(Open)

[castintoflames]

Who: Maedhros & Open
Broadcast: Fleetwide
Action: Yes! On the planet~
When: The 17th.

(There is a tall Elf amongst the wreckage, a gun at his side. His eyes are unfocused and there is a strain to his features as if he is listening to something hard to distinguish.)

I do not like the Song of this world. Have others noticed it? (Elven ears are sensitive to such things and this Song is one of...calling? Summoning?

It wishes to keep us. The thought comes unprovoked and his grip tightens on his gun.)

I would not spend overlong looking amongst the wreckage. I cannot say if it is possible for you to forget you are part of the fleet, but -

(It is not impossible and that concerns him. Leaving anyone behind brings back bad memories.)

I stand ready to guard anyone who wishes to explore, however. Tell me of your arrival and I will meet you.

Comments

[castintoflames]

(Good. It's something! Maedhros's eyes flash.)

They keep my brother from me.

(So be it. He enters the woods, trying to keep himself deaf to the whispering.)

Sing for me, Kano.

[bythewaves]

[ he scowls but obeys ]

Only if you don't hurt them.

[ his Song is green, full of trees and shadowed glades and quiwt meadows, and the wind in the treetops sounds like waves ]

[castintoflames]

I will not if you sing. (He listens with all his might and he hears him. Maedhros moves with Elven grace and agility - his size is no hamper - nearly sweeping Maglor off of his feet when he sees him.)

Kano.

[bythewaves]

[ he squeaks in surprise, song cutting off, but he clings back, confused ]

Nelyo, what is wrong?

[castintoflames]

(Try to get him to let go. Try.)

I will not leave you to trees. You are my brother.

[bythewaves]

Of course I am. [ he says, confused, automatically trying to comfort him ]

Why are you so afraid?

[ and indeed, the part of the wood he stands in in unshadowed - protected, maybe, the trees sheltering him ]

[castintoflames]

(He breathes out shakily.) I do not like these tricks! Has the Shadow touched this place? Is its Darkness hidden from us?

(Maedhros kisses Maglor's brow and pulls back.)

You belong with your family.

[bythewaves]

I told you. [ Maglor says patiently, curling close ] The wood is keeping me safe.

[castintoflames]

I would feel better if you were back on the ship. (He cannot let himself rest here. He will not. No matter the peace it brings.)

[bythewaves]

But I can't hear them properly on the ship. [ he says plaintively ]

[castintoflames]

That is a sacrifice you must make. (His voice gentles.)

[bythewaves]

But I can't hear them. [ he begs ] I miss them, Nelyo.

[castintoflames]

What if we took one with us? A little one? I could bring enough soil to keep it warm and nourished.

[bythewaves]

[ he shakes his head ]

You can't. They need each other - it will be too lonely without the others.

[castintoflames]

Ah now you see how you will be eventually. (He tucks some dark hair behind his brother's ear.) Without family... With only your memories to give you comfort.

[bythewaves]

[ flatly ]

I have been alone before and did not mind it.

[castintoflames]

Liar. (The word is said somehow gently and fiercely.)

[bythewaves]

[ the answering stare is defiant ]

I had to be. [ Because you all left me goes unsaid but is blaazingly clear ]

[castintoflames]

(A grim sort of triumph burns in his eyes.)

Had to be. Did not want to be; did not wish for it. Why would you wish for it now?

[bythewaves]

Because I miss the trees! You wouldn't let me stay with the Sea either!

[castintoflames]

Are they more important than your family, Kano? Than your well-being? I know you love them, but I will not stand idly by while you waste away on a planet I cannot even name!

[bythewaves]

[ Maglor rears back as if struck ] That is unfair!

I always put you first. Not father but you! But you don't need me, you've never needed me, and besides, you have Fingon here.

[castintoflames]

(His anger is like a match struck near gasoline. One wrong move and it would be an inferno.)

I do need you. I moved to your ship because I need you. I love you.

[bythewaves]

You always say that but you left me!

[ Fury, in eyes gone silver in rage, but the cry is the plainitive plea of the lonely child ]

Even in the end, you chose him over me!

[castintoflames]

I never thought I was going to him. (Oh he had hoped. He had missed his friend dearly.) I only wanted the pain to end. I wanted to free myself and you of...

(Himself.)