I thought I'd add a little tidbit about Nuada's past in this chapter to answer some questions I had about him. Hope you like it. I would welcome any thoughts and/or reviews. Enjoy reading!
Chapter 4
Laraina awoke to the shrill alarm going off. She turned over groggy still and heard a knock on the door. She got up, grabbed the blanket and wrapped it tightly around her. The knock came again.
"Ok. I'm coming. Hold On." She shuffled to her door and opened it a little.
Outside Prince Nuada stood impatiently with two human agents at his side which from their expressions wished they had been assigned another person. Hearing the door, he looked up and found Laraina covered only in the blanket. She pulled it even tighter around her. He took in her just woken appearance. Something flashed through his golden eyes then disappeared. 'Oh great, how embarrassing.' Laraina thought as she ran her hand through her hair nervously.
"Prince Nuada? What are you doing here?" she asked surprised. He didn't say anything for a moment. Then he leaned closer towards her so the other men couldn't hear him. "There's a mission they want me to help with. Since you're here I'd like for you to come also."
Having been surrounded by the army and having fought as a soldier for his family in the past, she understood the practices and principles that governed them. For that reason she knew that she couldn't refuse him. Laraina knodded and went to shut the door but his hand held it from closing. He stepped inside her room as she moved back. "I'd rather wait here than with those frightened humans."
"Ok." Laraina answered quietly. She got her clothing and leather armor before heading to the bathroom. Inside she took a big breath then began getting ready. The last thing she did was braid her long hair.
Nuada had noticed her nervousness and apparent embarrassment at his presence when speaking to her. 'Is she afraid of me as well?' He could understand why the humans would fear him, but an elf like him? She had nothing to fear from him. Surely she must know this. While musing over her, Laraina came out of the bathroom and headed towards him. "I'm ready." Her eyes met his and now held purpose. They left her room and walked with the agents to the exit where the now collected group was waiting.
"So finally decided to grace us with your ever loving presence?" Hellboy Joked. "We were starting to think you didn't like us anymore." He lit a cigar, took a puff then blew the smoke out.
Nuada just stared back. "Demon, you're lucky there are agents around right now."
"Or what? You'll kick my ass." He laughed. "Did you forget our last fight and what happened?"
"That was pure luck on your part. My guard was down."
"Yea. Sure it was." He took another puff. "Just keep telling yourself that fancy pants."
Nuada stepped toward him his eyes narrowing angrily. Liz intercepted him as her body started to flame up. Her hands held a fireball that was pointed at both of them.
"No one's fighting anyone! Got it? I'm tired of hearing both of you acting like children! Now get your gear and shut up or I'll kick both your asses!" She walked back to where Abraham was waiting with Nuala by the garbage truck a look of shock on his face. Nuala just stared openly. Liz walked into the truck and sat down. Hellboy gazed over to her about to say something but she gave him a hard look that dared him to say anymore so he just closed his mouth. He knew when to cry defeat. He climbed up after her and sat down next to her.
Laraina had just stood there and watched. Nuada was surprised that he had let the human speak to him this way. 'The arrogance of this human to order me around like some lowly animal beneath her boots. I, The Prince of The Unseen Realm, a child? Stupid ignorant wench!' He took his weapons Laraina now held out to him. While he placed his sword in his belt she leaned over to him after having put her own swords in their back sheaths and asked "Is it always like this?"
Nuada answered. "Yes. That idiot will get his someday and I'll be there watching. Come." They entered the truck and sat near one of the end rows.
Manning came up to the truck's back door and began briefing them about the situation. "Ok people, your attention please. According to the eyewitnesses at the scene one of the two caretakers from The Metropolitan Museum of Art spotted our targets within the Irish Heritage Exhibit Hall. His description of the few creatures he had seen was that they were gigantic and their limbs seemed deformed. The place had been torn apart as if they were searching for something specifically. He also mentioned that these things were covered with some form of body armor that couldn't be penetrated by their guns. Their bullets just bounced off it. Each carried a glowing blade that had green flame on the edges." He looked at Liz. "Since these things are using some form of fire weapons, we're sure you can contain it from leaving the building and into the neighborhood." His eyes searched the group until resting on Nuada. "Prince Nuada you're here because of your knowledge of other creatures. Can you tell us what these things could be?"
Nuada knew just by their description what they were. He'd fought them before. They were tough to slay unless you had knowledge of their weakness. It took more than one person to cut them down because of their strength and endurance. "Yes. I know what they are, an ancient race of giants who hoard treasure of any kind. They crave power over all the smaller Fae beings enslaving them to do their will. My kind has fought them in the past."
"Giants huh? Well I guess there's a first for everything." Hellboy mused.
"Just be careful with this one. Washington is increasing its sight on us and we can't afford to mess up." Manning replied. "Oh, by the way the museum directors want this cleaned up as neat as possible." He stressed before leaving them.
The Museum
The group entered the main level.
"Alright let's split up. Liz, you're with me. Elf boy go with Laraina, and Abe and the rest stay around here."
Nuada stood there for a moment not liking to be ordered around like some servant. When he didn't move Hellboy came over to him. "Look, we've got to get a few things straight princey. When we're on the mission I'm in charge. If you don't like it tough. Live with it. Now will his royal pain in the ass get going?" Nuada silently moved over to where Laraina stood then both disappeared into an adjoining room.
Inside this room stood a large wall carving of the ancient Babylonian God Marduk fighting Tiamat. Within various cases were effects from the many ruling dynasties. A beautiful crown of gold inlanden with precious stones belonging to a queen of a very popular king of the time was displayed on a mannequin's head on Laraina's right. Below it a metal plaque told of the queen and how much she had been loved by her people.
Nuada saw that it had captured Laraina's attention. He walked over. He noticed how her eyes had followed the plaque while reading it. Laraina finished reading it then turned towards him.
"It makes me remember my queen." She said sadly as her eyes closed briefly. A vision of the past came back to her.
Flashback- The Palace of Bethmora: Throne Room
Lights illuminated the glittering walls of the hall of King Balor and his Queen Arieona. Flowing banners of red, gold, and green hung from the ceiling showing all the past kings' names. Nobles of the court were in attendance mingling amongst themselves awaiting the return of young Prince Nuada from his rite of passage. Having been gone for three weeks to complete this journey, all were anxious to see if he had fulfilled his quest.
Their royal highnesses sat on their intricate thrones of engraven wood and gold that held several figures and Elvin symbols deeply embossed on their surface. The elegant curve of the tops represented their seal, The Father Tree, which all previous rulers had taken in respect. Princess Nuala sat beside her mother a thin veil covering her nose down to her chin. Since she was still a maid protocol called for the veil. Only she knew of her brother's success because of the bond they shared. A smile lingered on her fair face.
Laraina stood among the crowd searching for any sign that the prince had come. Since her father was held in high regard by the king, his family was allowed to be at court. She continued to eye the great doors that lead into the hall with impatience. Chatter was heard around her. Many speculated about the prince. But Laraina had a feeling that he was safe. She knew he was a strong and determined person who when his sight was set on something, it often was accomplished.
She turned her gaze back to the royal family. The queen sat serenely but if one looked closer they could see how her highness was worried for her beloved son. It was a dangerous task that had been laid before him. She knew all the princes before her son had done the same; even her Lord Balor had done so in his youth. As the queen she understood this. As a mother she still feared for his safety. Even this uncertainty didn't mar her beautiful features. Her flaxen hair was braided regally and her twinkling crown of interlocking leaves and flowers lay gracefully upon her brow. Her eyes the color of the dawn beheld her people with radiance and peace.
In the distance a horn could be heard from the battlements. Everyone paused their talking, turned to their royal family, and waited. Then all attention was focused to the great doors as they were opened and it was announced:
"My Royal Majesties, Lords and Ladies, Prince Nuada has returned."
Moving within the doorway the summoner fell to one knee and bowed low. The rest of the court did likewise. Prince Nuada walked within the chamber slowly moving towards his father, mother and sister. Before them he knelt in respect then rose. His father came forward touching his son on his shoulder pride shown in his eyes. He turned to his people and spoke.
"Behold, my son Nuada, my heir. He has returned from his long quest. Look upon him now and see that the great god of our ancestors has blessed him." He gently ran his finger over the fresh scar which ran across Nuada's nose and checks. "My son left a boy. He returns a man given the mark of a warrior."
A servant came forward when the king motioned with his finger. A box lay within his hands. King Balor opened it and withdrew the weapon inside. Its spearhead held the symbol of their god. He brought it in front of him placing it outstretched before his son. "Nuada I give this, the spear of Areadbhar, to you in keeping as my father before me gave it thus to me long ago. It cannot be defeated in battle. May it protect you in further conflicts." Nuada took the spear and thanked his father.
Then his mother came to him happiness making her face glow with love. He held her gaze as she spoke. "My beloved son, may the gods bless, guide, and protect you." She bent and kissed his forehead then motioned with her finger and yet another servant came forward. In her hands was a bright red sash with the family seal emblazoned on its center. The queen took it gently and turning back to her son declared: "My son, take this sash and wear it proudly and always remember the oath you have taken. Always remember your people and honor them." He took it and immediately tied it around his waist.
His sister Nuala was the last to present something to her brother. Knowing his preference for music she had a flute made for him. It shown like ivory against the blue velvet of its holder. She knew he would use it as a solace in times of stress. To this day he proudly uses all the gifts except the flute which had been lost years ago.
Back to the present
"Laraina, are you alright?" Nuada asked seeing how quiet she had become.
Laraina opened her eyes and turned to him. "I'm fine My Lord. We'd best get going or these giants might destroy the whole museum."
They continued onward into other rooms searching for any signs the giants had passed through. Laraina was silent while walking by Nuada's side. After moving further into the next hall they came upon an array of swords, halberds, spears, crossbows, and other weapons that were on display according to their age and location of origin. One of these was an unusual war hammer that appeared to have the troll language runes cut into the blade. Seeing this brought back memories for Nuada. He thought of his friend Mr. Wink and all the adventures they had gone on before and during his period of exile.
He reached out and touched his hand to the case. "My friend, you didn't deserve the death you received. You should still be by my side." He was silent for a few moments his head held low clearly still grieving Mr. Wink's passing.
His sadness pulled at her. Wanting to comfort him, Laraina stepped up behind him and reached over to place her hand on his shoulder tenderly. She could feel his aguish. When he took her hand in his, she continued to be there for him. Laraina knew how lonely he must feel now. He needed someone. Someone who he could just let go of all the bottled up emotions he held tightly inside… Someone who would love the man and not just The Prince. She knew suddenly that it was time to show him how much he was loved.
Even when he had raised his head and gazed intently into her eyes, he didn't let go of her hand. Laraina gently touched his cheek. "Nuada, I know your heart is heavy with his loss. Allow me to comfort you. I would never leave your side." To prove this fact she walked into the space of his body and lifting her face to him kissed his warm lips.
At first the kiss was soft and tender then became heated as he crushed her body hard against his holding her fiercely within his strong embrace. Both got lost in the moment and each other. She clung to him and sighed when he began kissing the sensitive skin behind her ear and further down her neck.
Upon hearing a huge thundering, they stopped what they had been doing. "That sounds like it came from upstairs." Nuada grabbed her hand and they both took off towards the sound. Running upstairs they came across a hall that had debris laying everywhere. The wall surrounding the entryway to the Irish Heritage Hall was laced with huge cracks weaving every which way threatening to collapse before them.
The door leading in had been dinted in and slammed into the walls on the other side so hard that they looked like a demolition crew had been there. Taking out their blades the two slowly entered the room and discovered several glass cases that had been thoroughly smashed their contents scroone all over the floor. Seeing movement in the following room, they continued toward the now crashing sound nearby. Reaching the other room they saw what the noise was. Chaos was everywhere.
Hellboy and Liz were fighting a giant. It was roaring at Hellboy as he tried to grab the arm that didn't have a weapon in its hand while at the same time trying not to be cut down by the great flaming sword that kept swinging at him. Liz was inflamed and was trying to get the sword out of its gnarled hand by shooting fireballs at its head to blind it. This only made it even angrier.
They stood beneath the archway and watched for a second. Then seeing an opening Nuada flew forward and using his spear stabbed the leg of the giant then back flipping off the wall he stabbed it again in the exposed area of its side. Laraina ran towards the giant and launched herself onto its back and started cutting into its neck while holding on. The giant shook its body to throw her off but she cut deeper. Hellboy climbed the giant in the front and started punching it in the face. "Damn, why can't you just stay down?" He felt heat on his backside. "Hey Hone," He eyed Liz. "Try aiming at him not me. This is my favorite coat." She stared back at him and rolled her eyes. "What does it look like I've been doing Red?" She called. "My fire isn't affecting him. Do you have a plan B, cuss this isn't working?"
Nuada was still slashing the giant at various parts of its body all the while shifting his footing and flipping out of the way of the oncoming sword. "We must bring it down then get at the heart!" He called between jabs. "Just great!" Hellboy stated. He faced the giant's eyes. "Ok buddy. Nap time." He slammed his stone fist into its face and heard a loud crunch. Laraina noticing the relaxing of the muscles beneath her flipped off its neck and landed on the floor a few feet away. As its eyes closed it groaned once then collapsed causing the tiles to buckle underneath. Nuada plunged his sword through its chest then ripped it out again. All was silent for a few seconds. Each collected themselves and took a breath.
A sudden crack was heard and they all turned to see another giant come rumbling onto the scene. "Oh crap! Not another one! What the hell are these things?" Hellboy called out. "They're Fomorians. An old enemy of my father's." Nuada answered.
The second giant lowered his sword and stomped toward the group. For something that large it moved with purpose and seemed to strategize who to attack first. Noticing Laraina was closer it swung its flaming edge at her. She missed its first swing and managed to slash his heel. The second one she wasn't so lucky. He caught her off guard when she had righted herself. The force of the hit threw her back crashing her body through three glass cases and then slamming her like a rag doll against the wall. The impact knocked the breath from her and she struggled to get it back and stand up.
"Damn." Hellboy muttered. He turned back to the giant. "Anyone ever tell you don't ever hit a lady? Alright, that's it. Now it's your turn." He began walking over to it his fist at the ready.
After watching Laraina thrown this way, Nuada's rage intensified and he angrily attacked the Fomorian with a vengeance. He continued slashing, cutting, and thrusting his spear into its ever growing bleeding body. "You will die for that."
Liz ran over to where Laraina lay struggling to get air back into her lungs. At that moment Abraham reappeared with the other agents. The agents just stood there surprised and watched the fight. Hellboy and Nuada continued taking turns attacking the giant. Abe came over to where Liz was trying to help Laraina. She coughed repeatedly trying to get precious air. They helped her rise and leaned her against the wall. Laraina's sight was hazy. She tried to hold on. Unconsciousness threatened to take her mind. 'No! I must gain my strength… To fight...Must get air.' She felt her body slide down and the last thing she saw was Nuada's concerned face staring at her. Then blackness seized her.