(Video)

[handofsilver]

(Housework is rather boring, but it needs to be done. Celebrimbor is setting the rather chaotic mostly-Fëanorian house to rights, frowning faintly at the odd bits and ends he comes across. There really is no explaining his father and uncles, but he loves them dearly.)

Man cerig?

(Of course the shoe in the bathroom has no answer for him. Tutting, he picks it up and tries to determine which of his family members it belongs to. And, more importantly, why there is only one of them.

Quite the mystery! What? Not every day can be filled with sorrow and wonder and madness! Though Celebrimbor's day is about to become a little more complicated based on the playful chitter that follows.)

Elbereth above! What are you? (No, he has never seen a raccoon and this one is rather...large. And animated! But who can blame her - definitely a her - when Celebrimbor spies two little faces peeking out of a cabinet.)

...ah... I think I might need assistance.

Comments

[bythewaves]

[ Maglor pulls him close ]

I will tell you the whole story, if you want, but it's done, Tyelpe. Sauron is gone and you are avenged.

[handofsilver]

(His guilt is intense and he cannot even meet Maglor's gaze.)

I wish to hear it. I should hear it. The ending is promising, but how much did the little Hobbits suffer, Uncle?

[bythewaves]

[ instinctively trying to comfort he runs gentle fingers through his hair ]

Much. [ he admits ] But that was Sauron's fault, not yours! Your rings did much good, Tyelpe. Do not regret them.

[handofsilver]

(His eyes fall closed and he breathes deeply.)

I would take all of their suffering from them; all of their memories of him. He is foul. Morgoth was at least straight-forward!

[bythewaves]

I know, oh my dear one. I wish I could have saved you! I wish I had known... I would have come to you, Tyelpe. I did try, but by then it was too late. But he won't hurt anyone ever again! And I will tell you of the Ringbearers, and whenever we are released from this place and you return, you can seek them in Valinor, for they were Sailing, last I saw.

[handofsilver]

It wasn't your job or duty to save me. Once I turned my back on you...on the family...I was on my own and rightfully so. (He raises a hand to caress Maglor's cheek.) Poor Hobbits. They will not wish me to remind them of all they have suffered!

[bythewaves]

You turned away rightfully! If Curvo had been saner he would have told you to go. You were only on your own because we were in no fit state to care for you, and that was our fault, not yours.

[ He reaches up to cup that hand in his own ]

Frodo is one of the greatest hearts I know. Go and talk to him, Tyelpe. I think it will do you both good. And you will make Bilbo happy, doubtless - another tale for his book.

[handofsilver]

He has said as much. I know he is grateful I left, but I cannot say I would ever do it again. Family does not abandon one another.

(Not when they are living and there is love left to feel; to enjoy.)

He likes tales? (That earns a small grin.) He lives through one of the greatest; I could tell him some of far lesser value.

[bythewaves]

They do, if it is what is needed. [ Maglor says softly ]

You are not the only one in this family to have done so, although I think neither of us will ever forgive ourselves. And yours was the better abandoning.

[ but turning back to hobbits ]

He does. Frodo, too, I hear. I never met either, of course. But I think you will get along well.

[handofsilver]

Needed...? What good came of it? (Besides a sweeter life for him that ended in tragedy.)

You have not abandoned anyone, Uncle. (He frowns, confused.) What do you mean?

If the rumors are true, I must stock plenty of food for my encounter with them.

[bythewaves]

You. Oh my bright one, you. I only wish your joy had lasted longer.

Did I not? [ Sadly tired but firm, all the same ]

It was my decision not to go after Maedhros, my rule, that kept him on the mountain with no hope of rescue. Is that not abandonment, and far crueler than yours?

[ A wry smile ] Oh, they very much are.

[handofsilver]

I am...not worthy... (His voice trails off to less than a whisper.) No, you did not. (That is said stronger and his gaze hardens.) He was presumed dead. Why would Morgoth keep anyone alive? No one had been kept so before him.

(He smiles slowly.) Small, but big eaters!

[bythewaves]

You are. The best and brightest of us. Would that we could have spared you!

[ He shakes his head ]

He came to us, nephew. You never saw - your father was determined that you never knew. But He sent to us with messengers, gave us proofs that Maedhros was alive. I always turned them away.

[handofsilver]

The Valar determined I should not be spared. I trust their judgement and I pray I have left hope in my wake.

(Hope in the form of rings.)

...you thought them liars. He lies as well as he breathes! I am not angry with you, Uncle.

[bythewaves]

The Valar nothing. [ Maglor's eyes flash in old irritation ] They should have hunted Sauron down when he fled and dragged him back to Valinor in chains as they did his master.

[ He shakes his head ]

No. [ He admits ] We... would have known if he was dead. We... I. I knew he was alive, every time I turned the messenger away.