driftfleet | [ you can't equip that. ]

Who: Belthazar and you!
Broadcast: Yes
Action: The Bishop.
When: 12/1, evening.

[video;]

[Much like before-- over a year ago, now-- Belthazar wakes up in a daze. He feels cold all over, a little sick, and he realizes that he's actually felt this before. There's a nice coating of dust all over his room, and an unexpected gift of red clothes folded at the end of his bed. It's... what he was wearing. A gift from Adrasteius, after...

... Ah, his memories are all scrambled again. He wonders how many years it's been this time.

He moves to put on his normal undershirt, but it seems tighter than he remembers, and the sleeves are shorter by a few inches, which makes the wrist-covering part look stupid. It is with great reluctance that he flips on the video feed, still sporting the same bedhead as before.]

According to my communicator, I've only been asleep for about a week... but I can tell you that it felt far, far longer. I apologize for completely missing the feast I had planned. It appears I was sent back home again.

[He clears his throat.]

Also, if-- if anyone has any skill at sewing or altering clothing, I could use a little help. The robes Kirian made me do not fit anymore.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Space is, I find - are you on the Marsiva or can you get somewhere warm?

No, no, I am on the Bishop in my room... and I have a blanket.

[He sighs.]

It just doesn't seem to help.

[ Maglor makes a low, sympathetic noise ]

Perhaps a hot drink would help? Is there someone who could fetch you something?

I suppose I could ask the horse.

[The horse being, of course, his favorite curly-haired pony. No, the other one. The orange one. In the meantime, he shuffles the blanket over his shoulders so he's just ears and eyes poking out, with his knees pulled to his chest.]

You have siblings, don't you? Can I ask you a question?

......You have a horse as a crewmember?

[ This place gets weirder and weirder ]

I do, yes - and of course.

He's the pilot.

[He asked them how they make clothes once. The answer was just as weird as you'd think.]

Thank you. I... I was wondering what a big brother is supposed to be like. I went from being the youngest to being the oldest by quite a margin, and I have not had the best experience with my biological brother.

The... pilot?

You are speaking of an actual horse, yes?

[ Maglor blinks and shifts gears ]

I... well. [ He casts his mind back to early years ]

Being an older brother... mainly, you need to love your brothers. Most things flow from there.

Pony, horse, same thing. But, yes.

[Poor Maglor. It's old news to Belth by now, especially since the horse apparently has another horse for a girlfriend or something like that. He doesn't pay too much attention.]

Hmm... I do care for them, but I-- I fear they do not like me quite as much. I am not very skilled at reading people, or dealing with children. I did not even know how to deal with children my own age.

How do they steer.

I was the same, when Tyelko was born. [ Maglor's eyes are distant in fond memory ] He was so small, and so loud. And as he grew, I was busy and he was so very different. We had very little alike. I worried always that... I did something wrong. But...

[ Maglor smiles ] Mother told me, "just love him, and the rest will follow", and in those days it was... easy. He wore his heart on his sleeve, and his moods were always clear. He taught me how to love him by simply watching him. He taught me what he needed. Be kind, and be gentle.

[His description of Tyelko honestly kind of reminds Belth of himself. But there is Daugion, too. Adra's children are very strong in personality save for the little one who is gentle and way, way easier for Belth to deal with.]

Just love them, and the rest will follow...

[He bows his head after a minute.]

Thank you for the insight. I think I understand a little more, now.

[Belthazar can emulate Caspa for Alrune, since he remembers her kindness, and Alrune could use a female role model who is not her mother. But a big brother? Completely absent from his life. Aaaah, to be an only child again.]

[ Maglor smiles at him ]

You will always be worried - that is natural! But the trick is often just...paying attention. Children are far more perceptive than most give them credit - and they will treasure every moment you give them, moreso if you give it freely and with good will.

That much is true. I remember how it was to be small and perhaps a bit too smart. [Precocious. He hasn't changed much, really, and he knows it.]

I... I want to make sure they never experience the same pain that I did. I do not want them to live in fear, even if the world seems like it will end tomorrow.

[He thinks Caspa wanted that for him, too.]

That wish there? Hold onto that wish. That is the dream of every parent for their child, every older sibling for their younger. Even on the days when you want to tear out your hair in frustration - and they will happen, and often! - hold onto that wsh, and that is all you need.

[He's surprised to hear that, enough that tears jump to his eyes-- but then he blinks them away. The realization is replaced with a soft, fond smile. Maglor probably knows by now that these are rare for the serious young man.]

... I will.

[ Maglor sees that smile and tucks the memory carefully away to be rejoiced in ]

Tell me about them?

[Maglor continues to be adorable.]

Alrune is the eldest at ten and looks up to her mother very much. She's the best at hide and seek, and always the first to nab a tart or cookie when I am not looking. She's bold and well-meaning... and she likes to braid flowers into my hair, sometimes.

[His eyes drift closed.]

Daugion is eight. He's fiery and compassionate, but also stubborn. He's taken to the sword better than I ever will. I worry that he will need guidance I can't really provide, but I will do my best.

And then there is Galen, who has just turned four. He was the first to accept me-- a quiet and observant toddler who is difficult to ruffle. He has an old soul and an otherworldly calm about him.

They sound wonderful. [ Maglor says in all sincerity ]

And do not worry too much about Daugion - he will look up to you no matter what, I think. And even if you cannot teach him some things, you can teach him others, eh? Part of being responsible for young lives is wanting the best for them, and also knowing that you cannot always be there - but you can always look for those to fill the gaps.

I feel like-- despite my age, I am still such a child.

[He closes his eyes again.]

But I will try. All I can do is try.

It is all any of us can do, whether young, or old. Children are more forgiving than we worry, sometimes. I think you will do well - your very concern tells me so.

[ you can't equip that. ]

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