(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

[seawanderer]

[He flinches, but doesn't struggle, only hesitantly leaning into the embrace.]

...Maybe I am the Enemy and you don't realize it.

[castintoflames]

(The gentle scent - mixed with a hint of the sea - does not lie. He smiles without humor.)

You would smell of fire...of ashes...

Not the sea.

[seawanderer]

[But also of the forest. There's a scent of something wild that Maedhros might also catch.]

Then another. [Stubborn.]

[castintoflames]

(He turns his face to inhale the scents deeper, analyzing them. What clings to his brother; what marks his travels on his skin and his clothes and his hair?)

No other. I remember... We are the shepherds of books.

[seawanderer]

[Maglor shudders and finally wraps his arms around his brother, holding on tight as he burrows against him.]

That's right. Hold onto those memories- hold onto me!

[castintoflames]

(He sags into the hold, his racing heart calming to a gentler pace. Cold sweat has broken out on his skin and his hand shakes as he holds onto Maglor.)

Where have you been, brother? Where did you travel without me?

[seawanderer]

[How to answer, when he's barely holding it together himself? So many dark memories...but is the question for the present, not the past?]

I went to check a book that felt...off...

[castintoflames]

(His brow furrows and he pulls back, gazing questioningly into Maglor's eyes.)

Off...?

What of before?