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(Hux has long since found himself under Maedhros's guidance or protection (whichever the Man will accept in the moment, really). The tall Elf is visiting the Iskaulit for that very reason, his appearance far neater thanks to the combined efforts of his brother, his cousins and his grandfather. He nearly looks like a respectable Elf! Though he would snort at such a description of himself.)

Hux? (His low voice carries through the halls and he has to duck his head now and then to avoid hitting various obstacles.)

Yes?

[He turned on his heel as soon as he heard his name, facing Maedhros. Hux didn't like having to look up so much at the Elf but he stood his ground nonetheless.

He wondered if he was in for another lecture- he expected that most of the fleet had seen the pilot's little show. He wasn't ashamed of anything he had done though.] Maedhros.

(Oh he had seen. The difference between him and others is he doesn't care what others do. He knows some are...unstable, yet this one - this Man - is his current worry. Hux deserves a respite from taking the blame.)

May we speak in private? (Maedhros keeps his face expressionless, but there is a soft warmth in his eyes.)

[Hux didn't agree right away, looking at Maedhros carefully. Honestly he knew that when it came right down to it if Maedhros wanted to hurt or kill him he was sure he would have already made that intention known.

So he nodded, gesturing for Maedhros to lead him wherever he wanted to go.] Of course. Lead the way.

(A Fëanorian's anger is not subtle. If Maedhros wished to punish Hux somehow, the Man would know and know it well. Lacking a hand hasn't diminished his strength much at all. His other hand and arm has more than made up for it except in how much he can hold at once.

Nodding faintly, he leads Hux to one of the private meditation rooms. He cannot think of a better place to meet. Once inside, he sits down and finally smiles.)

How are you holding up?

Why do you ask?

[He remained standing, his posture stiff. The Elf's motivations for such a question was unclear but Hux knew the Jedi and Resistance didn't need him to collect information on Hux.]

What are you hoping to find out, Maedhros? I would rather you were direct about it.

I have watched the network. (He shrugs gently and sits back.) I know how an organization works. You are a General and you are having trouble with your people.

(Person, rather.) I thought you might need to talk.

(Maedhros will not work for anyone. He is a First Age Elf and he is too old for taking sides.)

[Hux couldn't deny what Maedhros said. Everyone saw the spectacle Ren had made upon his arrival and if Hux pretended that it was fine than he would be seen as a fool.]

Ren was wounded before his arrival, his recovery and adjustment has been difficult.

[He opted for a more neutral statement though he didn't look the least bit concerned.]

There is little to talk about. It's my duty to handle these matters, especially here.

(His expression clearly says: "I'm not buying it.")

I spoke to him and he is...very angry. (An anger that leaves no room for logic or, dare he say, maturity.) I thought to help him, but I feared losing more limbs if I had tried.

(So... His gaze fixes on Hux.)

I am here to support you instead.

Yes, a wise idea. [The fact that Ren is, effectively, helpless is not something Hux is going to be sharing with anyone.] He does tend to lash out.

[He wasn't sure what to do with what Maedhros said next, going silent for a long moment.]

Why? You know what I've done and you know I have no remorse for it. You have nothing to gain by this.

I thought as much. (Someone like Ren needs to hit a wall, accept he has hit a wall and seek comfort. Before then, he will only hit others as hard as he feels he is being hit.)

Remorse does not come immediately. Even now, I do not feel all the remorse I should. (He frowns.) Whether you feel it or not is your decision. I cannot make you feel it. I am only here to support you because I think you need it.

Edited 2016-09-28 05:22 (UTC)

So you expect me to believe you are doing this without any expectation of getting something back in return?

[At least with Barriss they were both, for the most part, benefiting from their association as well as enjoying each other's company.]

What makes you think I need support?

[He hated to show weakness, he knew he couldn't afford to. He was surrounded by the Jedi, Resistance, and their sympathizers who would rip him to pieces if he faltered too much.]

Yes.

(He smiles with perhaps unnerving confidence.)

I am very old, General. I do not need anything from you in return.

(Hux cannot give him what he needs from his family, though it would do him good to see the Man follow a better path.)

I have eyes. My ears are not as keen as they once were, but they work well enough and I know what it is like to be outnumbered in unfamiliar territory.

Do you see these scars? (He motions at his face and his mutilated ear.) I have far more on my body. I earned them from the Enemy when I walked into his territory willingly.

Then you know I cannot afford to put trust into just anyone, Maedhros.

[Barriss had proven herself already and he had carefully considered putting a measure of trust in her despite her being a Jedi.]

Our position is precarious at best. [It wasn't something that was a secret. Anyone who was even half aware could have picked up on that fact easily despite his attempts.]

Why would you do that? [Hux glanced at the scars, raising his eyebrows.] It seems rather foolish.

Forgive me for saying so, but I am not just anyone.

(He has precious little pride in himself, yet in this situation, he refuses to be brushed off as untrustworthy or unworthy.)

I was a High-King of my people and I have been a General in times of war. I have given atrocious orders because I thought it best for all.

(There won't be any argument about that on his end.)

I thought I was saving my people. The Enemy made a promise that was built on a lie. I had not been openly lied to before; I thought I understood far more than I did.

And I suffered for it. The Enemy and his Maia took their time with me, subjecting me to tortures I do not even wish to name. Then I was hung by my wrist from a cliff for...thirty years.

Then you understand the need to be strong for those under your command.

[At all times he could hear the voice of his father at the back of his mind that weakness would not be tolerated. He couldn't afford it.

He paused as he listened to Maedhros, raising his eyebrows. He doubted Leia Organa and the remains of the Republic government would stoop to those depths no matter how much they hated him.]

I won't deny that I've considered what will happen if the Republic or Resistance were to capture me and bring me to justice. I would face a death sentence if I wasn't killed in battle.

Torture though, perhaps not. Their noble idealism may prevent such things.

So you're hoping that I will change my mind and what? Become a better person?