(Video)

[castintoflames]

(He awakens from his meditation with a sharp gasp. There is darkness around him - no oddity in an unlit library aisle - but he sees something sinister; something beyond the tomes surrounding him.)

Since when have those lands been recorded? Do not write of them! Do not let them gain a foothold!

(Books are knocked askew as he rises in a flurry to his feet.)

I cannot hear you. I cannot. I will not! (Is that the sound of a chain dragging along the floor? Or is that his imagination?) You will not hold me fast!

Comments

[Video]

[unfavorableinstigation]

[Nita, seemingly in contrast, is quietly contemplative.]

Maybe it's the other way around? That our worlds contain refractions of these shadows?

[A disturbing notion, but it wouldn't be the first time Nita's encountered a parallel like this.]

[Video]

[castintoflames]

...what do you mean? (He is pulled so taut that he feels he might break at the slightest touch.) Is none of it reality?

Re: [Video]

[unfavorableinstigation]

No, no; it's all reality. But we can only be aware of so much of it at once - mortal minds have their limits.

Maybe even immortal ones.

[Are you getting that Alice in Wonderland vibe yet?]

[Video]

[castintoflames]

(As a matter of fact...)

Immortality isn't lasting despite its name. I cannot begin to understand multiple realities. Am I to be tortured or not?

Am I within the confines of Morgoth or not?

Re: [Video]

[unfavorableinstigation]

There are different types of immortality, you're right. My apologies.

But this place wasn't designed to be a place of torture.

[That was up to the coping abilities of those summoned.]

And I doubt you're still in Morgoth, either.

[Video]

[castintoflames]

Morgoth is...one of the Valar. (Not...torture? He is clearly trying to even his breathing.) Have you not heard of him? What of Sauron, his servant?

(There is comfort in the names not being known.)

Re: [Video]

[unfavorableinstigation]

[Nita frowns, nods. Another name to keep track of; if people like Morgoth start showing up...]

Hnn - maybe? Heard of, but never met. It's vague to me.

[Nita not recalling a character from a book? Le gasp! Though, if it comforts Maedhros, it's not really a problem now is it?]

[Video]

[castintoflames]

Let it remain vague! You will be better off. (He has sight enough to tell she is young.) How old are you, child?

Re: [Video]

[unfavorableinstigation]

[There's a pause.]

Sixteen, I believe. Though I'm not sure that matters much in this place.

Actiooooon

[seawanderer]

[Maglor comes running down an aisle to his brother and reaches out with guilt etched on his face.]

I was only gone a minute, Nelyo, forgive me! [Because clearly it's his fault for not guarding his brother's rest better.]

Actiooooon

[castintoflames]

(A figure is running, hands reaching out to...

To bind him? Maedhros jerks back, back hitting the wall without any regard to how he might injure himself.)

Nelyo is not a name you should know! (It is his childhood nickname. It is...precious. He must protect it.)

[seawanderer]

[He jerks away too with a gasp, then keeps backing away, wrapping his arms around himself.]

Nelyo is Nelyo... [He feels as if he's a child again.]

[castintoflames]

(The retreat is unexpected and he inches forward, his breathing heavy.)

...why is it so dark?

Are you my brother? (If so... Does that mean...) They have taken my Kano?

[seawanderer]

[Maglor keeps backing away until his back is against a shelf.] The torch went out...and there are neither the Sun or Moon, nor the Stars...

[A frown.] ...We are in the Library, Nelyo...

[castintoflames]

(His ears twitch at the sound of impact.) Where is your Light? My Kano is unmistakable.

(He gropes for a shelf and touches the books with trembling fingers.)

...the beasts of Morgoth have no need for books. You speak the truth.

[seawanderer]

[Oddly enough, Maglor has no trouble seeing and avoiding things. He's not even thought to try and make himself glow a little.] You were dreaming, brother, and your sight has yet to clear.

Why would I lie to you?

[castintoflames]

(With each word, the books, the shelves, the aisle come into better focus. His other senses are telling him that this is no trick for he can smell the pages and the leather of aged tomes. Shakily, he turns from the shelf and focuses on Maglor; the sight of his brother looking so strained and so pale sends his heart plummeting.)

It felt so real... I thought you meant to bind me.

video

[huntingorcs]

Grandfather? Who harms you?

[ Elladan is up and running, Maedhros' fury rousing memories of his mother, worry in that young voice ]

video

[castintoflames]

Grandfather? (His voice is breathless and hoarse.) No one has called me such - ?

(Except that face... Maedhros feels his heart constrict.) Have they captured you, child?

video

[huntingorcs]

I do, I will.

[ Elladan shakes his head, skidding around shelves and searching for him ]

I'm fine, Grandfather. I'm worried about you.

video

[castintoflames]

You should not be here. (He snaps, his fear driving the words out harshly. He does not mean for them to be so, but his panic and anger are often closely entwined.)

I can stand the pain. Free yourself.

video

[huntingorcs]

[ Elladan's mouth sets in a stubborn line ]

I am where I want to be. Where are you, Grandfather? I am well, and I am not leaving you be.

video

[castintoflames]

I can hear you. (And not from the strange device.) Be careful of the chains! (He can hear them dragging in his mind, but they sound so clear...so close...)

video -> action?

[huntingorcs]

As I can you - but I see no chains, grandfather.

[ Running as only the elves can run, fleet and light, trying to figure out which stack is hiding him ]

(Action)

[castintoflames]

(An arm will shoot out and grab the young Elf, pulling him tight to a shuddering chest. Maedhros is barely holding back terrified sobs, but he is purposefully placing himself between the perceived danger and Elladan.)