[Video]

[prophesiedone]

[Some might recognize the cat - the stray cat that seemed to hate Anakin before - behind said Sith. So what if the fuzzy creature is batting a ball between his paws and being downright charming? So what?]

My talents are going to waste. I'm accepting students, but if you don't show any talent with the Force, I will drop you.

[He wants his own army because why the hell not?]

Ben, you're my first student. [No matter what a certain once-Padawan says! Yes, he is that childish.] Don't be late tonight.

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[prophesiedone]

[Eclipse owns the house.]

You wouldn't know he used to be feral.

[castintofire]

{As any feline should.}

How long has he lived beside you?

[prophesiedone]

A few weeks only. He yowled at me at the beginning of the month and followed me home.

[Anakin can't say no to a cat who knows what he wants and how to get it.]

[castintofire]

Ah! Then I see he knows best how to be cared for. {And how to twist the hearts of those around to best effect.}

[prophesiedone]

He comes and goes as he pleases. [Eclipse also likes to hide under furniture and paw at their ankles.] Do you have a pet?

[castintofire]

I would be surprised if he did not.

I have a little brother here. {Which can equal the same thing sometimes.}

[prophesiedone]

Lucky. I always wanted siblings. [But the Force had only given his mother him. Fatherless. Like she didn't have enough on her plate.] What's he like?

[castintofire]

{Maedhros' gaze softens, knowing the truth to those words.} I have six younger brothers in all. Each are different, special in their own way. Curvo in the one here, and he is clever and fiercely loyal. His son, Celebrimbor, is here as well.

[prophesiedone]

Six...! Are big families common with Elves? [It sounds like fun.] Were any of your brothers twins?

[castintofire]

{Maedhros grins faintly.} Not with as big as mine! I think my parents may have been trying for a girl, though only boys came of it. Aye! The youngest two.

[prophesiedone]

They must've been proud anyway. [There is a warmth to Anakin's features that is often missing.] I'm going to have twins.

[castintofire]

I know they were. {Maedhros is glad to see that warmth for family.} High fortune! Boys or girls? Or one of each?

[prophesiedone]

One of each! [He grins, but there is a flash of sorrow - desperation, really - in his eyes.] Luke and Leia. I...

I'll give them everything.

[castintofire]

{There's a story behind that. Maedhros doesn't ask.}

As any father should. Would you like company after your lessons tonight?

[prophesiedone]

I would. [He might tell Maedhros the story one day. For now, his company is comforting - and stimulating - enough.] You're welcome here or we can go somewhere else?

[castintofire]

{If Anakin chooses to tell Maedhros, the Elf will listen. He likes the young Man's company and intellect.}

I understand you live with some...vocal individuals. Perhaps you would prefer the quiet of another location?

[prophesiedone]

Yeah, my grandson and his general. [His lips twist with mischievous amusement.] I make sure they behave.

[He would rather they didn't wreck another house arguing.]

We can go back to the empty house or take a walk in the snow? I've never had much of a chance to enjoy it.

[castintofire]

{Mirth lights Maedhros' gaze, quirking his lips.} As much as they can, yes. They are fortunate to have you, I think.

Then we should take a walk through the snow! My cloak can keep us both warm, and the walk itself.

[prophesiedone]

They'd take life too seriously without me. [Which is...ironic. But away from all his worries - while they will always be a factor - Anakin can breathe and be, at least in part, his past self again.]

Sounds nice. [A chance to get close to Maedhros? He'll take it.] I've made some schematics for how your hand should be made. I'll work with your nephew on it.

[castintofire]

It can be all too easy to take things too seriously, especially for the young.

{The Elf smiles, finding the expression easier and easier to manage without force as time passes.} You work swiftly, my friend!

[prophesiedone]

I think this is their first relationship. [What can a grandfather do but support them while teasing them?]

It'll make your life easier, believe me! You'll be able to hold a sword and do just about everything else with it.

[castintofire]

Ah, hit them hard, hm? {Just as Maedhros teased Curufin! Indeed, as he did with all his brothers.} That would explain some things.

{A chuckle.} I can hold a sword still! Being ambidextrous has its perks. Though, I freely confess it will be nice to be able to use both hands rather than only one.

[prophesiedone]

Hit the last house hard too. [Just imagine Anakin's powers going berserk. That's what it looked like, though...likely on a smaller scale since Anakin is more powerful than Ben.]

You haven't had a choice. But I'm sure this will be good for you. You shouldn't have to go without.

[castintofire]

{Maedhros almost winces at the image, he can guess.

Affection touches his gaze.} Thanks to the efforts of you and my nephew, I will not need to for much longer.

[prophesiedone]

You won't. I'll help him make a customization for you. [Because... He's grateful that Maedhros didn't push him away after the first kiss. He's grateful they found something thrilling and surprising together. But, most of all, he's grateful he has found someone with whom he can truly connect.]

Where should I meet you?