(Closed)

[castintoflames]

Who: Maedhros & Fingon
Broadcast: Nope!
Action: Closed.
When: Friday Evening~

(His time amongst the fleet has made him too lax with his time. Maedhros knows better and he puts down the weapons he had been checking, ending his work early for the evening. He then cleans himself up, changing his robes and drawing his long copper hair back into a high ponytail. There is a bandage around one of his arms, but it is easily covered with his sleeve.

It is unfortunate that he can do nothing about his scars. His lips twist bitterly as he finishes his preparations. After buttoning his sleeves - not an easy task - he finally exits his quarters and walks to his cousin's door. Raising a hand, he knocks and...holds his breath.)

Comments

[valiantfire]

{Fingon almost hadn't wanted to return to the ship, but in the end, he knows where he should be if not on Arda. Somehow his room has become a bit cluttered, so since his return to dry 'land', he's been working on drying off and tidying up. The sword his cousins had made just for him lives right by the door.

He's just finished braiding his prized gold ribbons into his hair when the knock comes, startling him into staring for a breath before scurrying to open the door. He smiles at his surprise visitor.}

Maitimo! Would you like to come in?

[castintoflames]

(His entire demeanor shifts the moment he sees the smaller Elf. Fingon is precious to him and by Eru he knows better than to just...

Let the time they can have together - as a family, as friends or something else - pass by. He nods at the question after a small delay, cheeks flushing.)

Have you warmed up? (Absently, he lifts his scarred hand to touch the golden ribbons fondly.) The planet was beautiful, wasn't it?

[valiantfire]

{Fingon is always happy to see Maedhros, and Maglor. Those two cousins have been dear to him since he can remember. He treasures each moment he has with them.

He reaches to tug on the edge of his cousin's robe, very lightly, just enough to coax him inside. He's wearing thicker robes than normal - another project he's been hard at work on.}

I am. It was! I loved floating in the water, though it was strange to not need to breath air.

[castintoflames]

(There is no resistance. Maedhros enters the room and finally allows himself a small, warm smile.)

Strange, but wonderful. For a moment, we likely experienced the water as Lord Ulmo would or Lord Ossë for that matter!

(He glances at the sword, noting the pride of place. His cousin has not changed. Not one bit. But he has and so has Maglor.)

I'm sorry I haven't spent much time with you, Finno.

[valiantfire]

{Once the door closes, Fingon reaches to wrap his arms around his cousin, leaning trustingly against him. He's always felt safest with Maedhros, Maglor, and his father.}

Mm! I think they would have loved that world.

{He frowns gently up at him, resting his chin on his cousin's chest.}

Kano needs you more, Maitimo. You have both been through so much, I only wish to see you two happy. I am happy with the time we do spend together. {It's more than he'd expected, before they were all reunited.}

[castintoflames]

(He cannot stop himself from sighing into the contact. His arms are quick to wrap around Fingon in return and he rests his cheek against his hair.)

Kano and I were recalling the first time we met Lord Ossë...

(Maedhros chuckles at the frown and presses a kiss to Fingon's cheek - feather-light.)

We have both missed you. Our worlds darkened considerably when we lost you. (A shudder runs through him.)

[valiantfire]

{The younger Elf hums happily, snuggling into Maedhros' arms. He notices something off about one of the arms, but doesn't mention it.

Yet.}

I remember playing in the waves, and Lord Ossë coming to play with me.

{Fingon flushes with the sweet kiss. His arms tighten around his cousin as he tucks himself in close to try and comfort him.}

I know you don't want to hear it, but I'm sorry. {That he wasn't strong enough to stay with them.}

[castintoflames]

(There is venom in the arm and Maedhros's system is slowly having to fight it. He has not been able to locate any anti-venom. As such, he might feel feverish, but he is strong enough to withstand it. Especially with Fingon so close.)

He has ever been fond of our families. I recall him bringing me shells and coral the exact shade of my hair when I was young. He said there was even fire in the sea.

(Ossë could be wild and temperamental, but he was kind to children. Maedhros nuzzles his nose against the crook of Fingon's neck and shoulder.)

For fighting bravely? For doing what you thought right? No, Finno, it was my fault for coming too late.

[valiantfire]

{Fingon steps back eventually, reaching for Maedhros' hand, and tugs him to the bed to push him down. Water is easy for him to get, fresh at that, and he's started keeping some simple herbs in his room for when he'd been injured. It had simply been easiest to tend himself in his own room.}

I like to think he enjoys our inner fire. And I can hardly fault him for liking your hair! {He likes it too!

He leans against his cousin with a sigh.} For not being a little stronger, so I could have lived long enough for you to reach me.

[castintoflames]

(He offers no resistance, following Fingon without question. He sits down on the bed and smiles faintly.)

He does. I do not think his nature is so different from ours. (All of the Vala feel a certain kinship to the Elves, but some are closer than others.) Is that so? Do you like my hair?

(A light color touches his cheeks and he wraps his injured arm around Fingon.)

Cousin, I saw the state of you... What was left... (He looks away, expression dark.) You did not perish lightly.

[valiantfire]

It isn't athelas but it will help. Remove your tunic, Maitimo. Show me your wound.

{A breath. Fingon cups his hands over a bowl and wills water to form, ignoring the chill as it drips from fingers to the bowl. He sits beside his cousin with it, prodding at the herbs he'd been working hard to gather and learn how to use.}

I think the same. {His ears pink and his smile is shy.} I always have.

{He looks down, trying not to hide from those memories. Not right now, when it's clearly on his cousin's mind.} I wish I could have saved you from having to see... that.

[castintoflames]

(He cannot deny him anything. Maedhros slips the tunic over his head and sets it aside. His arm is bandaged, but he slips a knife out of his boot, undoing that fabric too. It falls away to reveal a nasty bite wound that is...oddly colored. The venom is indeed causing problems.)

I am not seeking a miracle. Thank you, cousin. (His skin flushes to a rosy hue and he smiles.) Then we are in agreement for I have always loved yours.

(The memories must be hard. Maedhros pulls Fingon into a one-armed embrace, voice low.) Do not mourn over my memories.

[valiantfire]

{One leg is tucked under Fingon so he can face Maedhros as he bathes the wound, a fierce frown is leveled at the mark that dares trouble his closest friend.}

Maitimo! {His cheeks pink as he laughs.} We were discussing your hair, not mine!

{He leans into the embrace, resting his cheek on his cousin's shoulder.} I do my best.

[castintoflames]

(He breathes as steadily as he can manage, but there are occasional hitches and he does frown. For all the pain he has had in his life, one would think he would be accustomed to it by now!)

But yours interests me more. (He grins, moved by the laughter.) I am fond of your braids, yet I have a weakness for when your hair hangs loose.

(Maedhros presses a kiss to the top of Fingon's head.) I can ask for no more.

[valiantfire]

{One would think! Fingon's as gentle as he can be while still being thorough, though he does start humming softly to try and help keep his cousin's mind off the pain.

He grins.} I love the ribbons you got me. {Though he makes note to maybe not have his hair braided quite so much when with his cousin.

He tucks himself closer.}

[castintoflames]

(He doesn't blame him in the least for the discomfort. The humming helps him relax and he even closes his eyes. It is not often that he ever lets down his guard completely around anyone.)

Which reminds me... (Shifting, he reaches into a pocket and pulls out four more ribbons of a gentle blue.) They are not gold, but the color is attractive nonetheless.

[valiantfire]

{Fingon loves that he can get Maedhros to relax around him. He works quickly though, and soon is rebinding the wound.

He gasps when he sees the new ribbons, eyes lighting up, and he immediately unbraids his hair.} They're beautiful! Would you braid my hair using them?

[castintoflames]

(Trust is not given often or lightly; it cannot be in their circumstances. Yet Fingon is and has always been a special exception. Maedhros only moves his arm to make the binding easier - otherwise he lets his cousin do as he wishes.

He smiles broadly at the reaction and hums.) We shall see if I am able. (He smoothes the ribbons out before gently running his fingers through Fingon's hair.)

Do you remember the color of robin eggs? This blue reminds me of them.

[valiantfire]

{Maedhros has always been indulgent of Fingon, even when an Elfling had taken to crawling all over him. It's never been forgotten.

He grins and stretches out, making himself comfortable and his hair easily accessible. If that involved his head propped up on his cousin's lap, could he be blamed?}

You've always managed to find the prettiest ribbons.

[castintoflames]

(He does not call it indulgence for he has never disliked Fingon's company. Any crawling that was done was amusing to a certain degree and it only made his heart grow fonder.

For a moment, he feels a wave of anxiety. How will he braid...? What if they are messy? But, with a scowl, he sets forth to give it his best effort. If nothing else, Fingon can rest on his lap for awhile.)

They must be suited to you.

[valiantfire]

{Ha! Indulgence! Fingon well remembers all that he got away with from Maedhros and Maglor, and still can! How can he not hold them close to his heart now?

He trusts them - simple as that. He lets a hand curl loosely over his cousin's knee, grin gentling to a smile.}

They must call to you. {Even with one false hand, Maedhros is gentle, and Fingon has no worry over the state of his hair when his cousin is done.}

[castintoflames]

(It is because their hearts are close that they are so easy and free with one another. Maedhros does not regret their bond and he will never jeopardize it.

He smoothes the thick black hair over his other knee, smiling at the pointed ear he reveals.)

Anything that suits you interests me, you are right! (He separates three strands from the rest and begins to braid, brow furrowing in concentration.)

[valiantfire]

{Just as Fingon won't betray them. He'd sooner betray himself!

He hums happily.} I'm happy with just the ribbons and your company.

[castintoflames]

(He learns the rhythm and keeps the hairs stretched out so they don't bunch or fray.)

I'll look for other shades since you like them so much.

[valiantfire]

{The smile on Fingon's face is content and relaxed.}

Anything you find and like, I know I will too.

[castintoflames]

(If only Fingon could always be so. Maedhros pauses to stroke his cheek.)

Nothing gaudy. Strong, pure colors that are found naturally.

[valiantfire]

{Fingon always is, when with Maedhros! He hums happily, fingers slowly playing with the fabric on his cousin's knee.}

With a sparkle along the edges?