Chapter 11
Comfort of BrothersUpon entering the room, Elrohir dismissed the soldier and closed the door. His brother sat Kalan down on a rather large bed. The youngster (compared to them, at least) barely registered the change. Elrohir lit a few candles then joined his brother beside Kalan. He deftly undid Kalan's cloak and laid it to one side. For a long while the three of them sat in silence, Kalan's eyes closed and head down, and elf on either side.
Elladan reached out and touched Kalan's thigh. The youth jerked and tried to get away, but a second hand on his shoulder restrained him. Elladan brushed through the ebony hair and spoke in soft, flowing elvish.
"Does it hurt so much that you cannot even bear our touch. We would never hurt you, Gildae," he said. Kalan took a shaky breath.
"The pain of the orcs was long and without end. Their foul, painful touch has been engraved on my soul, my mind. I cannot escape them," he whispered. Elladan gently massaged the back of Kalan's neck; the muscles were strained and taut. He nodded, silently urging him to continue. "I cannot explain to you how – what – I felt, there are no words to describe the pain. Not just in how they violated my body, but…" his voice broke off and a shudder ran through him. "I am not worthy of your friendship, let alone your love," he added.
"Nay, Gildae!" cried Elrohir. "Nothing can sever the bonds we three have made. Not orcs, not even the Dark Lord himself," he said softly. Kalan turned his silver gaze to the younger twin.
"But I broke, Elrohir. I broke down and cried, even as they took me. I begged and pleaded, never have I done so to anyone. They accomplished at least part of what they wanted," his voice became bitter. "They broke my spirit. I am not worthy of the friendship of elves," his eyes lowered, but Elladan was not about to give up.
"Gildae, brother in heart, no one, not even an elf, could have survived what you went through. We would have given up our lives, casting our spirits out to Mandos. You escaped with your life, and that is a feat in itself," he reached out and raised Kalan's head to look at him. "Gildae, souls can be repaired with the love of others and time, your soul will become whole again, but only if you allow us to help," he said, staring into the silver eyes of his 'little brother', searching for any sign of hope. And he found it, but it was dim and hidden, locked behind painful memories, hate, fear and doubt. But it was hope nonetheless. "Gildae, will you allow us to comfort you while our company rests here?" the elf asked? Kalan's eyes widened and he opened his mouth to make a stuttering protest. Elrohir placed two fingers over his lips, shushing him. The elf smiled kindly.
"Gildae, we wont do anything that would hurt you. If it is only to lay here with you so you do not have to be alone in the dark, then we will. But we will not leave you alone," he said sternly and moved his hand to cup Kalan's cheek. Kalan closed his eyes and leaned into the comforting touch, one that reminded him of the happier times of his childhood. Elrohir smiled and ran the pad of his thumb across the smooth skin, noting the traces of old tears. Kalan opened his eyes and nodded, once.
Elrohir wrapped his arms around Kalan's chest and slowly pulled him back onto the bed, moving the two of them back to the pillows. Elladan followed and bent over Kalan's slightly shaking form. His quick fingers swiftly unlaced Kalan's borrowed tunic and began to lift it over his head. Kalan's hand stopped him and the elf met his gaze. Reading the fear and apprehension on the young face, he smiled and stroked the dark hair.
"It's alright, Gildae, we wont do anything you do not want. But you cannot sleep in your only good tunic," he leaned forward and pressed a kiss to Kalan's forehead. "Relax," and he removed the shirt.
Kalan rested his head against Elladan's shoulder and the elf enfolded him in his arms. He laid both of them down, never letting Kalan go. He shifted slightly, tucking the dark head under his chin, both of them lying on their sides, facing each other. His twin lay down behind Kalan, spooning his larger body around the smaller one. He draped an arm over Kalan, letting his hand rest on his brother's waist. Elladan held Kalan tightly, gently tracing random patterns across his back.
In a short time, the body between the elf twins relaxed and Kalan's breathing slowed and evened out. Elladan risked a glance down at his face and found his young 'brother' deep in a dreamless sleep. Settling back onto the bed, he caught his brother's eye. Elrohir's 'voice' came into his mind.
~ You know this only a temporary solution, brother. This will not heal the hurt that has been done to him. ~ Elladan's expression was sad.
~ No, it will not, brother. We will leave the healing of his heart up to father when the time comes. I just hope that he will not be like our mother. Until then, if he wishes it, we will comfort him this night, and any other, giving him some relief. ~ he answered. Elrohir nodded and the twins settled into the bad, letting what little power they had envelop the young half-dragon in his sleep. Their love for the youngster radiated off them, soothing his pain and blocking the horrible dreams and memories.
** REVIEW!!! Hope you are all enjoying this, no there is no real slash with the twins, the slashy stuff is later. They are just a bit more than brothers. Check back for the next chappie: "From Helms Deep: the Rider's Part".**