Rescued From Shadows

Chapter Twenty-Two

When Maedhros opened his eyes he saw Fingon giving him a worried look while holding his hand. He had no memory of the flash back other than pain and blood everywhere. He swallowed and asked, "What happened?"

"You were screaming and struggling a lot," Fingon answered calmly. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"I don't remember what it was about." He said. Subconsciously his hand went to his side where there was a large wound. He then paled and fell back against the chair breathing harshly.

"Nelyo?" Fingon asked concerned.

"Please...please...just make it stop," He gasped. Fingon stood up quickly realizing Maedhros fell back into one of his flashbacks. He hurried to the other room and told his father to grab the box that Mildor left of herbs for Maedros. Fingon then went back to his friends side as he sat there biting his lip trying not to scream.

"Mayo. It's okay," Fingon said softly. Maedhros just sat there staring through Fingon with tears running down his face. Fingon sighs and held Maedhros's hand while his father went to get the herb box. After a few more moments his father came back. Fingon rushed over and looked inside, he pulled out a small bag and brought it over to Maedhros. He held it by his nose and mouth.

Maedhros blinked his shoulders relaxing and he blinked as a light haze came over his eyes. He turned his head to look at Fingon and asked slowly, "Finno?"

"Hey. Sorry, I had you smell one of the herbs that Mildor left. I was getting concerned." Fingon said. Maedhros nodded and rubbed his side and looked at Fingon.

"Am I bleeding?" He asked. Fingon looked over and shook his head.

"It feels like I am," Maedhros replied, his voice going very light. Fingon gave a small sigh that the drug worked but he still felt bad about forcing it on him.

"Well. You aren't," Fingon said. "Now come on. Let's get you back to your room."

"Okay," Maedhros said and Fingon helped him stand and kept him upright with Fingolfin's help as they brought him back to his room. They sat Maedhros down by the window and Fingolfin left and Fingon sat down by his friend.

"I feel funny," Maedhros said while moving his hand about.

"I know, it won't last for so long though," Fingon said.

"Okay," Maedhros said lightly still moving his hand. Fingon reached over and gently pushed his hand down. Maedhros blinked and looked at him.

"Just relax." Fingon instructed. Maedhros nodded and laid back on the couch. He was quiet before he put his hand to his side again.

"Why am I so weak?" Maedhros asked softly. "I can't be strong like my father...or wise like my mother and grandfather used to be."

"You aren't weak Nelyo." Fingon said. "You are brave, strong, and very wise."

"How?"

"Well. You know that you can't have the responsibility of king. That takes wisdom. You are still sitting here across from me even after everything. That takes bravery and strength." Fingon said. "You have always been strong and brave. Don't you remember when I was little I always claimed I wanted to be big and strong like my 'Big Cousin Mayo!'"

Maedhros smiled and nodded at the memory. "You were small for an elfling," Maedhros said looking over at him.

"Well I still am slightly short for an elf but I do not care." He said, shaking his head.

Maedhros smiled but his smile soon melted away and he hugged Fingon tightly. "Finno...I am sorry."

"Sorry? For what?" Fingon asked as he hugged back.

"The ships...it wasn't my idea. I tried to stop them...but...I just-" Yet he was cut off by Fingon breaking away and covering his mouth.

"Shh. I know. Don't beat yourself up about it," Fingon said. "I was never upset over the burning of the ships. I know Uncle Feanor and I had a feeling he may pull something like that."

"You...aren't mad?" Maedhros asked.

"Nelyafinwe. When have you known me to get upset? And when I have gotten upset, isn't it painfully clear?" Fingon asked laughter and amusement clear on his face.

"Yes," Maedhros replied. "I am sorry."

"Nelyo. You have nothing to be sorry for. Now, rest up and let the drug work itself through your system." Fingon instructed. Maedhros nodded and settled back once more and looked out the window. It was quiet for a while until Maedhros said, "I feel funny."

Fingon just giggled and moved Maedhros's hand back down. "I know," He said with a smirk.