(Open)

[castintoflames]

Who: Maedhros
Broadcast: Fleetwide~
Action: On the S.S. Huntress.
When: Friday morning.

The best secrets are never told; they are buried down deep and killed before they reach the lips.

(His family has many such secrets and he has added a vault or two of his own to them. He also knows the power of denial. A secret can't hurt if you believe it isn't real.)

I am experienced with secrets and lies. There are not any that could hurt me now. However...

Those rumors relating to my family shall do them no harm. If they were heard, you will forget them.

(There is a steely glint to his eyes now; threatening, mad.)

Comments

[bythewaves]

It is fine, Nelyo, do not fret so!

[castintoflames]

I do not fret, Kano; I act.

[bythewaves]

But what is there to act against? They are just words, Nelyo, I promise, I take no hurt. They have said worse about us, Nelyo - much has even been true.


what even is autotune and why are people saying I use it

[castintoflames]

(Much in his opinion. His expression is tight and his eyes are dark.) The truth cannot be understood by children so young. I will not have them holding it against you.

Auto...tune?

[bythewaves]

Even the true ones? Brother, I promise, they are but words and do me no harm.

And it is something I heard suggested - apparently an artificial means of forcing an individual to maintain perfect pitch. [ This is the careless shrug of a musician who has heard jealous rivals make all sorts of claims and laughs in their faces ]

They are merely jealous. They have said worse of me before and you know it.

[castintoflames]

The true ones - (are perhaps the more dangerous.) You do not need artificial enhancement!

(He takes offense to that.) Your voice is perfection. If they will not listen to you, I will.

[bythewaves]

The true ones are true. [ he says gently, sadly ] And do we not deserve all that comes with them?

[ a laugh ]

Thank yoy, Nelyo. Let them say what they will, for true artistry cannot be hidden.

[castintoflames]

...yes. (He has earned everything that comes his way. Especially the negativity. But there is a particular rumor that involves someone who does not.) We? No.

Will you sing for me? It is calming.

[bythewaves]

You are trying to protect Fingon. [ Maglor crooks an eyebrow at him in sudden understanding ]

You know you need but ask, Nelyo. What do you wish to hear?

[castintoflames]

(He nods shakily, gaze distant, guilty and consumed with a conflict that is several millennia old.)

Your songs for the stars. They shine brighter when your voice accompanies them.

[bythewaves]

I think our cousin can determine what he needs to be protected from. [ Maglor says gently but nods, eyes going distant as he opens himself to the Music and Sings for his brother.

Starsong, high and piercingly pure, brilliant and aweful and a memory of perfection ]

[castintoflames]

(Maedhros looks on the verge of arguing, but Maglor knows what he might say. He gives an awkward shrug.) You might say the same for yourself but that does not change my reaction.

(He shudders and closes his eyes, envisioning thousands of stars overhead on a cloudless Arda night. In his visions of perfection, he is ringed by family; all of whom are enjoying the sight at his side.)

[bythewaves]

[ Maglor has no skill with osanwe, mind forever too full of music to be able to reach beyond. But like this, when he Sings, he can follow his brother's thoughts, his brother's heart, and his Song shifts, a memory of nights far from Tirion, on the edges of Aman where the Treelight was dim, and firelight flickering on beloved faces, voices blending in joyful laughter and teasing.

A happier time for them all ]

[castintoflames]

(His tension melts away as his mind drifts to those memories. He can hear the wind and sense the presence of all of his family gathered about him. There is no worry of safety; no threat to their peace. A small smile tugs insistently at his lips.)

I have not played the flute in so long.

[bythewaves]

[ Maglor smiles, proud in knowing he can do this, ease his brother's worries, even if just for a time ]

You could try picking up a whistle, maybe.

[castintoflames]

(He hums and shrugs a shoulder.) Those days are in the past. I will leave the tunes to you.

[bythewaves]

You can still sing, brother mine. [ Maglor smiles at him fondly ]

I still love your voice.

[castintoflames]

My voice cannot touch the stars, but I suppose I am content if it touches your heart. (Humble desires are not celebrated enough.)

[bythewaves]

[ Maglor's eyes are very fond ]

You touch my heart without needing to try, Nelyo. I have no need of stars when you are here.

[castintoflames]

Would you like to sit with me as we watch them again? (They have a special place for that and he will sing for his brother.)

[bythewaves]

[ Maglor nods eagerly ]

Have you the time?

[castintoflames]

I have plenty of time for you. (He chuckles.) I will meet you there?

action?

[bythewaves]

I will see you shortly!

[ And sure enough, Maglor is there, in their favourite nook, waiting ]

(Action)

[castintoflames]

(Maedhros has to stop on the way to grab some drinks for them. If he is to sing, he will not have it be a half-hearted, thirsty attempt. Then he is walking into the nook and setting the bottles down.)

What would you like to hear? If I were to sing...

(Action)

[bythewaves]

[ Maglor's eyes light at the anticipation of his brother singing ]

Our star song. [ He teases impishly ] But truly, whatever you like, Nelyo.