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A soft knock heralded one of their friends finally checking on them. Sure enough, the door cracked open to reveal Jester.
“Caleb, Essek? Caduceus made tea.”
Essek twisted in his arms.
“Jester…” Voice still hoarse, he reached one hand towards her.
“Oh, Essek!” The tea tray just barely made it onto the dresser as she hurried across the room. She skidded onto her knees and practically slammed into the two of them. She hugged them tight, sandwiching Essek between her and Caleb. The sobs returned full force, Essek clinging to their overlapping arms.
“I’m so sorry Essek.” Jester was crying, too now, “I’m sorry.”
Essek shook his head before letting it land back on Caleb’s shoulder.
“Got me out,” He managed with a voice that cracked. Talking had to hurt after how long he’d been screaming. Jester’s arms tightened around them both.
It was still a relief to hear his voice, rough as it was. Caleb had feared he’d be mute for a while; it was hard to shake biting your tongue that long while under torture. He wouldn’t have been surprised if Essek remained silent a few more days.
Eventually, the tears slowed again.
“Let's get you to bed,” Caleb murmured into Essek’s hair. He’d’ve been kept awake while under the scourgers’ care. He needed the rest. Hands tightened on his and Jester’s arms.
“We’re not leaving you,” Jester assured. Caleb might’ve had trouble getting Essek standing again, but Jester practically just scooped him up off the floor. Caleb rose with them so Essek didn’t have to break his hold. They managed to get him onto the bed they’d been leaning against without letting go, Essek still squished between them. One hand fisted in Caleb’s shirt, the other clutching at Jesters arm, Essek gave a shivering sigh.
“Rest,” Caleb urged, “We’ll still be here when you wake.” It would take a lot to pry him away right now. He knew Jester would feel the same.
It was easy to drift when Essek’s breath slowed into the lull of sleep -- easier to bask in his nearness than let himself think of how they’d found him, screams echoing down the halls until Caleb had dispelled whatever spell they had him under.
He didn’t even hear Veth enter. He startled slightly as she curled up against his legs. Caduceus entered nearly as quietly. Fjord came with his sword out, scrutinizing the room a long moment before relaxing and letting the blade fall into water that evaporated before hitting the floor. He sat on the foot of the bed, leaning against the wall. Beau and Yasha came next, Both taking a position near the door like sentries.
Caleb curled as close to Essek as he could and finally -- finally -- let himself relax. They’d found him. They wouldn’t let anyone take him again, not while they were there. Caleb let himself relax into sleep, calm for the first time since he’d known Essek was missing. Tomorrow, they would plan. Today, they had each other.