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

There were days when Elros was sure he was being watched. But when he looked, he never saw who it was. None of his guards or people could answer the feeling either.

It didn't feel threatening though. More... protective. So he didn't worry about it too much, and told his people not to hunt down the source yet. To just keep the usual eye out for intruders or attackers.

Attacks were always possible, though it was his hope for peace. Hadn't there already been too much blood shed? Morgoth was defeated. His shadows were shrinking, going into hiding if not dead.

Sounds and cries gave away when one such attack came to his ears and Elros was one of the first to ride out to help whoever was already working to defend his people. There was...something familiar in the way the lone defender moved and fought. But the king pushed it aside as he launched himself into aiding the deadly blade into cutting down those who wished ill on his people.

Questions could come later. He issued orders and his guard leaped to his bidding without hesitation, and he kept them in mind only enough to know where his blade was needed.

Between them, the attackers really had no chance of success.

In the fray, he saw him. What a brave King. Elros did not send out his men to deal with this rabble. Of course he didn't. Maedhros felt a surge of pride.

His instinct to protect grew by leaps and bounds. The attackers were only Men - likely from the East - and he left only one alive by the end of the harsher violence.

Elros deserved a chance to question one.

With the Man's hands tied tight and his feet equally bound, he would be an easy target for Elros's Men to find. Then Maedhros remounted his horse and tried to back out -

But his way was blocked. Every way he turned, there was a guard.

They had made a wall around him.

He has taught them well.

Maedhros kept his helm on and sheathed his sword, showing he meant no harm.

One left alive and bound. A gift, almost.

Elros noted the stranger was kept from running, but also the lack of a threat to his men. Taking just a moment to breath, the king sheathed his sword and murmured orders to have the prisoner taken to a secure room for questioning, dictating a few of his men to going with the Man.

It left him with the tall figure, helm still in place. But there was still that familiarity that tugged at his mind. He turned and approached, secure in the fact this was the first person to defend his people.

But the height... the way of movement and swordsmanship that was so like his own... Hopeful recognition lit his eyes and he firmly ordered the rest of his guards to return to the keep.

That he was safe with this unknown warrior. He could see their reluctance, but they believed in him - in him and the small smile that was forming as he looked at the taller figure.

Only when they were alone did he step closer again.

"I was angry with you for... a while," he quietly admitted. "Won't you show your face? I have missed it."

His chest might well burst with pride. Anyone with eyes could see how Elros's Men trusted him and loved him as their King. Maedhros did not doubt for a second that this once fragile Peredhil was a better leader than he had ever been.

He watched the Men disperse to their various tasks, keeping his hand in plain view. There were many he would attack without pause, but Elros would never, ever be one of them. Yet he was uncertain about showing his face.

Wouldn't it be better to not open old wounds?

I have missed it.

Those words were shot with the precision of an Elvish arrow. Maedhros lifted the helm and let his hair fall free. He bowed his head, emotions warring with his logic.

When it came to family, his emotions always won.

"I have never been far." he answered, "I could not be."

He loved his people. They made him proud every day. But Elros wasn't naive enough to believe he would have any idea what to do if not for Maglor, Maedhros, and then Gil-Galad.

And Elrond.

Elros kept his head held high and proud, hands comfortably at his sides. Relaxed. He knew there was no threat from Maedhros. Not while he was there. How many times had his foster father proved what was his priority?

He walked forward, comfortable enough to stand inches from the Feanorian, and reached up to touch vibrant red hair. Then to cup Maedhros' cheek as he fought to hold his own emotions at bay, though emotion pricked at his eyes.

"I know... That is why I am no longer angry."

His expression was carefully tempered - he did not want to reveal his emotions and set another burden on Elros's shoulders. Yet his eyes gave him away anyway. They were filled with warmth and love as Elros came near. It was amazing to think this proud, strong King had once fallen to sleep as a child in his arms.

No, there couldn't be any danger to Elros from him. Maedhros was far more likely to rend his fosterling's enemies to pieces. How dare they try to tear down what the stars had fought to build?

The twin fosterlings were the stars; they were his guiding points when he felt truly hopeless. While he had breath in his lungs, no enemy would conquer them.

"You do not need permission to be angry." or to hate him, "I watch for my sake as much as yours." he smiled against the hand, "It is hard to not look for your favorite star no matter the time of day or night."

That was how Maedhros had always been - so tightly controlled. Elros had tried so hard to learn each subtle shift of mood that now, it was so easy to see. This was the elf he'd gone to when he was scared and Elrond was off with Maglor. This was the elf he went to when he wanted to be warm and rest securely.

Oh yes, it had taken a great deal of effort before Elros had finally sought the Feanorians out. And a lack of violence against him or his brother. But when he'd thawed, ah! Maedhros especially had had to watch out.

The grin was sudden and Elros laughed a little. "So it has been you watching these past days!" Clearly relieved and a bit delighted. "Is Maglor far? Is he...watching Elrond?" He hoped the answer to the latter was yes.

He loved Elrond and he knew that now impressive Elven Lord had a special place in Maglor's heart. But Elros... Maedhros saw much of himself in him. The more the Peredhil had fought to stay loyal to his parents, the more he loved him.

Stubborn natures had always appealed to him on some level - his brothers were certainly proof - yet to see such a strong spirit in one so young had moved him. When he realized Elros was willing to stand alone in his beliefs, his heart was stolen and he hadn't looked back since.

Nor did he want to.

Not when he saw that grin.

"So you sensed me?" he dismounted from his horse and sighed, giving in, "We take our turns." his arms were soon around the young King, holding him close, "Think of us as your protection in the shadows."

What better way to spend a life? Maedhros was well content.

It had hurt. To stand alone. To not have his brother there with him, standing beside him as they always had except for minor things. Mostly minor. They'd argued over the Feanorians. Elros had been so angry when Elrond had relaxed around Maglor so quickly. They'd fought - but eventually... as harsh punishments should have been dealt but weren't... Elros had slowly started following Maedhros around. Watching from around corners. Haunting the elder's steps.

But his life would be short compared to his brother's, and knowing Elrond would be alone when he died... He would look around and remind himself why he'd chosen his path.

Elros chuckled at the resigned sigh and threw his arms around his foster father in a tight embrace, happy to lean against him as he'd once done just because. "I did. I never worried when I felt watched." He was an elf that could stand on his own, but he still relished being able to give that tight watch a rest and relax.

"I won't tell any that you are here. Just that you're an ally." He wasn't foolish enough to believe Maedhros or Maglor would be welcomed openly.

Oh the arguments had been known to him and Maglor. They had quarreled themselves over what was best for the twins. It never mattered how much they loved them; the only thing that mattered was ensuring Elrond and Elros did not end up like Eluréd and Elurín. Of all the horrible deeds he had done in his life, Maedhros could not - would not - stand for another pair of precious twins dying when he could have protected them.

Like Amrod and Amras.

But the cycle had been broken and he knew he was blessed to have Elros's affection; that was something he had neither sought or counted on.

A rare smile curved his lips when his embrace was returned.

"You shouldn't. We are only a threat to he who raises a hand against you."

It was a gift to be able to relax. Maedhros understood that very well and he was happy to give Elros that respite. Being King was hard enough!

"Thank you." he kissed the side of his head, "You and your brother are always thoughtful. I, at least, deserve an angry mob haunting my steps, but Maglor does not."

Nor do Elrond and Elros deserve to be questioned for having affiliations with them.

Well. They hadn't been as quiet as they could have been. And Elros especially hadn't particularly cared if they were heard. And still they had been treated with care. With love.

Elros smiled at the promise. "I know. Those who saw you fight today know that much as well."

He didn't mind the kingship! He seemed to be doing alright, and that was what mattered to him. But the rare respite was appreciated, and he lingered in leaning against Maedhros, to just breathing and relaxing without expectations or demands.

"No. Neither of you need be attacked. Not by my people."

But he would hold his silence, he would protect his foster fathers' presence here.

"I had hoped to dispose of them before you needed to be involved." he glanced at the bodies, eyes narrowing in distaste. His arms tightened around Elros subconsciously.

"I will ride towards the East and play scout for you." Elros didn't even need to ask, "If more Men are behind them, it is better if you are prepared for them."

But not right at this moment. Maedhros let his fingers slide through Elros's soft, dark hair, drinking in the contentment and peace that came from being in his fosterling's company.

"As long as you and Elrond are safe, we care not what becomes of us."

Elros didn't look at the bodies again just yet, he didn't really need to. "Any hint of attack or battle near my home will always reach my ears and I will deal with it." Firm. There was no hint of hesitation or fear, just determination to protect his people. But he did lean just a little more against his foster father, enjoying the tight embrace and appreciating the care it meant.

He rest his cheek against Maedhros' chest, smile turning wry. He could refuse it, he could. But he wouldn't. "Thank you. Do you know the small fall on the outskirts?" It was one of his favorite places to sit and think, and he was rarely disturbed there.

No. Not at the moment. They could have this brief time to themselves, and the touch to his hair had his eyes close with a quiet sigh. Then another small smile formed.

"With you two watching over us, we cannot be anything but safe."

Maedhros nodded proudly at Elros's resolve. A leader needed to take that stance and back it up with strength of arms. That was what made people feel safe.

But there was nothing wrong with someone making the King feel safe too. He leaned down to nudge his nose against Elros's hair, eyes closed.

"I'm proud of you." he could state his feelings no better than that, "I do. Will I see you there?" his lips quirked a little until he heard the confidence in his fosterling's voice, "We are cursed, he and I. We will fight, tooth and nail, to keep you safe, but do not always assume you will be so."

Please. He needed Elros and Elrond to be vigilant.

Elros couldn't help but let go of his control then, just around Maedhros. Not when he felt the older elf nuzzle his hair and make him feel so safe and secure.

And... Oh. He made Maedhros proud. That was more than he could have hoped for, really. To hear those words so plainly. "You will," he managed after a moment. "No one will disturb me there lightly."

He didn't need the reminder that Maedhros and Maglor were cursed. It was enough that there was that fierce love between them. That it had grown on its own, despite captivity. "I know. You both taught us well, and what we did not know we learned quickly." He loved his foster fathers all the more for their fierce love and protectiveness.

Considering the mess the Fëanorians had made of their lives and the world, Maedhros sought simple joy for his fosterlings. Yet they had never been simple. With their intellect, drive and loving hearts, they had found high stations in the world with relative ease.

How could he not be proud? How could he not be terrified?

"I will be there." he chuckled, the sound a bit tired, "We did not have to teach you much. You both took to leadership like ducklings to the water."

Or maybe little cygnets? Maedhros knew the twins had gained their beauty from their parents. He could easily see Eärendil and Elwing in their appearance - so bright and yet dark as night.

"I feel relieved now that I see your Men in action. I knew they were skilled, but their loyalty to you is unquestioned."

No, there was nothing simple to life for Elves or Men. But Elros was content with his life. There were regrets, yes, but they were mostly related to family. He was proud of what he'd accomplished, even if it had come about through throwing himself into his work and tackling every obstacle that came near him.

Elros pulled back at the exhaustion, concern touching pale eyes and he reached up to cup his foster father's cheek. "We have each done what we have needed to. You taught me the sword. You taught me of hunting, of tracking. And much more, though I freely admit to watching you even when you were not actively teaching!"

How many nights had he crept from bed to watch Maedhros? He'd fall asleep and end up right back in bed, able to only guess at how it was managed.

"I train with them, they know my skills as well as I know theirs. I trust them with my life, and the lives of my people." Perhaps not with the lives of any Feanorian, but there was very good reason for that. "Please rest before you go scouting."

Elros's tenacity had been a quality that Maedhros had admired since the Peredhil was a child. It was that determination to follow his heart and do what he thought right that the older Elf had never wanted to break or change. As a result, he had let Elros and Elrond be angry or wary without telling them they were wrong or misguided in being so.

They deserved to be themselves; not some product of two brothers who could hardly live in this world.

His lips twitched at the touch, a scar pulling awkwardly at the expression.

"I know." his tone was soft, affectionate, "I was forever afraid you would fall and hit your head in your fatigue." but he hadn't let Elros know he could see him.

Rather, once Elros had found some awkward place to curl up, he had lifted him up and carried him back to his bed. Doing so without waking a child was an art that he had long since mastered with his brothers.

"Rest doesn't help this..." his soul was tired; his body was worn, "But you do."

He couldn't help his stubborn curiosity. It had always surprised him how he and Elrond hadn't been harshly treated, even when they acted out. Only when they attempted escape were they brought back and words were had.

Even then it had been more for their safety, as while Maedhros and Maglor wouldn't hurt them, there were others near by that weren't of such a mind. Eventually they stopped trying to run, Elrond because he'd come to love Maglor, and Elros because he refused to leave his brother behind.

Elros laughed softly, delighted by the knowledge finally that he hadn't been as sneaky as he'd thought as a child! "You were so patient with a rebellious child."

He stifled the sigh, though knew his eyes gave away how the words made his heart ache. "How can I help you better?"

Maedhros and Maglor had been well-prepared for rebellious twins. He, especially, knew that acting out was a sign of testing boundaries and, perhaps, unhappiness. The little twins could test them as much as they wanted and Maedhros was determined to only show them kindness and acceptance in return. He could do no less since it was his fault that they were without their parents.

"I wish you had met the Ambarussa. You would have been an unholy team!" his eyes brightened the slightest bit, "You were my favorite eavesdropper." and, in his sleepy state, Elros had been very sweet.

His head tilted at the question and he smiled; the answer was simple.

"Live and find your happiness where you may. I don't need you to do anything else."

All of the above. Elros' reservations had been worn down more effectively than if he'd been treated harshly, and the bonds between them now were still unmovable.

He grinned. "Even worse than we already were? I wish we had too!" Oh he knew one of them had been there in Sirion when it was destroyed. And had died, just as the rest of Maedhros and Maglor's brothers had.

"I liked watching you," he admittedly softly.

The smile that met Maedhros' answer was warm and bright. "Then be at ease. I am happy here."

"Amras and Amrod shared our Grandfather Mahtan's copper hair. They were easy to spot but hard to read." the happiness was bright and real in his eyes, but it faded quickly, "You would have loved them."

As much as he and Maglor had loved them. Maedhros blinked, flushing hotly.

"Why was I so interesting?" his features softened and he whispered, "Mai acáriel. Melin tirië hendutya sílalë yá lalat."

He glanced up at the city wall, noting that they were being watched. Picking up his helm, he put it back on and covered his hair.

(OOC: You did well. I love to see your eyes shine when you laugh.)

"Like yours? I'm sure I would have." It was wonderful to see that bright happiness, even for just a few seconds. Elros hugged Maedhros again with a quiet laugh.

Only to flush a little himself. "You make me laugh," and the cycle would continue. Why was he interesting? His lips quirked again, playful mirth in his eyes. "Because despite all your hardship, you always keep going."

Ah. They were being watched again. The king stifled a sigh and reluctantly let go of his foster father. "It was good to see you."

"Exactly like mine." but somehow...warmer. Brighter. But that could be the bias of an older brother who, in part, raised his beloved younger brothers from newborns.

Back then, he had an arm and a hand for each.

"Your laugh is nice." Maedhros grinned, shifting awkwardly, "What choice do I have? Maglor needs me; you need me; Elrond needs me. That is more than enough reason for me to live."

For the time being. He was far more fragile than he appeared.

"Meet me at the falls." he rested a hand on Elros's shoulder and squeezed, "We can spend more time there."