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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]

(He won't complain. All of his uncle's affection is more or less hoarded by him as he is Maglor's only nephew!)

It wasn't your doing. I was, for a time, free of all the Darkness that follows our family.

(He smiles slowly.)

You wouldn't have and I would have gladly accepted the duty of protecting you.

[bythewaves]

[ Maglor is very fond of his only nephew! ]

I only wish it was forever!

[ Maglor shakes his head fondly ]

I would have. Gil-galad would have been put in the unenviable position of having to ask you to yield me up.

[handofsilver]

(He may tell others, with much pride, that he is happy to be the sole recipient of that fondness, but, in truth, he is glad to share it with Elrond and Elros.)

Forever! You ask much of Arda. It has always been a mix of Light and Dark.

(Celebrimbor grows solemn.)

I would not know where to find you.

[bythewaves]

Perhaps I do! But it was not meant to be so - at the least, the Dark was never meant to bring fear.

[ Maglor reaches out to brush a hand over Celebrimbor's cheek again gently ]

You are never to lie for me. [ He says firmly ]

[handofsilver]

It is not the Dark that brings fear, but the monsters within it. Once they are vanquished, the shadows can be places to rest once again.

(He looks faintly ashamed. Faintly. But there is some of his father's and grandfather's stubbornness in him.)

I could ensure it was not a lie.

[bythewaves]

Even so. Luthien, I think, was proof enough, that the night was once beloved.

[ Maglor shakes his head at him fondly ]

And that, Tyelpe, is why I did not come to you. Better not to risk it.

[handofsilver]

The night is filled with stars and the moon. It is not complete darkness.

(He purses his lips, almost pouting.)

I would have you risk it. You can certainly risk it now! (His smile is insufferable.)

[bythewaves]

Gil-galad is not here.

[ Maglor lifts an eyebrow at him ]

But I am still a danger, little spark.

[handofsilver]

Even if he were... (He lifts a shoulder in a shrug.) I love you, Uncle, but if you try to deny me your company, I will hunt you.

[bythewaves]

[ THat brings a smile ]

You sound like Elrond.

[handofsilver]

Good! He is one I love and trust. (And Elrond has been treating his leg regularly.)

[bythewaves]

I am glad you get along well. [ Maglor smiles, pleased ]

I always hoped you would like each other.