Rescued From Shadows

Chapter Sixteen

When the door to Curufin's forge opened he almost fell over when he saw Maedhros and Fingon standing there. Yet, he regained himself the best he could and smiled as the two walked in. 

"Maedhros? I am surprised to see you...I mean I am happy to see you but just...I am surprised." Curufin said or stammered. 

Maedhros just shrugged and said, "It's fine Kurvo." 

Curufin smiled and leaned against one of the worktables. "So? What do I owe the honor of this visit?" He asked. 

Maedhros was quiet and took a deep breath. He clenched his left hand before looking at Curufin and said, "I want you to make me a sword I can use with my left hand," 

Curufin and Fingon both looked surprised but before Curufin could say a word Fingon was by Maedhros. "What brought this on? Nelyo, I am happy to see you are doing better but to go right to-" Maedhros cut off Fingon's attempted lecture-rant by covering his mouth with his left hand. 

"Fingon," Maedhros said with his voice steady. "I want this...I need this. I want to feel like I can be strong again. Please. Let me do this." 

Fingon sighed as he looked at Maedhros. "Alright," He said. 

Maedhros then looked at Curufin and asked, "Can you do that?" 

"Of course," Curufin said as he walked over and took a quick look at Maedhros's hand. He then walked over to the table. Grabbed some loose paper and a quill. A minute later he showed a quick sketch of the potential sword. The drawing depicted was a long that had a slight curve to it. The handle of the sword was slightly curved as well so Maedhros could move it easier with one hand. There was a swirled design going up the side of the blade. 

"It's just a quick design, I'll draw it up in more detail as soon as I can. Once that's done, I'll get right to work on making the actual sword." Curufin explained. 

"Thank you," Maedhros said with a light smile. 

"Of course," Curufin said as he moves and sat back down to start to draw up the full plan. Maedhros stayed there for a bit and gave a soft gasp as he looked at the fire. His left hand moved to hold where a scar was on his side. His breath was a bit fast but it calmed a bit as Fingon rubbed his shoulder. 

"Would you want to go back to your room?" Fingon asked. Maedhros looked like he was about to shake his head, yes but he then shook it no. 

"I want...to stay here a bit longer," Maedhros said. Fingon nodded and just stayed by him. Maedhros took deep breaths and eventually was able to calm himself down. 

"Nelyo?" Fingon asked after a few moments. 

"I am alright," Maedhros said with a slight nod. 

"Good," Fingon said as Maedhros slowly stood up. Fingon joined him but waited by the door as Maedhros walked over to where Curufin worked. 

"Thank you," Maedhros said to him. 

"Of course," Curufin replied looking up from the work. Maedhros gave him a bit of a smile and patted his shoulder before heading off with Fingon into the hallway. 

The pain walked in silence for a bit of time before Maedhros said, "I know you do not agree with me and my choice in this."

"I respect it though," Fingon replied. 

"Even so...thank you. I need this for myself Finno." Maedhros said. 

"Of course," Fingon said. "I want you to do what will ever help you." 

"Thank you but I do have a request," Maedhros said. 

"What?" Fingon asked as they entered Maedhros's room and he closed the door. 

"Do you remember long ago I help first trained you how to use a sword?" Maedhros asked as he sat down by the window. 

"Of course," Fingon said with a smile. 

"Well, I was hoping once that sword is read...you'll be willing to train with me," Maedhros said. 

Fingon looked at him and with a smile, he said, "It would be an honor." 

"Thank you, Finno," Maedhros said. Fingon nodded and came over to sit down by his friend. Yet, as Maedhros looked over his shoulder out the window. He gasped and slowly slipped down to the floor clutching his right arm tightly. 

"Maedhros!" Fingon said as he dropped down next to him. Maedhros then grabbed onto him with his eyes shut. He took heavy breaths holding onto his friend. Fingon just tried to whisper comforting things to him. 

Maedhros could only nod in reply and after a while, he calmed down to the point where his breathing was steady. "Nelyo? What happened?" Fingon asked softly. 

"Thangorodrim," Maedhros managed. "I thought...I thought I was back there. My hand...it hurt...but it's not-" 

"It's okay," Fingon said seeing as it was best to cut him off right now. "Just breathe and rest. I'll be right here," He assured him. 

Maedhros nodded and stood up slowly following Fingon to the bed. Maedhros laid down and curled up. Huan who was wondering where they went soon joined and curled up by Maedhros who fell asleep rather quickly. As they slept Fingon sat on the chair by the bed and his mind drifted back to a younger time. When Maedhros did teach him a bit to use a sword. 

~~~

Many years ago 

"MAYO!" A young Fingon called to his cousin. The older red-haired elf turned to face him and smiled lightly. 

"Yes? What is it Finno?" Maedhros asked. 

"Grandpa Finwe says you can use a sword," Fingon said. 

"I am still learning myself, Finno," Maedhros replied. 

"Can you tell me what you know then? Please!?!" Fingon asked. 

"Fingon. Learning a sword is a challenge," Maedhros said kneeling down to Fingon's level. Yet, the young elf shook his head stubbornly. 

"I do not mind! I really want to learn a sword," Fingon said. "Please?!" 

"You should ask your father first," He replied. 

"I did! He called for a trainer but it'll take forever before he comes." Fingon exaggerated. 

Maedhros sighed and said, "Very well, I'll show you what I can. Come on, we'll try to find a practice sword about your size." 

Fingon cheered and followed Maedhros happily as the two headed to the back of the armory. It took Maedhros only a few moments to find a practice sword that was the proper size for Fingon. He handed it over and the young elf took it with excitement and glee. 

Fingon then followed Maedhros right outside where he sat down and said, "First off you have to hold it like this." 

He moved Fingon's left hand around the sword since yous young cousin was in fact left-handed. "There you'll have a better grip on it now. Remember it's a sword, not a broomstick." Maedhros said. 

"Right," Fingon said and held it the way Maedhros showed him. "Like this?" 

"Perfect, Finno," Meadhros said with a smile. Fingon grinned back and the two went back to the very basics of practicing. 

End of Flashback