Chapter 6

Percie found herself wondering why it was raining so much this year, while being drenched to the bone outside the Court of the Elves, or rather, what was left of it.

"Stay close to me at all times is that clear?" Nuada instructed her sternly, "And if anything goes wrong I want you to run and leave me behind."

The girl's head shot up as Percie stared at him in disbelief. "What? No way am I leaving you!"

The elf prince gave her a firm look, "If my father thinks you are a threat or could cause a war then he will have you killed no questions asked."

Percie jutted out her chin defiantly and crossed her arms, telling him that she wasn't about to quit on him that easily.

"Percie please, don't start with me. If, Gods forbid, something should happen to me, I want you to swear to me that you will run as fast as you can and forget all about this. My father may be for peace with the human world but his guards are still ruthless killers."

She stepped towards him and took his hand calmly "Nuada I know you're worried about me, but I made you a promise that I would stand by you no matter what, is That clear?"

She mimicked his smirk and softly punched him in the arm.

As much as he hated it he couldn't help but smile back at her.

The only woman he was ever close to was Nuala, but this girl, with her frizzy brown hair, small scars marking her arms and legs, and carefree, childlike attitude, was the polar opposite of his twin sister, yet he still thought of Percie just as fondly.

"Well, What are we waiting for then? Let's get this going shall we?" She began to trod toward the entrance, Nuada watched her petite frame nimbly move before turning to his second in command.

"Come along Wink," he sighed, "Before she gets herself killed."

Wink grunted in agreement and the two men followed the childlike figures footsteps.

"I'll go in first and then you and Percie follow, stay together and don't give them any reason to attack you, Percie Keep your blade hidden and never give it to them."

Nuada barked out orders like an army general.

"Alright everybody, smoke'em if you got'em" Percie joked softly as she followed him

The group was met by a few armed guards and an ugly slug like creature in red robes.

The thing waved its hands dramatically and spoke in a language that was unknown to Percie. But whatever he said seemed to anger Nuada, "I will not," the prince snapped indignantly.

The slug moaned something else and Nuada snapped, swinging his weapon at the slug causing it to squeal in alarm and the guards to ready themselves for a fight.

Percy flinched and tensed up as Nuada Hissed something in elvish with such venom that even his companions were unsettled.

A soft, light voice flowed from behind them, Percie turned to the source of such a soothing sound and found a beautiful woman.

"For you sister, anything," Nuada stood tall and reluctantly offered up his weapon at her request.

The woman bore a strong resemblance to Nuada only smaller and more delicate looking, she had a rounder face and Percie was reminded of the moon when she saw her.

This must be Nuala.

Nuala nodded politely at Wink but seemed puzzled by Percie's presence and looked at Nuada.

"I knew you had a new companion with you brother but if given my entire life I would never have guessed her a human."

oh honey if only you knew. Percie smirked slightly

"And so young to, May I see your hand child?" Nuada translated for Percie who then reluctantly gave the woman her hand, slightly miffed that she was still only thought of as a child.

Nuala pressed her palm to Percie's and closed her eyes slowly as if entering a trance.

Percie's heart fluttered nervously as a steady stream of warmth flowed through her body, a sensation eerily similar to the energy that constantly got her in to trouble.

But she refused to make a scene of herself by jerking her hand away.

Luckily, Nuada saved her the trouble of doing so by pulling her away from the numbing sensation with a scathing looking at his sister who blinked and stared at Percie with curiosity.

Percie must have been swaying on her feet slightly as Nuada clutched at her shoulder firmly.

"Steady" he whispered to her, then straightened up, "Enough stalling sister, you know why I am here."

And they were ushered in.