(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.

Comments

[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.