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[handofsilver]

What you have seen in the mirrors is no different from experiencing a nightmare while you slumber. The images need not be reality, though if that must be so, I encourage you to face them bravely. They are the worst, are they not? All else is, therefore, better, by comparison, at least.

(He, for one, refuses to give his enemy (one of the Enemies of his world) power over him. It helps that he is surrounded by his kin and they are daily reminders of why - and how - he can overcome.)

You are not alone in your suffering.

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[handofsilver]

(No, he hasn't changed much at all. Celebrimbor had a brief period of arrogant pride, but he has since been humbled back to his true self.)

I would stop them from bothering you, most definitely. (A few whacks of his staff would definitely send a message (and a lot of bruises). His expression falls and he flexes his fingers, gripping on tighter to Curufin's hand. Maglor knows what becomes of him... Fingon does too...

It's right that Curufin does as well. He doesn't want to block him out of any part of his life.)

I saw...myself...being tortured by Sauron.

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[so_dark_a_road]

[ Curufin will never be able to see Celebrimbor as having been arrogant and prideful. But then, he's his son's partisan, always! ]

[ He smiles, imagining generous Cel stepping up to defend his father's peace of mind. That staff is no slight weapon, in the hands of the youngest Fëanorian! ]

You would!

[ He has guessed Celebrimbor's vision would involve Sauron -- what else? And his heart aches for his son, with a deep, ineradicable pain. But he is here for him, always. Cel's experience and how he deals with it are forever a part of Cel, and his father's love is for his son as a whole person. Curufin's face grows somber but soft with empathy. His eyes -- so like his son's, but a darker gray -- glow with that love. He wraps his fingers more tightly around Cel's. ]

Yes. [ And again, he waits for Cel to continue if he wishes to. ]

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[handofsilver]

(He is blessed to have such a dedicated father who only sees his Light! Celebrimbor is relieved to be humble enough to truly treasure the time they have together.

Oh most certainly not! His staff can fell foes completely if he hits them hard enough! He smiles shyly at the encouragement, eyes bright.)

My dear Atar's peace means much to me.

(Speaking of the visions erases his delight and he fights not to fidget or otherwise show his distress. Curufin's grip anchors him to the here and now; a place and time that cannot be poisoned by Sauron or any of his foul forces.)

He wished to know the location of my rings. I refused to give them to him for I had given them to friends. He grew angry.

(And an angry Maia of fire is no weak enemy.)

His chains burned me, but not enough to kill me straight away.

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[so_dark_a_road]

[ Curufin sees what little darkness is contained in Celebrimbor's spirit. All the Fëanorians have it, but some more than others. And Cel the least of all. His Light blazes out and causes the shadows to fall away; his sweetness lights the way before him.

Oooh, that determined staff! Curufin smiles back. ]

Thank you, my son. And yours means everything to me.

[ He sees Celebrimbor's face change, and keeps hold of his hand. He does mean to be an anchor for this child of his, no matter that he's grown. Being an adult does not mean one does not need one's parent, especially in such a time as this. ]

My brave son.

[ And he indicates with the sureness of his grip and the softness of his eyes that he is listening, and can hear what Cel has to say, no matter how bad it is. He is here for him, always. ]