Chapter 10
Decisions, Decisions
An Old Friend Returns
Nuala walked alone in the mean streets of New York for what seemed like hours. She was almost tempted to go back and beg for Nuada's forgiveness. She knew this was of no use. She stopped in the dark streets and leaned against a lamp post. The baby decided it was time to kick its mother. Nuala drew a long breath and told them it would be alright. Her child belonged to her, their mother. She needed time to think about what to do next. She thought of Dr. Nazur who only acted in the child's best interest. She could tell her of what Nuada intended to do. However; she did not want to get the good doctor involved in this situation. She knew only too well Nuada's wrath. She sat down on the hard cold pavement outside the BRPD and wept. She finally realized that she would have to admit defeat if the child would be his if it were a male. She stood up and straightened her back it was time to return to the BRPD , she would tell Abe nothing. When Nuada came to claim his issue it would happen and yes, her heart would break, but as Dr. Nazur told her she was strong.
Tom Manning was the first to greet the visitor who arrived. He immediately went to search for Nuala, instead he found Abe. "What is it, Tom?" Abe asked. Tom looked worried, "there is a female elf out there who is hot under the collar, she says that someone has been impersonating her." He leaned over and whispered in Abe's ear, "evidently she says that this person claimed to be her and slept with Nuada as his concubine." Abe was perplexed, "why would she come here?" Tom answered again in a low tone, "she says it was Nuala!" Abe backed away from Tom. By that time Red had entered the room. Abe stood there frozen he stared into blank space for a moment, he finally said "I thought she loved me or at least that she cared." He took one look at Red and left the room. "What's this about Tom, what's going on here?" Tom repeated the story to Red and then it hit home. In the Troll Market and why Nuada was asking so many questions regarding this concubine. Red understood the relationship between Nuala and Nuada it was a strange one for sure. However; he would never judge Nuala that was not his place. "Well, okay, Tom bring her in so we can talk to her," he said.
When she finally came into the room, the Elven woman was tall, and she was large boned. She did somewhat resemble Nuala. "When she finally spoke her mannerisms were gruff she spoke loud, "I am Deinah, daughter of Bushan the goat herder, I have come to speak with the Princess Nuala of Bethmoora." Just then Nuala appeared from behind her, and stated just as loud, "Here am I." Deinah, turned around to face her, "Lady Nuala I was given to believe that you and I are friends, how could you have done me this injustice?" Nuala bowed and closed her eyes, and then said to her old friend, "my deepest apologies Deinah, for I have wanted an Elfing for eons and could not have one. I was given a choice to have a child that was half mortal, surely they would have put this child to death for this is our law. What I did I believed was my only hope. I am so sorry for tarnishing your reputation, I only hope some day you will forgive me." Deinah then reached over to touch Nuala's swollen belly. She felt her way all round her abdomen. "Soon, Nuala, soon the child will come," she said to her. "You are carrying the child low, it is a female." Nuala suddenly remembered, Deinah sometimes assisted the midwives with childbirth. Nuala's eyes misted over, and Deinah realized why. Deinah said nothing more as with custom she bowed to Nuala and took her leave of her.