driftfleet | (Open)

Entry tags:

(Open)

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?!

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(His complete lack of hesitation is so very child-like too. Maedhros tucks himself as best as he can into Fingon's arms, his shock and confusion making him tremble.)

Just like Kano. A-And me. I don't remember.

{Fingon wraps him up in a tight embrace. Just because he's short doesn't mean he doesn't do his best to shelter his beloved cousin. He presses a kiss to Maedhros' forehead then leans their heads together.}

Try not to fret about it, we are safe here. And I am sure you will remember, just be patient.

(Shorter he may be, but the comfort has him relaxing for the first time since he woke. Maedhros rests his chin on Fingon's shoulder, eyes half-closed.)

Why am I so scarred? Where did my hand go? (He frowns and gives his head a shake.) Kano's hands are scarred too. A-Are you - ?

(Gasping, he reaches for Fingon's hands, worried.)

{Which is all that matters to Fingon. Sorrow touches his gaze before he shakes his head gently. He lets Maedhros look where he wills, grateful all but one of his scars are hidden by his robes. And the one that can be seen is so small, barely at the hairline to mark the killing blow.}

I am well, cousin! I promise! This ship is full of good people. {A switch in topic might help, so he hopes, and as he wiggles his fingers at his cousin to show unmarked fingers and palms, he grasps the best he can think of.} Are you hungry? I get to cook and bake for the people who live here!

(He releases a sigh of relief, gently touching those wiggling fingers. Finno was not with us his mind supplies - for why else are his hand and Kano's hands scarred in the same way?)

The scars are old. Have we been on this...ship...for so long? (Slowly, but surely, he is constructing a timeline in his head. It is best he does not go further, however. His eyes brighten at the idea of food.) What can you do? I think... I am hungry.

{Fingon hums softly, smile warm and bright. He leans his cheek against Maedhros' hand, silently showing he won't flinch from him. Then grins and clasps that hand to give it a tug. Distraction successful!}

It can be cold so I try to keep a warm stew going, and there are some cookies I baked last night! Come with me!

(His cheeks flush at the affection and he smiles shyly. Finno may indeed be grown, but he has not lost any of his sweetness or charm.)

Cookies...? (He follows, eyes wide and curious.) What are cookies? I do not recall them in Aman.

{Fingon isn't willing to answer those questions, and some of them he still doesn't know.

He laughs, coaxing his cousin to run with him to the kitchen.} They're sweet! I learned how to make them here, only a few weeks after I was brought here.

(It doesn't take much coaxing! Maedhros is quick to follow Fingon, looking around the kitchen with interest.)

So you have become a cook? What else can you make?

{Fingon quickly dishes up stew for them both and hands one bowl to his cousin, then grabs a few cookies for them to enjoy later.}

Stew is easiest here because of how difficult it can be to get fresh ingredients. My duty on this ship is to cook for my shipmates, and I like it! Want to see my room? We can eat there!

(Maedhros balances the bowl, his mouth watering at the scent. Clearly his cousin has a gift!)

I would like that. (Fingon's presence is calming and he has a feeling his room will heighten that effect. Feeling panicked and confused isn't a comfortable sensation, after all, and his mind is tired.) This ship is so strange. How have you adapted to it so quickly?

{A gift of spoiling people however they can be spoiled! Fingon loves cooking, and not having further responsibility than that. Even now being able to make water himself is just an added bonus.

He leads the way down the hall to his room, shooting a reassuring smile over his shoulder at his cousin.}

The people here have been very kind and welcoming, mostly. And my duties are simple. The most difficulty I have is living side-by-side with Mortals, but I don't mind. And the technology! The augment helps with that.

(His brow furrows and he reaches behind his ear to touch the bump there.)

I don't like the idea of someone putting an...augment...under my skin. I know things about...weapons. Is there a need for them?

(As they walk, he pales, sneaking a bite of stew now and then to calm his nerves.)

It is easier not to think about it too much. I do not know if weapons are needed, but I have had to learn that it is best to know how to use them than not.

{Fingon opens his door and helps his cousin down the steps.}

We did not have to use them in Aman... (He mutters and steps into Fingon's room, inhaling deeply. His cousin's presence is all around and he is quick to make himself comfortable, enjoying the stew.)

{Fingon smiles to see his cousin relax. He's worked hard to make his room cozy and comfortable, the home of someone who didn't have to fight for a living.}

We go to many different worlds. Some of them may be hostile, and so those who know how to use the weapons the ships provide help keep us safe. Aman does not need them.

(The room feels safe and though he seems awkward with his too long legs and taller body, Maedhros makes himself at home, blinking peacefully.)

I would protect you and Kano. (Without hesitation.) Why do we visit other worlds that we know nothing about?

{It's good to watch. Fingon sits beside him, setting the sweets down beside them for later.} You do! {A quick assurance and he leans against Maedhros.}

The host ship where each of us first are brought travels, it does not stop. I do not know why, only that we all are monitored. For entertainment, they claim.

(A happy flush colors his cheeks and he smiles.) I want to protect both of you. Always.

(He sets his stew aside and embraces Fingon with one arm as if they are still young.)

I will not let them harm you, Finno. Let them monitor; the first time they set foot before us, I will face them.

{Fingon hums happily and curls into the embrace.} You have always been one of my protectors, Nelyo. Here is no exception.

And I do not mind being here! There is much to see and do and learn. {And people who were lost are near, and he himself is alive and healed.}

(He rests his cheek stubbornly on top of Fingon's head, huffing.) But you are in danger here with them watching you! Kano is too. How long before they go from watching to acting?

(The gentle manner his cousin has can break through his anger like nothing else.)

Will you stay close to me?

{Fingon tries not to laugh at the huff! He can't help the fond grin, though it fades quickly.}

Life has become dangerous outside Valinor, cousin. I have learned {the hard way} to take the good with the bad and live as best I can.

{A quick, fierce hug!} As close as you let me! My door is always open to you.

(He flinches and some of the color drains from his face.)

Should we have made the journey? Should we return to Valinor? (It all seems rather simple to him, though the journey is not.)

I don't like my room when I'm by myself. There are strange sounds.

Hush, {so gently. Fingon curls around his cousin.} It is done. There is no point in further torment by dwelling on what cannot be undone, and it will only hurt you more.

{He smiles gently up at Maedhros.} You could rest here if you want.

(His cousin is so brave and he sees it clearly. Awkwardly, he glances at his missing hand and the prosthetic, lifting both arms so that he may hold Fingon in return. Properly.)

I am worried about it hurting you; not me. (His voice is painfully young and quiet.) Would you mind?

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{Action} I thought I'd answered this already, sorry!

{Action} No problem! <333

{Action} :3

{Action} <3

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