He hardly minded being the recipient of a kind touch. As Curufin spoke, Maedhros would rest against him, the bright strands of his hair falling into his face. Yet he was listening intently, wanting to know what his brother had seen and experienced.

"It seems to me we have time." he pulled back slightly so that he could see Curufin's face properly, "You have loved? Have you married without me realizing? Without me present?"

Now that was unforgivable! But he could not mourn missing so much for long upon hearing about Curufin's discovery. Compassion, hm? What a lovely lesson.

"I will do what I must to protect your happiness." Maedhros had long since given up on himself, but if he could exist to defend the good in this world or any other, that was a fine way to exist.