(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

(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.)

(Action)

[huntingorcs]

[ Elladan yelps, startled, although he relaxes once he recognises Maedhros, letting himself be dragged close without fuss, clinging back ]

Grandfather, what is wrong?

(Action)

[castintoflames]

(He must protect this child! Even if he perishes in the process, he cannot fail. He will not fail Elrond or...Elladan. The name comes back to him and he tries to remember where he heard it first.

A library. Not the realm of Morgoth.)

Are we amongst the Thangorodrim?

(Action)

[huntingorcs]

[ Elladan frowns worriedly ]

No Grandfather, we are in the Library. Don't you remember?

(Action)

[castintoflames]

(Library. Yes. Maedhros exhales in relief.)

I think I was hallucinating.

(Action)

[huntingorcs]

[ As Maedhros relaxes Elladan does too ]

Oh good. Sometimes some of the older elves would waking dream as well. I'm glad you're alright.

(Action)

[castintoflames]

(He blinks, frowning at the wording.)

Are you calling me old? (Well, he is. Technically. He glances around quickly, his hand shaking as he released Elladan from his hold.)

(Action)

[huntingorcs]

[ G R I N ]

YEP.

[ Elladan doesn't move away, happy to stay tucked in to Maedhros' side ]

(Action)

[castintoflames]

There are those much older than I! (If one counts years lived.) I... The Darkness blinds me at times. I rest and it falls over me like a cloak.

(Action)

[huntingorcs]

Yes, but you are older than me, so... old!

[ Elladan nods and curls close ]

Some of the survivors of the wars were that way too. But I am here, grandfather. I promise I am no dream.

(Action)

[castintoflames]

That is how you judge - ? (Child. He blinks and blushes, his fingertips brushing along Elladan's cheek.)

I could not dream of you.

(Action)

[huntingorcs]

When I want to annoy people.

[ Elladan says cheekily and leans a little into the fingers ]

I certainly feel real to me!