argument is that you are also a nerd, and she likes you?

...pretty much, yeah.

[ Good grief but Winn is adorable ]

I... see. [ Trying really hard not to laugh ] Well then!

So basically you want a song explaining how Opal is very hard working and studious and hangs out with you, and therefore is very much like you, yes?

[ it's perfectly fine to laugh, maglor, he feeds on it. ]

Uh - yes, and no. I want a funny song shoving the fact that she's a lovable nerd in her face but it's okay, cuz she's in good company that'll always have her back.

[ SNORT Ahem, couldn't quite keep that chuckle in ]

Very well! You will have to list off a few more 'nerd' things she does then, as 'studies hard' 'likes classical music' are not really enough to build on!

[ he smiles wide, clearly not minding that snort at all. ]

Well for starters she argues everything - I swear catch her in the right mood and she'll argue about water being wet. But she always builds her argument on some kind of recognizable logic, even when she has no leg to stand on.

[ he's practically fanboying. ]

You love each other very much, I see.

[ Maglor laughs softly ]

So she likes to argue semantics, eh? What else?

We're family.

[ so much love, maglor, so much love. ]

Oh! She had three cats and named them after classical composers - [ hang on let him think for a sec... ] Mozart, Beethoven, and....ugh, you know how when there are three things you always forget the third one? It was Russian I think....something with an S in it...S...S...no, it didn't start with it...oh! [ jumping and pointing as it comes to him ] Tchaikovsky!

Clearly. [ Maglor says approvingly ]

Interesting names... [ His eyes defocus slightly as he thinks ] Difficult to rhyme with, although I suppose I do not need to use the actual names... what about classical music and composers is especially linked to nerds? The fact that it is old, or the actual music itself?

I dunno, if you pronounce it right Beethoven can rhyme with best frien', Mozart something with heart, Tchaikovsky...can be some kinda joke-sky.

[ future song writing genius in the house, clearly! ]

Eh, that it's old, that the only lyrics it ever has are opera, it's long, it's not super catchy beats, it's not popular, basically. So yeah, the music itself, too. It's like - [ he hums a few opening notes ]

[ Maglor laughs ]

If you say so. [ He says merrily ] But they sound terribly mangled when you do! But ah, the music is... older than what you are used to, I see - I like the sound of it. Alright. Anything else?

That's part of the fun of ridiculous songs in my world, you make a mockery out of everything, including pronunciation.

[ he nods ] Yeah that's one of the more popular pieces, which is why I know it. Um, well she's from Washington and I'm from California, so she comes from cold and rain and I come from sunshine, that can probably be worked into some kinda joke. Oh! She says she doesn't play video games, but she totally knows more about them than a casual observer.

You know, it doesn't have to be very long, I just wanna make her laugh when I sing it.

[ Maglor hums softly ]

Yes, you could contrast those, and the best songs tend to be quite short! You will have to explain video games to me, however!

I'll do you one better - I can show you.

Oh? [ Maglor blinks ]

You have it here?

I have some. They're not as complex or beautiful as what I have at home, no story lines and masterful graphics, but they're video games.

Ah, then you must show me, for they sound very interesting - story lines? So they are a tale, then?

Some of them are, yeah, not what I got here, but... [ shrug, they make do with what they have ] I can come over and show you if you want? Working on the song would be easier in person too -

I would not mind. [ He smiles ]

New things are always interesting! And yes, it probably would, eh?

Cool - where you at?

I am currently in my room, if you would like to come over?

Yeah, I'll be there in like...15 minutes, sound good?

Of course!

[ Maglor will be waiting, already humming softly to himself as he works on a tune ]

[ he'll knock before coming in with a cheerful smile and a messenger bag containing a notebook, pen, and his phones for some gaming fun. ]

Hi - that sounds pretty.

Come!" Maglor calls absently, and looks up to smile at Winn.

"Hello Winn. I am glad you like it! I wanted something with a simple, catchy refrain. Think you this one will do?"

[ he smiles right back ]

I think it'll do great, thanks again for helping me with this -

"Anything for a friend." Maglor laughs softly.

"Besides, you know how much I love music - this sort of thing is fun!

I knew I called the right guy! [ he grabs a seat ]

How do we start working on lyrics?

Well, we start looking for rhymes, I think. Rhyme and rhythm is what makes a song - it does not have to rhyme, of course, especially not if the rhytm is good! But it does help, particularly if you want it to be catchy!

So, I was thining, maybe somthing to begin with like...

I knew a girl, a clever girl,
From a town of cold and rain
Oh she smiled at me, and she laughed at me,
But our hearts they were the same.

Her eyes were bright, her tongue was sharp
Her mind of quicksilver made
Oh she smiled at me, and she argued with me
And we love the same video games

Edited 2017-04-25 14:19 (UTC)

[ he laughs, positively giddy, and claps enthusiastically. ]

That is amazing - you're a genius. Okay - let me try - [ he clears his throat and thinks for a moment before singing to the same tune. ]

I knew a girl, a studious girl
This gift she'll probably hate
The lyrics are too easy to analyze
And the score was written after 1798.

How's that?

[ Maglor smiles at him approvingly ]

Oh well done! I hardly think you need me, Winn, if you can pull together a verse like that! The last line runs a little uneven, but I think we can forgive that, as I cannot see a way around it, yet.

It's my first try - I'll get better.

[ so much grinning at the compliment though. ]

I definitely need you, though, that tune is inspiring.

I am sure you will - and thank you! I find that most music needs very little work, once you find the tune it is meant for.

It's all about getting the right composer, right?

[ n u d g e ]

Okay um - how's this? [ he clears his throat and sings ]

I knew a girl, a brilliant girl,
And as luck has it I know her still
As I string words together she surely will scoff
But it won't change how I feel

[ Maglor smiles, bowing slightly - one thing he has always been proud of is his musical ability ]

Oh well done! An excellent verse.

She likes to read and she likes to learn,
She likes to teach me too!
Oh her smiles are bright,
And her eyes are sharp
But her mind is sharper still!

If you happen upon her remember these words
Though her appearance misleading may be
There is no kinder soul than this little nerd

[ he pauses, trying to figure out how to rhyme this ]

Please forgive me, I must now flee?

[ Maglor laughs gaily at that ]

An excellent ending, and one that will prove propehtic, I fear, although you will not long be able to evade her on these ships!

Although I think you might want to try Please forgive me for now I must flee and see if it scans better

Edited 2017-04-29 13:02 (UTC)

[ he laughs ]

It's okay, I'm not really gonna try.

[ nodding. ]

Should we try to sing the whole thing, see what it sounds like?

But of course - are you planning on singing without music or...?

I'd definitely like music, if you're volunteering -

Then you have my aid, Winn.

[ He laughs softly and strikes the opening chords of the song for him ]

Just say the word.

[ behind him, the dictating pen hermione gave him has been hard at work writing down the lyrics. so he turns to grab that sheet of paper now and nods. ]

I knew a girl, a clever girl,
From a town of cold and rain
Oh she smiled at me, and she laughed at me,
But our hearts they were the same.

Her eyes were bright, her tongue was sharp
Her mind of quicksilver made
Oh she smiled at me, and she argued with me
And we love the same video games

I knew a girl, a studious girl
This gift she'll probably hate
The lyrics are too easily analyzed
And the score written past 1798.

I knew a girl, a brilliant girl,
And as luck has it I know her still
As I string words together she surely will scoff
But it won't change how I feel

She likes to read and she likes to learn,
She likes to teach me too!
Oh her smiles are bright,
And her eyes are sharp
But her mind is sharper still!

If you happen upon her remember these words
Though her appearance misleading may be
There is no kinder soul than this little nerd
Please forgive me for now I must flee!

[ Maglor laughs and joins his voice with Winn's, winding around his in support and he smiles ]

Well done, well done! I think you have done an excellent job, Winn.

[ there is a definite proud little blush there, he hasn't done any creative writing in the fleet and he definitely never tried writing lyrics before and he's just so glad he managed to come up with anything at all. ]

Thanks Maglor - seriously, couldn't do it without you. Now we just, gotta record it so I could send it to her.

I am glad to help, Winn. So! How do we do that?

I'll set up the camera -

[ he does that ]

And we hit record, sing it, then I upload the file and send it to her. Easy peasy fresh and squeazy.

And then we wait for her retaliation, hm?

You can stay off camera if you want, I'll totally get it -

[ Maglor laughs ]

Ah now, what sort of friend would I be to leave you to face the storm alone?

[ he pats his shoulder. ]

You -- are a good man. Ready?

[ So briefly Winn is clearly imagining things, shadow flicks through Maglor's eyes, but he laughs ]

When you are, Winn. On three?

[ he might be imagining things, he's still a little out of it from his coma, all them new memories. or maybe he triggered something, he doesn't know maglor well enough to ask, though, does he. ]

On three -

[ he counts down and hits record ]

[ As Winn hits record, Maglor bows to the camera with a wink and strikes the opening chord, stepping back to give Winn center stage, his harp dancing under his hands ]

Oh I know a girl~

[ he sings, acting through it. when the song is done he turns off the camera. ]

That sounded pretty good, didn't it?

I think it did. [ Maglor grins at him ]

Well done, Winn! We will make a musician of you yet!

Thanks!

[ he tilts his head and frowns a little ]

You know, that does seem to be my character arc in this show...

Oh? [ Maglor tips his head curiosly ]

[ he shrugs ]

I don't think I sang at much as I do here in a year in the rest of my life combined. But Kitty likes it, and I have musician friends now, and it's fun so, I don't mind.

Music is a joy, and you have a good instinct for it. I am glad you had the chance to learn that skill here!

Thanks, Maglor. Means a lot coming from you.

[ Maglor laughs softly ]

Thank you to sharing your gift with me!

Brother, I -

(He should not burden Maglor with this, but Eru help him he feels sick.)

Are you busy?

Nelyo? For you, always. What's wrong?

I...

I don't feel well. I think I might be sick.

D=

I will come to you. Where are you? What happened?

I'm in my room and -

I shouldn't tell you. (Telling him will fly in the face of what he told Daeron he is doing - or attempting to do, at least.)

[ Steel ]

What. Happened.

[ Maglor is already running for his brother's room ]

Nothing. Only words.

(He will be found on the floor, his back to a wall and his posture very tense. He almost seems feverish, but that can't be, surely? No, it is only his emotions boiling at the surface of his skin.)

[ Maglor flings his arms around his brother, fury and fear mingling - he cannot lose Maedhros again ]

Who hurt you, Nelyo?

(He remembers to breathe out of necessity, though it comes out as a gasp. The solid warmth of his brother combats the flames licking hungrily at his mind and his memories.)

I hurt...myself. (He lifts a shaky hand to stroke back Maglor's hair.) I do not mean to hurt you, Kano. I love you and that will not disappear.

The fire... (His body curls in on itself as if he can feel it.) ...didn't erase it.

[ He doesn't fear his brother's fire, long used to it, and he makes a low noise of distress at Maedhros' clear upset, pressing close ]

You are hurting, Nelyo. Worse than before. Someone has hurt you. Tell me, Nelyo. Let me help you, please.

Edited 2017-06-04 08:10 (UTC)

(The flames are roaring in his ears and though he knows he should turn back, he cannot. His body is crumbling and the rock walls are too steep. He feels the Silmaril fall from his grasp and only because his fingers are no more.

Maedhros gives a great shudder and purposefully bites the inside of his cheek to break the memories.)

He is very good at singing, Kano. It...bothered me. That is all.

[ His eyes flash, and Daeron will have an angry Feanorion to deal with later. But for now, Maglor croons to his brother, the water calling ]

Oh Nelyo. I am here, Nelyo. Stay with me.

(This feels like tattling and Maedhros flinches, burying his fingers into Maglor's hair.)

I deserve it. Please do not think otherwise.

You are my brother. [ Maglor says firmly, not protesting Maedhros' grip ]

You are always worth my regard and defense.

Your regard I will take, but your defense will not help matters. (His grip loosens and he sags back.) He thinks well of you and I will not interfere.

[ He shakes his head, leaning lightly against Maedhros]

He should have left you be. You have already pain enough - and you have paid your dues. Let his ire fall on me.

No. (Maedhros smiles thinly, stubbornly, drawing Maglor into his arms.) I like that he respects you. He should.

[ Maglor curls in Maedhros' arms, allowing his brother that comfort, but he shakes his head ]

We understand each other. But this I will not abide - that any would harm you.

(There is little that calms him more than holding a warm, safe brother. His muscles loosen and the nausea begins to pass.)

Some get sea-sick. I get fire-sick.

[ Maglor is happy to be that weight, humming softly to his brother in counterpoint, the shushing of the waves on the shore ]

You need not fear the fire any longer, Nelyo.

(The waves put out the flames, hissing, creating steam, but even that abates rapidly. The waves are too strong - too relentless. Maedhros tucks his head against Maglor's neck and shoulder.)

I always will. I must fight it, yet...

(He shakes, gritting his teeth.)

You do not need to know what I saw and felt.

[ What he can give, he does, unstintingly, for as long as Maedhros needs ]

I know. [ He murmurs, and presses close, so that his brother can touch and hear and smell and know that this is reality ]

I am always here for you Nelyo. Always. The fire has no hold on you.

(For that, he adores him and he is prepared to return the favor whenever Maglor has need!

He is not ashamed to do just that. His hand touches the skin of Maglor's cheek and his soft hair; he breathes in deeply, recognizing their scents. There is no scent of fire or burning.)

But you do.

Always. [ Maglor leans into this hand and sings of their childhood ]

As long as you need me to, Nelyo. I am here.

(His hand settles into a comforting, stroking rhythm over Maglor's hair.)

Whether we stay in my room or yours doesn't matter. I just need to see you are...safe.

[ Maglor purrs happily as Maedhros does, eyes lidding in content ]

I will stay with you, Nelyo. I am well.

(The contentment is shared. As long as he can sense Maglor and feel him, he can finally close his eyes and rest.)

Thank you for coming.

I will always come, Nelyo. I promise. You only need to call.

I require a blade and I have been told you can provide?

I can, yes - what sort of blade were you looking at?

Any will do as long as it isn't too heavy or cumbersome. I am a petite woman, you see, and my only experience with blades are those used at the dinner table or Dothraki Arakhs.

Ah, well, you will have to tell me what a Dothraki Arakh is, as I do not know that blade, although I am sure we could shift to find something close to it. Have you trained in any style before? We could look at a sword, or even at knives, depending. And knives are a good deal easier to conceal in formal clothes, if that was something you were thinking of.

Arakhs are curved blades - like half moons - and they are razor sharp on both sides. The Dothraki almost seem to dance with them in combat. [And during weddings or any other celebrations.] Knives might suit me better. I am not a knight or a soldier and I see no reason to pretend otherwise.

Hm, interesting. But difficult to use if not trained in the style, I suspect. Knives are always useful - and we can teach you how to use them, if you like. Come down to the forge, and I will see what can be done.

I watched them in use, but no, I am not trained. [Unfortunate.] We? Who do you work with?

My brother, and my cousin. You may see them about the forge, or... well. My brother is quite distinctive, and you will likely have seen or will see him around.

[Family. He has blood relatives here and, from what she has heard, he is ancient. Daenerys is envious and curious.] Khadgar told me of you; he did not mention you had family. Are you glad for their presence?

I am. We have been apart for a long time. It is good to see them again.

[ Beyond all hope, but he doesn't know her, and won't share such things yet ]

Do you have a large family? [Her family would be much larger if it wasn't so damn mad, violent and incestuous.]

We are rather large! I have six brothers, and nine cousins.

Six! That is a remarkable number. I would have had seven if all of the babes survived. Myself and my two brothers were alone until they too passed. I am all that is left.

That is a sad tale to hear, and I am sorry that you are deprived of them.

It is a very joyous thing to have a large family, although I cannot deny it is trying, also. And very lonely, without.

Family is precious; irreplaceable. I have sought it elsewhere and been unsuccessful. [Besides it's dangerous for her to have those attachments.] I refuse to be lonely; there is too much to do.

They are. But I think that you can make a family too, and one can come in surprising places, at times.

I am content with friends and allies. I really have no desire to share power as of yet.

[ She cannot see it but Maglor chuckles ]

Family is not about power, young one, but love. And love is found in many places, oft unexpected.

To love is dangerous. Those I love can be used against me; I could perish fighting for them or their honor. I cannot be a distracted ruler. I want to give my people my full attention.

Love always is. To love is to be vulnerable. But that is also it's strength. Love can save, young one. Never forget that. It can take the broken and build them up, as easily as it can tear down. There are few things stronger than love in the end, for without Love there can be no Hope.

Then I choose to love the Seven Kingdoms. I choose to love everyone equally and to not favor one over another. [She will not follow in the footsteps of either brother and she certainly will not be supposedly mad like her father.] Even my Dragons will not be treated with special favors - except when they have need of me.

[ She does not see but he goes very, very still, and a fire kindles in his eyes ]

Dragons? [ If he had been speaking there would have been menace in every syllable of that word ]

I have three. They are my sons. [She can sense a shift and it does not feel positive in nature.] They are the last in my world.

Edited 2017-06-10 00:07 (UTC)

Have a care! Dragons are cruel and as cunning as their Master. They are no ones child though they may play so.

I am their Master insomuch as one can be. I have raised them since they hatched; I was there when they took their first breaths in the fire. I respect their strength, their independence, but I am their mother.

Edited 2017-06-10 01:55 (UTC)

You may think so, young one, but I would be very wary.

I appreciate your concern. My sons are wild; I accept that, but they have not forgotten me and I will ride Drogon into battle.

I pray it will not be your last. We have lost too many to Dragonspell to ever trust them.

[ Or those with them Curufin mutters darkly in his ear. ]

Those amongst the Fleet or your people? What sort of spells can your Dragons cast? Mine can only breathe fire and take flight.

That you know of. I told you they were cunning. But my kin have fought the Enemy and all His weapons - including them - for a long, long time. And we do not forget the Battle of Sudden Flame, when Glaurung the Golden issued forth in his strength and burned out fields, entrapping the unwary in his eyes. My people died there, unable to run, held by his gaze. I do not forget, nor do I forgive.

I am sorry for your loss. This Enemy you speak of: was he related to Dragons? My family is said to have the blood of Dragons in our veins; thus why we can ride them and understand them. If your Glaurung the Golden was before me, I might be able to lead him away from your people.

Morgoth? No. He is something far greater than that. I suppose you humans might consider him something like a god. But He is no god, though He likely enjoyed thinking of himself that way. He is one of the Powers of the World, those who forged it. Or in His case, tried to break it.

And I sincerely doubt any could control Glaurung save his maker.

As a power, there must have been someone who worshipped him. Humans cannot help but be drawn to might - even if it is cruel.

Viserion, one of my sons, is a Dragon of cream and gold. I do not know who originally created Dragons, but the Targaryens have a way with them. My Drogon might be of a size to conquer your Glaurung. He is black and red and said to be the reincarnation of Balerion the Black Dread. Balerion's teeth were as long as swords and he could hold entire towns in shadow with his wings.

There were. They died.

[ A soundless snarl and then abruptly the video flips on, Maglor's eyes blazing in memory. ]

Child, you have no idea what they are, what they can be, what they were in the beginning.

[ And then he Sings it, drags her into the memory.

Glaurung issuing from the Gates, burning his fields, scattering his people. A monster far larger than anything they had ever seen, scales leaving poison on the ground as he moved, venom dripping from fangs, the fire to melt the earth itself. The golden eyes and the WILL behind it, a mind that was not a beast at all but something older, something not right, a pressure that grabbed and drowned and burnt so that you couldn't move, couldn't breathe, couldn't think.

Reaching for him even across all the distance.

My people are dying! but unable to do anything, choking on air too hot to breathe as Glaurung's get follow their dread father out, Ancalagon's shadow rising blacker than black, a mountain given flight, scorching the very mountain ranges to ash (and only a baby, whispers memory, he will get larger still).

A will and a mind that is beast and more than beast, something without beginning, something from before time.

A fallen maia!

A mind too strong for one elf, even a son of Feanor.

GET UP A familiar voice, command.

That's an order Makalaure!

A will honed to iron and steel facing minds like this in torment, and yet which refused to break. Their father's technique, swaying wills with a stronger one.

Get up and FIGHT

A gasp of air, his brother's touch fading, Glaurung reaching for him again but DON'T LOOK IN HIS EYES!

Scrambling for the Songs to break his people free, dominating their minds and begging for forgiveness as he replaces Glaurung in their thoughts but too late, too few. They cannot pierce his hide, they cannot stand before his fire, and Maglor cannot save them, the dragonspell turning comrade onto each other, so that the dragon barely has to work at all.

Lothlann burns! We cannot hold the Gap!

[ The Song breaks into a keen and Maglor slams the connection shut, the memories too raw, too painful ]

[She does not shy from the shift nor does she stop looking into his eyes. Daenerys has seen horrors in the East - mostly accomplished by men - and she has convinced herself to never, ever look away. She must face the truth, confront it, learn from it and control her fear even if it flies at her in a wild frenzy.

The memories - not her own - fill her mind and she sways, grabbing onto a table to steady herself. The color in her cheeks fades, but he will sense no fear in her. At least not a fear she should feel upon seeing a monster like Glaurung.

No, she has the heart of a conqueror and even as she peers into that beast's eyes, her resolve hardens. You could be mine. He is a fine Dragon; undisciplined - as one would expect of any Dragon, truly - but under the control of a rider who cared for him, perhaps he could be better.

Not safer.

More intelligent. He would understand his territory; his worth and his rider would keep him satisfied. Her nails dig into her palms and she stands rigid, her lips parted in horror and wonder.

So much death. Is this what awaits her on Westeros? Dragons never stop growing. If her sons live for a century or two more, they will be monsters too. Not the size of the mighty Glaurung, but...

All they need is time.]

Keso glaesot iderēptot daor.

[A tear rolls down her cheek as the connection is abruptly ended. She grieves for those fallen and for the Dragon that was made to do the bidding of a cruel Master; one who did not guide him, but let him run wild.]

There were three Dragons once... They were wild, untamable. They too met sorry ends.

Was this Glaurung slain?

Edited 2017-06-17 02:01 (UTC)

Only three?

[ the smile is bitter ]

Yes. Turin slew him, poor Turin! He was avenged but even as he was his Curse caught him and the dragonspell was broken and he knew that he had failed to escape his Doom. Poor Turin! I would not wish his life on any.

But it takes a Man to be a Dragonslayer. Morgoth never expected that! But so it often proved, that His design bore terrible fruit only to be compounded by the ingenuity and skill of Men.

They were all that was left after men claimed their territories. Before there had been far more. I like to think they once filled the sky.

[She purses her lips, features tense.]

Men should not be proud of driving a species into extinction. I am sorry you lost so many; I would have done all I could to intervene.

[ He barks a laugh ]

Men? [ The smile is feral ] It took Men to be Dragonslayers, but think you they beat the armies of Morgoth by themselves? All of us fought, lady! Elves and Dwarves and Men. Even Hobbits, in one noticable exception to the rule. They were amongst the worst of our Enemy's weapons, and not a one of us will ever regret pursuing them to death. The dwarves gave us the armor we needed to brave their fire, and paid bitterly for their craft. Even today the Brown Lands were so poisoned by their vapors that little lives there beyond scavengers. We would have killed you lady, if THEY had not done so first, and you are exactly the sort of foolish noble heart they would have enjoyed.

Morgoth would not have held such sway if Targaryens entered the battle! You would not have needed to band together to slay Dragons at the very least. Under our guidance, you would have been able to ride them to war.

[She is outwardly undeterred, but if he looks close enough, she is angry and disconcerted.]

[ He can see it, and doesn't care - the memories roused are scorching, and turning his fury on another is easier. He might feel sorry later, but she stirred the fires from their slumber and he is still his father's son. His eyes are silver bright and his tongue a blade that he wields without caring of the consequences ]

Fool child! Morgoth is a Vala - the mightiest of them all. Only Manwe himself and Tulkas the Strong came even close to besting him, and they are Vala themselves, the builders of the world. You could have no hope of anything except becoming another one of his creatures, twisted beyond all recognition, a thrall to his purpose or food for his experiments. Four hundred and fifty five years we held the siege, and the only harm we did Him was slow Him down. Even our greatest warrior, my poor brave uncle, could do no more than lame him, and only Luthien did any better, and she was half Maia and so
distantly akin to Morgoth in that way.

[Whereas she is the last of a family that is said to give birth to members that are either mad or geniuses. Her father, Aerys, was as mad as they come, committing atrocities against Daenerys's mother that led to many miscarriages. It really is a wonder she came into the world at all with Aerys's assassination, her mother's failing condition and the monstrous storm.]

I do not know these races, but the blood of Dragons runs in my veins. I refuse to be twisted by anyone or anything. I am a Queen and a Conqueror. If a Vala chose to stand against me, I would not bow. My children would stand with me even if we are destined to die.

[She watches him, hesitating. Then:]

You must have long lifespans. I would be exceptionally withered if I even lived to see my one hundredth year.

[ He laughs again, sharp and feral, and the next song from his lips is the Ainulindale, Daenarys swept up into the creation of his world, and the massive forces that birthed it, the ferocious powers of the world at their most raw and elemental, before they took the shapes and forms that the Eldar would come to know them by.

(memory flutters at the edges of the song, of the one time the Valar did act, when Maglor was living, of the earth tearing apart and the seas rising) ]

Race? They are the Powers of the World, Child. And I am Eldar, one of the Firstborn, who are tied to the life of the world, to die as it dies and live as it lives.

[The might is incredible; more than intoxicating - terrifying. Though the young, head-strong Queen tries to keep standing, she is unable and she falls to her knees, fighting for breath. Such power is not within her - nor has it ever been in any Targaryen - but it is around her. She believes it is in her children and they will bring it to Westeros.

That power will aid her in ruling and ruling well.]

You can...never die?

[ He laughs, low and bitter ]

I wish it were that easy. Oh, we can be slain, by blade or poison or grief. But our spirits remain, though our bodies are slain, and so the world wears at us still, until the Valar allow us to return to Life again.

Your Valar sound cruel. [She doesn't want to be that sort of might.] I will rule better than them. Even my children will behave better and dispatch our enemies quickly. They do not torture their food endlessly.

[ The edges of that dark fury fade into something older, something sadder ]

They aren't, not really. They're not like us, this is true. But they love us, as best they can. Even Namo wept, as he foretold our Doom.

Little pity we were promised, but little is not none.

Tears do not save anyone. [A lesson she knows from losing Drogo and her son.] You worship them still? I would rise up against them rather than blindly accept that punishment! If I die in the process or I am imprisoned by them, at least I will have no regrets.

Edited 2017-07-04 04:54 (UTC)

Worship? [ He looks amused ]

Hardly. They are the Powers of the world, but they are not Gods, and only Morgoth ever desired to be worshiped as one. They are ... were, I suppose... our friends and our teachers, our jailors, for some of us, now. But as they would tell you, they are but servants to the One, and He alone is worthy of such devotion.

Is he? [Anyone who lets his creations put such restraints on other creations isn't big on being fair and just in her eyes.] I haven't worshipped the gods of Westeros since I was a child. They did very little for myself and my brother. To rely wholly on them is foolish; we must carve our own paths and hope to find our way through experience.

The One Is. [ Maglor shrugs ]

He is their Creator and ours, the Great Singer who Sang all things into being, the Beginner who Never Began, and then allowed them the freedom of doing their best with His creation. His hand is everywhere apparent, but it is also subtle. Only in Numenor did He ever intervene directly, and then only at the behest of the Valar. For the most part, we are His children, the Valar and the Eruhini, and the price of Free Will is to have to learn on our own.

To learn, to make mistakes, to be punished for it without an end in sight. Does that set well with you? Have you become complacent?

Did I say there was no end? [ Maglor raises an eyebrow at her ]

Dagor Dagorath. The Final Battle. When it comes we do not know, but come it will and must, for Arda is marred beyond healing and only after the End can it be made anew. But until then we strive and wait in hope, but what form that hope will take only Men know, who go beyond the world.

A battle to cleanse? [She can understand that. Westeros will suffer such a cleansing once she, her fleet and her Dragons dock.] Is it strange to look forward to bloodshed? What happens to those who do not survive it?

Yes, and no.

[ He hums thoughtfully, eyes going distant ]

Not even the Valar truly know the End of the Song, although Namo comes closest, maybe. So we don't really know what it will be like. But it is said that at the last, Morgoth will succeed in breaking the doors of Night, and return to Arda to complete the devastation he began, and that battle we call the Dagor Dagorath. What lies beyond that we do not know, but some hold that Turin will return from beyond the world, with the great heroes of Men, to avenge themselves for the years of grief and pain, and Eru will open the leaguer of the Timeless Halls and set aright all that has been Marred. But what lies beyond the Valar forgot when they bound themselves to Arda, and so we do not know. Men might, but they do not return, so none have been able to tell us.

Hey, I think I've got enough metal.

But instead of one big sword, can I uh, can I get two smaller ones? Normal sized is fine. And if there's enough, could I get a staff?

Cloud, was it? Yes, of course! Why don't you come by to the Iskaulit, and we'll take a look, and you can tell me about the designs you want.

Yeah, lemme load it all up.

Look, you sure you don't want any payment? Even labor or something? I'm askin' a lot of you.

I promise, tis of no account! Besides, you have had labor enough to gather the materials, eh? Forgework keeps my brother and I busy - and that is good.

Why's that, you guys troublemakers? [You sound like a Loveless excerpt]

[ He laughs softly - and, maybe, a little sadly ]

Not in the way you are thinking, I am sure. But we grow restless, with nought to do. My folk, the Noldor... we have always been folk who need to do things. Without work for our hands, our minds grow restless. There are some things we would rather leave sleeping.

...okay, [Cloud says uncertainly. This is why you don't joke with strangers who talk like they're from six hundred years ago, Cloud. You are guaranteed to fuck it up.] I'll be there in ten.

Do you know how to find us? I really should ask Sokka to help me put some signs up... but if you go down to the engine rooms on the Iskaulit, we are on the deck just above them.

Got it.

[Cloud arrives a few minutes later than he said, but he had to figure out how to get most of the scrap metal up onto his shoulders without it banging into walls and corners. He still had to leave a bunch behind for a second trip.] 'lo? Anybody here?

[ The cheerful humming from inside breaks off and Maglor sticks his head out ]

Cloud! Well met - come in?

[ The fires in the forge are never allowed to go out, but Maglor has let them cool, since they aren't working on anything at the moment, and he is alone in the forge, beckoning Cloud over to a nearby table scattered with paper and various in-progress designs. ]

Holy shit, you're tall. [HE DIDN'T EXPECT THIS TALLNESS. get down here fearful giant

Cloud ka-tunks the scrap over by the table, staring down at those designs. He doesn't really need something designed, just like...a thing to stabby a face]

[ Maglor laughs ]

Am I? I suppose so, I never really thought of it. You should meet my brother - Maedhros is a full head taller than I.

[ He gestures at the designs ]

I didn't know what you were thinking of. [ He says apologetically ] So I was just playing a bit with things I know. Had you any ideas?

[Hey you know what, your tall brother can stay wherever he is]

I really don't care. Uh, heavy, I guess? For both of them. I've got more metal to bring you.

[ It's not that bad once you get used to looking up? ]

More a broadsword user, then? Hm. How long?

Tall as me, if you have enough. Lemme get the other stuff, but I definitely need two, exactly alike. So however much this stuff'll get me.

Hm. [ Maglor hums thoughtfully, eyeing him ]

They'd have to be thinner, if they were going to be that long - I am assuming you are including hilts in the calculation. You must be terribly strong!

[Cloud shakes his head.] Not that long then; the weight is more important. I'm not exactly like, trained or anything, so brute force is gonna be more useful than something that cuts neatly.

Hm. [ Maglor blinks ] I think that is the first time I have been asked for a blade that will not cut!

But a sword, and not a mace or hammer? With strength like you suggest, you might do a good deal of harm with even a morning star - although tis not easy to carry around.

[ He eyes him consideringly and sketches out a claymore ]

But otherwise... we could look at something like this? And truly, if you wanted to learn - all of us could teach you. Fingon and Maedhros both are some of the best of our warriors, only our uncle, Fingon's father is better.

-I'm fine, [Cloud interrupts, kinda rudely, but he really doesn't want to be taught the 'proper' way to do it. Whatever he knows, however crude it is, he knows by experience and by watching Zack. No reason to screw with it.] The design's fine. For both of them. If you need more metal, let me know, but I don't need anything fancy, just functional.

[ Maglor shrugs ]

As it please you. [ He says slowly, making the calculations ]

I think this is enough, but it's Maedhros who does most of the actual forgework. I'll run it past him and let you know, if we need more. Otherwise... mm. Give us a week.

[Cloud lets out a breath, bracing his hands on the table and hanging his head.] A week- [He shakes his head.] A week is too long. Is there anything I can do, anything I can give you to speed this up? It's urgent.

Edited 2017-09-18 05:13 (UTC)

[ Maglor shakes his head ]

Not for something of this size. We need to be very careful to make sure that there are no impurities in the metal and the actual process, or the blade will be too brittle, and not properly balanced. And, you need two of them. If you want something now you can use one of our standard swords - we have a few lying around, including Maedhros' spare.

[Curses and pushes off the table, hands on his hips. It's not like he wants a blade that snaps at the first sign of stress, but...] Did you have one of those visions people were talking about? With the planet dying or being on fire or whatever?

Ah, is that what you're wanting it for?

[ He shakes his head ]

No - I've heard talk, but I was not so graced, myself. There's no way we can speed up the process, though. Not for something that size. But you could use our spares, if you like - I can bring out Maedhros', to see if it might do?

Nothing personal. Or valuable. There's a good chance whatever loaner you give me might get broken or lost down there, if things get hairy.

[ Maglor smiles wryly ]

Whatever you break we can reforge - that is not a problem. But if you want something large, it will have to be Maedhros' spare.

[ he opens a cupboard to reveal several blades ]

My brother is used to fighting with only one hand, although he has a replacement, now. So his blade is straight, unlike mine, which is curved.

[ The one he brings down is clearly sized for someone seven feet or more, a long straight blade, elegant and functional. Cloud will find it exquisitely balanced and probably surprisingly light, especially with his strength ]

He would not object to it being put to good use.

[...well, it does look really nice so it would be rude to refuse even trying it out, right? Oh shit and it's balanced so well, and it might not be the weight he's used to but it's a lot bigger than the other ones so his reach won't be too badly affected.]

...You're sure. Maybe I should ask the guy myself so I don't look like a mooch or something.

Ask for Maedhros, if you like. But I don't think my brother will mind.

If you say so, then, I guess I have no choice... [please cloud, you want the shiny cool big knight sword to play with] -uh, can I get one for my friend too? Until his is finished?

I can ask him if you want. [ Maglor laughs ] I honestly don't think he would mind. But we only made him one spare. The only other blade I have here that is like it is Fingon's, but Fingon is shorter than I, and his blade is sized appropriately. Unless you friend knows how to employ a single-edged blade? He or she could use mine, in that case.

No, he- he's used to a single-edged sword, actually. That might work out better for him.

He can have my spare then - I used to use a double-handed style, so I still prefer a single edge rather than a double! It has a slight curve, but hopefully not one he will find too cumbersome.

No, Zack can handle anything. He'll be fine. [Still, it feels wrong taking some other guy's weapons when he expressed a concern for their safety.] Look, you two- you'll be okay, if things get hairy? You won't need these?

[ Maglor shakes his head with a smile ]

I can't really manage to properly dual wield any more. And besides, what good would it do me? I cannot fight a falling star. Not with a blade. And I am not my Arafinwean cousins, with power and skill enough to perhaps turn it aside. I am no good here.

[wh a t the fuck] Well. Okay, cool. I guess I'll be borrowing these, thanks.

[ Otherwise known as: Maglor stuck Galadriel and Finrod on a pedestel ]

Good fortune!

IC inbox (Drift Fleet)

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