Another chapter everyone!!
***************************
The next couple of days found both the lord and lady of Lothlorien busily doing research in the massive study, surrounded by old journals and tomes. They were diligently trying to find the means to force Jakkarran out of Keldarion and vanquish him. But so far, they had found nothing.
Gandalf the Istar might know what to do but he would only arrive in several more days. They did not have the luxury to wait for him and let Keldarion stay bound to the bed. The prince was taking the full brunt of the demon's devilry and they could not let him suffer much longer.
Jakarran resurfaced once in a while, taunting and jeering back at them. Sometimes he would break out into a long black speech that no one could understand, cursing at the elves in burning fury and struggling mightily at the bonds before he slumped back onto the mattress, totally spent and exhausted. Then Keldarion would return, looking pitifully lost and frightened.
During the whole time, Legolas refused to leave his brother's side. He stayed close to Keldarion, feeding him food and giving him water to drink, and stroking his brother's head now and then to calm him. Tears constantly flowed from his eyes as he witnessed Keldarion's miserable plight, this powerful warrior that was brought so low to such a degree of vulnerability. But his brother's helplessness was what pained him the most.
Legolas had noticed how his brother kept squirming and fidgeting. There was an expression of absolute frustration on Keldarion's face, signaling his mounting discomfort.
"Kel?" Legolas asked in concern. "Are you getting stiff again?" He had been rubbing Keldarion's wrists and ankles once in a while, as well as his brother's shoulders and calves to relieve the tight muscles. Legolas' healing touch was magical and Keldarion never felt any pain being restrained like that. But other kind of problem still bothered him.
"Kel?" Legolas prodded again when Keldarion didn't reply but gritted his teeth instead. "Tell me, brother. What's wrong?"
Keldarion could not look at Legolas straight in the eye when he softly answered, "I…I need to…err…I need to relieve myself."
There was a long silence afterwards. Keldarion feared to know what Legolas was thinking, so embarrassed he was with his current predicament. Then to his surprise, Legolas reached down and untied the bonds off his ankles. His legs were now free!!
"Legolas?" Keldarion stared worriedly when his brother went for the bonds on his wrists. The younger prince stopped and gazed down at Keldarion, completely uncertain.
"Don't, Legolas. I cannot guarantee you that Jakarran would not reappear if you set me free."
Legolas lowered his head. "But you have to…"
"I…I can bear it," Keldarion said determinedly, though he didn't know for how long he could stand the urging need.
After another long silence, Legolas spoke again, "Kel? Do you trust me?"
Keldarion was flabbergasted. "W…why did you ask that? Of course I trust you."
"Then let me help you," Legolas said softly.
The elder prince looked away, mortified and uncomfortable. He knew exactly what Legolas was offering. "No. That's okay, Legolas."
"Kel, I'm your brother. There's nothing to be ashamed of." Legolas grasped Keldarion's shoulder comfortingly. "Besides, you have seen the worst of me before. Wasn't it you who had changed my diapers when I was a mere babe?"
Keldarion had to smile at that. "Oh, yes. I've seen the worst of you, believe me!" Then he shook his head. "But this one is different, Legolas."
"Why is it so different? You have taken care of me all my life. Now give me the chance to return the favor."
"You already did, Legolas, with your healing gift and love. I can never ask any more from you."
Cupping both Keldarion's cheeks in his palms, Legolas leaned forward and placed his forehead against his brother's. "Kel. Just let me help you," he said quietly. "I can't bear to see you suffer just for the sake of decency."
It took almost an eternity for Keldarion to finally nod his consent. Smiling slightly in assurance, Legolas went to get the chamber pot from under the bed.
*****************************
Thranduil was confused when he tried the doorknob and found it locked from within. He knocked on the door. "Legolas?"
He exchanged puzzled looks with Arwen beside him when Legolas did not answer right away. But then they heard soft footfalls approaching the door before the prince unlocked it and pulled it open.
"Oh. Hello, father, Arwen." Legolas then walked back towards the bed and sat down beside his brother.
Thranduil was quite confounded to see the high flush on Keldarion's cheeks, as if he was embarrassed about something. The king started to make inquiry, but then he saw the covered chamber pot placed behind the door. Thranduil finally understood what had been going on. He didn't comment on it though, understanding what Keldarion had gone through.
As he took his seat on the other side of the bed, Thranduil turned to his youngest son, "Legolas, you have been cooped up in this room for two days now. Why don't you go with Arwen into the garden and get some fresh air."
Legolas looked like he was about to protest. His father wanted none of that. "Legolas," he said shortly yet firmly, his face stern, looking every inch the great ruler he was.
The younger prince looked at his brother. Keldarion nodded back. "Go, Legolas. You have been waiting on me without rest. Go take a breather. I'll be fine."
"All right," Legolas feebly replied and got to his feet. Arwen stepped closer and clutched his hand. "Come with me, dear Legolas."
Keldarion and Thranduil watched in silence as she led Legolas away. When the door closed behind them, Keldarion couldn't stop himself from bursting into tears. "Oh, father. This is too much! Too much…"
Thranduil stroked his son's hair as the prince wept, whispering consoling words and hope. "We will find a way, Kel. This will not last forever. Just hang on, my son. Stay strong."
"How can I be strong when I'm in such a degrading position? I'd rather die than spend the rest of my life like this!" Keldarion cried out with pure anguish. "Father, please help me…"
Thranduil could not answer for his throat felt too tight and painful. He hated to see any of his children in this condition but what could he do?
The king rested his head against his son's and they wept together. While outside, a certain golden haired prince tried to find solace for his troubled heart within the embrace of the trees and the wind…
TBC…