Taelin's Story

Author’s Notes: I know this chapter isn’t as long as usual…but as this story is winding down, I thought it would be nice to have some touching moments instead of brutality.

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The herbed water swirled around his aching body as Taelin slowly slid beneath the surface. His very soul hurt, yet he refused to think on the events of his life. He simply floated in the comforting silence of the steamy water. A part of him wished that he could remain in that comfort, and never face the cruel world that had led him to such torment repeatedly.

Finally, the elf was unable to hold his breath any longer, and was forced to surface once more. He rested his head back against the edge with a great sigh. A single tear trailed slowly down his pale cheek as flashes of the past hours mingled with the flashes of the past within his mind. He began to wonder what it was about him, what was wrong with him, that so many people could do such things to him, and keep doing them.

He had known it would only have made things worse to fight against the men, even though he now knew how. A lump of emotion began forming in his throat as images of their cruel faces, their wicked words, and their sweaty hands upon his body flashed through his mind. Taelin refused to give in to tears. He refused to give the men that power over him any longer. Gone was the frightened elfling who would cower and hide after such torment, with only his tears to comfort him. No, Taelin knew that if only he could get the words out, there was someone with him again who would listen. Who would have protected him if it had been at all possible.

Taking another deep breath, Taelin finished washing himself. He refused to acknowledge the dark bruises marring his milky pale skin as he washed away the feel and smell of his recent torment from his body. He shivered in the cool air as he rose from the bath. A tiny smile graced his face as he noticed that Wess had laid out clean clothes for him, along with towels. Dressing carefully, Taelin bit down on the whimper of pain that threatened to escape him. He knew it would be days before he would be able to move properly.

Walking fragilely, Taelin left the washroom and joined Wess by the fire. He grew frustrated at the trembling that began as he approached Wess. His mind knew that the old man posed no threat to him, but his body would not be convinced, especially after his recent abuse.

“Taelin, I’m sorry. I had no….” Wess began before Taelin held up his hand to stop the old man’s words.

Taelin stared into the fire, his green eyes growing slightly distant. Never before had he voiced the torment that he had suffered for so long. He knew that Wess must at least assume what he had gone through, but had never confirmed or denied anything.

“I was 100 when it first happened.” Taelin whispered into the flames at last. “A group of them found me in the woods. I was barely more than a child, and I was heartsick. My parents had just died, and I was alone.” Taelin shivered again, soft tears once more rolling down his cheeks.

Wess sat back simply listening. He closed his eyes as Taelin’s story unfolded, his heart breaking for the elf he loved. Hot tears slid down his cheeks, at intervals, as Taelin described in some detail about the torments he suffered in the past. He listened as the soft elven voice broke with emotion, and watched as the lithe frame shuddered and trembled while Taelin spoke.

The old man longed to reach out to Taelin, to enfold the shuddering elf in a comforting embrace. Deep inside, however, he knew that Taelin would not be able to accept such comforts for a long time. Wess cursed himself for bringing such men into the elf’s life once more. If it hadn’t been for him, Taelin would never have suffered his most recent rape.

“Taelin?” Wess whispered, causing the elf to reluctantly look up. “I’m so sorry that I couldn’t protect you, my boy.” Wess closed his eyes against the tears threatening to fall once more, as he continued. “I would…understand if you cannot remain here after this.”

The elf simply sat where he was, green eyes trained upon the fire in an unfocussed gaze. It had taken a lot for him to tell his story to Wess, and he knew the man would not think less of him for it. It almost hurt to think of leaving the small cottage he had called home for so long. To leave the one man he had ever learned to trust.

“No, Wess.” Taelin began softly. “I have been running from this for years. I can’t run any longer. No matter where I go, how far I run, this pain will always find me.” Taelin sighed, closing his eyes. “It’s time I began facing my pain. Perhaps,” Green eyes looked up, pleadingly at Wess. “With your help?”

The elder man felt his heart leap at that plea. A warm smile spread across his weathered features as he nodded. “Of course, my boy! I would do anything for you.” He stated, truthfully.

Taelin swallowed hard, his eyes falling to stare at his hands. He wanted to ask something more, but was afraid that he wouldn’t be able to handle it. In the end, his need won out.

“Will you hold me?” He whispered, nervously.

Wess smiled softly and opened his arms to the timid elf as he whispered in return, “Until the end of time, Taelin. Until the end of time.”