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[handofsilver]

The heavy hammering of the Forge is music to my ears, but I have found myself missing actual song. Is there anyone amongst us who can sing? What of performing on an instrument? I have crafted harps before and I could perhaps manage a flute if that would be useful.

(He comes from a family that has more than a touch of talent in music - particularly where his uncle is concerned - but Celebrimbor has never been overly fond of his voice. He can sing and hold a tune, yet once you hear someone like his bardic uncle, you cannot accept mediocre.)

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[ushahin]

Well, yes. I was taught by my mother, the Grey Dam of the Were. At first, it was a defense mechanism. Crippled as I was, I had no way to defend myself. When I went into the service of my master, he found better uses for my talents. [Don't expect him to feel guilt over what he does. He can't keep the voices out even on a good day, a fact few here know about. He's unapologetic for what he does after so many years.] We have Men, Dwarves, and more in Urulat. Elf? Is that what you call your race? It is a twin image to the Ellylon of my home. [Hence why he'd had such a strong reaction to Celebrimbor the first time they'd met.]

Oh dear. You've appealed to his vanity. Now he shall never do anything I ask him ever again. [Fetch makes a thrumming noise deep in his throat, preening one wing with his beak. He knows he is a very special bird. How many other psychic ravens are there wandering around in the world?]

[There is a smile present in Ushahin's old eyes that doesn't quite make it to his mouth.] You are one of only a few to see it that way. But I am glad someone does. I had to leave them all behind when I came here and miss them terribly.

[handofsilver]

(Some of his disapproval softens. He understands being without defense - or only having one defense against utter Darkness. With a long sigh, he nods faintly.) I would not hold it against you as a child. What more could you do? But these lessons your master taught you worry me. There is a difference between defending yourself and taking advantage of others.

(The color leaves Celebrimbor's cheeks.) The Ellylon mistreated you. You needn't fear that from the Elves of Arda within Hadriel. I am related to all of them and they are kind souls.

(Such a happy, proud bird! What animal-lover wouldn't be smitten?) I do not wish to insult him. His beak could do me lasting harm!

(To leave those like children behind - those dearly and carefully protected... He shudders.) I miss my people too...my wife...and my daughter. (It hurts the most to speak of the last two.) But they are not waiting for me.

[ushahin]

He took me in when no one else would and accepted me for what I was. I gave him all that I was in return. It still was not enough to save him in the end. [Sorrow clouds over his face, but the reminder of the Ellylon make his eyes fill with fury, an ancient emotion he's been holding onto for centuries.]

They rejected me because I was less than perfect in their eyes. I was a reminder of the mistakes they had made. They made my birth mother send me away, so that I wouldn't stain their perfection any longer. [Then he calms, his voice returning to its usual soft tone.] You have my thanks. It is...difficult to look upon someone who looks so close to those whom I've hated for a thousand years.

He was a bird bred for war. He and all his kind. That's why he's so big. The ravens of Darkhaven were meant to spy and report back to me. [Fetch nods his confirmation. He misses his flock. He had a friend crow here, but he has vanished. He needs a new flock, even if they don't have wings to fly with.]

[His eyes soften when Celebrimbor talks of his family. Ushahin misses his own terribly.] My mother, my cousins, and my god all perished during the war of the gods. I know it shall be a very long time before I see them all again. But I was brought here and my purpose begins anew.

[handofsilver]

I see. (His unease is increased by the explanation and his brow furrows.) I am sorry for your loss and I would be interested in what he taught you. There is one on Arda who has powers akin to yours, but he does not have your good intentions.

(Old fury is met with old fury. Celebrimbor too has been tortured and abused and there is no one he hates more than the one responsible.)

My people would not have done so to a child. You would have been loved and given as much aid as we could give. (He nods, smiling faintly.) I know the feeling. There is a man within Hadriel who has hair the same color as...another. The sight of him infuriates me.

There are such ravens on Arda. He could have a flock if they arrived here. (But he hopes they do not. They are used by the Enemy.) If my Uncle Tyelko was here, he would be happy to help Fetch find all the companionship he could stand. He can...speak to animals. I have never seen another with his talent.

(Celebrimbor lifts his chin.) You are strong. Should you need a weapon to make you feel safer, I would be happy to craft one for you.

[ushahin]

When one serves a god, they can learn much. He gave me immortality as a gift. He was the best of them and I miss him very much. [Good intentions? Hmmm. He has never had anyone claim that of his mysterious powers. Ushahin has always used them exactly as he pleases. For the most part, he never tries to harm. It just so very often turns out that way.]

Then your people are far better than the Ellyl. Perfect outside and rotted on the inside, that is what they are. They couldn't stand the sight of a half-breed in their midst. [It shall take him some time to grow used to the sight of Celebrimbor and the other Elves. Fortunately, his reality is often colored by what he sees inside someone's head, rather than simply their outside appearance.]

I do much the same. I can see inside their minds and know what goes on inside their hearts. Fetch has a power too. He was given the gift of being able to put images inside someone's head. Mostly, in this place, he does it to try and get food. [Fetch harrumphs indignantly. He is a glutton and no mistake, though he doesn't like it to be pointed out.

That gains Ushahin's attention. He wonders how much he can trust the Elf with the Helm.] Are you a smith then? I have a very special piece of armor that is in need of repairing.