Title: Forever Yours

Author: Noelwing

Email:

Summary: The tale of an English Lady, an Elfin Prince and the events between them that led to Nuada's decision to awaken the Golden Army. Nuada/OC. Pre HB2 universe.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters of the HB2 universe. Any other characters are creations of the author and belong to her.

Rating: PG-13

Warnings include domestic violence and some adult situations in later chapters.

Part Four: Promises Fulfilled

Nuala covered her mouth and turned her face away but she was fooling no one. Now, Nuala was the only person who had Nuada's permission to laugh at him (save Wink). Yet this time, he felt uncomfortable, even silly, despite whom it was laughing at him.

"Any time you are ready for me to continue dear sister." Nuada now wondered if perhaps he should have omitted that particular part of his narrative.

"I'm sorry," Nuala tried to stop giggling. "But I am really beginning to think that you do not know anything about women." She wiped a few tears from her eyes. "No wonder I never saw you courting much."

If a hole had opened up and swallowed Nuada, he would have been glad of it. He never knew his twin could be so malicious.

"Oh come now brother, how can I help myself. I know your character, or I should, better than any. So coming from you, of course all of this sounds funny." Her brother's glare was making her want to laugh even more. Since when did his intimidation tactics ever work on her?

Having embarrassed him enough, Nuala recomposed herself. "So what happened next? Did you remember your lessons in chivalry and apologize to Sophia. You must have for I know you would never do anything to compromise your honor."

"I must tell you that your assumptions are only that-assumptions. I made no apologies that night, I simply left. In all honesty, I was ready to surrender and accept that I would never recover the spear. And you are right, when it comes to honor, I failed. But Sophia did not."

**********

Wink stirred the fire he had kindled and then added some more wood. The fire was not yet hot enough to cook the deer he had caught but at least it kept the ravenous tooth fairies away. Only the bravest of the scampering creatures dared to try and steal a bit of his kill. For the rest, Wink only had to bellow and the pests would scatter.

"Go get your own meat!"Wink bellowed for the third time. Tooth fairies were useful when it came to getting any and all dirty work done. The rest of the time they were nothing more than bloody opportunists. Wink hoped the fire would soon be ready lest the tooth fairies grow too bold.

The silence that had enveloped Nuada was broken by the sound of loud growls and the stomping of cloven feet. He stepped through the wooden doors of the ruined cathedral to see Wink stomping wildly. The troll had the body of a deer slung over his shoulder and a mass of yapping tooth fairies at his feet.

"GO AWAY YOU VERMIN!"Wink cried at the top his lungs. And what lungs he had for the troll's voice sent vibrations into the ground and echoed in the near by trees frightening away birds.

"By the Gods Wink, give them a leg or the head," Nuada said cupping his hands over his ears.

The tooth fairies chirped and looked to Wink like expectant (spoiled) children. Wink growled for he loathed defeat. But he was severely out numbered this time and Nuada was not much help either. Wink grudgingly gave into to Nuada's suggestion and ripped off the head of the deer and cast it as far away as he could.

The deer head flew through the air and out through a massive hole in the ruined walls of the cathedral landing with a thud in the damp grass. The tooth fairies chased after it in one massive, chirping pack.

"I will be glad to leave this place and be gone from these wretched beasts." Wink said as he flung what was left of the deer carcass to the ground. "I tire of sharing my hunts with these freeloaders."

"I failed to retrieve the spear tonight, the humans still have it."

"What?"

"Wink, you heard me." Nuada had no desire to repeat himself. Having to admit his failure once was enough already.

"I take it then that a course of revenge is an order. The woman did not live up to her promise."

"I am sorry to disappoint you my friend but that will not be necessary. The woman did keep her promise and lead me to the spear."

"Then why have you returned empty handed?"

"Because that foul tempered woman stormed off before I could tell her that she had to physically put it in my hands."

"Is that so?" Wink scratched behind his right ear casually-an attempt to conceal the smug look that suddenly appeared on his face. "And what happened, exactly, that made the woman so 'foul tempered'?"

"What kind of question is that? Females are naturally emotional. You know that just as well as I."

Wink could not remember the last time he had heard anything so pathetic. "I also know that females usually become emotional when a male either says or does something to offend or upset them."

Nuada huffed uncharacteristically and plopped down next to the fire. Wink, knowing that he was getting closer to the bottom of this mess allowed Nuada time to brood.

The fire was big enough now to begin cooking the deer. Without bothering to skin or gut the carcass, Wink thrust the dead animal upon the fire. He still loathed having to cast a piece away to appease the tooth fairies. The brains were Wink's favorite portion.

Nuada watched Wink cook but did not pay any real attention. His mind shifted back to the spear, his failure to reclaim it and the woman who resided over it. Going back to the manor and threatening to cut her throat unless she gave him the spear was an option, just not one Nuada wished to employ.

In spite of how vexed he was he could not bring himself to exact retribution on the woman. She had no knowledge of the rules that bound all those of the fey kind. Therefore how could he blame her? She had kept her promise to the most of her knowledge. Honor, for her part, had been satisfied.

Then there was her proclamation of hatred for her husband. Perhaps her promise was the act of jealous woman trying to spite her husband. It made sense given the flawed, incomplete nature of humans.

However, her eyes caused him to question his presumptions. Only now in retrospect did he allow himself to explore her eyes and the tears she had shed. There was more in those eyes than the hollow bitterness that most humans normally saw the world through. There was a deep, genuine pain within those eyes.

Whether Nuada wished to entertain the idea or not, there was more to this woman, Sophia, she was called, than he was willing to give her credit for. Nuada stretched out and lay on the ground staring up through the broken ceiling of the cathedral. With the storm breaking and the clouds scattering, glimmers of the star and moon light shone through.

Nuada folded up his arms and pillowed his head upon them. Once more the spear had eluded him and he seriously doubted he could wait for the spear to change hands before trying again to reclaim it. Perhaps he should just accept that he might never reclaim the spear and move on.

Wink had remained silent the entire time. He knew Nuada was deep in thought, reconsidering his options most likely. By now, their dinner was ready and Wink began to break up the deer now turned venison into smaller, edible pieces.

"My lord, the meat is ready." Wink held fourth a piece that would be more accommodating to Nuada's small mouth.

"No thank you my friend. I am not hungry," Nuada said as graciously as he could despite his sour mood.

Wink took no offense. He had come to accept Nuada's moody nature long ago and knew that his lack of appetite was a result of the recent string of fiascos in the attempt to retrieve his beloved weapon. Wink would wrap the meat in preservative herbs and offer it later-provided the tooth fairies did not get to it first.

"Wink, forgive me," Nuada said solemnly. "I know you wish to depart from here but I need time to think about what to do."

"You mean you need time to swallow your pride and apologize to the lady."

Nuada grunted loudly and turned over on his side. He had his back to Wink but he could feel the troll's smug gaze upon him. This was a most vexing night indeed.

*********

With Richard gone for yet another undefined period of time, Sophia did not have to abide by any of his rules or expectations. So therefore she gave no care to pacing around the house positively fuming.

She could not believe it when she found the black box, with the spear still inside it no less, right where she had left it. How could Nuada have left it when he had gone through so much to retrieve it? It was confusing, even insulting.

Her first thought was that Nuada was simply trying to spite her-further. It made the most sense at first. But the more she thought about, the less she accepted it. Why would Nuada be so petty? Surely an elf prince (and she still couldn't believe that she had come to accept even that) would have better things to do than play such games. No, there had to be more to it than that.

Once Sophia was done putting the box with the spear inside back in the secret safe, she headed to the laundry room.

"If I am truly dealing with a being from the old world," Sophia said resolutely, "I need to talk to someone who is well versed in the old world."

Mary wiped the sweat from her forehead and sighed with relief. The ironing of the bed sheets had taken almost all morning and the steam from the iron made her feel uncomfortably warm. Blessed be that she was nearly finished with her task. All that was left to do was to fold them.

"Mary," Sophia announced her presence softly. "It is time for tea." She entered the laundry room with a tray loaded with a kettle, snacks and two cups. "I thought we could have tea together today."

Mary looked to see her Lady enter the room dressed in a tea gown of deep green calico cotton with a yellow floral pattern. Her dark brown hair was tied in a simple, French twist secured with her favorite hair comb. The combination of dark colors made her contrast drastically with the white walls of the laundry room.

"That sounds just fine mistress but are you sure you should be out of bed?" Mary said politely. Though it seemed necessary as she noticed Sophia moved with a kind of vigor she had never seem before.

"Please Mary, Richard is gone and I don't need another treating me like an invalid in his place." She headed over to a table at the other end of the laundry room and placed the tray down upon it. "Besides, it feels good to be up and about."

"I am so sorry mistress," Mary giggled awkwardly, "Bad habits die hard." Mary took off her white, work apron and joined Sophia at the table. "If you are feeling better then I hope it will be alright if we open a window? T'is a wee bit stuffy in here."

"I agree, and since when did fresh air harm anyone?" Sophia agreed jovially.

The laundry room was small, narrow, practical room with three arched windows on the left and right walls. Sophia opened the window next to the table that was at the furthest end of the right wall. The influx of the cool, rain washed air banished the stuffiness of the room immediately. It provided a comfortable atmosphere for the women to enjoy their tea in.

The women were in the middle of their second cup of tea when Sophia asked Mary her first question.

"Mary, what can you tell me about elves?"

Mary could not contain her smile; she never would have expected such a random question to come from her mistress. "Not much honestly." She waved her hand "Come now, it is not like you have not heard about them in children's stories."

"No Mary, it is not foolish constructs for the amusement of children that I ask about. I need to know about the truer beings, the fair-folk or what you and your kind call the Fey."

Sophia knew that Mary understood full well what she was enquiring about when the girl's face went pale. She internally berated herself. Mary's true faith was a sensitive issue, to say the least. Despite the professions of western society to be scientific and advanced, superstition surrounding witches and other non-Christian practices abounded.

"Mary, I mean no harm. I know you are a child of the ancient world, a world where humans and magical beings once co-existed."

"Aye, that is true. Or so say our myths and legends. I must also tell you that myths and legends are really all that remain of such peoples." Mary said still not realizing just how serious Sophia was.

"In all of the stories and myths, is there mention of one called Prince Nuada?"

"Prince Nuada? How did you come to learn that name?" Mary said in complete dismay. "Please why are you even asking me these things?"

"Because that is the name the one who kidnapped me claims for himself. And believe me, there was nothing mythical about him." Sophia gripped the sides of the table so hard her knuckles turned white. "I tell you Mary this is no lie I tell."

The expression of wonder mixed with trepidation said it all. Mary knew of what Sophia spoke of and it was a great relief. Her experience was real beyond doubt now.

"I have not heard that name since I was a little girl. My people knew him as Nuada Silverlance and he was the greatest champion of Bethmoora." Mary said in full confidence.

"Bethmoora?" Sophia asked hungering for more information.

"Bethmoora is his home nation." Mary continued. "Tell me; what did he look like?"

Sophia divulged every detail from his white hair, armor and his face. It was in describing his face that Sophia was especially focused. Yet she felt like her efforts did not do him justice. How could she really describe the power of his voice and the feel of his presence in words?

Mary drank in every detail. The more Sophia spoke of Nuada, the more she believed that he mistress had indeed seen a true fey. She wondered if her mistress truly knew just how fortunate she was to be touched by such an ancient and powerful world.

Sophia continued on with her narrative. How Nuada's objective was to reclaim the spear Richard had recently acquired by holding her hostage. She recapped the events of her captivity, the bargain to give back the spear in exchange for sparing Alexander (where Mary offered her greatest gratitude) all the way up to Nuada's return.

"He came to me last night. I lead him to the spear as I promised then left it to him. Yet when I went to the office this morning, the spear was right where I had left it. I do not understand why he did not take it."

Sophia stood up and went to the window. She looked at the woods where, she was sure, Nuada still lurked. "Twice now he has had the chance to steal the spear, yet he does not. For heaven's sake, I left it right in front of him."

Mary thought for a minute. As much as her elders had tried otherwise, the knowledge of the fair-folk eroded like a rock in a river. With every generation, a little more was lost to the stream of time. Even so, she was able to formulate a theory based on what was left of the knowledge she had inherited.

"I need to ask you, did Nuada at anytime ask you to put the weapon in his hands?"

Sophia cocked an eyebrow. "No, he did not. But what does that matter. Surely he is perfectly capable of picking up something right there in front of him."

"Not so easy if your race is bound by rules of…how can I put it…" She touched her finger to her chin as she thought, "Bound by rules of giving and receiving."

Mary took another sip of tea before continuing. "I am not clear on all the details. Folklore tells that among the fair-folk, if an item is given away then it cannot be 'taken' back. The only way to regain ownership is for the item to be willing returned, by the same hands in which it was originally received."

"I think I understand now. Nuada cannot reclaim the spear, not without a human to physically put it in his hands." Her brow furrowed with contemplation. "I wonder though, why would such an important weapon have been handed over to humans in the first place?"

Sophia severely doubted that Nuada himself handed the spear over to humans. "It must be vexing not to be able to just reclaim something that is rightfully yours to begin with."

"That may be Ms. Sophia but perhaps it is all for the best. Perhaps he is not meant to have it back."

"What do you mean Mary?" Sophia was a bit taken aback to hear Mary speak so gravely.

Mary went over to Sophia and joined her at the window. She had her arms crossed over her chest. Sophia could tell by the body language that Mary was considering her words carefully.

"I know all of this is wondrous, even I am taken in by this and I have not seen any'ting with mi own eyes. But I do not think it a good idea to try and pursue this further.

"This Nuada, if he is indeed the Nuada of legend, was said to have a great distrust of humans. Even hatred?"

Sophia pulled on the velvet cuff of her sleeve for several minutes before speaking again. "Nuada is dangerous and deadly. So are the creatures that are with him." She turned her gaze to the woods. Was Nuada still out there, was he still watching her?

"The same is true of the lion. It is a powerful creature and a fierce predator. Everyone knows that. Yet it is the beauty and splendor of a lion that all people revere. The lion is appreciated for its majesty, not its savagery."

Mary giggled softly. "I suppose I fancy seeing a lion mi'self someday." Her lady had worded it well. Mary and those like her in her clan were raised with tales of the power wielded by the fey kind. But above all else, the fey were to be respected and every pagan follower hoped to one day see a fey.

"Mary, tomorrow morning I want my horse readied after my breakfast. Will you please let Alexander know that?"

"You are going to try and give the spear back to Nuada, aren't you?" Mary said resolutely.

"I have to Mary, or try at the very least. I have something of his and I intend to return it."

"Then I have only one word of advice for you. It is something the elders used to tell me when I was a girl. The fey kind are a different people, but still a people none the less. Remember that with an open heart and there shall be no barriers."

**********

The next morning came and Alexander had made the preparations for Sophia's ride. Sophia dressed in a deep blue, calico cotton riding bodice with silver fastens down the center front. Her hair she fish tail braided into a single plate which she concealed under a black top hat. Propriety had been satisfied but practicality was a factor too. Instead of a ladies riding skirt, Sophia opted for a heavy, gray colored wool skirt. It would help to keep her warm as well as make her seat in her Ladies saddle more bearable.

It was against his better judgment but Sophia insisted on going out by herself. Mary was ready to play her part as well. She had wrapped the spear inside a leather rifle pouch which was secured to her back. Believing a rifle to be in the pouch, Alexander relented but promised that the moment he heard a shot, he would be after her in an instant.

Sophia waited until she was out of sight of the manor before making a break for the woods. It had been a long while sense she had last taken Marcus for a ride. Her skill may have been rusty but Marcus never faltered. The proud stallion carried his charge with the greatest of ease in which ever direction she commanded.

When Alexander had rescued her, she had not really paid attention to any landmarks that might help now to locate the cathedral where Nuada had kept her. All she remembered were the surrounding oaks-not much to go on.

Judging by the light that broke through the canopy of trees, the hour was now early afternoon and Sophia had, so far, been unsuccessful. Her legs and hips cramped from spending so much time riding side saddle and Marcus looked as though he could use a break too.

Sophia dismounted and sat down on a log with her own food while Marcus turned his attention to the grass. It was another minute before Sophia realized that the horse's munching was the only sound there was. No birds, no rush of wind; even the trees were silent.

Sophia reached up and withdrew the spear from the rifle holder on her back. Not that she knew how to use it but Sophia felt better holding the spear anyway. She removed the spear from its camouflage and examined it closely. The weapon felt light in her hands but not fragile. She removed her black leather gloves to better feel the texture of the blade.

She ran her index finger over the pattern engraved upon the blade. Her index finger traveled to the point of the spear-"Ouch!" She squeaked.

Red blood began to emerge from where the spear had pricked her finger. The surprise followed by the brief, sting of pain sent a cold sweat over her body. Sophia groped through the pockets of her bodice. "Don't tell me I forgot to bring my handkerchief." She grumbled.

A slight, yet frighteningly familiar flapping noise caused her to cease all motion. Sophia looked to her right and sure enough, lurking in the grass was the living nightmare-a tooth fairy.

Her first instinct was to run to Marcus and leave this place. But that would do no good especially if this fairy was one of many that might possibly be lurking in the grass. Just like before, both entities eyed each other cautiously. Sophia did not move and the tooth fairy did not advance. Then, a drop of blood fell from the wound on her finger to the grass below.

The tooth fairy fluttered its wings taking flight and landing where the drop of blood clung to a blade of glass like dew. Sophia watched as the tiny creature licked the blood from grass and flapped it wings with apparent delight. "Mmmm…" the little creature chimmed and then turned its attention to blood's source.

Sophia was confident now that the tiny creature was alone. If there were more then surely they would have swarmed by now. Sophia maintained a respectful stillness but was not frightened so witless as to forget the advice Mary had given her.

According to that advice this creature, though very alien, was still a person in its own right. Perhaps it could be reasoned with.

Sophia squeezed her injured finger producing another drop of blood. "You can have it," She said more timidly than she wished to sound.

"If I give you more will you please lead me to your master? It is very important that I find prince Nuada." Placing everything else in the hands of fate, Sophia extended her finger and offered the bead of blood that had gathered there. She held still as the tooth fairy flapped its wings and ascended to the offered gift.

Sophia expected to feel disgusted by the creature's touch but was pleasantly surprised. The creature's crab like legs rested gently on her hand and with a quick flick of its tongue, lapped at the wound until it was cleaned of blood. The tooth fairy smacked it lips (or that is what it looked to do) once voicing its satisfaction. "Mmm…"

"Please, will you lead me to your master?" Sophia pleaded once more.

The tooth fairy fluttered its wings and to her utter amazement, spoke words. "Follow me Lady."

Sophia wrapped the spear back into the rifle pouch and called Marcus back over to her. The tooth fairy fluttered around while Sophia settled herself in the saddle. The tooth fairy hovered in front of her face and with its little arms, indicated for her to follow.

*********

In the rush of the blowing wind, an oak leaf became separated from its branch and became a ward of the breeze. The leaf swayed this way and that over the shingles of a ruin structure in through one of the gaping holes of the ceiling. Inside the structure, there was no wind to carry it any further. The leaf twirled and spun in its graceful plummet to the floor.

Sharp, golden eyes tracked the leaf as it began its somber descent to the ground. Nuada tightened his hold on the hilt of his sword; any second his target would be in range. He continued to watch with predatory eyes.

Ten feet…

Five feet…

Now!

Nuada leaped up from the floor, drew his sword and extended the weapon in one, graceful arch towards the descending leaf. The cold steel of the blade sliced through the fragile leaf sundering it into to pieces. Nuada finished his attack with a graceful spin on his heel bringing him back to the same position he had started in. The remains of the leaf spun wildly in the air and fell swiftly to the floor.

Nuada stood up and re-sheathed his sword. Wink had practiced with him for most of the morning but had left to go out hunting. Wink had asked if Nuada would like to accompany him but Nuada declined. Perhaps some solitude would help him conjure up a new strategy.

Hours had gone by and Nuada was no closer to a new plan than he was to the goal itself. The hours of solitary sword play had only succeeded in burning off excess energy-for the time being anyway.

Perhaps it was time he accepted that the spear was one piece of his heritage he would not be retrieving. Unlike many of the articles he and Wink had recovered over the centuries (which humans had pilfered from the fey kind) the spear had been willing given. Perhaps he was not meant to have it back at all.

Something suddenly caught Nuada's attention; it was the stone carving of a female standing erect and dressed in flowing robes. He had not realized that this was the area where he had kept the woman when he kidnapped her.

Not too far away from the statue lay a piece of black fabric; it was a part of the gown she had been wearing. He recalled the woman kneeling in front of the statue with the cumbersome garment wrapped around her shoulders. Before Nuada even realized it, he had strode over to the garment and picked it up.

Leaves and other forest debris still clung to the fabric, which his touch revealed to be velvet. The garment felt heavy in his hands and though he held it high, much of the garment still pooled on the ground.

His keen sense of smell detected a scent alien to that of the plethora of forest scents. It was Sophia's scent. The combination of her scent and physically holding one of her possessions made the image of her in his mind all the more potent.

'I hate that man. You've no idea the pain he's caused me'

Again her words came back to him. They were just words and words were shallow and fleeting. Her voice however, was not empty but filled with pain whether he wished to acknowledge it or not.

Another oak leaf fluttered into his peripheral vision, an invader of his space! His unsheathed his blade once more and the steel sang through the air and sliced the leaf in half.

"All hail the hero Nuada," Chirped a little tooth fairy as it came fluttering into Nuada's line if sight. "You have slain the evil leaf. Your can rest easy now."

Nuada smirked at the little creature's sarcasm; it was the only thing tooth fairies were good at besides decimating populations with their ravenous appetites. He sheathed his sword once more and returned his focus back to the black fabric.

"Are you thinking about the woman my lord?" The tooth fairy asked and perched itself on Nuada's shoulder.

"Not in the same way you might be thinking of her, but yes. I find it ironic that the one opponent I cannot defeat is a frail, human woman."

"Will you try yet again to regain your quarry from her?" The tooth fairy took flight once more, coming to hover just a few inches from Nuada's face.

"I must admit a loss little one," Nuada found no harm in confiding in the tooth fairy. "As the woman no longer fears me I have lost the tactical advantage." Nuada cast the velvet fabric to the ground and it landed in a billowy heap. "This entire venture is nothing less than a fiasco."

"I would not say that just yet master." The tooth fairy waved its tiny arms indicating for Nuada to follow it.

Nuada, having nothing better to do, followed the little creature as it bid. Just what game was a foot he wondered?

Sophia stood in, what was once, the main chamber of the decaying cathedral. Not much had changed since she was last there. The little tooth fairy had guided her through the woods and back to the cathedral just as she had asked. Now the creature was off to fulfill the second half of their bargain; it went to find Nuada.

She clutched the riffle holster the contained the spear and paced anxiously. If leaving the spear behind for Nuada to find was an option she would have done so. But no, in order to complete this errand she had to go straight into the lion's den. She had known that the moment she had made her decision.

Would Nuada even be grateful to her or would he take the spear and then throw her to the tooth fairies? She had not given any thought to clemency when she traded a drop of her blood to the tooth fairy in exchange for being guided here.

Another worry on her mind was the location of that giant troll. Her eyes darted in the direction of any disturbance her ears detected. What she thought might be the sounds of more tooth-fairies would turn out to be leaves rustling in the wind or merely birds in the trees. She turned to Marcus. If there was any danger, the horse would be the one to detect it first. Yet Marcus sniffed the ground and munched on grass where he could find it.

"I envy your ability to stay calm." She patted the animal's neck. Marcus snorted in response and raised his head to give the sleeve of her jacket a slight nibble. Sophia pressed her head into Marcus' neck drawing comfort from him.

Nuada followed the tooth fairy out into the main area of the building that served as his lair. Waiting for him was a most unexpected sight. It was the woman. She leaned into her mount, obviously not aware of his presence: not yet anyway.

The horse, however, was not so unaware. The animal faced him right away and it ears pricked up. Nuada smiled at the horse's acknowledgement of his presence. In the days when his people flourished the horse was the most trusted companion of the elves. To the elves, horses were friends and comrades in battle-not chattel.

Marcus became giddy all of a sudden. The animal whinnied and its ears shifted and his head bobbed up and down.

"Calm down now old chap," Sophia stroked his mane. "What is the matter?"

"He wonders what it is that he has done to make you leave him for so long."

Sophia snapped in the direction of that unmistakable voice. Nuada strode casually up to her and placed his hand on Marcus' neck. Nuada seemed so relaxed and casual; a far cry from the force and violence she had seen him exert before.

Nuada kept his attention on the horse. The animal was glad of his attention and continued to open his mind to the elf. "You once allowed him to take you out everyday than you just stopped."

"How do you know that?" Yes, there was once a time when a daily ride with Marcus had been her favorite joy.

"He told me," Nuada said running his ivory fingers through Marcus's jet mane. "He has missed you a great deal and hopes that you will neglect him no longer."

"I…I never meant to do so." There was no denying that she had turned her back on Marcus as she had many other things. Yet after suffering the greatest sadness of her life, there was no joy for her to find. Not in riding, not in anything.

"He also tells me that I make you very nervous and he asks that I do nothing to harm you." Nuada gave Marcus a reassuring pat on the neck. "For a member of a people that are great allies to my own, I shall yield."

Nuada turned to her assuming his more familiar guise of stern and assertive. "Just how did you find your way here? This place is guarded by a barrier of glamour magic against humans."

"You can thank one of your little cohorts for that." As if on cue, the little tooth fairy fluttered in between their faces and perched on Marcus's saddle.

Nuada turned to the little creature. "So this is your doing then. Tell me, why have you brought this human to our sanctuary?"

The little creature clicked its teeth and twiddled its tiny fingers. "Because she was so nice to me master. She gave me blood in exchange, I could not resist."

Sophia listened to the little discourse between elf and tooth fairy. Sophia knew very well what the little creature was telling its master.

"You were fortunate this one was alone when it found you," Nuada's voice lapsed back into the stern tone she was more familiar with. "Had the rest of the hive been there, you most certainly would not be here now."

"I'm very well aware of that but it was very important that I find you." Cutting to the chase, Sophia quickly brought fourth the spear from its concealment. Nuada's eyes narrowed suspiciously. This was too good to be true.

"I came because I wanted to return something you had lost." Her hands raised the spear and presented it to him. She was handing the spear back to him. All he had do now was take it. It was moment he had anticipated for many centuries and the only word he could affix to the way he felt was surreal. But suspicion still lingered.

"You could not take it before because there was no human to physically hand it to you. I know that now."

"And how did you come to understand that? Such principals are that of the fey kind and are not widely known to humans even in the time when my kind flourished."

"My servant and friend, Mary, informed me. She is a child of the old world and was kind enough to share some her knowledge with me. She is also the sister of Alexander, the man whose life you spared under the condition that I return this to you."

It was happening right before his eyes and yet Nuada still could not believe it. A human stood before him offering to return what was rightfully his. It could not be that simple though. Did she want something in return?

"Your source is credible, I will give you that. Yet I still feel as though there is a game afoot. Do you truly believe that stealing one of your husband's treasures out from under his nose will atone for any misery he has caused you?"

"Prince Nuada, we have been through this. The ill feelings I bear towards Richard are my own to deal with." She spoke very assertively, even admirably. She raised the spear to him and held it aloft.

"Richard may be proud to possess this now but sooner or later he will tire of it and sell it to another. It is such a grand thing. But being in the hands of men, it will forever be a commodity. Is returning it to its true owner not a more worthy fate?"

The spear rested in the woman's gloved hands that hovered before him. There was nothing to stop from taking it now and he had dreamed for years uncounted of doing so. The next few minutes moved as though in a dream. All was still, all was silent. With every inch made closer to his prize his hands shook a little bit more.

"Please," She said, "I want you to have it back." Her eyes were shining and pleading. Her voice was clear with sincerity. She wanted nothing more than for him to take the spear.

The enchantment upon the blade had diminished and the moment he touched it was indescribable. His ivory fingers closed around the slender shaft while her fingers released it back into his keeping.

Once more, he felt the familiar weight of the blade. Time had not affected the blade or the leather that embraced the hilt of the weapon. Sunlight gleamed upon the blade as though the weapon itself rejoiced at being in the hands of its rightful owner.

The spear had been frozen in time, unchanged, unmarred and just like the day he had first received it as a young knight, he momentarily felt unworthy of such a noble device. Was he still capable of wielding it?

Nuada seemed as one who looked upon a long lost friend and perhaps he was. Sophia dared not speak or do anything else that might ruin the moment. She stood silently and watched as warrior and weapon became reacquainted.

Nuada held the weapon aloft in his right hand. He began to twirl the weapon slowly then, in a release of energy and skill, began to spin the weapon faster then Sophia could monitor. It was in his right hand and then his left and then his right again.

Sophia could here the blade cut through the air, could feel the rush of air as the blade whooshed past her. Not wanting to hinder (or be hurt by) his intense exercise, Sophia backed away slowly to allow him more space. Nuada was too enraptured to notice her presence anymore.

Nuada's movements carried him to the center of the chamber. There he let loose in a barrage of parries, strikes and tumbles. Sophia followed his movements as best she could but he was so swift. His eyes were focused yet wild his face fierce but not savage.

Nuada leapt into a mid-air summersault landing into a tumble. The moment he came to a stop he slammed the pommel of the weapon on the stone floor. The weapon extended into a full-length spear.

Seeing the weapon 'magically' transform extracted a gasp from Sophia and she instinctively stepped back. Her body came into to contact with something gray, hard, alive and familiar. She looked up to the tusk filled mouth and one-eyed stare of Nuada's companion Mr. Wink.

Wink had just returned from hunting when he heard the familiar sound of Nuada training himself. However, his movements sounded more exhilarated, more enthusiastic. When Wink came to investigate, he was surprised to find, not only the woman but Nuada reunited with his precious spear.

Wink chuckled slightly, he knew he was going to have fun extracting the details of how all this came to be later. More entertaining still was how the woman watched his master with much intensity. Wink could not help his mischief and approached the woman as stealthy as he could.

"Hello," Wink said in the troll language when the woman backed up into him. She stared up at him with wide eyes. She looked as though she didn't know whether to hold still or run-His evil plan had succeeded and Wink (though it probably sounded like a grunt to her) chuckled.

Sophia did not feel afraid of the troll but she did not feel entirely comfortable either. Most likely it was his size that intimidated her. The only thing that kept her from running away was that the troll had spoken to her and she had understood. it would be rude not to respond.

"Hello…Mr. Wink" She stammered.

Wink couldn't help cocking an eyebrow-only those with an open heart could truly understand the language of the fair-folk. It was unexpected but very welcome.

Wink turned his attention back to Nuada. "He is the Silverlance once more." Wink said with much reverence. "All gratitude to you my lady."

Sophia could not help but to smile at Wink's display of chivalry- a gentleman at heart.

Nuada continued to tumble, thrust and swing the spear. His amber eyes radiated pride and pleasure at holding his weapon again. He needn't thank Sophia; his obvious appreciation of the spear was enough. He would not put the spear away in a closet or allow it to hang idly on a wall like a show piece.

Nuada would put it to better use. It would defend him in battle, he would use it to slay enemies and perhaps, defend the helpless. The spear was back where it truly belonged. Sophia felt as she had made one of the greatest accomplishments of her life.

"Please tell his highness that he is most welcome." Sophia curtsied and Wink inclined his head.

"I shall relay your words my Lady," Wink said graciously. Nuada was obviously too engrossed to remember his etiquette so Wink assumed the role of 'courtly gentleman'-someone had to.

She took one last look at the prince, a rather fond look, before putting on her gloves and leaving. Sophia returned to Marcus and the two of them set out for home.

To her surprise, the woods did not seem as intimidating anymore. Even the presence of the tooth-fairies, which she felt but did not see, did nothing to really frighten her.

Once she and Marcus cleared the more densely wooded part of the forest, she braced in the saddle and set Marcus loose. Marcus was half Arabian and half thorough-bred. He was built for speed and power, traits he eagerly demonstrated.

It was a little difficult in a side-saddle but Sophia let Marcus set the pace. The horse tore through the woods, over the grass and back to the manor grounds before Sophia knew it. But she was not ready to return to the house just yet. There was still plenty of day-light left and she intended to make the most of it.

Sophia rode with a huge smile on her face and drove the horse to incredible speed. Any servants that happened to be outside took immediate notice. Most thunderstruck was Alexander. Aside from his sister Mary, he was the only one who was close to Lady Sophia. In all of his years in service to her, he had never seen her look so happy.

The day inevitably began to fade and Sophia finally had to concede to the encroaching evening. She rode Marcus back to his stable and dismounted. Alexander was there, waiting to attend to Marcus. He removed the horse's saddle and tack and then left to put them away.

Sophia was covered in sweat and knew she should return to the manor to clean and prepare for bed. But there was one more thing left to do first.

Nuada's words haunted her. The elf said that Marcus blamed himself for Sophia's long neglect of him. "It not your fault," Sophia said as she stroked the animal's neck.

"It is you who must forgive me. But please understand, after it happened I just couldn't be happy anymore. Any joy the world still offered, I ignored." She pressed her forehead into the horse's neck. Marcus turned his head and nibbled on her shoulder.

"But all of that is going to change, I promise." Marcus whinnied and stamped his front, right hoof.

"Yes, you had better be ready because tomorrow I will use a proper saddle. That means you can go even faster."

Marcus arched his proud neck in approval. Sophia smiled and left so the Alexander could finish tending to Marcus.

That night Sophia bathed and dressed for bed. When finished she was pleased to see the Mary had her diner prepared for her. Later she sat at her dresser writing in her journal. Another activity she had long neglected. The words flowed from pen to paper like an eager river to the sea.

A chirping noise distracted her. She looked up to see a tooth-fairy perched upon her lamp. The little winged creature stood there, as though it had always been there. Interestingly enough, she recognized the little one the same way one would distinguish one from a crowd-it was the tooth fairy who had lead her to Prince Nuada.

"How did you get in little one," She said smiling at her guest.

"Window was left open." The little creature chirped mischievously.

Sophia giggled and extended her hand to the little creature. The tooth fairy accepted her invitation and scurried up to a perch on her shoulder and stood just like he belonged there.

TBC: Please review