(Deserves it! I daresay he does.)

[castintoflames]

WHO: Maedhros & Semi-Open
WHAT: The grumpy Forgemaster is suddenly missing - or, at least, rarely seen. If you do spy him, you are in for a mild surprise.
WHEN: During the second part of the illness plot.
WHERE: Kirkwall - in/near his room or out in the gardens.
NOTES: He's blue - and not just emotionally.

I.

All of his work stopped holding sway over him the moment he looked down and saw that his hands were a pale shade of blue. Maedhros knew, from his conversation with Beleth, that he was likely ill. Quite ill, in fact. Yet, until this moment, it hadn't seemed to matter. Fear made his chest clench and he dropped his tools without any regard to where they fell. In the next moment, he had left the Forge, cloaking himself as best as he was able.

He needed to find his family. He needed to...

Not be seen. Eru knew his vanity was nearly nonexistent after the variety of tortures Morgoth had exhibited on his body, but he was blue. As such, he kept to the shadows and cursed each inch of his incredible height. Oh and every strand of his copper hair that had escaped his hood.

His hands shook as he opened doors, searching silently for familiar faces.

Eventually, his will-power would fade and he would bar himself in his room. Even there, he kept himself cloaked. On his door, there was a simple note:

Unwell. Stay away.

II.

Occasionally, he had no choice but to take in some fresh air. Elves were not meant to be cramped indoors and he had never imprisoned himself so. Despite his size, he found a way to slip through a window and into a garden nearby. There, he would sit and let the wind soothe him as much as it could.

Comments

[seawanderer]

He's relieved when the door opens and lets go when his brother picks Elros up, and follows them inside before closing and locking it behind them.

"We were working on the boats until a little while ago, then..." Well, he figures his brother can figure the rest out.

[tar_minyatur]

Elros only turns into the hold, a familiar comfort, latching on with an irritated noise. He feels terrible. Leave him alone.

[castintoflames]

Maedhros presses his lips to Elros's too hot forehead. He strides to the bed and sets the Man down, tucking blankets around him.

"I expect our endurance is greater than his." he directs that at Maglor, though he does not meet his brother's gaze.

[seawanderer]

Maglor worries, hovering and helping tuck Elros in before hunting for a glass of water.

"Is there any soup ready?"

[tar_minyatur]

Elros, of course, has always been a poor patient. A soul meant to run and press forwards despises the sick bed, and he hisses crossly when Maedhros and Maglor pull away but makes no move to get up, only pulling the blankets closer.

[castintoflames]

A hand will rest on Elros's brow and their skin almost matches. Blue against blue and yet there is no chill - only feverish heat.

"Over the fire." he didn't like dealing with the flames, but he kept the stew cooking there, bringing out more flavor to the meat.

"Elros, I want you to rest." Maedhros rarely sought to order their star and it is perhaps a lost cause. Elros will always be Elros.

[seawanderer]

They're all blue, and ill. Appropriate, for they're family! Maglor immediately heads for the fire and ladles out a small portion before returning to sit gingerly at Elros' side.

"After you have eaten a few bites, yonya." It's only fair!

Don't make him threaten not to eat, he will!

[tar_minyatur]

One eye opens and Elros glares.

No.

[castintoflames]

"Do you wish to stay ill longer?" Maedhros strokes back Elros's hair, stern words paired with a gentle touch, "This color does not suit you."

[seawanderer]

Maglor meets Elros' glare evenly and he gently taps his fosterling on the nose.

"Come now, Elros," he adds softly. "Eat and I will sing your favorite song."

[tar_minyatur]

Elros glares at them both and stubbornly yanks the blankets over his head.

Dun wanna.

[castintoflames]

Maedhros purses his lips and purposefully stretches out on the bed beside Elros. He lays on his side and waits, staring at the blanketed mass.

Nope. He isn't going away.

[seawanderer]

And this is why he came to his big brother for help! Elros is being Elros!

He sets the bowl on the table next to the bed and sends questing fingers to tickle his fosterling through the blanket.

"And your favorite story, but only if you eat when we ask you to!"

[tar_minyatur]

The pile of blankets hisses irritably at Maglor's fingers and twitches backwards only to run into the immovable wall of Maedhros.

"Not hungry."

[castintoflames]

Unamused, Maedhros lifts the blankets and tickles behind Elros's ears and down on his neck. He is taking no prisoners! If he must, he will tickle Elros's feet next.

"Why should we reward such a brat?"

[seawanderer]

"Hmm...You're right, Nelyo. He is rather spoiled."

Maglor doesn't let up either on the tickling. "We won't let you sleep until you give in, Elros."

[tar_minyatur]

That nets a growl, Elros squirming to get away.

"I'm not hungry, damnit! Just let me sleep!"

[castintoflames]

Maedhros sighs and leans in, kissing Elros's nose. He then presses their too hot foreheads together.

"You will eat when you wake up." he speaks as if it is a done deal. Deal or no deal, foster-son?

[seawanderer]

Maglor reluctantly follows his brother's lead and stretches out on his side, snuggling against his fosterling. He won't be surprised if he gets a few elbows to the side, but he's not budging.

"We love you, yonya."

[tar_minyatur]

Elros eyes him and then Maglor settles in to box him in place.

It's comforting, and despite everything he relaxes, and nods.

"Alright."

[castintoflames]

Maedhros reaches over Elros to grasp his brother's hand. It is so blue and his stomach turns with worry.

And nausea.

Unfortunately he will not be staying still as a result. He releases Maglor's hand and rises from the bed in one smooth motion, hurrying to the attached bathing room.

[seawanderer]

Maglor smiles and kisses Elros on the forehead. "Thank you."

He clasps his brother's hand in return before frowning in worry when Maedhros flees to the bathroom. He looks uncertainly at his fosterling before sighing and rolling off to get back to his feet and stumble a few steps after his brother before regaining his balance.

Elros won't be going anywhere right? And his brother needs him... So he hurries after him to hold the red hair out of the way.

[tar_minyatur]

Elros lifts his head as they both stumble out, wearily contemplating if he's going to be of any use right now.

Nah.

Back under the blankets he goes.

[castintoflames]

He retches as quietly as he can, his body shuddering unhappily. This is disgustingly embarrassing. Thankfully nothing comes up - though that is not from lack of trying! He finally scoots to a corner, drawing his knees to his chest.

"...sorry."

[seawanderer]

Maglor sings softly to his brother and follows after to wraps his arms around him again when Maedhros is done.

"Hush, Nelyo," he kisses his brother on the forehead. "It is my turn to care for you."