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

[bythewaves]

[ Shy gratefulness ] True. And yet even so, you have my gratitude.

[bird_brain]

[A pause] Answer me truthfully, Maglor: will you be all right?

[bythewaves]

[ a pause on this end as well, as Maglor stops to honestly consider his answer ] In truth? I... do not know. I will try, Aubri. For my mother, for Muscovy, for Arwen and Aragorn. But... it hurts. And I ... am already weary.

[bird_brain]

[Aubri gives him a considering look, long and thoughtful. When he speaks, it's slow, as if he's weighing every word before giving it breath.] I have not known suffering as you have, my friend, but I have known loss. I know how heavily it weighs on a heart and I know the pain of living only so that others may be spared those wounds.

[He stops, takes a breath. He misses home. He misses his people so much it tears his heart into pieces. He needs Judeth by his side, offering counsel and support with every step.

It's her loss that rends at his soul most.

Another breath. His voice is steady.] We are social creatures, elves and gryphons, not made to bear these burdens alone. We do not want you to live for us. We want you to live with us.

[bythewaves]

[ A quiet shaky smile ]

You and I, we really have a lot in common, hm? I ... do not know if I am capable of that my friend. But... I will do my best.

[bird_brain]

[Gruffly, a hint of teasing.] I knew there was a reason I liked you.

[Then a pause.] I will see you as soon as I can get away. I expect help putting these old feathers back into order.

[bythewaves]

I will be here. [ So much as it is in his power to hold, Maglor will hold ]