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]

{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.

{Action}

[bythewaves]

[ For a moment, Maglor seems the younger, curled into the comfort of his elder ]

You really are too kind to me.