hadriel_logs | Awakening of an Elf

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Awakening of an Elf

Who: Maedhros, OPEN.
What: Maedhros has been asleep for a month and now wakes up, finds house still standing, then goes exploring.
Where: Elf complex/house to start, then out and around.
When: February 9th and following week.
Warnings: Brief mention of past torture. Nothing else to start.

Elf house:
Consciousness came slowly to Maedhros. Light and hushes sounds in another room register minutes before full awareness chased away an old lingering fear. Testing that old fear and unending pain, he jerked upright, eyes snapping open as he took in a quick, sharp breath.

Only a dream. he confirmed silently to himself, looking warily around. Gradually he recognized where he was. Safe, at home - or near as home could be in the city of Hadriel.

Exploring:
The week passed in almost a blur as the Elf sought to reacquaint himself with the city and being back on his feet. His family fretted and he kept checking in with them and friends. But idleness and Maedhros had never sat well, and he judged himself well enough to walk around.

So he did. Few places in the city and the immediate surroundings would go unchecked. The mechanical hand Anakin and Celebrimbor had made him was a good reminder of all he'd gained. He wouldn't throw it all away just for memories.

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It had become a ritual: wake, check on Maedhros. Meal time, check on Maedhros. Before and after a guard shift, check on Maedhros. Every time, there was no change and no reason to expect one, just silence from the bed and the company of kin just as nervous as he was.

But still, they all persisted. So it was that Fingon poked his head in mid-morning, preparing for another hour of talking at Maedhros' sleeping form.

"Good morning, Russandol, you'll never guess-" he stopped short, noting the newly rumpled bedding. Like someone had been moving in it-

"Russandol? Maitimo?"

Fingon's voice lured Maedhros out from their bathroom. He'd changed into fresh robes, which he had been glad to find, but his hair was still sleep-ruffled and stubbornly coming out of the braid he'd found it in.

"Here," things weren't quite where and what they'd been when he'd fallen asleep. Which meant - "How long, Finno?" How long had he been asleep, leaving his family to fend for themselves? "What has been happening?"

For a long moment Fingon stared at him, eyes hungrily roving over his features. He could have kept staring forever, he felt- but at the question he blinked and swallowed hard, gathering his wits back to himself.

"Just over a month. Elrond said he'd seen similar things before in his other world and not to worry overmuch, but that was easier said than done."

He stepped forward to twine Maedhros' hands with his own. "Do not fear. The city is standing, and we've not been in any serious danger."

Fingon's reaction alone made Maedhros' heart hurt. Being apart was familiar, painfully so.

"Forgive me?" Fault didn't matter. He raised Fingon's hands up and kissed his fingertips in apology. "Standing does not mean nothing happened."

A small smile flitted across Fingon's face at the feel of Maedhros' lips. "You already are," he replied, as he leaned in to press their foreheads together.

"The city caused us to appear as children for a few days. It was a bit chaotic, but so far as I'm aware no one was harmed."

A quiet laugh at that. "You might have enjoyed it."

Edited 2018-02-11 21:09 (UTC)

Relief spread through Maedhros and he nudged their noses together.

"Always so forgiving." It awed him now just as much as ever before.

He relaxed enough to chuckle, able to picture it. "And the house still stands!"

"You're back now," he murmured, happy to just drink Maedhros' presence in. "What does the rest matter?"

A small smile twitched across his lips. "Against all odds. Poor Telperinquar, he had three little maniacs on his hands by the end."

She heard the news - he was awake - and she moved in a flurry of motion. It would be very difficult to hold her back and there were tears shining in her eyes as she entered the bedroom. So much had happened while he slumbered and -

None of it mattered.

"Y-You're awake."

Sansa was caught and pulled close when she entered. Maedhros reached to brush fingertips gently over her cheek.

"I am sorry, Sansa. Are you well?" Because she mattered.

She shook under the press of her emotions, but that didn't stop her from embracing him with a sob. He needed a good meal and something to drink! Was he cold - ? Her mind whirled with what she should be doing for him.

"It doesn't matter." she kissed his cheek and looked over him, "How do you feel? What do you recall?"

Maedhros brushed a hand over her hair, offering comfort, and kissed her on the forehead.

"It matters. I did not intend to leave you all for so long. I am fine," or near enough! "I only remember going to bed as usual, and when I woke, time had clearly passed." And that didn't sit well with him.

She smiled tremulously and returned the comfort, smoothing over his fiery hair.

"I am relieved. We feared you might be having nightmares." so she had sat by his side along with Fingon and Maglor, "I have so much to tell you; I hardly know where to begin."

It could wait. Maybe... Maybe he didn't need to know at all. Sansa just wanted to see him smile again.

"Are you hungry?"

"No dreams that I remember," Maedhros assured with a soft smile. His family could make him smile, just as much as they drove him crazy. He still loved them. And she was family, despite how strange the circumstances had been at first.

"At the beginning?" He teased, hugging her close.

"If you are offering to cook, I would hardly turn you down!"

"Then perhaps it was restful for you." she was reminded even more to never take him for granted. Life seemed less colorful - less sweet - when she could not speak to him or hear his voice.

"Many were transformed into children for a short time." she smiled, "Myself included!"

Her eyes widened and she rests her hands on his chest.

"You must be ravenous. But you shouldn't eat anything too heavy." her brow furrowed, "Soup would be a nice start."

"What is restful to me is my family, even when they cause chaos." It made complete sense to Maedhros, hush.

"Ah Sansa, I would have loved to know you as a child! I am sure you were just as perfect then as you are now."

Not that he was biased.

Affection set in and he took her hands. "I am in your capable hands."

"I know what you mean." it made perfect sense to her! Having a chaotic family was better than no family at all. The sound of them arguing or joking could not be matched.

"I cannot say I was." her cheeks pinked, "Fingon was blessed with my company. I was afraid I upset him - as he was small too."

But he had been kind and forgiving. She lifted herself enough to kiss his forehead.

"Wait here and I will bring you some."

Six younger siblings. And many cousins. Maedhros loved each one of them!

He chuckled. "Finno has always been forgiving. There are few whom he will not forgive." Including Maedhros' father, but he understood. "Do not worry about him. Although, some of your tarts would not go unappreciated."

He bent to make her task easier, then rolled his eyes playfully at the order. "I would prefer to go with you, stretch my legs a little."

A big family was something she preferred too. She had imagined herself having multiple children - usually boys, but sometimes she dreamt of a dark-haired little girl.

"He was very cute." she smiled, "I found him playing in one of the pools. He asked me to join him, but I was over worried about my dress and etiquette."

Which was a shame, really. Swimming with him sounded fun.

"I will bake some tonight for him and to celebrate you waking." Sansa laughed at his expression and tugged on his hand, "That will do you good! You need to meet Winter anyway."

Her rescued dog was putting on weight and looking much happier these days. She couldn't tell what breed he might be, but that hardly mattered. He was a happy, bright addition to the house.

Maglor only left his brother when forced (or when he was a bitty. Sorry about the dented pots and the pen moustache. Also the wet bedsheets. The sorch marks outside the bedroom are Curufin's fault? )

He steps out only a moment, and freezes as he turns to see him waking.

"N-nelyo?"

Incoming brother in three...two...

That sounded familiar, hadn't Maglor done just that when Maedhros had first been rescued?

Minus the dented pots and everything else.

He grunted softly and slowly enfolded his brother in a warm hug.

"Kano...what happened to the bed?" He didn't know about the mustache. Yet. He'd ask about the rest later, but a wet bed was new.

Maglor clings tightly and sighs in relief.

"Er."

He blushes.

"You wouldn't wake. And the city...made us children."

Maedhros tucked his brother close and kissed the top of his head.

Then pulled back to give Maglor a Look.

"Did you draw on me, little brother?" So severe. Not at all laughing inside.

Shyly, Maglor reaches up to rub a little at the side of Maedhros' cheek.

"Um. A bit."

[as he walks around, he encounters Margaery. a beautiful young woman with an air of melancholy about her. she carries a sword, but she seems disinclined to violence. instead, she looks at the oncoming elf with an air of mild curiosity tempered by pain]

Oh. Hello, there.

{The Elf silently approves the carrying of a sword, though he wonders just how well this woman knows of its use. The sense of pain and loss and sorrow about her gives him pause.}

Greetings, my lady. Are you well?

[she's been taking lessons from Ikaruga for the past few months, so she's good. and apparently she's doing a worse job of concealing her melancholy than she thought]

Am I--well? Yes. [a pause] No, but it's the fault of the Door, so there's little I can do about it.

{Always a good idea in this city.

Maedhros nods, understanding.}

They tend to bring both sorrow and joy at times. Is there anything that has been brought that brings a hint of joy to you?

[she smiles slightly]

They were both here when I arrived, but Sansa Stark and Daenerys Targaryen have been a comfort to me. The three of us are all Westerosi, you see.

Edited 2018-02-14 00:08 (UTC)

He sensed his Uncle would be overwhelmed with the company of family and friends. Celebrimbor chose instead to meet him elsewhere, not wanting to add to the strain. Thus Maedhros would be waylaid by a dark haired Elf dropping from a tree.

"I wondered when you would be up and about, dear Uncle."

Celebrimbor had always been observant. Maedhros smiled and reached for his nephew.

"Only as long as needed, Nephew. Are you well?"

There was no pause, no hesitation as Celebrimbor took Maedhros's hand and stepped closer. He looked over his uncle with a small, concerned frown.

"You must have been tired."

He knew that was true. Most of the Fëanorians were probably tired enough to end up like poor Miriel.

"I have one less complaint now that I see you. Uncle Kano and Cousin Finno were beside themselves."

Maedhros tugged him closer and hugged him with a sigh.

"Not tired enough to be asleep for so long. It was not intentional." He wouldn't do that to his family and dear friends.

"I suspect they have been a bit of handful."

These arms were a safe place. Celebrimbor felt like a child again, protected by his strong uncle. Maedhros would always be remarkable to him and he loved him dearly no matter what the rest of Arda thought.

"I know." he whispered, "They knew that too. Elves are not skilled at saying farewell."

The whole process felt wrong for them - like a wound that never healed or a large piece missing. He pressed their cheeks together, silver eyes closing.

"I climbed onto the bed with you a few nights."

Always. Maedhros would always do everything he could to protect his family. And this child was extra precious.

He hugged him tight, leaning their cheeks together and ran a gentle hand over dark hair.

"I hope you never grow out of that habit."

It was not often that he could fully relax, but it was easy to do so now. Celebrimbor had developed a curious habit since being reunited with his father, uncles and cousin. Whenever he could get a chance to rest beside one of them, he took the opportunity.

"Atar has let me rest beside him, too. I know I am grown, but -"

After leaving them, losing them and then losing himself, he could not stop himself from fearing they would disappear when he wasn't looking.

There was a reason Maedhros and Maglor had stuck together even to the end, until Maedhros had ruined it all by giving up and throwing himself to his death.

"You may rest beside me too, nephew." Just give a few minutes' notice, just in case?

Oh he knew about sending a message or knocking, Uncle. He would never deprive his beloved family of their romantic joys. Love was good for all of them.

"Thank you." he hugged Maedhros tighter before pulling back, "I promise I don't kick in my sleep."

Edited 2018-02-13 11:40 (UTC)

Love made it all much better!

Maedhros hugged back just as tight. "I would not mind even if you did!"

He flushed and let himself rest against his strong uncle for a moment.

"My kicks have less power, that's true. You wouldn't even bruise."

Anakin felt weird intruding on a family moment. When he heard news that Maedhros was awake, he had decided to wait until the tall Elf was up and about. However, the moment he spied his friend leaving the house, he wasted no time in hurrying up to him.

"Have a nice nap?"

No, he hadn't worried. Way to play it cool, Anakin.

Oh no, Anakin wasn't worried at all. Maedhros knew that. He knew he wouldn't see the Man until he was out of the house.

Sometimes it was nice being right, and not in a bad way.

He grinned a little, looking his friend over. "Someone should have woken me, I missed a fun bit of time."

Oh yes. No one had tried. Why would they?

A great ~~SithJedi~~Force-user should know better than to be worried! He was above such petty emotions! Which was why he was biting his lip and staring at Maedhros avidly.

"I'm sure they tried." he smirked faintly, "You're a sound sleeper. But I guess it's good to know, even if you can't be woke, that you'll be protected."

Relying on others was so damn difficult. It wasn't always about being too proud, either. Sometimes you were just too paranoid.

So great and strong was Anakin Skywalker! Maedhros saw through it and reached to ruffle his hair, fond.

"Just as sure as I am that you tried as well. I am sorry I worried everyone, but not sorry I have such staunch protectors." Anakin included.

"Your family took care of you. I wasn't - " the word died on his lips and he shied away from the hand, huffing, "I thought if it was up to you, you'd wake up again."

There was too much to do and too much to heal. Anakin was thrilled that he could see his friend mending, slowly but surely.

Maedhros grinned a little, not put off by the adorable huff. "Were it up to me, I would have woken that very first morning as usual. Family can include good friends, Anakin, which is what I consider you."

He could heal because he had people depending on him. And because there were people who gave him a very good reason why he should try.

"You're right." he felt his stomach clench with guilt. Obi-Wan was a good friend too and he was family to him. It was so painfully clear where he had made his greatest mistakes. But there was time to make them better while he was here - and Maedhros inspired him to do so.

"I've had my plate full. I - I'm trying to work out things with Padmé, Luke...and maybe Kylo Ren." Anakin knew his poor family was stretched to its limit and that was entirely his fault.

"Then I was a Padawan again for a little while." his lips quirked, "Which wasn't bad. It reminded me of how I used to feel about everything. I forgot that part of myself."

That was all any could hope for. Anakin deserved to be happy and loved. Deserved to have a happy family, full of laughter and joy.

Maedhros listened, watching Anakin intently. "I have not yet met your wife or son, and know little of your grandson, but I know you. I know you will do what you can for them. You are not without aid here, my friend. If I can help, please call on me. I will be there."

He smirked. "Seeing through a child's eyes is no small thing. It opens our own up and reminds us of many things."

He deserved to be abandoned, actually. At least, the way he had been made him deserve that. The way he was now, well, there was hope and he clung to that with all his might.

"You should. She's amazing." he smiled with quiet affection, "Luke is a lot like her. Every time I talk to him, I get the impression he has forgiven me."

Forgiveness is an awe-inspiring gift.

"I know you will be. But I have to work through this myself. I have to show them I care about them. Power..." he sighed, "Power was only ever a means to an end. I just wanted to protect them from every danger. I know that isn't possible now and if I try to think that way, I'll be no better than Sidious."

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Awakening of an Elf

House

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Elf House <3

:3

;-; <3

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Exploring

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