[ He settles in his husband's arms, frantic nerves easy a little further. Maglor is extremely grateful for Thranduil's immediate company and knowledge with little creatures. And the approval of his suggestion warms him.
Then Thranduil has to cheat! That nuzzle of an ear makes him shudder and tilt his head in offer. ]
I will not ignore their cries unless I see it hurting them beyond that of growth.
{Maglor knows what he is doing. Little animals are not so different from younglings; all of them need care and attention to grow strong. Thranduil remembers certain stories about a pair of twins...}
You needn't worry about them being spoiled. {Because they are cuter that way. Duh.} I do not believe in an overabundance of love.
{The cheating continues... He licks the edge of that ear, purring against the sensitive skin.}
[ His sweet twins were a handful but he loves them still with every fiber of his being. Maglor has no shortage of love and spoiling to give, that is for sure!
He chuckles until a low growling purr rumbles out at that lick and he happily goes limp against his wicked husband. ]
Ai I have faced your love and do not find it wanting.
[ As any youngling should be! Maglor had been so proud of how his twins had grown, even if he still wishes they'd been a bit more cautious at times. That just wasn't who they were though, or what Middle-Earth needed.
If Elrond had been any less stubborn or strong or good...would he have Thranduil now? Probably not. And that is just horrible to recognize.
He smirks at that grin and getting pulled in so snuggly. And tips his head to invite any and all such touches, knowing how thrilled his submission makes his husband - and doesn't mind at all for it shows the depth of their ever growing bond. ]
You are worthy of a great deal more than just my attention, but since it seems to be mine that you wish for, I will happily grant it!
{For a nightmare, Maglor is soft and warm and surprisingly sweet. Thranduil knows how quickly things can shift, changing beyond all recognition, and yet he is surprised by moments like this. He understands, at last, where the loyalty originated between the FΓ«anorian sons. Not all of them are like Maglor, surely, but there is...was...something good in all of them.
He realizes, should they appear in the city, that he must do his best to see to their comfort too. If only to ease Maglor's mind.}
What husband doesn't seek the attention of his mate? If I were a bird, you would have no question about where I stood.
{He reaches for Maglor's hands, peering over his shoulder.}
[ Love. That is one thing that had always bound his family. A fierce loyalty to those loved. Madness had ended certain lives too soon and horribly. Had broken them to the point they could see no other way forward, if only to reach their goal.
But should any of his brothers come to Duplicity - or even, Eru forbid his father! Maglor knows he would be hard pressed not to find them the best person to contract with...and keep a sharp eye and ear on them in case that madness returned. ]
You are an excellent mate. Never doubt this.
[ He studies his hands when Thranduil tugs them up to look at them. The scars are still stark against pale skin, but no longer nearly as angry as they can be. ]
I can feel them again, thanks to your diligent care. They only hurt when I get lost in memory.
Then I shall keep you from your memories. {Thranduil brings the hands up to kiss the scars.} Or, rather, I will help you make new memories with them. Hands as deft as yours can do anything they like!
{His voice rumbles, amused, and he nudges their heads together, murmuring:}
They can care for little squirrels and soothe impatient bitter Elven-Kings.
{And, for the first time, Maglor will hear his new child cry. They are dreaming of falling and it's scary! Thranduil releases his lover's hands and hums encouragingly.}
[ He cradles his husband's face in gentle hands after those kisses warm him and leans in to steal a playful little kiss to wicked lips. ]
You are good at drawing me from them.
[ Maglor leans into the gentle nudge, hands moving to curl his arms around his husband to start rubbing soothing touches over the other's back.
Only to be distracted by that tiny squeak! He immediately pulls (carefully) away enough from the other Elf, hardly needing encouragement to run gentle fingertips over the little child. He pitches his voice into a soft lullaby to chase away bad dreams, to assure the baby of safety and love. ]
{He feels flushed with warmth and he covers the hands on his cheeks. The kiss earns a grin and Thranduil steals another because he can. What other reason does he need?}
They are grey and tattered, love. The present is bright around you; it would be a shame for you to ignore it.
{Ah yes, this comes with having children too. He continues to kiss the side of Maglor's head while he sees to the tiny creature. The squirrel immediately registers Maglor's scent and the small body relaxes.}
Your bond is fragile and new, but you have been accepted. Cradle this small fΓ«a, Maglor, and you will be rewarded with his companionship.
[ No other reason is ever needed! He likes stolen kisses because it's playful and sweet little gestures of affection. ]
I can ignore nothing when you are near. More, I do not wish to.
[ He'd never really had this experience before. But now that he does...he accepts it, especially since Thranduil settles right beside him still and those kisses continue. He smiles, utterly charmed by the little creature's trust and relaxing because of his efforts. ]
{Thranduil will steal more, then, if that is how he feels! He finds that affection steadies him and reminds him to listen to his heart. He can't risk locking that important part of him away again.}
I have seen you smile far more and that is but part of what I wish for you.
{The baby squirrel fidgets a little, getting comfortable and then he is fast asleep again, his back foot twitching.}
And if you have questions, you know where to find me. I will always come to you.
I smile more because of you. [ And he's not ashamed or afraid to admit it. He knows himself. Maglor turns to catch his husband's lips in a soft kiss, gaze steady and serious. ]
The act I have held for centuries is less of one here. And continues to lessen with each passing day.
[ He strokes that twitching foot, attention flicking back to the child. ]
I do not need to have a question to call on you, or find you. Just as you need no reason to come to me other than you wish to.
{He presses into the kiss, making it harder, a little more demanding. Thranduil loves to hear those words. He loves being the cause of happiness in another - especially in one he loves.}
What do you have to fear? I know of your deeds and yet I am not running.
{Neither is the baby! But his tummy is full and he is dreaming about a big forest!}
We are married. You may come to me any time you like. My rooms are never barred to you.
[ Ooooh, demanding husband! Maglor immediately answers, willing - happy! - to give what his beloved wants. ]
And that continues to amaze me. You have every reason to strike me down without another thought. Instead, you have claimed me for yourself and do everything in your power to heal me. You have given me a great gift - your love.
[ The baby is too precious and cute! He won't hurt it! ]
Just as mine are always open to you, be it here, or the Forge.
{His body tingles and he gives Maglor a secretive smile - something shared between lovers as he parts. No, he won't be leaving his husband wanting tonight!}
What would striking you down do? I could delude myself; I could be proud of my feat as if it took bravery to accomplish. In truth, I would be striking you down like a coward. I know you wouldn't fight me.
{Shattering what is already broken is shameful.}
I know you better now and I have no desire to strike you.
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Then Thranduil has to cheat! That nuzzle of an ear makes him shudder and tilt his head in offer. ]
I will not ignore their cries unless I see it hurting them beyond that of growth.
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You needn't worry about them being spoiled. {Because they are cuter that way. Duh.} I do not believe in an overabundance of love.
{The cheating continues... He licks the edge of that ear, purring against the sensitive skin.}
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He chuckles until a low growling purr rumbles out at that lick and he happily goes limp against his wicked husband. ]
Ai I have faced your love and do not find it wanting.
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He grins victoriously and wraps Maglor snugly in his arms. His lips touch that ear, his neck, his temple...}
I am pleased! I would not be worthy of your attention if I was cheap in my affections.
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If Elrond had been any less stubborn or strong or good...would he have Thranduil now? Probably not. And that is just horrible to recognize.
He smirks at that grin and getting pulled in so snuggly. And tips his head to invite any and all such touches, knowing how thrilled his submission makes his husband - and doesn't mind at all for it shows the depth of their ever growing bond. ]
You are worthy of a great deal more than just my attention, but since it seems to be mine that you wish for, I will happily grant it!
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He realizes, should they appear in the city, that he must do his best to see to their comfort too. If only to ease Maglor's mind.}
What husband doesn't seek the attention of his mate? If I were a bird, you would have no question about where I stood.
{He reaches for Maglor's hands, peering over his shoulder.}
How are your beautiful hands, love?
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But should any of his brothers come to Duplicity - or even, Eru forbid his father! Maglor knows he would be hard pressed not to find them the best person to contract with...and keep a sharp eye and ear on them in case that madness returned. ]
You are an excellent mate. Never doubt this.
[ He studies his hands when Thranduil tugs them up to look at them. The scars are still stark against pale skin, but no longer nearly as angry as they can be. ]
I can feel them again, thanks to your diligent care. They only hurt when I get lost in memory.
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{His voice rumbles, amused, and he nudges their heads together, murmuring:}
They can care for little squirrels and soothe impatient bitter Elven-Kings.
{And, for the first time, Maglor will hear his new child cry. They are dreaming of falling and it's scary! Thranduil releases his lover's hands and hums encouragingly.}
A little touch can chase those shadows away.
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You are good at drawing me from them.
[ Maglor leans into the gentle nudge, hands moving to curl his arms around his husband to start rubbing soothing touches over the other's back.
Only to be distracted by that tiny squeak! He immediately pulls (carefully) away enough from the other Elf, hardly needing encouragement to run gentle fingertips over the little child. He pitches his voice into a soft lullaby to chase away bad dreams, to assure the baby of safety and love. ]
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They are grey and tattered, love. The present is bright around you; it would be a shame for you to ignore it.
{Ah yes, this comes with having children too. He continues to kiss the side of Maglor's head while he sees to the tiny creature. The squirrel immediately registers Maglor's scent and the small body relaxes.}
Your bond is fragile and new, but you have been accepted. Cradle this small fΓ«a, Maglor, and you will be rewarded with his companionship.
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I can ignore nothing when you are near. More, I do not wish to.
[ He'd never really had this experience before. But now that he does...he accepts it, especially since Thranduil settles right beside him still and those kisses continue. He smiles, utterly charmed by the little creature's trust and relaxing because of his efforts. ]
Nothing will harm this one.
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I have seen you smile far more and that is but part of what I wish for you.
{The baby squirrel fidgets a little, getting comfortable and then he is fast asleep again, his back foot twitching.}
And if you have questions, you know where to find me. I will always come to you.
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The act I have held for centuries is less of one here. And continues to lessen with each passing day.
[ He strokes that twitching foot, attention flicking back to the child. ]
I do not need to have a question to call on you, or find you. Just as you need no reason to come to me other than you wish to.
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What do you have to fear? I know of your deeds and yet I am not running.
{Neither is the baby! But his tummy is full and he is dreaming about a big forest!}
We are married. You may come to me any time you like. My rooms are never barred to you.
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And that continues to amaze me. You have every reason to strike me down without another thought. Instead, you have claimed me for yourself and do everything in your power to heal me. You have given me a great gift - your love.
[ The baby is too precious and cute! He won't hurt it! ]
Just as mine are always open to you, be it here, or the Forge.
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What would striking you down do? I could delude myself; I could be proud of my feat as if it took bravery to accomplish. In truth, I would be striking you down like a coward. I know you wouldn't fight me.
{Shattering what is already broken is shameful.}
I know you better now and I have no desire to strike you.
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I will never fight you again. Not in earnest. Sparing with you is far too fun, and who better to test than each other?
[ Maglor traces fingertips over his husband's cheek. ]
You took the time to know me. That is a treasure in itself.
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Spar with me. I cannot say no to a handsome warrior who already owns my heart.
{The touch is ticklish and he gives a shiver.}
The treasure is you.