Aragorn grabbed some salve from the bedside table and began to apply it lightly to the cuts on Maedhros's face. Any stinging would be numbed instantly and the mixture gave off a cool, clean scent meant to soothe.
"I think it the other way around." he had only recently learned of his parentage and his...destiny.
"Without his kindness, my mother and I would have been slain by Orcs too."
Though he had been so young, he had memories of that day. Elrond had looked so angry, so fierce when he addressed his sons for information. Aragorn had been half-frightened of him and clinging to Gilraen's skirt. But then the Elven Lord had turned and given him such a sweet, yet somehow sad smile that he had gone to him instantly.
The salve wasn't technically necessary, but Maedhros recognized Aragorn felt the need to do something, anything. And it was soothing, he recognized Elrond's mix in the effect.
That proved his theory. He'd been there that day too. But his efforts had been in vain and he'd yet to forgive himself his failure. If not for Elrond's own sons... "I am grateful you and your mother were not slain."
Elrond had always been kind, even when he had less reason to be.
He felt better when his hands were busy; he didn't like to sit idle. His thoughts could become quite dark and he would rather keep them at bay. Aragorn recognized a kindness in this Elf and that endeared him to him.
"She isn't well." he whispered the words, voice unsteady, "I have not heard your name as of yet. Were you speaking Quenya? I didn't understand it."
That was a trait they shared. Resting was never easy for Maedhros. Hunting was as close as he tended to get, as he waited and watched his intended target - either for food or Agents of Shadow. And it was why Elrond had to threaten him with Songs of Sleep before he stayed still long enough for Healing.
"The pain of the heart takes many," he responded softly, understanding clear in his eyes. "I am sure you help more than you might believe.
"You have not heard my name because I have not given it. Nor should I, for I would not wish more harm to come here than it may already." Which might give his identity away, depending what Aragorn has learned. "We were. I fear I am not a good patient."
He looked up sharply, fear clear in his eyes. His mother was a constant in his life; he relied on her and he knew her heart was strong. But he also realized that he had been blinding himself somewhat to the pain behind her smiles. She was not well and she had not been so for years.
Elrond visited her more and more frequently, his expression solemn.
The signs were not promising and Aragorn felt the selfish urge to beg her to stay.
"I wish I could heal her." he wiped his hands on a spare cloth, one brow rising quizzically, "I know of only one who would fit your description, but how can that be?"
Instead of standing over Maedhros, he pulled a chair forward, lowering himself on it.
"Neither am I. I have caused him many a grievance in this room."
The missing right hand was glaringly obvious, even tucked under the sheet as it was. Along with the bright red hair and undeniable height. Maedhros only hoped his name was not spoken aloud while he was within the protective borders of Imladris.
He saw that fear and answered it silently with an apologetic look. "That is the wish of many. Remind her she is loved. That is the best thing for her." He didn't need to see the Lady to know that much.
His lips quirked ruefully. "Lord Elrond. I cannot deny him anything, even now." He didn't deny it. "Unfortunately he knows it." So wry, but there was undeniable affection that took a spot in his voice.
"This time he threatened with enforced Healing Sleep before I held still for him."
So Aragorn noticed, though he did not make a comment about it. If this was Maedhros Fëanorian, it was best to focus on the present or even the future and veer sharply away from the past. Elrond would not have allowed him into Imladris if he thought him dangerous.
"I try." he brought her gifts and did his utmost to make sure she was comfortable, "Why is that? If you do not mind me asking."
There was much about the Fëanorians that was mysterious and Aragorn was young and drawn to that quality.
"Oh you don't want that." his eyes widened, "You will not even know what day it is when you wake!"
Elrond had faith in his ability to keep the Valley safe, strong in protective magics, and the skill of his patrols. At the least for a time. Maedhros wasn't convinced he wasn't dooming everyone around, but he was powerless around Elrond.
"I am sure you do well by her, Estel."
Did he dare speak of his foster-son's childhood? Eventually he shook his head. "I dare not speak of it. If you wish to know, you will need to ask him yourself."
A faint grin suddenly appeared. "Indeed. You can see why I gave in to his wishes."
"That isn't...my birth name. I am Aragorn, son of Arathorn. The last...heir...to the throne of Gondor." he spoke those words haltingly as if he didn't fully believe or comprehend them, "You might laugh; I thought myself an Elf for much of my childhood."
With funny ears and the need to sleep.
"I like your sword." he changed the topic swiftly, noting to himself that he would ask his Ada later, "Have you had it for long? It looks brand new."
"That makes you uncomfortable," the Elf observed gently. "Elrond would not lie about such an important charge. If he kept your true identity from you, it was for your own safety."
Maedhros didn't quite shrug, deciding moving less was best for the time being {namely so Elrond might fuss less}. "That is no shameful thing." Even elflings need sleep!
"Thank you," he looked over at the familiar blade. "I have had it for some centuries, despite its appearance. Such is the might of an Elven-made blade. One of my brothers once made it for me."
"A bit." he admitted, glancing at his hands in his lap, "He hid it from me so that the Orcs thought I fell with my father." and little boys did not have the ability to keep secrets for long. Besides, by allowing Aragorn to remain Estel until he came of age, Elrond had given him a solid basis; a family he could rely upon in times of strife.
"I feel silly for assuming it, though." and it hurt to know he was different now - no matter how many times Elrohir or Elladan tried to cheer him up.
"I've seen them making swords at the Forge. Nothing like that..." he murmured, glancing at the blade, "He must have been skilled."
"Did it make you angry?" No judgement or accusation. Maedhros nodded, agreeing with the logic. A solid childhood was important. He hoped that somehow he and Maglor had given Elrond and Elros that much.
"There is nothing to be embarrassed over. You looked at those around you and believed there was nothing different between you. That you were, presumably, treated the same, speaks highly of all."
There was a second nod. "His skill was close to that of my own adar."
He was visibly stunned that Maedhros knew that and he went very still. Then...
"Yes." Aragorn had been angry and hurt and upset beyond words. He loved his Ada, his brothers, his uncles... He loved Imladris. It was like Elrond was taking that away from him or making it less important.
"I do not think Men are worth less than Elves." he frowned stubbornly on that point, "And...I am related to...Lord Elrond and his sons. It's...very distant."
Distant yet important to Elrond especially. He had spent long hours reassuring him when he felt his anger and pain for the first time.
"...I shouldn't complain around you. I apologize." because Maedhros had lost most - if not all - of his kin.
Maedhros knew children. It may have been a couple Ages since he last cared for any himself, but he had not forgotten how they could be. "And are you angry still? You should know by now he loves you." Again, he didn't need to see how they interacted. Even the long years between when he and Maglor had raised Elrond and Elros, he knew Elrond.
"You have a wise heart." He could see Elros in this Man, clearer than ever. It had to be impossible for Elrond not to love him. "Family is important to Lord Elrond. Distance means little.
A raised brow. "And why not? Some need an ear to listen to. I do not mind." Though Aragorn's mother might, if she knew he was there.
"I feel more...conflicted. I know of Isildur and his failing. I could not live with myself if I repeated his actions." which was why he existed on the fringe, entering battles when need was great, "I have aided the Men of Gondor and Rohan. I have slain so many Orcs I have lost count. Not once have I given them my name."
Thus Maedhros may have heard a tale or two of a Ranger leading soldiers into battle - a nameless Man who was skilled at what he did. Then he would vanish in the night or by the light of the dawn.
"Ada loves me, I do not doubt." there, he slipped into Elrond's true title for him; a title that upset his mother from time to time, "I love him, but I fear my future is beyond these walls. I am frightened to leave."
"You have your own ills." Aragorn took a breath, "You are very kind, my lord."
Ada. Maedhros heard so many echoes between this Child and Elrond and Elros. And he'd heard of such a Ranger, though only now did he put a name to the nameless.
"Your fear is what drives you out to fight, to help however you can," he softly observed. "As I would expect from any of your heritage. As with most, it has it's good and bad. Do you not have good ground upon which to stand?" Elrond. "Trust in those who love you. I expect you will leave when you realize it is time for you to do so.
"My ills are inconsequential." And self-inflicted.
"A - Lord Elrond is convinced I could be a good King; that I should reclaim the throne." Aragorn shifted uncomfortably, clearly weighing the possibility heavily. He was not the sort to grab the opportunity and use it for his sole gain. Truthfully, he was content if his family was safe.
But the more he thought about it, didn't others deserve that sort of contentment? Everyone deserved peace.
So he fought for it where he could, learning along the way.
"He will Sail one day." and there was a further complication with Arwen, "They will all Sail." even her, "I cannot say how I will react. Will I be myself? Will I be strong enough to support a kingdom of people who have been torn apart by the Enemy for far too long?"
His lips twitched and he gave Maedhros an intense stare. "Not to Lord Elrond and...not to me by extension."
"Lord Elrond has grown wise and knows the heart of those under his care. Do you not trust his opinion?" Maedhros was content to stay still, watching Aragorn. "You would not take your subjects for granted, I think." Just as Elros hadn't.
"Most will, yes." Did he dare offer? A sigh. How could he not? When this Man claimed his ills weren't unimportant, with a stare that looked into his very heart.
"I will fight and stand at your side, if you ask it of me. I would not think less of you if you decide having one such as I is too dangerous." Then he would continue as he had been. Fighting where he was needed, leaving no name and little stain.
"I trust him with all my heart. It is myself I do not wholly trust. Or, rather, my blood." he fought to find the right words, "Some of Isildur lives on in me. Sauron's Ring will resurface - it is only a matter of time. If I were to succumb to it..." a shudder ran down his spine, "Sauron would rejoice to have me as his thrall, I do not doubt."
Ruling did not frighten as much as that.
Aragorn blinked in shock, color rising high on his cheeks. "That... I do not fear the danger." he was touched by the offer and he moved to sit on the edge of the bed, "Shall I ask Lord Elrond why you would be willing to do that for me or will you tell me?"
Maedhros answered with a wry little smile. "Good. Keep testing yourself. Only remember that while the blood of Isildur lives on in you, so to does the blood of Elros. And he was a very fine Elf before he was a very good Man." Fire glittered in pale eyes. "Sauron will have to go through me to get you." Whether he stood at Aragorn's side or not.
The barest of snorts, not something one would expect from an Elf. He didn't try to sit up, though he didn't protest Aragorn sitting down on the bed. There was no physical discomfort. Memory cast his gaze into the past, and he thought carefully. "Because of the wrong I did Elrond and Elros. Because of the love I bear them." He focused on Aragorn. "And because I can see you are one who is worthy of loyalty. I would fight for you regardless," he admitted with a faint smile. "It is your choice whether I do so openly or out of sight, as I have been fighting these many years."
"If he was like Lord Elrond - and he must have been - he was an excellent King." he looked thoughtful, choosing his words with care, "He has told me I take more after Elendil, Isildur's father. The people of Gondor loved Elendil and he brought them peace before Sauron struck him down. I would be honored to follow in his footsteps."
He saw the fire and he smiled faintly. "I will not go to Sauron willingly or in one piece if I have my way."
Aragorn knew he would fight to the death if he felt that Darkness. He had no desire for the power the Ring had to offer.
At least no conscious desire. It was his subconscious that concerned him.
The snort made his smile grow and he was careful not to jostle Maedhros as he sat down.
"I am honored beyond words." he met the gaze that felt so wise, so knowledgeable and so intense, wondering what Maedhros saw in him to make him so certain, "Fight with me in the light and in the dark. I am not ashamed of your company."
"Lord Elrond is the wise, quiet one. Elros...was a force in himself." Maedhros didn't regret being at Elros' bedside in the end. When no one else had been around to see, he had paid the younger twin one last visit. "He is loved even now, by those who remember him." The number didn't matter. Even if he was the last who had known Elros, he would be content to know that memory hadn't died.
"Then you will not be alone. You will not need to ever fight against Shadow by yourself." Perhaps he was condemning himself and many others. But he'd set his course with his offer and would stick to it till the end.
And yes, Elrond, he saw you peek in before ducking back out.
He bowed his head. "I give you my life, to do with as you wish." There was a strange sense of relief with the words.
"I should like to know more about him." Aragorn knew memories were precious and if Maedhros chose to share his, he was eager to listen, "By you. By Lord Elrond." he did not think that such a bad fate at all, "No life leaves the world unchanged even if there is no one to recall their presence or their passing."
His heart skipped a beat and he felt...a strange ache. Perhaps Elros was speaking through him?
"Neither will you." his voice was tight with emotions he could not explain, "I want you to live; I want us to fight together and, if we are so blessed, to see the future together too." he laid a hand on Maedhros's shoulder, "But first, I want you to heal."
It wouldn't surprise Maedhros if he heard Elrond had spoken little of Elros. He knew that pain couldn't be easy for Elrond. "I will tell you about him in time." A nod. "I will not forget him. Neither will his brother." There were some memories he would keep to himself, most of the darker days.
He tensed, then let out a quiet breath. "Ever perceptive." Approving, for that would help keep Aragorn alive. He nodded, quelling the unease any touch brings. "I will heal. Your ada has seen to that. And when you feel we should go, we will." Life was never dull around the sons and descendants of Eärendil.
Aragorn would not ask Elrond to recount tales of his brother; it felt wrong to push his Ada so, but Maedhros was...different, though perhaps not by much. He had a suspicion that this Elf called Elrond and Elros family.
"I will not press you." he felt the tensing and lifted his hand, brow furrowing, "The Ring will show itself sooner rather than later. I will not let others risk their lives alone to destroy it. It...seems like I should go too." but he hesitated to ask Maedhros to follow, "The journey will not be easy."
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"I think it the other way around." he had only recently learned of his parentage and his...destiny.
"Without his kindness, my mother and I would have been slain by Orcs too."
Though he had been so young, he had memories of that day. Elrond had looked so angry, so fierce when he addressed his sons for information. Aragorn had been half-frightened of him and clinging to Gilraen's skirt. But then the Elven Lord had turned and given him such a sweet, yet somehow sad smile that he had gone to him instantly.
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That proved his theory. He'd been there that day too. But his efforts had been in vain and he'd yet to forgive himself his failure. If not for Elrond's own sons... "I am grateful you and your mother were not slain."
Elrond had always been kind, even when he had less reason to be.
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"She isn't well." he whispered the words, voice unsteady, "I have not heard your name as of yet. Were you speaking Quenya? I didn't understand it."
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"The pain of the heart takes many," he responded softly, understanding clear in his eyes. "I am sure you help more than you might believe.
"You have not heard my name because I have not given it. Nor should I, for I would not wish more harm to come here than it may already." Which might give his identity away, depending what Aragorn has learned. "We were. I fear I am not a good patient."
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Elrond visited her more and more frequently, his expression solemn.
The signs were not promising and Aragorn felt the selfish urge to beg her to stay.
"I wish I could heal her." he wiped his hands on a spare cloth, one brow rising quizzically, "I know of only one who would fit your description, but how can that be?"
Instead of standing over Maedhros, he pulled a chair forward, lowering himself on it.
"Neither am I. I have caused him many a grievance in this room."
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He saw that fear and answered it silently with an apologetic look. "That is the wish of many. Remind her she is loved. That is the best thing for her." He didn't need to see the Lady to know that much.
His lips quirked ruefully. "Lord Elrond. I cannot deny him anything, even now." He didn't deny it. "Unfortunately he knows it." So wry, but there was undeniable affection that took a spot in his voice.
"This time he threatened with enforced Healing Sleep before I held still for him."
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"I try." he brought her gifts and did his utmost to make sure she was comfortable, "Why is that? If you do not mind me asking."
There was much about the Fëanorians that was mysterious and Aragorn was young and drawn to that quality.
"Oh you don't want that." his eyes widened, "You will not even know what day it is when you wake!"
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"I am sure you do well by her, Estel."
Did he dare speak of his foster-son's childhood? Eventually he shook his head. "I dare not speak of it. If you wish to know, you will need to ask him yourself."
A faint grin suddenly appeared. "Indeed. You can see why I gave in to his wishes."
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With funny ears and the need to sleep.
"I like your sword." he changed the topic swiftly, noting to himself that he would ask his Ada later, "Have you had it for long? It looks brand new."
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Maedhros didn't quite shrug, deciding moving less was best for the time being {namely so Elrond might fuss less}. "That is no shameful thing." Even elflings need sleep!
"Thank you," he looked over at the familiar blade. "I have had it for some centuries, despite its appearance. Such is the might of an Elven-made blade. One of my brothers once made it for me."
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"I feel silly for assuming it, though." and it hurt to know he was different now - no matter how many times Elrohir or Elladan tried to cheer him up.
"I've seen them making swords at the Forge. Nothing like that..." he murmured, glancing at the blade, "He must have been skilled."
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"There is nothing to be embarrassed over. You looked at those around you and believed there was nothing different between you. That you were, presumably, treated the same, speaks highly of all."
There was a second nod. "His skill was close to that of my own adar."
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"Yes." Aragorn had been angry and hurt and upset beyond words. He loved his Ada, his brothers, his uncles... He loved Imladris. It was like Elrond was taking that away from him or making it less important.
"I do not think Men are worth less than Elves." he frowned stubbornly on that point, "And...I am related to...Lord Elrond and his sons. It's...very distant."
Distant yet important to Elrond especially. He had spent long hours reassuring him when he felt his anger and pain for the first time.
"...I shouldn't complain around you. I apologize." because Maedhros had lost most - if not all - of his kin.
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"You have a wise heart." He could see Elros in this Man, clearer than ever. It had to be impossible for Elrond not to love him. "Family is important to Lord Elrond. Distance means little.
A raised brow. "And why not? Some need an ear to listen to. I do not mind." Though Aragorn's mother might, if she knew he was there.
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Thus Maedhros may have heard a tale or two of a Ranger leading soldiers into battle - a nameless Man who was skilled at what he did. Then he would vanish in the night or by the light of the dawn.
"Ada loves me, I do not doubt." there, he slipped into Elrond's true title for him; a title that upset his mother from time to time, "I love him, but I fear my future is beyond these walls. I am frightened to leave."
"You have your own ills." Aragorn took a breath, "You are very kind, my lord."
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"Your fear is what drives you out to fight, to help however you can," he softly observed. "As I would expect from any of your heritage. As with most, it has it's good and bad. Do you not have good ground upon which to stand?" Elrond. "Trust in those who love you. I expect you will leave when you realize it is time for you to do so.
"My ills are inconsequential." And self-inflicted.
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But the more he thought about it, didn't others deserve that sort of contentment? Everyone deserved peace.
So he fought for it where he could, learning along the way.
"He will Sail one day." and there was a further complication with Arwen, "They will all Sail." even her, "I cannot say how I will react. Will I be myself? Will I be strong enough to support a kingdom of people who have been torn apart by the Enemy for far too long?"
His lips twitched and he gave Maedhros an intense stare. "Not to Lord Elrond and...not to me by extension."
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"Most will, yes." Did he dare offer? A sigh. How could he not? When this Man claimed his ills weren't unimportant, with a stare that looked into his very heart.
"I will fight and stand at your side, if you ask it of me. I would not think less of you if you decide having one such as I is too dangerous." Then he would continue as he had been. Fighting where he was needed, leaving no name and little stain.
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Ruling did not frighten as much as that.
Aragorn blinked in shock, color rising high on his cheeks. "That... I do not fear the danger." he was touched by the offer and he moved to sit on the edge of the bed, "Shall I ask Lord Elrond why you would be willing to do that for me or will you tell me?"
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The barest of snorts, not something one would expect from an Elf. He didn't try to sit up, though he didn't protest Aragorn sitting down on the bed. There was no physical discomfort. Memory cast his gaze into the past, and he thought carefully. "Because of the wrong I did Elrond and Elros. Because of the love I bear them." He focused on Aragorn. "And because I can see you are one who is worthy of loyalty. I would fight for you regardless," he admitted with a faint smile. "It is your choice whether I do so openly or out of sight, as I have been fighting these many years."
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He saw the fire and he smiled faintly. "I will not go to Sauron willingly or in one piece if I have my way."
Aragorn knew he would fight to the death if he felt that Darkness. He had no desire for the power the Ring had to offer.
At least no conscious desire. It was his subconscious that concerned him.
The snort made his smile grow and he was careful not to jostle Maedhros as he sat down.
"I am honored beyond words." he met the gaze that felt so wise, so knowledgeable and so intense, wondering what Maedhros saw in him to make him so certain, "Fight with me in the light and in the dark. I am not ashamed of your company."
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"Then you will not be alone. You will not need to ever fight against Shadow by yourself." Perhaps he was condemning himself and many others. But he'd set his course with his offer and would stick to it till the end.
And yes, Elrond, he saw you peek in before ducking back out.
He bowed his head. "I give you my life, to do with as you wish." There was a strange sense of relief with the words.
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His heart skipped a beat and he felt...a strange ache. Perhaps Elros was speaking through him?
"Neither will you." his voice was tight with emotions he could not explain, "I want you to live; I want us to fight together and, if we are so blessed, to see the future together too." he laid a hand on Maedhros's shoulder, "But first, I want you to heal."
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He tensed, then let out a quiet breath. "Ever perceptive." Approving, for that would help keep Aragorn alive. He nodded, quelling the unease any touch brings. "I will heal. Your ada has seen to that. And when you feel we should go, we will." Life was never dull around the sons and descendants of Eärendil.
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"I will not press you." he felt the tensing and lifted his hand, brow furrowing, "The Ring will show itself sooner rather than later. I will not let others risk their lives alone to destroy it. It...seems like I should go too." but he hesitated to ask Maedhros to follow, "The journey will not be easy."
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