(Video)

[castintoflames]

(His gaze is hard, unyielding; his are the eyes of someone who has seen their end and been haunted by its repercussions. There are scars on his face - he has no way of hiding them - and the tip of one of his pointed ears is missing entirely. But his voice is deep and strong; it resonates in the manner of a King.)

I do not know what good I can offer or why so much power was expended to bring me to this place...

(He takes a breath, pausing for a beat, his stern features relaxing minutely.)

But I thank you. I would not have seen my family otherwise.

(Maedhros is clearly not comfortable being overly demonstrative, so he moves on swiftly, looking thoughtful.)

I have loved books since I was an Elfling; I did not realize they had such power to pull us into their tales. We have been given a curious flock.

Comments

[Video]

[unfavorableinstigation]

[Well. Actual Elfs. Elves, rather. In hindsight, Nita should have seen something like this coming.]

I'm glad. That you've gotten to see them again, I mean.

[Nita wishes she could say the same.]

I'll second the part about us being a 'curious flock' though. And-

[She was about to add, it's more like we've been pulled out of ours, but Nita kind of doesn't want to wreck his perception of the world. More than it's been wrecked already, anyway.]

-And this place is pretty good at finding the people who'd most appreciate it.

[Video]

[castintoflames]

(It is a gift he did not expect and he knows damn well he doesn't deserve.)

As am I.

(He waits for her to finish before nodding slowly.)

I take it you appreciate it too? Was your life finished in your world?

(Are there others like him, he wonders.)

Re: [Video]

[unfavorableinstigation]

[Nita shakes her head.]

No, actually - but considering I was between missions, rather than on one, for all I know I do have Death coming for me.

[And considering the Lone Power has a bit of a grudge against her, that may be more true than she'll admit.

She gives him a wry expression.]

Doubt that's the case for everyone here, though.

[Video]

[castintoflames]

At least you do not have memories of it if that is so. (He is glad for her, but he still feels...alone.)

For their sakes, I hope that is the case for them. No one deserves this burden. (Besides him.)

Re: [Video]

[unfavorableinstigation]

[Nita's expression is thoughtful at that. Would she end up with a vision of her death, if it were imminent? She's not sure she wants that... or to know the answer to that question.]

... Yeah.

You don't have to talk about it, if you'd rather not. That, and at least you can do some good here too.

[She gives him a small smile.]

So, ah, what's your name? I'm Nita, Nita Callahan.

[Video]

[castintoflames]

(He doesn't have many - if any - pointers for her on how to handle it. It's best if she avoids it entirely.)

I...cannot speak of it. (Not well and not with anyone other than his brother thus far.)

If there is any good left in me, I will share it.

(He inclines his head.)

I am Maedhros.

[video]

[annatarr]

[ Look who it is, all bright smiles and curious eyes. He doesn't know you, but this face might be somewhat recognizable. Perhaps.]

You must be useful somehow. From what I have been able to gather, this place but brings those with the ability to save it here. It called, you answered. So what power do you have, elfling?

[video]

[castintoflames]

(A shiver races through him and he finds it difficult to breathe due to his anger and, yes, fear. Can the Maia smell his sheer terror?)

I have no answer for you, Deceiver.

Action XD

[seawanderer]

[Maglor is Maedhros' shadow now as much as possible, seeking to stick as close to his brother as he can. He leans back against his brother, back to back, and tips his head back to rest against the back of Maedhros'.]

I am grateful to the powers that brought us all here too. And the books! Even the power they hold take nothing from their lure.

Action

[castintoflames]

(The touch, at first, makes him jump and tense, all of his muscles going rigid. Then his mind kicks in and he forces himself to breathe, relax; his muscles uncurling.)

...you do not feel... (Put upon. He presses his lips together tightly.) I would not mind seeing others and shepherding them.

[seawanderer]

[Yet he hears the unspoken.]

No. Nor would I.

...Nelyo...What do you think of the twins? Are we... [worthy to talk to them?]

[castintoflames]

(He leans into the contact in answer.)

They are perfect. (Those words are precisely how he feels about them - both positively and negatively.) Have they shown an interest in us?

[seawanderer]

[He turns to tuck himself close against his brother with a quiet breath.] They are Elrond's sons. As soon as they recognized my name, I knew they would not let me leave.

[castintoflames]

(There is a soft warmth to his brother; a sensation that puts his heart at ease. Color rises to his cheeks and he reaches for one of Maglor's hands.)

Twins are difficult. (And it's a lost cause to deny them.) Let's be careful. As...careful as we can be.

[video]

[huntingorcs]

[ He's used to Maedhros now, and so he has devolved to the cheerful friendliness of the annoying younger relative ]

I did not realise you liked to read, Grandfather!

[video]

[castintoflames]

(Grandfather. Now there is a word with a fine ring to it!)

Who dislikes books truly? I think there is something wrong with them if they can say "yes" with a straight face.

[video]

[huntingorcs]

Well, surely it would depend on the book? Some of Erestor's are frightfully dull!

[video]

[castintoflames]

He must have kept the best books for himself, then.

[video]

[huntingorcs]

[ Elladan looks SO doubtful ]

Somehow, I doubt that.

[video]

[castintoflames]

You do not give him enough credit! He has seen much and if he has written any tomes of his own, I would be eager to read them.

[Video]

[dog_of_the_sun]

[Hopefully he remembers how Ammy does video from before, because she has the same set up with a pad of paper as last time. Her tail is wagging though, as she remembers him fondly from their introduction before.

あなたは怪我をしたようです、どうか私は助けてもらえますか？]

You seem injured, may I help in any way?

[There is a pause, and her head tilts, with a clear canine-smile. Then some more writing.
本や物語は多くの力を持っていますが、これは私の存在の中で私が見た最も文字通りです。 しかし、本当に彼らは魔法です。]

Books and stories hold much power, though this is the most literal I have seen in my existence. But truly they are magic.

[Video]

[castintoflames]

(The sight of her brings a gentler expression to his scarred features.)

My injuries are both too old and too new for me to bear the touch of another. I do not mean any offense, my lady.

(She is kind - pure - and he...is not.)

I agree. I do not mind their magic, do you?

Re: [Video]

[dog_of_the_sun]

[Her head tilts, and there's a hint of querying whine.

私はあなたが不必要に苦しむのを見ません。

Do you really want to argue with a goddess?]

I would not see you suffer needlessly however.

[She'll talk about books and stories in a moment; this is more important.]

[Video]

[castintoflames]

(No, no, definitely not. But Maedhros has an aversion to touch brought on from being tortured for Eru knows how long in the hellish realm of Morgoth.)

I suffer needfully and needlessly. There is naught you can do about it.

Re: [Video]

[dog_of_the_sun]

[You are getting such a frown. SUCH a frown and concern in her eyes. A huffed out sigh, and more writing. 私は治癒を許す項目がありますが、それは遅いです。 あなたは自由にそれを使用することができます。 ]

I have an item that allows healing, although it is slow. You are free to use it.

[USE IT you stubborn person you A twitch of her tail, and the paper flutters down, cut along the top, to reveal a blank page. More writing appears on this blank page.

日本では、天界特使が同行しました。 彼は私たちの物語が絵と執筆の組み合わせによって伝えられるように、芸術家でした。 しかし、天界特使の主な目的は、神々が存在することを皆に思い出させることです。 私たちは助けに全力を尽くしますが、信念と賞賛は私たちの燃料です。 そうしたやり方で、物語そのものは、私たちの信念をもたらすならば、私たちの生命の血なのです。

That one took up almost the whole of the blank page.]

In Japan, I was accompanied by a Celestial Envoy. He was an artist, as our stories are told through a combination of picture and writing. The main purpose however, of a Celestial Envoy, is to help remind everyone that we deities do exist. We do our best to help, but belief and praise are our fuel. In that way, stories themselves are our life-blood, provided they bring about belief in us.