Rescued From Shadows

Epilogue

Many many years later...

Maedhros draw his cloak around himself tighter standing on a small hillside overlooking some ruins. He bent down by a large marker that was covered with vinery. He sighed and shook his head feeling a tight pain in his chest. Maedhros opened his mouth but closed it and reached into his cloak pocket and pulled out a small flower.

"I know it's silly...but here," Maedhros found himself saying as he placed it on the ground in front of the stone. "I am sorry, Finno. I am sorry I wasn't there for you like you once were for me."

He placed his hand on the stone and closed his eyes tightly finding tears where on them. He just brushed them away and straightened up. "Until next year," He said softly as he turned away mounting his horse and he rode off.

~~~

A few weeks later Maedhros returned home to find Maglor outside with his boys Elros and Elrond outside. Elros and Elrond were running around the yard chasing each other and Elros kept trying to tackle his brother.

Once he dismounted the boys rushed over and hugged his legs. He bent down and patted their heads. "Hello you two," He said.

"Welcome back Uncle Nelyo," Elrond said happily.

"What took you so long? Did you bring us anything?" Elros asked looking up at him with big round eyes.

"Elros. Let your uncle settle down before you bombarded him with questions," Maglor scolded lightly.

"Sorry," Elros said.

"It's alright," Maedhros said. "Yet, to answer your questions I didn't bring you anything. It wasn't that kind of trip."

"Oh? What kind of trip was it?" Elros asked.

Maedhros turned away and Elrond nudged his twin and shook his head. Elros's mouth went into an O shape before he hugged his uncle again. "I am sorry Uncle Mae,"

"Go back to your game, enjoy yourselves," Maedhros said to them. The two nodded and ran off once they were gone Maedhros let out a soft sigh. He turned back to his saddle bags and pulled out the things he needed ignoring Maglor's look.

"You didn't sleep did you?" Maglor asked.

"Do I ever?" Maedhros asked in response. Maglor just sighed and placed a hand to his brother's shoulder. Maedhros ignored and sighed softly.

"Nelyo? Do you want to talk-" Maglor started but Maedhros held up his hand.

"Kano. It's been a long trip...I just want to rest and perhaps get a few moments of sleep." Maedhros said.

"Alright. We'll be out here," Maglor said.

"I know," Maedhros replied and stalked into the house. He went to his room placed his stuff down and laid down on his bed. He slid the dagger that was gifted to him long ago under his pillow before he turned to stare at the ceiling. As he laid there he knew he no sleep will come to him but he still lay there. His mind drifted back to a happier time. Yet, that happy memory burned in a fire and slowly faded into a nightmare burned in his mind. Death. Loss. Pain. The memories lingered until Maedhros felt tears on his face.

He swallowed hard and sat up brushing them away. He had tears come but ever since he lost all the family he had besides Maglor. He never actually cried any more, he just couldn't find that strength. He sighed and fell back into bed covering his face with his stubbed arm. He closed his eyes and finally he felt a light sense of sleep start to take hold of him. Yet, that was interrupted by a soft knock on the door. He sat up and called, "Yes?"

The door opened and Elros and Elrond came inside holding one of their stuffed animals. They walked over and Elrond handed it over. "Here," He said.

"What's this," Maedhros talking the stuffed animal.

"It's a stuffed animal. We like hugging it when we are sad, it's really nice and soft." Elros said.

"It is alright," Maedhros said handing it back but the two shook their heads.

"No. You can have it, Atar said you are tired and had a long day." Elros added.

"Right. Besides you seem really sad so you can keep it until you're happy." Elrond said. Maedhros smiled a bit and placed it beside him.

"Thank you," Maedhros said with a light smile. The twins both grinned and hugged him tightly. Maedhros hugged them with one arm and when he let go the twins. Both the brothers smiled brightly at him.

"Feel better Uncle Mae," Elros said.

"I'll try Elros," Maedhros said as he settled back. The twins both nodded and left the room, closing the door.

"Night-night," They called as they waved before they left. Maedhros waved and laid down once the door was closed. He looked at the stuffed animal and he chuckled softly as he closed his eyes. He fell asleep as his hand was on the stuffed animal.

~~~

Maedhros opened his eyes and found a world of rolling light smoke. He looked around and frowned a bit. This was not like most of his dreams like this. He then stiffened when he heard a voice behind him.

"Hello Mayo," Fingon said.

Maedhros blinked past his tears and ran over. He wrapped his arms around him hugging him close. Fingon smiled and held him hugged back.

"Finno...I missed you," Maedhros said softly.

"I missed you to Mayo," Fingon said with a smile.

"Yet...you...you are gone," Maedhros said as he moved back as he looked at him.

"I know but I did tell you that I'll always be there if you need me." Said Fingon with a smile. "Lord Mandos and Lord Irmo allowed me to come here. Well come here now at least,"

"I am glad you are here, Finno." Maedhros said.

"Me too. I know a lot of pain has happened but come on. I want to hear all the good things that I have missed." Fingon said.

"Alright," He said softly. He sat down beside Fingon and he smiled with tears in his eyes. He then went into a story of some happier memories. Fingon just listened with a kind smile. Once he was done Fingon just smiled brightly. Maedhros looked at him and found himself starting to laugh.

THE END