Chap 10 More significance on paper

*Louis' revenge from the Interview…. Vampire soundtrack, Shirley Kwan: Freezing Flame, I've renamed Reslin's brothers, yep they're rather cute eh? meant to be that way haha! in reality i've got a rather temperamental bro so i know the rough and tumbles.

After all my chores, I bade my father goodbye. I had checked two more times to make sure the addresses were copied correctly. I was thinking of Algrim and Hallien, I hoped they would have a less busy holiday. Then I met with other cousins, and my mother.

"How are your studies?" she asked me while we walked along the small shophouses for leisure. She was only back on Galaxia for three days.

"It's nice! Everything is awesome. I'll go back on the 16th for Philosphy and Literature." Then the harder question to answer was when she enquired how my mentor was like. I debated if I ought to talk about his race. Mum did not show prejudice outwardly. Instead I told her how kind and accommodating he was. I tried not to be emotional. Her face tends to be stoic and tone is flat. "I love you, mum. Can I go with you one day?"

She nodded but did not reply. I blinked back tears. "Don't you miss us? Basil, Thyme, Sage, little Mickey ?" I pressed, even though I knew there would be no fixed answer. As we settled down for tea, Mum said, "Oh yes I have received the report about his observations, he has such neat handwriting and speaks well of you. They truly have the patience in their reputation?"

"Yea definitely! All of them are. Hallien teaches magical arts, he's always kind to us too." I beamed- Algrim did not mention the times I behaved less than ideally.

I received more mail! Before the time to return for classes. Frankly I felt bored and couldn't wait to go to school. Sometimes I chatted with Mira and Ginger another friend we had just included in our group. When I went online, I hoped to see my Jupiter friend but she never showed.

When I opened one of the white envelopes, omg! From the dark elf! I could visualize his soothing melodic voice calmly speaking to me. The ink was purple too.

Hi Reslin Andriel,

This is a pleasant surprise, thank you for writing to me. I am completely well, haven't got any relapse since. Are you enjoying the vacation?

I wanted to reply immediately, but my friends, actually three of them, insist on being entertained. They have little concept of my personal space, much to my dismay. I still have paperwork to do, after going for some dinners and appointments. Everyday someone will visit me. They keep worrying.

Hallien was so excited that you remember him. The other piece of paper is from him. No I don't feel upset when I see your curious questions. I'm in a good mood. How I spent my freetime – mostly I slept more, listened to music, but not the metal kind, read on my favorite topics. I shan't reveal what they are here, so we can discuss them when you come back. More gifts of chocolates are on my table.

Both your names are a good match. Andriel in my homeland is a respectable name, meaning of the Highest heavens. She was very important to me. The five pointed symbol on the medallion is not the symbol of Svartálfarheim. I keep it as a memoria of my soulmate. She made jewellery for a living. I do forget where I place the medallion when I take it off. Do you like to collect jewellery?

Oh I have not heard of Drizzt do'urden. He sounds courageous. I shall find out in the archives. He is a legend on Midgard? I suppose we have different colored eyes from humans. It depends which clan you are from…. dark elves live in the frost regions and caves modified to live. The royalty have winter palaces. Well since the climate tends to be cold, we don't cut hair. Most of us have pale hair, though light elves like Hallien have blond or dark hair.

I do not speak of the tragedy that many of my people perished. They were slain by Jotuns, ferocious frost giants. I trust that you won't mention secrets. Well, if people do, I will find out. I try not to be too worried and angry if they talk behind me. It used to be hard. Indeed on paper words seem less defensive.

I'm relieved that there is less shouting in your home. Try to wait for a calm moment before asserting your viewpoint. Repetition helps. How long do arguments last? I would like to speak to your parents. They live separately? I wish to help in any way I can, if only I can do more. You are a good friend and student. Let me know.

Thank you for your faith, I don't wish to be barbaric and evil to students. It will just confirm the bad reputation of dark elves. This seems to be a big step in our relationship! I notice you think of our race as drow. As you have found out, we are misjudged by appearance. It has happened countless times. People feared me, until they realized I have special talents. I will be silent if I don't wish to respond. Some topics bring me bad memories especially war and religion. I won't be very upset for long. You are far from dull, my friend.

Oh yes, I feel strange if you sign love. I understand your sentiments. I only went to Asgard for a short while. I await your next letter.

It would be wonderful to continue letter-writing even if we're not separated by realm?

Regards,

Algrim

Hi Res! I'm so glad you remember me. I couldn't stop singing which irritated Algrim. He is getting better since it's close to winter now. I heard your birthday is in December! I am going to buy you gifts. Do you like parties? I won't forget the first time I was shocked when you got up unhurt from a Pegasus fall!

Always your friend, Hal

I blushed. It was so flattering to have the dashing healer to rescue me. He had done so, most of the time. He sang because of me? Wow! Why does everybody mention and recall how spectacular my fall was from the orange horse? Ahhhh! I got a text message from my Jupiter friend. She was going to come online today. Wonderful! A few days passed, and once more the arguing started. Lalang my brother came back, deflecting the problems. But he didn't so much as glance at me.

When I returned to Alfheim, the sky was going a nice frost color. I had brought winter clothing but didn't feel very cold. The trees were bare branched. Ideal weather for dark elves. Wow I was still thinking about them. This time my second letter was in my bag, going to be more personal. I had written halfway while waiting in between stops. The shuttle journey back took several hours. I stepped off onto the station which was sheltered and walked toward the dorms. A few kids like me were rolling their luggage. I just carried mine.

I threw all my things on the floor and relaxed. Hallien had written his room extension number.

"Hello? I'm back. It's me Reslin." I said immediately.

The jovial elf chuckled. "Nice to hear from you. Hm I'm quite busy today. Did you get my letter?"

"Oh yea. Um you remember that incident. So shy…."

"Yes, how can I forget? Don't be. Will you be taking any magic lessons? You can still come even if it's negation skills… Algrim told me about this. Some students do have a spark of mana that needs coaxing."

"Thank you. Sure, I have only two classes now. Is Algrim around?" I went to the window. "Looks dark outside. Do you think it'd be ok to call him? Will he get a shock?"

Hallien said he'd check. After a pause, he replied, "The main line is spoilt. Yes just call him, he is used to it. We gave him practice runs." I could picture the impish grin while they made the drow accustomed to technology. "I would like to talk to you more tomorrow. Shall we eat together sometime?"

"Ok! No prob. How about tomorrow? I'll send a text message, fine?" I said happily. Then we hung up together. I beamed.

Since it was still vacation the nightsnacks would not be delivered. I locked my door and went to some of the vending machines. Some of the patrolling guard elves nodded curtly as I passed, with a word of caution that I should not be unaccompanied. Hmm, little did they know I could fight well and even if I didn't dodge blows I won't be harmed.

There was a new structure of a God in the centre. I pulled out my cellphone and pressed the number. It took some time for the drow to pick up. His voice was mellow and husky. "Hello?"

Didn't I give him my number? Algrim sounded puzzled and not recognizing my voice.

"Oh it's me, Reslin. How're you? Are you busy?"

Algrim cleared his throat. "Oh. Something went wrong with this.. thing. The names don't display. I am fine. Are you alright?"

I smiled it didn't mean I was in trouble to call him. "Eh no, nothing happened. I just- felt like calling you. I just came back tonight. The weather is different."

He listened. I waited for him to speak again. He exhaled and finally spoke, "Yes it's winter. I am not busy now. I gather this call is to check if visit is convenient?"

I laughed. Algrim sighed. "True, okay. So can I come over now? I want to give you something."

"Er… very well. I have to cook, how about forty minutes' time?"

Aw he hadn't eaten yet? But it was close to midnight…. "No hurry. I don't mind."

I gave a good hour before popping up. My heart pounded -the door was open. Why was I feeling shy and worried? We are friends! The delicious scent of baking potatoes wafted and I sniffed. I stopped worrying.

I noticed there was a bell on the side of the door and pressed it. Over here, the chill was colder than our dorms. Perhaps the aura of winter of Svartálfar?

"Take a seat." Algrim called. I came in and the door swung shut by itself. Orange light made itself more luminescent. At first only his silhouette was visible against the darker parts of the house. He remained there for a while.

The chairs were laid out in a circle, quite a number of them. They were a beautiful wood material and had some cushions. I hugged one. "I didn't know you eat so late?" I spoke to ease the silence.

Algrim strolled gracefully into the light. Perhaps if nobody comes the whole place will be like a shadow cavern! I smiled. Despite the cold, he only wore a loose white robe with short sleeves, dark sash that went all the way down. The seams of the material folded open at the knees, like a skirt. These were the tradition kind of designs… My mouth fell open.

He was chewing something. This time my friend offered a handshake. I stood up and accepted his gesture. Algrim swallowed and said a soft 'goodnight. How are you?'

I nodded. He asked me if I wanted to sample the food. "I have been trying this new recipe and it can keep for a few days. Mainly potato and some spices and herbs." He remained standing. He smiled and I hurriedly closed my mouth.

"Sure. I want to help. Don't exert too much," I said peering into the darkness. Er where was the place again? I could just see the curtain to his bedroom.

Algrim consented and took my hand. "The light switches can't work for this part of my house. Thank you. Come."

Now there was a mini table with stools in the kitchen. I liked the sticky flavor of the dish and admired the finely crafted blue bowl. He opened the fridge and arranged some stuff.

He replied to my concern earlier. "I have dinner late. Then I sleep close to dawn and I wake up later. Why?"

"Hehe I see. Because I'd starve if I waited this long. Yummy!"

Algrim raised a brow. He ladled some of this stuff onto his bowl and stirred the surface. It's fine, I'd let you eat if you are hungry, Reslin. Then he said aloud, "How to make the list come back to normal again?" He took out the cell from a drawer.

I found that something had been triggered and rectified the issue. Algrim smiled.

"What to avoid? I did know it's a friend. I received quite a few messages too." He narrowed his eyes. I tried not to guffaw.

"Don't press this one. Just arrow down will be ok. Yea Hal said they kept you busy."

"Ha, more like stressed. Every few minutes they'd press if I had fun, which I didn't. They pretended to be sad when I told them leave me alone. You really like him?" Said with stoicism, my teacher seemed to insert a grin into his voice.

I blushed. "Er, not at all. He's so kind. We- we care. Er, they held parties here?"

"No I wouldn't allow it. They simply talked a lot and I got a headache."

Soon I felt at ease with my teacher again. The drow could be witty and funny if he wanted to be. I did ask if he would relax in class, since we were on more familiar grounds. "I don't think so. You're my student so not the same."

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