Chapter XI: Holiday chill

Music: Boa's Be the One

Laira

After dinner, of which our guest ate so little, he wanted to practice. Joe had already scouted and confirmed there was an abandoned warehouse half an hour from our place.

The prince imagined targets in front of him when he brandished, jumped and kicked out with his weapon. I held his coat for him. He preferred to do this topless.

My brother gaped. I was entranced, but worried he might overstrain. How long was he going to practice? His breathing was steady. Nuada went through a series of complicated and flexible flips, vaulting, kicks. The sword and him were one together. A phrase came to my memory- dragon and sword. It was such an appropriate metaphor. After a while, his skin sheened with perspiration. Nuada rolled over and stood up, catching his breath. About an hour, I checked with my watch.

We applauded the elf. He looked surprised, golden eyes very wide. Then he bowed a little.

"Cool! How do you do that? Can I try?" Joe asked eagerly. I shook my head.

The elf let him hold his sword. "Like that. First, your stance has to be right. Not too broad or you'll lose your balance… " Patiently, he showed him.

Are you all right?

Fine. He replied good-naturedly. "You want to use a sword right away?"

"Can I? What do you recommend?"

"A beginner should start with poles first. I will be happy to teach you. Grip it more firmly. Yes."

Joe grinned. Nuada explained how to use it, turning the blade over in his hand. My brother was absorbing all these quite well. "You need to know all these properly before doing any stuns. I was always injured. Are you ready for multiple wounds and cuts?" the elf wanted to know. Joe gave his positive answer.

Then I heard some noises. Nuada took his coat back and pressed something on the belt. Instantly, his white skin turned more of a golden color. I peeked outside. "Should have left. Isn't this abandoned?" Nuada asked.

I stared at him in fascination. There had been no activation word, it was a magic belt? Joe hadn't noticed this, as usual, but was reverently examining the sword. He was drawn to materials rather than physical appearances. I liked stuff too, but if an elf (such as now) stood in front of me doing magic stuff, I would happily admire him.

"Yea it is. Probably some punks," Joe said. "Thank you! Master."

Nuada smiled.

It was only then Joe wondered, "Er do I know you?" He stepped back and searched for the real person. I laughed.

"It is me, with my new look." He chuckled at Joe's shock.

I can't say I liked this appearance any less. It is still my friend, albeit minus his preternatural coloring. His eyes were now neutral black and he had dark hair. He looked so ordinary like a teenager out in the night for some dance party. His coat was gleaming leather. Glamour does not alter the clothing if it is normal clothing, only the fey kind of armour. It turns green blue or pale skin into a gold tan. I was so intrigued by it that I went to look up more info. And I have my own guide here personally.

We walked outside. A few guys skated by. One boy with dark shades and a cap tossed his cigar on the ground stubbed it out. Cans lay outside the warehouse. Oh they were the source of the noise, they had been using them as target practice. The walls were graffiti of vulgar words.

Nuada sneered at that, increasing his pace to leave this place. We had some difficulty catching up. He followed another path out to the park. Later I would learn he loved this place, men-filled as it was. It was still full of lush trees. Tonight the park had no one but us and several late nighters skating or talking. I felt concerned when a boy accidentally roller-bladed past the elf, almost trodding on him. He sidestepped. "Sorry!"

"No problem. Be careful."

I read his mind, which did not think of annihilating humans off the planet nor wipe us off the face of the earth. The boy smiled and took off again. Don't do that, without permission. You don't trust me? Nuada said.

No, just curious. Sorry. He does not block his telepathy from friends, it seems.

"What are those wheels on his shoes?"

"Roller blades. I used to do that. Sometimes you can get injured if you're not careful," I replied.

Joe said, "Yup. Better to walk right?" The elf nodded. He asked us what people were riding- namely the bicycle, skateboard and another version of a mod- car. That was funny, the entire little car looked like a toddler's cart, but it was bigger. Very young teens were laughing and trying to pull their girlfriend along. Nuada Silverlance at ease tonight.

I sincerely wanted it this way forever. I had almost forgotten the volatile nature of elves. Before he reached our home, Nuala had told me that sometimes he would have moodswings that turned violent. How should I handle it?

'Leave him alone. If he is wrong, he will apologize. It may be quite terrifying for you. And keep all weapons out.' She had warned.

"I don't have telepathy, it sucks."

Nuada put his arm about Joe. "Trust me you don't want that. It's not private at all. Not even a little? Tell me something without opening your mouth."

He frowned and tried to. I got nothing. But the prince's lips turned up a smile. They were human lips now. It looked more cute than his black lips. I thought he had applied black lipstick on our first encounter.

"Did you?"

"A soft voice but I could get something. Laira did you?"

I shook my head. "What was he thinking?"

"Don't tell her." I folded my arms. Must be dirty jokes. Nuada did as he asked. For the rest of the way home, the guys bonded as I walked ahead to lead the way. It fell into place easily. This spatial ability is rare in females, only 3 percent of females can. I did not need a map and if there was one, I could look at it and memorise it completely without a fault.

"Can I call Liz and Nuala sometimes? Will they be around?"

"Yes."

"Why didn't your sis come?" Joe looked up at the human looking Nuada.

He did not answer. A sorrowful emotion welling up like thorns. I felt my eyes tear.

The elf felt hurt about something but he kept it shielded. I guessed Abraham Sapien was indirectly responsible. I cut in, "Joe, let's get ice cream. Do you want a cone?"

A man with the cart was ahead of us.

He was grateful. "Thank you. I like the brown one."

We bought three cones. Nuada cheered up licking his chocolate one. "What's yours? It's so strange."

"It's vanilla with chocolate chips. Joe's one is mint. Next time I'll get you one."

We got home. It was no big issue for him to do all those exertive actions and movements. Most of his injuries had healed. The best news: he had drank of the fountain.

"It has been restored? Yay!" I replied, hugging him. When I looked up, he had stripped the magic. How sexy his tight pectorals were with the leather coat unbuttoned. He smelled sweaty but I did not mind.

"I wish to use the bathroom. Do you have one outside?" he glanced around.

Joe showed him the outer one. It had Joe's male shampoos and stuff. "Ok. Thank you."

Nuada patted my shoulder and headed in that direction. His belt he left hanging on the chair. It looked special, bore some kind of sigils on it.

My brother flopped down. Heavenly look on his face.

"Cool. I can learn free."

"Yea. You ought to pay him."

"Nah, you know elves don't care about money. Say why is he quiet when we ask of Nuala? It'd be awesome if she could come." Joe adored her, she made him like an equal.

That's precisely why she is a hit with all the men. Nuada must be seething and raring to protect her. A few times, he had blocked some guys from speaking to her. I had watched from a distance.

"Abe. She's romantically involved with him. Stop asking, obviously he's sad."

He wanted to enquire why or how I knew it, but I glared and kicked his foot.

I have some telepathy. But it's very weak.

I smirked at him. "Great. I'm the one with the stronger powers. Haha!"

*****

Nuada read a comic book at the desk, when I came in after some tv time. He was naked waist up.

"Sorry about just now, Joe's quite dumb sometimes."

"Why insult him? You are siblings." He cocked his head. What is it, child? Why did you probe me?

"Creepy. You sound like a ghost in my head." I sat on my bed and turned on the bedside lamp. My skin had goose pimples.

The ambers ignited with curiosity. "Oh? Then it is fine for you to do that in my head?" Amused tone.

"You're pure elf. That's normal. Coz I wanted to ask you…but it may be too personal."

He closed the book and faced me, crossing his long legs in dark pants.

"I don't mind. Didn't hear your question."

"You have so many scars on your back. Why? It's so sad. Did you get abused?"

Like it was normal, his voice remained neutral. "It is not unusual. Most elves are born with perfect flawless bodies. But we get accidents, spoils of war. I have been in many wars, the humans, orcs and monsters. They inflict many wounds. I did not get a healer

in time, so the scars remained. Perhaps those elves with little inclination in battle won't be hurt."

My throat had a lump. I coughed. Could I touch the scars? No no, too personal. I tried to force that thought out of my head. "Um do they remind you of a lot?"

"Yes. But I cannot see them, so there is no need to feel sad. Also in training, the masters whipped us if we did not practice properly. It is unavoidable for wounds to open when we spar."

God, it must have hurt like hell. Nuada, subject to torment. When did he become a warrior? Was it a necessary thing? Nuada shrugged off the coat and pulling on a fresh white shirt. It highlighted his unusual fey hair and skin. "I'm sorry." I said.

I watched him hanging the leather coat on a chair and brushing on its material. "Don't be. It is- not your fault. What about when you're dressing? It won't be convenient."

"You may be outside. Or you can leave if I need to."

"Fine. Unless I want to sleep."

After a while, I flipped on the computer as I could not sleep right away. Nuada wondered why I was doing that and came to stand beside me. "Lemme show ya some fan videos about you. These gals love you Nuada."

I wanted to add "you're so hot" but I don't think he'd understand. He watched a few and decided to sit down to be comfortable. "I didn't know I was so popular on the um-"

"Internet."

"Yes. Could you show me how to search for information? I don't know how to start it."

I grinned and made some space. "This is the internet, the space above is the address bar. To do a general search, you type yahoo or google. Let's do google." I got the page and typed in a word. "Ok now you apply. Type something you want to look for."

Nuada tapped the keyboard slowly. Elves. Oh that'd be foremost on his mind. That popped up many results, pictures, videos and fanfiction. "So much. It is quite amazing," he remarked with awe in his voice. "What is fan- fiction?"

"Stories about someone that they like in movies or books. It's free to browse." I typed in his name and showed him. But he was more intrigued by the deviantart of elves.

"They are skilful with how I look." He laughed, pointing to one which showed him standing with fire behind him.

"Yes. My favorite is this one…." I leaned against his shoulder. They did not match the real guy in the flesh. How lucky I am!

Then he clicked on search and put in halfling.

"Hey why?" I asked annoyed.

"For people like you. Definition: little short humans with mixed blood. Hobbits."

I scowled. Nuada chuckled. "I'm no hobbit! Halfling is a degrading term. Can't you use my name?" But my temper was not really there.

It was fine that the prince who was so solemn most of the time had cheered up. I wanted him to lead a normal life outside the Bureau. Actually it was good for him to be on missions so he focused on their objectives.

"No. I want to call you halfling. It is an affectionate term," the elf declared, teeth white in a grin. He ruffled my hair. My heart rose.

"How is BPRD life?"

He shook his head. "Unbelievable. I cannot tell you the details of missions. Truly." You humans don't honor promises and ignore what I said.

We wanted to make sure you were not getting in more trouble. You apparently did. What of a summary? Please! I pleaded.

Nuada obliged. He looked at the screen so he spoke slowly. The old generation can't multitask. "Most are investigations. I am usually with Elizabeth Sherman. It is nice. She is the kindest. Hellboy and Sapien are- very frustrating."

"I know HB is, but Sapien? He's a very kind fish. I like him."

Nuada groaned. He turned to face me, fine brows knitted together. "By calling me brother and brother in law. Rambling with long winded methods and monologues about my sister. It is so nauseating." He rolled his eyes.

I sniggered. Just could imagine Nuada vomitting as Abe was talking on and on.

"Why are you laughing, halfling? Actually half breed is more- appealing."

I stopped. "No! No way. I can totally see you throwing up at Abe."

"Oh." Nuada smiled. He continued, "Can we not have rambling? Just go straight to the point. I treasure honesty and less talk." His tone was free of malice. We were learning more about each other- fey and human and mutant behaviour.

"I dunno, sometimes I also ramble. Some of us are wired to think slowly than others. Abe, not that I am defending him, has a mind that works, well, in complicated words."

The elf was listening intently. It is a good point of the elves: how much they listen and reflect.

"Right. He is so fascinated with knowledge. I just want to finish my job, be it cutting or killing. Abraham will get in the way of things. He cannot fight." To this, my companion slapped a hand to his forehead. I laughed. "I think he should strictly stay in the base while we do the combat."

"Wow, you really love kicking ass huh."

"What does that mean, Laira? The ass?"

"Kicking ass, short for beating up monsters and people. Their butts."

He nodded emphatically. "Human expressions. Thank you for the lesson." Nuada stood up and stretched. After checking my mail, I turned the comp off.

He was frowning at the comic book. I approached him. "It is not in sequence. Never mind. How is your hand?"

I did not want to let him see ( he was sad) but Nuada said he wanted to try something. He traced the sigil, then reached into his bag. "Can this help?" Dribbled the water on my wound. Nope it was still present.

"I hoped your scar would go away. Then it won't be a permanent mark." I told him it was all right and at least it had eased the aching.

The curtain of white blond hair cascaded over, concealing his thin visage. "If only you stayed here." Nuada said looking out the window.

"You almost died. I won't let you fade."

His mind expressed shock. He stiffened. "Why not? We are so few in number."

"All the more we need to care. It is not fair you have to fade when it is humans who should. You were here first. In this aspect, I agree with the fey." I felt indignant. I don't want you to die.

Nuada shifted back to face me. He fixated me with his golden pupils. They gleamed with tears? Silence for a long moment.

Then I asked about Nuala. "Hey what will you wear? Wedding style, It has to be a forest wedding right?"

He pressed his temple. "Shit. Then Abraham will call me brother everyday. My sister will plan everything. She has some companions to help." I guess that meant Liz and other female elves. I had seen some of them once.

"Wow! It will be fun."

Nuada's low tone had a slight inflection. "You really like weddings."

I smiled, clapping. "I'm thrilled. What will you wear?"

"Simple, matching clothes. In our custom, they can be gold, green or blue. Whichever Nuala wishes." Inside, the warrior felt a pang that she had decided without consulting him. But he did not mind telling me.

I lay down to sleep. But I suddenly got a burning query. "Nuada, you will walk her down the aisle right? To escort the bride to the hubby."

"Most distasteful word, do not say it. Fiance is better," he said sharply. Ok, relax. "I was annoyed with that… it is not you I am angry at. Thank you for your support. She loves you.

He moved about when I tried to sleep. He was unpacking. Oh well, he had not taken out all his things. I rolled over. Because I was so sleepy, did not have a very clear view of everything. I saw Nuada flipping pages and writing. Completely silent.

"Hey don't you want to sleep? It's late."

He turned slightly. "Sorry am I disturbing you? I'll turn in later." He pushed the light away. I turned back to snuggle into my pillows. Deep dreamy times. Such a comfort to me. I felt his fingers on my hair, then the light went off. Yay!

After a while, I squinted in the dark. Nuada Silverlance had gone to sleep. I carefully tiptoed around him so he wouldn't awake. The writing was completely elven.