bythewaves | IC Inbox: Hadriel

Two steps forward and one back. Actually, it might be the other way around. Celebrimbor watches his uncle intently for a sign of how best to help.

"It isn't." he repeats, firm, "That was a different situation. Uncle Nelyo was hurting in the same way you were...are." he amends, "He did not choose to slumber. The magic will not last."

Maglor stands at the doorway, a haunted look to him.

"I don't know if I have enough hope for believing that."

He can't stand seeing him so lost. Celebrimbor hopes that he has enough Light left in him to guide his uncle home.

"Then you can rely on my hope."

Maglor's arms are around himself, as if he can hold himself together.

"I am never strong enough to save him."

Celebrimbor's arms will join the effort as he hooks his chin over Maglor's shoulder.

"Maybe you are not meant to and maybe that is simply part of his journey. I know it hurts."

Maglor leans against him and a dry sob escapes.

"Just once, I wanted to be able to believe he wouldn't leave me."

Celebrimbor holds him securely, offering his body as a safe place to rest.

"You shouldn't look at it like that. Your paths are no longer merged, but you should look forward to when they meet again. You have seen that is possible."

Edited 2018-01-14 10:37 (UTC)

Maglor accepts that comfort, but his eyes never leave the room.

"I... don't know if I can."

"You are not alone this time." Celebrimbor murmurs, "Rely on us until you can believe."

A long moment Maglor is still, and then he sobs, collapsing as he weeps, leaning against Celebrimbor.

He will be caught and held, gentle hands smoothing over Maglor's hair and back. Empathetic tears well in Celebrimbor's eyes and he doesn't pay them any mind as they fall.

"You have us. You have family."

Edited 2018-01-14 11:15 (UTC)

Maglor weeps as if the world is ending, and perhaps for him it is - how many times, after all, has he been the one left behind?

(Not enough, never enough, always too slow, too afraid, too weak)

He weeps himself to sleep.

It breaks his heart; of course it does. But he can't soften this blow for his uncle. For whatever reason, Maglor has been cursed with this burden. The least Celebrimbor can do is ensure he is not alone under its weight.

Once he feels his uncle slumbering, he lifts him and carries him to his room, tucking him into his bed.

Maglor looks young, when he sleeps, pale with tear tracks still damp on his face, curled protectively as if to ward away the world.

"Nelyo..."

Celebrimbor sits at his bedside, stroking over his hair worriedly. He could not have Maglor Fading on him - though he, amongst all of them, probably has the most reason.

"He will come back."

"Alone..." whispers back to him, and if Maglor even knows his nephew is there is questionable, trapped within his own nightmares and memories.

"No, you are not." his voice is a mirror of Fëanor's and he can use it to command if need be, "Kanafinwë, you are never alone."

Maglor shudders, responding to the voice, eyes blinking and focusing. "Father? No...Tyelpe?"

Celebrimbor leans in and kisses Maglor's brow affectionately.

"All is well, Uncle. You can sleep."

"Tyelpe." He murmurs softly, gaze flickering in and out of dreams.

"I couldn't make it to you in time."

"Do I look angry?" he smiles, a bit sad, "I dug my grave and I hold no grudges except with our combined Enemy."

"I am never in time." He says sadly, a hand shyly creeping to hold his.

"Never enough."

"You cannot rescue everyone. We have our own destinies." he takes the hand, holding it against his chest, "Your love travels with us; that is your greatest gift."

More awake now, his fingers curl to hold his.

"I can never seem to rescue anyone."

He climbs onto the bed and lays at his side.

"We have failed you. All of us seem overeager to see what is beyond death." he sighs, "Maybe there is a bit of Grandmother Miriel in our blood. That is not your fault."

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