Part two. Please read and review. Inspired by the artwork seen here.
-A
Maglor's Shame
part II
Maglor was unaware that he had fallen asleep until he woke again, opening his eyes quickly and lifting his head. It was then that he realised Maedhros was looking at him. Grief, pain, relief, joy, guilt... all of them swirled beneath the surface and Maglor could not hold his tears at bay any longer. Closing his eyes, he lifted Maedhros's hand, pressing knuckles to his forehead as he bowed his head and wept.
"Forgive me," he whispered.
Not expecting an answer, Maglor allowed the uncertainty of fifty years to leave him in a flood. "Forgive me, Maedhros..." he pleaded again. He needed his brother's forgiveness, because he knew that he would never forgive himself. Sniffling, Maglor lifted his head when Maedhros's hand pulled from his own, resting lightly on his head. Thin fingers tucked back loose ebony strands. Maedhros was smiling at him.
"Forgiven... always forgiven."
His voice was almost painful to listen to, a shadow of its former strength, but Maglor cherished it. Exhausted, Maglor rested his head again against his brother's side, taking comfort in his nearness and offering what he could in return.
"Will you sing for me, Maglor? I remember when we were young, and you would sing for me while I practiced letters... to keep me from yelling at Celegorm and Caranthir when they got too loud. Sing for me now, brother? It has been too long since I last heard..."
With nothing more than a mute nod, Maglor retrieved his harp. Fingertips began to flow over the strings - he knew them as intimately as he knew himself; as he knew Maedhros. Without question he launched into a song they both had known since childhood, his fair voice somehow adding to it. As he sang, he changed it to suit his needs, to comfort his brother.
For so long he had not the heart to sing, but now the melody flowed from him easily and he sang with his heart - for his brother.
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