IC inbox (Drift Fleet)

[bythewaves]

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[bythewaves]

[ Steel ]

What. Happened.

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

[castintoflames]

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.)

[bythewaves]

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

Who hurt you, Nelyo?

[castintoflames]

(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.

[bythewaves]

[ 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.

[castintoflames]

(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.

[bythewaves]

[ 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.

[castintoflames]

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

I deserve it. Please do not think otherwise.

[bythewaves]

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

You are always worth my regard and defense.

[castintoflames]

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.

[bythewaves]

[ 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.

[castintoflames]

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

[bythewaves]

[ 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.

[castintoflames]

(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.

[bythewaves]

[ 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.

[castintoflames]

(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.

[bythewaves]

[ 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.

[castintoflames]

(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.

[bythewaves]

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

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

[castintoflames]

(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.

[bythewaves]

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

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

[castintoflames]

(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.

[bythewaves]

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