rangerandking | Mailbox/Voicemail {Ruby City}

It is not an oath. I fear your idea of family has become inextricably intertwined with oaths and failure and darkness. You cannot fail me, Grandfather. No matter your actions, I will care for you because you are family.

Blood matters very little to me.

{A sad smile and Maedhros nods, conceding the point.}

You give me hope. {He hopes Aragorn won't regret it.}

{His smile is tinged with sadness as well, though something bright burns in his eyes.}

I give hope and keep none for myself.

{A fire within. Maedhros shakes his head slowly, marveling at the Man.}

Which is why others will give it to you.

I am blessed in that regard. {Elrond, Gilraen, Elladan, Elrohir, Arwen, Glorfindel, Erestor, Legolas, Gimli, Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin and so many more have given him hope.) Hope is always present even if you cannot see it.

As you should be. {Firm.} It is a matter of accepting it.

You are too. {More than he knows.} Did you ever speak to Boromir?

{Maedhros ducks his head a little, touched.}

Boromir? {He shakes his head slowly.} No, I have not.

He was a Man from Gondor - eldest son of the Steward - who joined the Fellowship of the Ring when we departed from Rivendell. His love for Gondor was clear from the first moment, yet there came a time when he told me that he could not see hope any longer.

The Orcs and Uruk-Hai shot him with many arrows. He took down many of their number regardless and I was only able to arrive in time to be with him when he died.

{Losing someone who was his brother in a racial sense had been difficult.}

I promised him I would not let the city fall. It was the first time I acknowledged...my ancestry. He told me he would have followed me.

{His voice quavers a little.}

There is hope. Not only in me or those of great renown. It exists in those who fight and refuse to give in.

{Maedhros' heart goes out to Aragorn as the Man speaks.}

A brave Man. If he returns, I will make a point to speak with him, should he permit it.

{And this is why he believes in Aragorn.}

Size truly does not matter if the heart and mind are strong, and the will is there.

One of the best. {He had died as he lived. Aragorn refuses to let his weakness towards the Ring mar Boromir's image.}

He cared so much for the Hobbits. I saw him on more than one occasion carrying them to safety.

His younger brother shares many of his traits, though Faramir seems to have more understanding; more kindness. I am proud to have him on my council.

As are you.

{A small smile for the warm tale.}

It sounds like you have a good council. I am glad for it.

I have a century or more to live. Let us see if I live up to that reputation.

{He grins.}

I have Arwen, Faramir, Glorfindel and many of the Men who have lived in Gondor all their life. I can even make inquiries of any Elves who live afar and remain behind for the time being.

I believe you will.

And I am sure you will make full use of those available to you, and listen to their advice. Just do not forget to enjoy life, as well.

My brothers taught me well how to have fun when duties were done. I would not be properly honoring them if I forgot such lessons.

{Maedhros grins slightly at him.} Good.

I should return to Maglor for now, but come visit soon.

If you need herbs to help him sleep or someone to guard his door so you may rest, call on me.

I will be sure to.

Aragorn, a request. Fingon has asked of the catacombs, as his brother wishes to find Finrod, but I have refused to tell him. {Because Maedhros is protective of Fingon, and wishes no harm to fall upon Turgon either.} Will you go with me to search?

We will find him. The darkness cannot consume his light. {Aragorn looks relieved at Maedhros's choice.} Shall I meet you there?

If he can be found, we will find him. {How has Maedhros grown so fortunate in his friends?}

Fingon wishes to see us before we go in. He and Turgon wait in the park.

I know the layout well; we will have an answer soon enough. {He frowns a little.} Is that safe? Does Turgon know...?

I had hoped you would. {One of the reasons Maedhros had asked, in fact!}

I cannot fully deny Fingon. {An embarrassed pause.} He knows. It is why he did not draw blade against me upon first sight.

{There are sounds of him preparing, but he pauses and chuckles.}

It is good you were honest with each other, then! Lord Fingon is precious to many.

Finno told his brother. {So wry.} Though I am glad you find it amusing. {Fond.} It is hard to imagine any disliking Fingon. {Not that Maedhros is biased, of course!}

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