Voice, Open

[bythewaves]

[ Grief, as deep as the sea, as endless as the sky. Pain, like sheeting ice, in the voice that speaks... and for those with ears to hear, a tiny, quiet envy and relief. ]

For those who knew them, the list of those freed from this world now includes the Lady Galadriel and her husband, the Lord Celeborn, their daughter, the Lady Celebrian, the Lady Idril, and Maedhros my brother. Also, the Lady Sif, who counted us as family in lieu of those left in her own world.

Their things are with me, but they left no letters behind.

Comments

{Action}

[rangerandking]

{He gives Maglor a sad, tender smile, leaning in to rest their heads together congenially.}

Men can act - they can choose. Most women are forced to wait and be patient. I do not think I would be a dutiful woman.

{Action}

[bythewaves]

[ A soft snort but he does not refuse the gesture or pull away ]

Mother chose. She always has done so - the only one who could meet and match Feanor's fire was always and only Nerdanel.

{Action}

[rangerandking]

Then she is a remarkable lady indeed. {He can't help but think of Eowyn.} The life of an Elf offers time to make such matches, I suppose.

{Action}

[bythewaves]

[ He smiles wistfully ]

She is. Father would never have been able to love anyone but his equal.

{Action}

[rangerandking]

I am to wed my better and I am glad of it. {His smile says all.}

{Action}

[bythewaves]

Hm. We always do, I think, but truly it was said of Feanor that he was both the best and the worst of us. Still, in some ways mother was always his better. But she could not hold him, nor any of us, in the end.

{Action}

[rangerandking]

Holding is not the task for family and friends. We can love and accept and guide, but there is no cage. Everyone is free to act as they please as long as they are wary of the consequences.

{Action}

[bythewaves]

I wish [ He says softly ] She had at least managed to hold the Ambarussa, although they were old enough to make their own choices and would have hated me for saying that. But... if I could have spared them what was to come...

{Action}

[rangerandking]

You are one Elf. {One proud son of Feanor.} I cannot speak for taking on too many burdens at once. I am guilty of that crime many times over, but I caution you: you cannot see around all corners and know all outcomes.

The Ambarussa do not blame you or your mother, I'm sure.

{Action}

[bythewaves]

I should have known that outcome. Evil ends have always followed us.

[ A long tormented pause ] I... wonder about that...

[ I forgive you said Ambarussa, but his eyes screamed Your fault ]

{Action}

[rangerandking]

{An arm finds its way around Maglor's shoulders, steady and strong.}

What is there to wonder? They are family. Even if they speak out of pain, their hearts have a place for you.

{Action}

[bythewaves]

[ At first stiff, slowly, almost shyly he leans into that contact ]

Perhaps. I hope so. Either way it is too late to know, now.

{Action}

[rangerandking]

{He doesn't move; he waits patiently for Maglor to relax. Comfort may not be easy for anyone to accept, but there are times when it's nice to feel that you're not alone.}

No, you know. {With his free hand, he touches Maglor's chest, right over his heart.} Here.

{Action}

[bythewaves]

[ A slow shuddering sigh and Maglor's hand (the right, the scarred one) comes up to wrap gently around Aragorn's ]

My heart has ever led me astray. I do not know what to trust in any longer.

{Action}

[rangerandking]

{The scars sadden him, but he makes no comment. They all bear scars on their skin and in their hearts.}

Trust that the good you have done will comfort you even in the midst of nightmares.

{Action}

[bythewaves]

There is no comfort that I can see, but I thank you, Aragorn.

{Action}

[rangerandking]

Truly? You have gained the hearts of many.

{Action}

[bythewaves]

[ He blinks at him and shrugs ]

Have I? Under false pretenses, maybe. I was always a good actor.

{Action}

[rangerandking]

Is that it? Are you saying you've even tricked me? {Is he buying this?

No, not really.}

{Action}

[bythewaves]

You think me good and kind, and oh, I wish that it were true.

{Action}

[rangerandking]

I think you guilty of great crimes; I think you trapped by bonds and curses that have no end...

But I also think you great of heart. Those who stop listening their hearts cannot feel empathy or guilt. You feel both in great measure.

{Action}

[bythewaves]

[ A shiver and Maglor pulls in on himself ]

Do not... [ he whispers softly ] I cannot... do anything but feel guilt. It saves no one.

{Action}

[rangerandking]

{Aragorn pulls him closer, brow furrowing.}

Then I must not exist.

{Action}

[bythewaves]

[ He is stiff, curled in on himself (as if to hide, as if to protect) but slowly he leans into Aragorn's hold ]

I cannot wish that.

{Action}

[rangerandking]

{A small, warm smile follows that statement and he smoothes a callused hand over Maglor's hair.}

I am glad of that.