Event Log: Flu Season

[hadrielmods]

Who: All characters
What: The event log for the Flu Season event
Where: All over the city
When: March 20th-March 30th
Warnings: Gross sneezing, sick people, and paranoia

It starts with a cough, a sneeze, a sore throat - something small and simple, easily ignored. But then your symptoms get worse. It's probably been awhile since you've been sick, that sort of thing doesn't usually happen here. You might be able to raid the shops for some tissues and tea before it gets too bad, and hopefully you've got a friend to help out until you get better. Surely it'll be over soon, right?

Until the fever sets in, and you start to understand why your friend is really there. They don't want to take care of you. They want to make sure this is the last anyone will ever see of you. They want to learn all your secrets. They want to steal your most precious possession. You know they're plotting against you, you know they're keeping something from you. What will you do to find out what it is?

Then, as the sickness fades, you realize it was all in your mind. Let's hope you didn't do or say anything too awful. But that friend of yours... they seem to have picked up your cough. Maybe you should help them out?

► This log covers March 20th-March 30th.
► Feel free to make your own logs, as well
► Please tag headers of threads with content warnings where they apply
► Please put your character's name and open/closed in the subject line of your starters!
► If your paranoia ends in murder, please let us know here.

Comments

[castintofire]

{Not a promising reaction. Maedhros doesn't let go, only coaxes Celebrimbor to press an ear to his chest.}

Listen to the beat of my heart. I am here with you.

[handofsilver]

(Panicked as he is, it takes him a moment to count the steady beats. Suddenly, he is transported from Sauron's stronghold to a far better place. He is sitting at the feet of his tall Uncle, playing with his little wooden horses. Then he is lifted, unexpectedly, and tucked into those strong arms. It feels like nothing bad can reach him there.

His body sags and he clings to Maedhros instead of trying to push him away.)

[castintofire]

{A tender kiss is pressed to the top of the younger Elf's head.}

There you are. What has given you such a fright? {Maedhros strokes a hand over black hair, sitting on the step and holding his nephew closer.}

[handofsilver]

(He believes, truly, that his uncles are stronger than Sauron. If they had all been together, the Maia would have fallen much sooner. His eyes are shut - he doesn't trust them - and his skin is clammy - as if his fever is beginning to break.)

...thought I was...captured again. I could see that monster - I could hear him speak.

[castintofire]

{Maybe they could have. But they can't live on maybes.

Maedhros can't.

He shakes his hair out so it drapes over Celebrimbor.}

You have not been captured. I will never permit that!

[handofsilver]

(The cascade of copper is soft and Celebrimbor reaches up to touch the strands. His eyes open warily and he sees...his uncle. Exhausted, he tucks himself close.)

You're stronger than him. That's why he waited for me to be separated from you.

[castintofire]

{Maedhros smiles proudly at him. He knows how hard it is to separate reality from dream.}

He will not get to you again. You do not belong to him, then or now.

[handofsilver]

(There are small clues - precious memories - about Maedhros that Celebrimbor trusts Sauron cannot mimic. Just as a child knows the voices of his parents, he knows the quirks and attributes of his uncles. Now all he need face is his throbbing, congested head!)

I'm sorry I hit you.

[castintofire]

{This Elf has always evoked pride in Maedhros. Even when Celebrimbor made the hard choice of leaving.}

Think nothing of it. Come, back to bed with you.

{Not that he gives his nephew a choice! He stands up, cradling the other Elf closer, and walks up the steps back to Celebrimbor's room.}

[handofsilver]

(He had hoped his actions would trigger a positive change. He had hoped that maybe he would see his family again. But he had also known he couldn't let himself die with them. Their people needed to be led and guarded.)

I stayed there... I didn't want to get anyone else sick.

(Paranoia had gripped him to the point that he had been certain Sauron was right outside of his door. No, the beast was beside him! Of course he had run for help.)

[castintofire]

{It should have. But they'd been too pig-headed to listen and follow him instead.

Maedhros tucks his nephew in and sits beside him, smoothing his hand over fevered skin.}

We will or we won't. You are worth caring for, regardless the result on our own person.

[handofsilver]

(He coughs as gently as he can manage, yet it rattles him from the inside out regardless. Being a mortal - a sickly mortal - must be hellish.)

You say that now. (He attempts a tease, reaching for Maedhros's hand.) Just...keep him away from me. S-

Sauron.

[castintofire]

{A soft chuckle battles the worry in pale eyes.} You are worth it, Nephew.

And I will do so.

{Maedhros stretches out beside him and curls protectively around him.}

Rest.

[handofsilver]

(Saying the name, facing his fear is necessary. He can't - won't - hold the Maia on a pedestal. He is worth far less than his bright, fierce, loving family. That thought brings him a brief relief and he is able to relax.)

You are worth it too.

(It feels important to reinforce that point. Celebrimbor isn't one who takes and takes and never gives. He's happy to give as much of himself as he has left. But right now his eyelids feel awfully heavy and his uncle is proving to be a nice pillow.)

[castintofire]

{Further proof that Celebrimbor is worthy of pride and love! Maedhros carefully returns to threading fingers through his nephew's hair, offering affection and reassurance.}

Family must stick together.

{He's happy to be his nephew's bed! Or pillow, or whatever else Celebrimbor needs.}

[handofsilver]

We will. I'm not leaving you again. (He wraps an arm around Maedhros's waist, nestling his cheek against his chest. Once he finds the heartbeat again, he gives a small sigh.)

[castintofire]

I will hold you to that. {Maedhros hums will guard his nephew's sleep.}

Sleep, if you can. I will be here when you wake.

[handofsilver]

You don't have to worry. (His voice is sleepy. As if Maedhros has cast a spell on him by saying the word "sleep", Celebrimbor drifts off. Slumber helps his body to fight his illness and his skin cools. Hadriel is vicious with its curses, but he is a strong Elf that will fight until the bloody end.)