Rescued From Shadows

Chapter Nine

When Maedhros opened his eyes he squinted as a warm light shone across his face. He blinked and slowly sat up as he looked at the curtains were pulled back allowing daylight to shine in. He blinked in surprise as he was never sure he'll be able to see this kind of light again.

He then looked around for Fingon and saw sitting on the couch with Milrod. Fingon looked up and smiled, "How did you sleep?" He asked as he got up and walked over.

"Good," Maedhros said rubbing his face a bit.

"That's very good," Fingon said. "Nelyo? I have something I want to talk to you about,"

Maedhros looked at him slightly puzzled as Fingon sat down beside him. "I was talking with Mildor and he says you should be taking some baths. I think it's a good idea as well,"

Maedhros looked down at himself and then looked at Fingon again. "Baths?"

"Yeah. There will just be warm water and soup," Fingon said. "As well as a few things that Milrod has that'll help your wounds."

Maedhros didn't want to fully but he gave a nod and said, "Okay."

"Alright. I'll get a bath going and Milrod is going to change your bandages after." Fingon said standing up.

"Breakfast?" Maedhros asked.

"I'll get it to you after he changes your bandages," He replied. Maedhros nodded and sat up a bit more. Fingon patted his shoulder before he turned and headed to the adjoined bathroom. Maedhros clenched his fists and took a deep breath. He took a few more and looked at Mildor who walked over to him.

"You okay?" He asked.

Maedhros gave a hesitant shrug and Mildor gave a nod at sat on the edge of the bed. "I just want to see how your ankle and arm looks, okay?"

Maedhros nodded and Milrod moved the blankets over and moved the bandages back a bit. He gave a nod and move right next to him and Maedhros held out his left arm. Mildor gave him a smile and said, "Your other arm."

He put his arm down and moved a bit allowing Milrod to look at it. "Right. Your ankle is looking better but your arm doesn't look that great yet. So, I do want Fingon to help you alright?"

Maedhros bit his lip but nodded as Fingon came back over to them. "Alright. It's all ready," Fingons said as he helped Maedhros up. Once Maedhros stood he winced and instantly fell onto Fingon.

"Just take it slowly," Milrod said as he helped Fingon get Maedhros into a better position. He then helped Maedhros to the bathroom. He felt fear raise in his throat and he tried to take a deep breath. Yet, the next thing Maedhros knew he was sitting in the bathroom heavily heavily. Fingon was rubbing his back and Milrod was kneeling on the floor right by him holding a sweet smelling small pouch by his nose.

"What...what happened?" Maedhros asked shakily.

"You passed out," Milrod answered as he pocketed the bag and stood up. "You know that tea I gave you last night? I want to give you some now. Okay?"

Maedhros nodded and swallowed hard as he leaned close to Fingon. Milrod looked at them for a moment before he left the room. "Just breath," Fingon told him. "Just breath."

"I am trying," Maedhros replied shakily. Fingon just held him close rubbing small circles over his back. Luckily Milrod got back quickly with the tea with a mug that had a cloth wrapped around it. Maedhros took the mug and took small sips. After some time he finished and found it was a bit easier to breathe and his shoulders relaxed.

"I...can take a bath now," Maedhros said softly. Milrod nodded and stepped out of the room, allowing for more privacy. He walked over to the desk and started to prepare the things he would need for when he changed the bandages.

~~~

A bit later the door opened and Fingon helped Maedhros back to the bed. Once he was laying down again Milrod came over and bandages the wounds again. He used the same few processes as he did last time. Like the time before it did take awhile but it helped Maedhros stay calm which was the most important thing.

Once Milrod was done he went to go get breakfast for Maedhros. While they waited Fingon continued on in the book he was reading before. Maedhros listened quietly and looked up when Milrod stepped in holding a tray.

"Here you go," he said as he placed it in Maedhros's lap.

"Thank you," Maedhros replied.

"Of course but I do have something to ask you," Milrod said. Maedhros looked up at the healer.

"How have you been doing lately?" He asked.

Maedhros shrugged and poked at his food for a moment before taking a bite. Fingon looked at Milrod then to Maedhros. "You have been doing a bit better, well with that tea and everything what Milrod's been doing so far."

"I guess," He answered quietly.

"Well your brother. Maglor stopped to talk to me, he really would like to see you. Even just for a little bit, I am not asking you to answer. Just think about seeing him." Milrod said. "Well, I'll be back tonight to change the bandages. Have a good day,"

Maedhros didn't reply he just focused on eating small bites of food. Yet, he slowed down and just stared at his food tears coming to his eyes. Fingon looked at him and said, "Nelyo?"

"I...can't," He said dropping the fork and hiding his face. "I just can't. I want to but I can't."

"Nelyo. Talk to me," Fingon said.

Maedhros swallowed hard and said, "Kano...I want to see him...but I...I can't."

"Why?" Fingon asked.

Maedhros looked at him with tears in his eyes and swallowed again. His bottom lip quivering very slowly and shakily he told Fingon about how Mairon would change how he looked to mimic people he cared about. When he finished he broke down crying and Fingon moved the tray over and wrapped his arms around him. He could tell there was something else but he wasn't going to push. He just kept him close until his tears quiet down becoming light sniffles.

Fingon handed him a tissue and said, "Nelyo. I know you are scared but I can assure you that Kano is Kano." He gave a slight pause and added, "Just like how I am really Finno."

Maedhros looked up at him and gave a little nod then. "Okay for a little and don't leave?" He asked.

"I'll stay right next to you," Fingon assured him. Maedhros sat there for a few moments before he hugged Fingon. After a bit of time he let go and Fingon gave him the tray back and he continued to eat.