mortalhalf | OPEN RP POST

Pretty straight forward. You have an idea you want to play out with Elros, throw up a starter or plotting comment and we'll go from there.

Haven't threaded with me before but want to try something different than how you found this journal? That's fine too! I'm always open to new RP partners.

If you have questions, feel free to shoot me a PM if you're more comfortable that way.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Time had passed but Elros kept an ear turned to any hint of any of the surviving Feanorians. Any news at all. He'd hoped to be visited by either or both of them in time, but as time passed with no word, his suspicion they wished to avoid him seemed confirmed.

Until a rider came, and his guards were reminded of the standing order to not hinder this one. Elros stood waiting, brow furrowed as he tried hard not to shift from foot to foot.

The helm was removed swiftly and Maedhros soon had Elros wrapped in his arms. His heart was hammering in terror and he forced himself to breathe. This precious, precious Elf likely did not know the danger.

Not yet. There had only been whispers thus far, but Maedhros had heard them and not taken them lightly.

"Sauron seeks your life. He must go through me first."

He leaned into the familiar protective warmth he'd learned Maedhros was an excellent source of, arms wrapping around the older elf in reassurance and welcome. He could feel the terror in his foster father and it worried him, until Maedhros spoke.

Elros frowned, eyes narrowing. "I heard whispers." It didn't surprise him. "I am not his to claim." He wasn't Elrond, but nor was he a fool. He tightened his embrace on Maedhros, leaning up to kiss his cheek. "I could hardly be better defended, with you here."

Smart child; so bright. Maedhros could not help but feel pride. Incredible, fierce pride. He smiled shakily and kissed Elros's forehead.

"No, you are not. Kano rides to Elrond. We will guard you both until the shadow passes." he paused, looking guilty, "Forgive us our absence. The Oath lies heavy on us and we feared bringing you danger."

But this was too much for them to stay distant. Maedhros did not hate many, but Sauron had earned his wrath.

The twins had learned well! Elros smiled quick and bright in return, relief just as clear as he let his eyes close briefly at the forehead kiss.

"With you both standing guard, we will pass through the darkness." He had faith in his foster fathers. He nuzzled his nose against Maedhros' shoulder, breathing in the familiar scent. "We understood, after time." And after Elrond scolding him for his anger.

More than once. It had hurt, to be sent away and no word sent after the war's end. Rumors had claimed Maedhros dead and Maglor a shadow, if he still lived.

His love for the twins had not waned. Elros and Elrond were sent away for their well-being and safety; not because Maedhros and Maglor grew tired of caring for them. Only the Fëanorian brothers would know the number of tears that were shed over the decision.

They had never let the twins see them so vulnerable.

"Your anger is akin to mine. Do not hold it inside." his words might be direct - even sharp - but he visibly softened at the nuzzling, "It was not because we stopped loving you."

Edited Date: 2016-08-19 07:35 am (UTC)

After having spent so much time stalking Maedhros' steps during his childhood, Elros knew this Feanorian's moods and tone of voice. He knew how the words were intended. So he didn't flinch away.

Hadn't Maedhros proven his love by racing here to protect him once again? Elros might be a King now, but he was content to stay wrapped up in his foster father's arms, leaning against him still.

"I try not to. My people deserve better, to be led well." He did his best to listen to his advisers, and his brother when Elrond visited, or exchanged messages.

"Anger does not make you a bad King. Anger is natural; expected! It is what you do when you feel that emotion that dictates how well you rule." Maedhros was not shy about stroking over Elros's hair - the motions the same he had given Elros as a child.

"You have every right to be angry at us. I'm sorry we were missed." his throat felt tight and he chuckled shakily, "It is not often we are given such an honor."

A smile touched his lips and Elros grinned against Maedhros' shoulder, humming contently under the petting. The Feanorian would have a hard time leaving after Sauron was defeated. Elros wouldn't make it at all easy, as if he'd made it easy before.

"I do not allow myself to act in anger these days, nana." Quiet. A reminder of what he'd once called Maedhros in jest, but affection laced his voice to show the love was still there. He kissed his foster father's cheek again. "Will you stay, even after the Enemy has been dealt with?"

His lips twisted in amusement and he leaned down so their foreheads touched. The first time Elros had called him Nana, he had thought he would be as red as his hair forever. Now, however, he could share in the Peredhel's humor, though his cheeks were pink.

"Are you trying to make me burst from pride?" the color on his cheeks began to spread to his ears and he blinked at Elros in wonder, "You...would like me to?"

Elros' grin was unashamed, delighting at the pink touch to Maedhros' cheeks. He loved teasing the oft stern Feanorian who towered over all and seemed so very fearsome. Until one got to know him and recognized he was fiercely, stubbornly protective of those in his care.

The mirth softened and he smiled up at him, fond. "I do. You have been missed, more than I can say."

He had no need to be ashamed. Maedhros could indeed be strong, stern and unyielding, but his brothers knew that his heart was gentle and loving. In a moment of blood lust and Oath fever, he had nearly harmed this beloved King. He owed Kano every day for staying his hand.

Elros was born to be loved and shielded. Of the twins, Maedhros always felt the closest to him.

"I have missed you. I think I frightened your guards." he smiled teasingly, "My horse is quite large."

How could he not have come to love Maedhros and Maglor? Elros had eventually seen what Elrond had, even with all his attempts to ignore it. But once he'd given in, he had often been found near the elder Feanorian. Stalking his steps. Learning.

Teasing.

He laughed, sudden and bright, grin fierce and joyful. "And you are small? Come! Eve meal is near and I would have you at my table."

His heart had melted each time he heard the small footsteps mirroring his own. Distance and detachment hadn't been possible and he had devoted himself to - for the first time since his brothers were born - loving children as if they were his own.

Elros didn't know how much he had helped Maedhros in those days. Or...maybe he did? The eldest Fëanorian suspected his little Peredhel knew much more than he let on.

"Miniscule." his teeth flashed as he chuckled, "Do you like to frighten your people? Even if I dye my hair, they will know who I am."

Elros had noticed the change in Maedhros in time. And in Maglor and Elrond. His brother's clear fascination in learning the histories of their world, and looking to Maglor to teach him, had gone some way in making it possible for Elros to accept their guardians.

Elrond was the one people thought of as the wiser and more intelligent twin. And they were right - but Elros knew much of what his brother did, for they had spent much time talking and teaching each other what they learned. Elrond was simply better at instinctive wisdom than Elros. He had a cooler head rather than Elros' more hot-headed nature.

He shook his head fondly, reaching up to give a lock of red hair a gentle tug. "They know you are here already. I expect my assistants are already expecting you to attend. But if you prefer, we will have a private meal." He wouldn't mind either way. "I had been wanting to show you and Maglor one of my favorite places here."

Wisdom came in many forms and Elros's wisdom was precisely what the world of Men needed. Elvish wisdom had a place, of course, but without a great King, Men would fall. As such, Maedhros did not value Elrond's intelligence over Elros's or Elros's intelligence over Elrond's; the twins had found a balance and he loved them fiercely.

"If I am expected..." he frowned, wondering if the court would think he was somehow ashamed if he did not attend, "I am proud to be at your side before your people. I leave the choice to you." his eyes widen and he smiled, "Show me."