Following that other one... [video]

[runs_on_batteries]

If there are any kids- both big and small- who don't want to be alone right now, I'm making hot chocolate and blanket forts in the dining room.

Also, bring a blanket.

Comments

[marriedanidiot]

[ She smiles at him fondly, keeping her voice low ]

Who do you think gave your brother his first lessons, my dear?

[so_dark_a_road]

[ He smiles back. It is a small, pale smile, but a very genuine one. ]

You, of course.

[ He sets the blankets down on a bench and then comes to Nerdanel and wraps an arm around her briefly, so as not to cause her to set the harp down. ]

[marriedanidiot]

[ She leans into the hug and shifts enough to press a kiss to his cheek ]

You will not speak of your past any longer saving only to those you are sure you can trust. [ She says firmly ] Not until we know who it is who would act so precipitously.

[so_dark_a_road]

[ He is tempted to just sink onto her shoulder, but he refrains. He smiles at the kiss and reaches up a hand to stroke her red hair. ]

Are you afraid that that shadow-being who seized Xue Yang might be tempted to treat others similarly? Namely, me? For my very dark past actions.

[marriedanidiot]

You, and your father. [ She says quietly, worriedly ]

Both of you have stained your hands in ways I think this being would take issue with.

[so_dark_a_road]

I"ll be careful about what I say on the network, then. And I'll watch what I say to anyone at all, in person.

[He hopes that this promise will alleviate his mother's fears. About her son, anyway. Perhaps Fëanor will be willing to promise as well. ]

I agree. [ He looks briefly at the palms of his hands, as though he could see the bloodstains there. In fact, his memory is so acute and his imagination so vivid that he actually can see them. ] If this being thinks Xue Yang is a criminal, what would it think about me? Or Father? But we'll do our best to stay safe, Mother.

[ He is still stroking her red hair softly. ]

[marriedanidiot]

I think that best.

[ She nods, and covers her hands with her own ]

Even so. You have shown me how you have grown and worked to change. But a being like that... I do not think it cares.

Want to wrap this one?

[so_dark_a_road]

[ He smiles and clasps her hands. He always does what his mother thinks best, don't you know? XD ]

I have. I have done nothing but work towards becoming a person who cares for others and works for the good of my community. I wonder if that shadowy being takes that into account? No way of knowing that, right now.

Still. . . I won't fall into the hands of that being. I think I can promise that. It may not be interested in me, but if it is, I have powers of my own, and I would use them to defend myself, so as not to grieve you, Mother.

yus

[marriedanidiot]

[ SHE WISHES ]

I know you would, yonya. Only be careful! I cannot lose you again.