(Open)

[castintoflames]

Who: Maedhros & Open
Broadcast: Marsiva
Action: On the Marsiva.
When: Evening

(A voice, beginning softly and then rising in volume, can be heard aboard the Marsiva this eve. Technology brings it to others - the ship is large - not that the singer entirely notices. A bright tumble of fiery hair obscures the picture momentarily before a certain tall Elf steps back. Yet the singing continues and Maedhros's eyes are distant, lost in memory.

The notes reach pitches that are almost keening, but the melody always softens, always returns to a pleasant level. Until the end, that is. The keening returns, then, and the Elf shows his prowess with song - something he will deny until death and beyond - by singing notes that are quick and passionate like flames. His eyes reflect despair and grief before assuming a look of grim determination.

But every song must end and his cannot carry on. He absently brushes back his hair - which is loose from all braids - and finishes securing his prosthetic arm in place.)

Comments

[bythewaves]

[ The rooms here are odd, and Maglor's mind is still ringing with too many memories not his. But he knows that voice, and he goes hunting for it, voice gently curling around his brother's in return ]

Nelyo?

[castintoflames]

(Water cools fire and fire turns water to steam. Maedhros continues to sing until he sees Maglor before him. Then he smiles, the expression strained.)

The stars see it all and yet our Vala Queen does nothing.

[bythewaves]

I don't know that she can.

[ Maglor comes closer, offering comfort ]

I think they learnt all too well the dangers of interfearing directly.

[castintoflames]

How useless. (The pronouncement is uncharacteristically flat and biting.) Can you forgive it?

[bythewaves]

Of course I can.

[ Maglor looks at him flatly ]

I do not want another Beleriand, another Numenor. Besides. I can hear them.

[castintoflames]

(He looks away, hair falling like a curtain. So stubborn.)

I cannot.

[bythewaves]

[ Carefully, Maglor reaches to touch his arm, sliding his hand down lightly to brush his brother's hand ]

Do you want me to sing them for you? They are here, Nelyo. They are listening.

[castintoflames]

(He does not twitch; does not move, his body held in perfect stillness.)

They did nothing for you. They do nothing for anyone aboard this ship.

I cannot hear them, but the memories... Those I hear, see and feel.

[bythewaves]

Untrue.

[ Maglor doesn't push, but his voice hardens ]

The sea and the stars were my only companions for a long time - that you cannot hear them does not mean that they do not speak. I would not have mended as well as I have, without them.

[castintoflames]

I am deaf to them and that will not be altered by your sweet voice. (He focuses on him, intent.) You mended because you are the mightiest of us.

[bythewaves]

I mended because I had company. [ Maglor refutes ] They never spoke to me but comfort they gave me plenty, aye, and kindness when all other avenues were barren.

[castintoflames]

The avenues were barren because of me. You think you might be the most cursed of us, don't you, brother? But that isn't so.

(The Vala - the Maia - obviously do not think that is the case and he is soothed by that for Maglor's sake.)

[bythewaves]

They were my only company for so long.

[ He leans against him brother ] Don't be angry with them, I cannot bear it.

[castintoflames]

(He takes a breath and exhales, wrapping Maglor in his arms.)

I'm sorry. I am angry at myself most of all; not them.

[bythewaves]

[ Maglor nods, allowing them both the comfort ]

I'm sorry to be angry with you.

[castintoflames]

(He gives his head a little shake.)

No, that's right. It doesn't dampen my love for you.

[bythewaves]

[ Maglor hums to him in offered comfort ]

I'm sorry, all the same. I love you, Nelyo. I wish you could hear them.

[castintoflames]

(He tilts his head, listening to the hum.)

You needn't be sorry. (He wishes he could soften the anger in his brother's heart for his sake. Carrying that emotion is not easy or comfortable.) I can hear you; that is enough.

[bythewaves]

[ A soft accepting noise and Maglor burrows into his hold ]

I love you. [ He repeats it, he wants Maedhros to be certain of this ]

Always.

[castintoflames]

(He kisses the side of his head tenderly.)

And I love you. No one can change that; no one can interfere.

[bythewaves]

We are brothers. Thank you for coming back to me.

[castintoflames]

I would choose to return to you. You believe that, don't you?

[bythewaves]

I... am learning how to, Nelyo. It is ... not easy.

[castintoflames]

(He frowns and rests their heads together.)

I'm tired, Kano.

[bythewaves]

[ He reaches up to hold him ]

I'm sorry Nelyo. I'm asking too much of you again.