rangerandking | Mailbox/Voicemail {Ruby City}

I know you worry for my brother- you may find him here in the forest with Fingon, Sansa, and myself. You are always welcome here. I was thinking of expanding the house.

I am relieved he is with you. {Maglor responds so much better to Maedhros.} Do not hesitate to call on me either. He is important - as are you and Fingon. I pray he finds peace above all.

He is much better now. I made a chain for the toy and he settled. {Even to the point where Maglor teased Maedhros!}

You are important to us as well, Aragorn. {A small pause, then a faint smile.} If there is peace to be found, it is here.

Agoreg vae! If it remains around his neck and he can feel it, perhaps it will calm him!

{Such progress! He is impressed.}

He will find it with you. {There is no doubt in his mind.} I have seen a sickness similar to his and he needs support.

{Maedhros nods.} He allowed me to take it with me while he slept. {His brother is so strong.}

I know what the obsession is like. {And knew how to deal with it in his brother.}

He did not mean for it to happen, Aragorn. He... He is not alone. I will not let him be alone again.

His spirit is stronger than he realizes. {And kinder too. That's why little Peredhels can sneak their way into his heart.}

I do too...in part. {He won't say the Silmarils are like Sauron's Ring. But that attraction - that allure - is very hard to resist. His ancestor had failed and he had come close to giving in himself.}

I know. I cannot blame him. I only hope the fog lifts from his mind.

It is. {And stubborn Men.}

I wish you did not. {A sad sigh but Maedhros smiles for him.}

Thank you. I believe it will- the city rarely maintains its grasp for very long.

I have overcome that demon and seen him laid to rest. The day will come when Maglor does the same.

Good. Be proud of yourself, it is not an easy one to master. I have hope for my brother, more so here where he has no excuse to be left alone.

The credit is not all mine. A certain Hobbit gave me the courage I needed to resist.

{He smiles slowly.}

Yes, he deserves much company.

That does nothing to belittle the success.

{A warm smile.} As do you.

No, it doesn't. But I owe him more than I could ever repay in a lifetime.

{He ducks his head.}

I was wrong to despair. Or... If not wrong, I was focusing too much on my ideal.

I know your meaning. {Oh look, Maedhros looks right at Aragorn as he speaks.}

Focusing inward is easy. Simple. I was lost in madness both times I came here- you were there each time.

{His features soften and he looks up, meeting Maedhros's gaze.}

I would be there again - countless times - if it brought you comfort.

{Maedhros smiles.}

I am learning that, yes. It does. Just as I am always here for you.

I have noticed that you possess one of Ada's talents. He could find me no matter where I traveled if his need was great.

{A chuckle.}

I had a number of little brothers, and young cousins long before Elrond and Elros came around. I would hope I would know a thing or two about finding those under my care when they need me most.

{...those under my care... Aragorn never thought he would hear those words from Maedhros. He opens and closes his mouth, brow furrowing. What is the right thing to say?

Thank you? No, that seems...too detached.}

I am under your care? {There is far too much awe in his voice for it to be anything but a hopeful question.}

{Aragorn has the rare chance to know Maedhros as he would have been without the Oath.

Looking at the Elf, one wouldn't necessarily recognize the gentle mirth as he waits patiently, watching the Man.}

You might call me Grandfather in jest, but I will take it as fact even if I do not deserve to. That means you are kin, and indeed- under my care.

{He has to sit down, which isn't common for him in the least. In the past, he has heard bad news and good news and remained standing, yet this strikes his heart. Family is dear to Aragorn - no matter how distant - and he craves acceptance (even as he runs from it sometimes).}

It wasn't a jest.

Edited 2016-02-23 05:57 (UTC)

{Maedhros has never seen Aragorn so surprised. His smile warms and he nods.}

Which makes my words hold even more meaning.

{And makes Aragorn just that much safer.}

{He makes himself breathe deeply, blinking several times.}

I feel as if I should give you something. A sign of trust or...a bond?

{Oh Aragorn.}

No. {Vehement, but modulated carefully to try not to sound too harsh.}

You have already done more than I could ever have expected from any not of direct blood.

{The reasoning makes him tilt his head, grey eyes not unlike Elrond's or Elros's.}

You act as if I consider it a duty.

I know better.

It is... It feels too close to an oath. {And Maedhros cannot condone another to make an oath.}

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