(Open)

[castintoflames]

Who: Maedhros & Open
Broadcast: Fleetwide
Action: Yes! On S.S. Huntress.
When: Early on the 2nd.

(Video)

(Maedhros is breathing shakily, unevenly as he peers at his reflection in a mirror. He pushes away from the glass suddenly, knocking over various odds and ends (a hair brush and hair ties) in the process.)

What...happened...to me?

(He cannot bear to be in a closed room for any longer. In a panic, he hurries to the door, opening it to find...more of the same. This isn't right. This isn't right!)

(Action)

(The tall Elf will be found in the corridors of the Huntress, stumbling as he takes in the strange environment. The blood has completely left his face, leaving him as pale as a ghost.)

Can anyone...help? (Fear makes his voice sound young. At least, that seems to be the case. Why else would he sound like an Elfling?)

Atto? Ammë? Kano?!

Comments

[action]

[castintoflames]

(He does not resist, but instead tucks himself around Maglor, trying to even his breathing.)

It took my memories...? (The idea is frightening and though he is taller than ever - though somehow less vibrant - Maedhros feels vulnerable.) Has it hurt you?

(With a shuddering sigh, he leans into the hand in his hair.)

How could the Valar allow such? We are meant to keep our feet on the ground!

[action]

[bythewaves]

For a time, I suppose - I do not know how, or why. [ Maglor clings close, letting his brother feel that he is here ]

No. [ This, at least, he can reassure him of - nothing here has harmed him ]

And they are beautiful, are they not, this close? It will be alright, Nelyo.

[action]

[castintoflames]

(His fingers find the bump behind Maglor's ear, curious if it matches his own. It does indeed and there is some comfort in that; some stability.)

I have never seen them so close. Could we touch them? (Is that why their hands are scarred? His brow furrows and he reaches for one of Maglor's hands, nuzzling the palm.)

[action]

[bythewaves]

[ Maglor lets him without concern, allowing his brother the chance to ground himself ]

No - they look close, but they are still very far away, and far too large. [ His breath catches, but he let's his brother see ]

[action]

[castintoflames]

(As children, Maedhros knew every bump, bruise and cut on Maglor as if they were his own. All of the new marks, scars and changes intrigue him - and worry him. His brother has obviously endured great pain.)

They look like jewels from below. I see now that they are so much more. (His words taper off and he holds Maglor's hands to his chest.) Toron, who hurt you so?

[action] well that was some terrible grammer in my last tag

[bythewaves]

They sing like them. [ Maglor murmurs softly ]

But yes, they are. They are mostly fire, I am told. Concentrated flame, held together in one spot.

[ A hitch in his breathing but his voice stays level ] No one that you need worry about. [ Myself ]

[action] <3 <3 <3 I didn't notice.

[castintoflames]

I wish I could hear their voices. (But no matter how he strains his ears, he cannot.) Concentrated flame... No wonder we are drawn to them!

(Their family burns so hot with every emotion.

He frowns, disliking the answer.) Kano, are they still a threat to you?

<3 <3 <3

[bythewaves]

I wish you could too - I would share it with you if I could, you know that, Nelyo.

[ Yes ] Not here, no.

[castintoflames]

(Though he obviously regrets not sharing such a gift with his brother, Maedhros smiles, the expression warm and sweet.)

We needn't share everything. As long as you are safe, I do not mind being deaf to them.

[bythewaves]

[ A smile and Maglor leans against him ]

That is because you are always kind. I will find a way to sing it properly for you, one day.

[castintoflames]

(He rests their heads together, murmuring:)

Your voice is lovelier than theirs.

[bythewaves]

My brother flatters me. [ Maglor smiles at him fondly, glad that Maedhros is calmer, now ]

But there, shall we explore this place, since it is new to you?

[castintoflames]

I speak the truth only. (Maedhros nods slowly, cautiously.) How does this ship move, Kano? There is no wind, surely?

[bythewaves]

You are still terribly biased, my brother, and therefore your opinion is suspect. [ Maglor teases gently ]

There is, in fact. I am told there are "currents" of sorts even here in the emptiness of space, solar winds stirred by the heat and activity of the stars. But this ship has no sails - what she has are giant engines - think furnaces, but slaved to produce energy, rather than heat metal! - that propel us through space.

[castintoflames]

Suspect it all you like if that pleases you! That will not change it. (He wrinkles his nose stubbornly. The explanation intrigues him and makes him feel...strange.)

Who sees to these engines? What will become of us if they fail? (To be lost amongst the stars without sustenance is a terrifying notion.)

[bythewaves]

One day I will find a way for you to hear them, and then I think you will change your mind. [ Maglor laughs at him fondly ]

Well, our ... [ Captors, he almost says, only to refrain, not wanting to frighten his brother again ] ...hosts, for the most part! But we have an engineer, too, who sees to the small day to day maintenance of this ship.

[castintoflames]

(Maedhros gently covers one of Maglor's ears, tilting his head.) I like that you can hear them, Kano. I can see the joy they bring you and that is enough for me.

Do they show themselves? (He feels protective of his family despite his mental youth.) I should like to see how they work.

[bythewaves]

[ Maglor carefully controls any inclination to flinch, leaning into his brother's hand affectionately ]

That is because you have a very kind heart.

Sometimes - not in person, but on the communicators. I suspect they are on a different ship. And we can go and look, if you like! Although I do not know much about them.

[castintoflames]

(Maedhros flushes and looks away, his thumb stroking over Maglor's hair and ear.)

Not as kind as yours.

(He glances back at him and nods, looking eager.) I cannot even envision such engines in my head. Seeing them would be enlightening.

[bythewaves]

[ Maglor hums happily at the petting, Maedhros even now knowing how to settle him ]

I learnt it from you.

[ A soft chuckle ] Then we will start our tour there, shall we?

[castintoflames]

(His brother is too precious for words. He drops a kiss on top of that black hair.)

Please! (Reaching out a hand, he touches one of the corridor walls.) Such strange materials.

[bythewaves]

Metal, I believe, although they bond it with a covering. But I can still hear the steel singing.

[ Maglor smiles fondly at his brother, starting to lead his brother ]

[castintoflames]

The covering is...soft and pliable. (Maedhros knocks his knuckles against the wall, intrigued. But he is quick to follow Maglor, keeping close. He doesn't wish to be alone again.)

How old are you, Kano?

[bythewaves]

So that we do not harm ourselves I suppose.

[ he smiles to hide the flinch and his voice is light ]

Older than you - I suppose I can call you brat, now.

[castintoflames]

I should like to know how to make it.

(He tilts his bright head, eyes wide.)

How - ? (But his natural empathy ends that question before it begins.) I love you, Kano; do you know?