Curufin could see in Maedhros' face that he was calmed, and he stroked his brother's hair again, softly. And oh heavens, what Curufin had seen! This is the Curufin who remembers everything, every place he's been, even the off-road paths.

"If I were to tell you, we'd still be sitting here tomorrow and I would have talked you to sleep! But to make it short, I've seen communities pull together to work for the common good, and I've striven to be a part of that, and even to be an innovator and a leader. And I've seen communities tear themselves apart over the most ridiculous disagreements. And in my personal life, I've known friendship and I've known love, and though I've loved and lost, I've tried to remember the good from all those experiences. I've seen what is possible, and because of that, I have set my sights on the highest of goals." He smiled into his brother's eyes. "And I've learned compassion."

He grinned. He knew Maedhros was both joking and not joking. "You don't have to kill anyone for me, though I do appreciate the offer."