He closes his eyes for a moment, memorizing the soft affection. His brothers are some of the few that can touch him without him panicking. All of his scars throb, in truth, and it is enough to drive him insane.

"The jewels are dim rocks in comparison to her sons. Elrond and Elros - twins - that miraculously opened their hearts to us. We thought to hold them as hostages, but then we became...family." Maedhros smiles faintly, the scars pulling - he is unused to happiness, "Elrond bonded fast with Kano and Elros was my shadow. We were there when they made their choice - a gift given to them by King Manwë - on whether they should live as Elvenkind or as Men. Elrond remained an Elf and Elros chose mortality."