(Video - Aftermath)

[castintoflames]

I sometimes think I feel as the Valar must. Standing aside or above as children wage battles they should never see or know exist is not palatable. I would put an end to the chaos if I had the power. No world - lest it be created by Morgoth himself - deserves to be scarred by war.

(Even one covered in hellish volcanoes. Maedhros draws a knee to his chest, resting his arm across his thigh.)

I urge you to rest and heal, my fellow passengers. What Light is left within me, I offer to you freely to speed the process.

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[castintoflames]

(His spirits are usually ragged, however how can anyone complain when Maglor performs? Even the fussiest of children would grow silent.

Maedhros rests his chin on his knee and watches his brother's fingers move across the harp strings.)

How can they stay detached?

[seawanderer]

[It's his secret weapon! He doesn't stop playing this time though, fingers continuing to almost dance across the strings. Sometimes music is just....easier.]

We are only children to them. Amusement.

[castintoflames]

That is not how I see children. (A shadow descends on his brow, darkening his features.) The death of one would tear my heart in two.

[seawanderer]

Nor do I. But you have seen what they do, and what they allow.

Children are precious and need to be protected. Raised with love. [Like their Elrond and Elros.]

[castintoflames]

Call forth ancient Elves for these tasks. At least we have had a chance to live!

(Okay so he is grumbling, but he believes he has a point.)

[seawanderer]

Mm. And we are far from done yet.

[He adjusts his song to will brighter spirits into his brother, gaze slightly sharper than before as Maglor glances over at him.]

[castintoflames]

I will be able to help...next time. (He has to or he will -

Do something. Rash, most likely.) Atto asked me to...remain behind. So I did.

[seawanderer]

And I will be right there at your side. [Where he still feels he should be. Always.]

You would have been distracted, Nelyo. You were able to do good off-world.

[castintoflames]

If you wish. (He wouldn't feel complete without him, but he has no right to ask it of him.)

You mean I would have been terrified.

[seawanderer]

I wish it. [There's a note of pure stubborn steel in his voice.]

And distracted because of it. I do not want you anywhere near lava ever again.

[castintoflames]

Thank you. (He softens and the tension drifts out of his shoulders.)

I would rather not see it or smell it or touch it. Lady Arien might be kind in her way, but dying by fire is not -

merciful.

[seawanderer]

You would have to chain me up to keep me from not being at your side in battle. And even then you would probably fail.

[He adjusts his song to try and chase away memories of fire and burning and death, countering with gentle ocean waves lapping at the shore of music. There's a reason he'd chosen the sea to walk along all those years.]

[castintoflames]

Why would I use chains on you? (Anger brings fire to his voice and he glares at his brother.) You know what they mean to me. I would only use them on our foulest enemies and that is not you.

(The water behind the notes begins to put out the fire of his discomfort; of his rage. He is left with only steam and he rubs the space between his eyes, trying to relax again.)

[seawanderer]

[There's a very slight smile at the glare.] You won't. I know it, just as I know you are no more my enemy than I am yours.

And so you are stuck with me at your side. Wherever you go, so will I.

[Maglor sees the effects of his music and keeps it up, teasing the steam to cool into a gentle ocean breeze, cool water to lap at the shrinking edges of fire.]

[castintoflames]

I could never oppose you. (He would rather run himself through with a sword than face Maglor as a true foe.)

Then I must adopt a safer existence. (Somehow. Maedhros sighs, the last of the steam disappearing into the open air.) Why am I imagining the sea? Your music is powerful, brother mine.

[seawanderer]

[Any fight they've had with each other has been mild compared to what they're capable of, and always short-lived.]

We both know that where you and I are needed is where we will be.

[Maglor lets his music continue a moment before trailing off into the air between them.] You chose fire, Nelyo. I chose the sea. No, not to drown, but to walk beside.

[castintoflames]

(Their love is too fierce to be extinguished by mere tiffs. Maglor is Maedhros's heart.)

In-between those times, we will rest. I know you dearly need it too.

(The notes ring in his ears and he hums, reaching out to pull his brother closer.)

Now you walk beside me again.

[seawanderer]

[Not even the pain of betrayal and loss can destroy this love.]

We both do.

[Maglor settles against his brother.]

Until I can't go any further.

[castintoflames]

(Those last words sadden him and he carefully tucks Maglor against him.)

When you reach your limit, you won't be alone. I'll go with you.

[seawanderer]

[He lets his head rest on his brother's shoulder with a low hum.]

What if you can't? What if you are no longer there?

[castintoflames]

(Maedhros rests his cheek against the soft black hair.)

I have another chance here and I am with you. I won't falter.

[seawanderer]

[Maglor snuggles against his brother, relaxing bit by bit.]

Here, yes. I know you won't.

[castintoflames]

(His eyes slip shut and he wraps an arm around his little brother.)

So you can trust I will follow you.

[seawanderer]

I know you will try.

[castintoflames]

I will succeed.