The ship arrived at the tuatha Dé danann green leaved mountain tops could be seen through the clear blue sea.
The perfume of the woods gave a soothing scent. and the sun was bright red and it shined over the green land.
In the distance Lugh waved happily at his friends and Nuada brightened up and got off the ship as quick as he could to give Lugh a tight embrace.
"I'm so happy to see you" Lugh said "and I see you brought Wink too" and moved over the wink to pet him.
Wink grumbled annoyed but Lugh didn't care.
"So why am I here Lugh"? Nuada asked.
" oh well when I went for a walk in the forests I've made a great discovery I found a rare dragon egg".
"when I tried to look for more eggs I heard a dragon's roar towards the deserted islands outside the royal seal that only belonged to an extinct dragon race".
"but..but.. I thought the humans caused their extinction" Nuada said in disbelief.
"No after many years it looks like they came back" Lugh said and showed Nuada a colourful egg.
"You must return this egg Lugh" Nuada said
"I know i wanted to do that but i've touched it and my scent is all over it so that means the mother will disown it".
"Sorry i didn't know that until my father talked about dragons characteristics".
"All i can do now is let it hatch and set it free when it's old enough to look after itself".
"It's all right" Nuada said "just make sure you will take good care of it".
Nuada and Lugh remained silent observing the egg but Wink's roar broke the silence letting the whole world know he's bored to death.
"All right let's eat first and then we'll go to the nest "Lugh said and showed them the way.
Wink got over his boredom when he heard Lugh say the word "Eat" Wink loves Lugh's Father's cooking and started fantasize about all the delicious meals he could taste.
During traveling Nuada noticed that tuatha dé danann has changed from his last visit many new things are ready to explore
the scent of the trees and plants left a sweet parfume over the forest. The calm waves of the ocean made Nuada miss his birth place and wondered if it was a goood idea to move so far away. and now that the dragons have returned maybe the Elven realm will be more stunning since there aren't many magical beings there beside's Ogre's of different sizes.
Lugh was resting his eyes on the large grass field Tuatha Dé Danann is like paradise on Earth and there is no place Lugh rather be than in the best and most beautiful place in Elf land and that is his own home.
Lugh heard small foot steps approach him he rolled on his stomach and was face to face with a goat like magical being watching Lugh lazily as it started munching on the grass.
Lugh shoo ed the critter and plopped back on the grass.
Time sure has passed by quick and it only seemed yesterday when his Father sended him away for battle training to join Balor's court in the Future
The battle training was horrible but if Lugh didn't agreed with his Father's wishes he would never have became the man he is today.
But also saw the cruel side of life and to be vigilant always
That's how a true warrior is Lugh thought.
And drifted into his thoughts and remembered the day when he and Nuada met for the first time
A young boy knocked on the large door of balors castle but no one answered.
the boy pulled at the round door latch when he entered the castle the door slammed shut behind him
he walked slowly through the hallway he noticed a large guard standing above the wooden gates
"I..I'm Lugh.. from the Tuatha Dé Danann tribe im here to see King Balor for battle training" Lugh said with a loud voice
The Guard gave a sign to the other trolls to open the gates.
Lugh quickly went inside and handed the scroll to the older Guard and told Lugh the way to the throne room
"the King will be waiting for you there"" the guard said.
Lugh gave a small nod and made his way to the hall with burning torches at the side of the walls
he hesitated but grabbed the door knob to open the throne room.
Lugh turned around slowly feeling spooked when he felt a soft tap on his shoulder.
he was immediately stunned when he feast his eyes upon a Elven girl in a long blue dress
Lugh tried to say something but couldn't say anything she was so pretty.
Nuala smiled at Lugh to calm him down "don't be affraid Im a friend" she said friendly
"You must be Lugh my father has been expecting you". and greeted with a graceful bow.
"Please walk this way".
Nuala brought him to balors chamber and a huge emblem litted up when nuala opened the door for him and stepped aside
Lugh hesitantly walked in and stood near th entrance door.
The king gave Lugh permission to come forward and Lugh bowed on one knee.
Lugh's heart was beating in his throat and couldn't find the words to speak to the king what if he says something stupid
and insults the royal family many negative thoughts rushed through his head and flinched when he heard Balor rise from his throne
but still kept his head down Lugh never felt so small and intimidated.
There was a boy in his early teens standing next to balor he was slightly older than Lugh he looked similar to Nuala
And a woman stood on the other side with a smaller crown than Balor holding her hands gracefully and gave Lugh a motherly warm smile.
"Please come forward don't be alarmed". Balor spoke
Lugh came closer and could see Balor's face better. He felt alot better now that Balor gave Lugh a warm welcome.
"your highness i've been send by my father"
"Yes I've been waiting for you young warrior so are you ready for your first lesson tomorrow"?
"yes Sire" Lugh nodded and tried to hide his exhaustion,
"Get some rest" Balor said. " the servants have prepared you dinner at your guest chamber"
"Thank you Sire Thank you for having me" Lugh said polite And Balor and his Son bowed in return
Nuada watched Lugh leave n silent even without knowing Lugh Nuada was certain he would be a great addition their army
in the near future.
Balor introduced him to Shreng his new mentor but he didn't look friendly wich was very disappointing he hoped he could create a master and pupil
bond and have a Father figure here for the long months. And to make it worse Sreng wasn't even a Elf It was a human.
Most humans and Fay dislike each other because of wars their ancestors waged
but Sreng has been friends with Balor for years and got the benefit of the doubt among a handful of humans who are allowed to Live in the Elven forest.
When afternoon came Lughs training began.
Poor Lugh didn't like Shreng at all he was mean and brutal. Not even once Lugh got a compliment for doing his best
and wished time could go quick so that he can go home He missed his Father since day one
After every battle training he longed to go home more.
A week has passed and Lugh was progressing quickly absorbing every movements and attacks like a sponge
but is it wasn't good enough for his tormentor Lugh got hit many times for not doing it right.
Lugh was covered with bruises and tried to get up with effort he got in his stance and tried to hit shreng but he dodged it and knocked lugh on the ground
Lugh landed on his face hard and layed still he tried not to cry.
"Get up! GET UP! you weak child!" shreng shouted.
Lugh was frightened by Shreng harsh voice he tried to collect himself.
Shreng lost patience he walked up to him and pushed him back down with his foot.
you're lousey worthless being Shreng grabbed lugh by his arm and pulled him to his feet.
Lugh held his hands infron of his face i fear of being hit Shreng gave him a rough shove to the door.
'I will see you tomorrow" sreng said stern.
Lugh swallowed and eyed his mentor nervously
Better make shure you practice everything and master it perfectly one little slip up
and I'll make you sorry you were born! understood?
Lugh gave a quick nod yes sir i..i will. and cleared the room he just wanted to go get away.
his whole body aced he wondered why he had to be here
atleast at home he's treated with kindness he just wished balor would send him home he had no friends here no one to talk to.
He walked downstairs with his eyes staring at the ground when he looked up he flinched and backed away.
"P...prince nuada" Lugh said with a bow.
Nuada's face soften Hello lugh how's your training going?
Great Lugh said nervously taking another step i'll better be going lugh said quickly and walked past him
"wait" Nuada said reaching out to him
Lugh froze in place and turned around "y..y..yes sire"?
"I need some fresh air care to join me"? Nuada asked friendly hoping Lugh will calm down and see the Elven realm as his new home
Lugh brightened up slightly he's happy that Nuada isn't a hostile prick like Shreng.
"Oh sure i would love to! Thank you for asking".
lugh walked after nuada as they enter the Elven Realm's valley
Nuada noticed lugh was very tensed and silent he hasn't said a word during their walk
They walked up to the river with two huge waterfalls.
Nuada breathed in the scent of the water amazing view isn't it?
But lugh didn't respond he seems to be in deep thoughts
"Lugh? is everything alright"?
Lugh snapped into reallty when nuada reached for his shoulder
"Sorry i was in deep thought please forgive me Sire".
Nuada's eyes had a little bit of sympathy in them for a brief moment and made Lugh look up
"Do you miss home Lugh"? Nuada asked carefully
"Yes. Lugh said I do I wished I could say Hi to my Father or sleep in my own bed" Lugh said almost tearing up
"and Shreng is so harsh he calls me lazy while I do my best but I don't think he knows the difference between being lazy and exhaustion"
"I just feel so unappreciated".
Nuada placed a comforting hand on Lugh shoulder. "Hey..don't be distraught my Father can always send you back after a few weeks"
"He can"? Lugh said almost forgetting about feeling depressed.
"Yes, you will still finish combat training but you won't be able to join my fathers court in the future".
Lugh smile faded he wants to go back home but he didn't want to return empty handed he couldn't let his Father down and view Lugh as a failure
"but i can't go home yet Sire I want to make my Father proud, I know that battle training is no paradise"
"even though Shreng is strict He does it for my own good to make the best warrior I can ever be".
"It was selfish of me and unwarrior-like for wanting to leave because Shreng take self entitled crap from me".
Lugh sighed "Im sorry Nuada I should be Thankful for having this unique chance".
"You don't have to prove my Father anything If you want to go home he'll let you". Nuada said
"I know but I like to finish what I've started so that I can go without regrets". Lugh said
"You'll be a great warrior Lugh It's a great honor to have you here friend" Nuada said
"friend? Lugh repeated surprised.
"That's right Im your friend and my family are your friends too".
Lugh smiled for the first time he got to the Elven Realm It felt great knowing that he's not alone anymore
for once in Lugh's life he earned a friendship and he has a warm feeling that they are going to be closer than Brothers one day.
months has passed and Shreng has gotten worse he went from hostile to brutal almost abusive and punished Lugh harder by using violence
Lugh was scared but didn't want to rat Shreng out to Balor or he might make things alot worser then the situation is now.
and kept quiet.
Lugh got ready and ran as quick as he could to Shrengs Chamber but before he could opened the door Lugh eyes was met with Shrengs furious Death glare
"You are late" Shreng hissed.
"Im sorry please don't hurt me this won't happen again" Lugh whined in fear Shreng grabbed him by the back of his neck and shoved him inside
Shreng was in a foul mood and Lugh will be punished with much harder training for his lazy attitude.
A couple of servants witnessed how Shreng shoved Lugh and felt a bit alarmed and wondered if they should inform the king about this.
He met up With Nuada few times a week after his training and makes jokes about his sore muscles that he walks like a old man
and when he wasn't with Nuada he worked on growing a fruit garden the ground in the Elven realm is more fruitful than at home.
and can eat delicious fruit at home instead of meat everyday.
Nuada hasn't seen Lugh all day and wasn't anywhere in the castle but Nuada's Mother told him he's seen walking in the forest
and Nuada decided to look for his friend to see if he's all right.
Nuada heared a soft whimper in the distance it sounded like a animal was in pain and Nuada came closer.
a small troll was hanging upside down in a tree with a rope tightly around it's paw causing it to bleed.
the troll got lured towards the trap with bait and now he got stuck.
the troll cried for aid but it was quiet in the forest rain dripped in his wound and made it sting
Wink opened his eyes every time he heard something but there was no one there Wink tried to remove his paw from
the trap but that made the pain and bleeding worse.
the little critter noticed a figure infront of him and looked Nuada in the eye
and felt vulnerable because he was completely at his mercy and didn't know if the Elf is a friend or foe
Nuada cuts him down with a swift movement of his sword and noticed an injured paw. Nuada felt sorry for the critter and treated his wounds
when Nuada tied a knot in the bandage the Troll got on his feet and flees from him into the forest.
Nuada focused his attention to the trap he knew who set that trap and picked up the rope.
'Humans"! Nuada said angry and clenched the rope his hand and went back to the castle to tell his father what happened.
After few hours Lugh returned And the Queen was very happy that he's all right and told him that Nuada was looking for him.
Lugh smiled at his graceful Queen and made his way to the throne room but something wasn't right Lugh heard angry voices echoing down the hall
there was a heated conversation going on behind the doors of Balor's throne room.
An angry Nuada stepped out and slammed the door behind him
"What's wrong sire"? Lugh asked as careful as possible trying not to put more fuel to the fire
Nuada leaned against the wall with his arms crossed.
"He never listens to me" Nuada responded
"who? your Father"?
Nuada nodded "i told him to make the humans leave our land because of what i saw in the forest
"The Humans have ben hunting in our forest killing our animals!.soon they will be hunting us down too
but he just disregarded my warning by saying that the Earth belong to no one".
Nuada ran a hand over his face.
"If only I could make him listen for once I mean I always have to listen to Father but it's ok for him to ignore me".
"I don't agree with your Father's views but i do respect it. we are far more superior than the human race but we have no right to decide who can or can't live on this land because we never owned it". Lugh said.
"I know but i just want my people to be safe they are barbaric and when you didn't return from the forest I was worried that a human has attacked you".
"I appreciate your concern but the humans won't attack me if they had a chance because our people will wage war again".
"Hey.." Lugh said and turned Nuada to meet his eyes. "Try not to worry your Father knows what he's doing i mean he wouldn't have ruled for centuries if he didn't know".
"Trust your Father Nuada and try not to fight with him or he won't listen at all".
"Thanks friend" Nuada said "and you are right we have no right to tell who can or can't live here but we can protect our people"
"with force if it has to".
Lugh nodded yes and caught a glimpse of the sunset outside many Magical creatures started to retreat in the forest to rest
"I think it's time that i go to rest or I won't be fit enough for battle training" Lugh said walked down the stairs
"Lugh wait! there won't be battle training tomorrow".
"Why"? Lugh wondered "did Balor dismissed me for further training"?
"No tomorrow It's resting day Nuada said we are not allowed to work on command".
"That's great but I still like to go to bed early to get up early and enjoy every second of the day". Lugh said
Lugh bowed in respect and went to his own Chamber.
he still haven't got used to sleeping by himself because at home he slept with Father and sibling in one room not because there isn't enough space
for a separate room but It makes you feel much safer at night.
on the next day after plenty of rest and exploring the land on his own Lugh decided to work on his Garden again and made his way to the forest his plants have grown his hard work has payed off very well.
Lugh looked at his hard work with pride and when they are ripe he will take them home as a gift for his family.
After battle training he always had 1 hour rest and raced to the forest to continue working
alot of Elves watched him leave in confusion they couldn't believe Lugh is still able to stand up and some were jealous of his everlasting energy.
sometimes he spended some time to get to know the Queen and it felt nice because it feels like he has a mother figure here.
and also with Nuala.
Lugh rested a bit after working in his garden and layed with his back on the grass stars glowed like huge diamonds in the sky meteors passed across the sky
the bright moon greeted him and fire flies danced in the wind leaving a golden path of light like they were watching over him.
Only 3 more weeks and i can finally go home Lugh said to himself the home sick feeling has kicked in now that the last day is in sight
He'll miss Nuada but wouldn't want to stay any longer than necessary.
Lugh hopes after his departure that he can Nuada will stay in contact with letters and one day he will return not for battle training but for a visit
because the Elven realm is Beautiful the sunset is so different here It's like one of the great wonders of the Earth.
Lugh noticed his plants look a bit dry and traveled to the river to fetch water to sprinkle on his plants.
Lugh carried a heavy bin with water and stopped a couple of times to rest his arms and picked it up again.
Lugh was focused on carrying the water bin that he didn't see Nuada he looked up and dropped the bin in fear but calmed down
"Oh sorry sire..i thought you were Shreng" Lugh said.
"it's ok forgive me for startling you..so why are you working? shouldn'tyou be resting?".
"oh no im not working im working on my plants i like to take them to my family when i leave".
Nuada looked at the wet area on the ground and the empty bin and felt bad for letting Lugh drop the water he carried.
i"t's my fault i'll make it up by fetching water for you at our source".
'"source? oh can I come"? Lugh asked he always wanted to see the Elven water source
"Sure" Nuada smiled "and after that you can show me your plants" he gently patted Lugh on the back and felt his bruises sting
"ouww..erm ofcourse Sire" Lugh said trying not to scream
"all right let's go" Nuada said." and you can call me Nuada from now on"
"will do sire" Lugh said skipped happily after Nuada.
The water source was stunning the water seems more bright that in the rivers and Ocean it looks like it's glowing during the night it has the nick name the fountain of youth because you feel all the stress and pain leaving your body when you drink from it.
Lugh had a strong urge to take a dip but he feared that Nuada will see his bruises so he just sat near the side of the water
Lugh got up and wanted to go to his plants tomorrow 'he has a training session with shreng and won't have the strength to do anything else after that.
"Come on Come on Come on"! Lugh tucked Nuada's arm excited "I have so much things to show you"!
and he ran to the forest holding Nuada's arm Lugh couldn't wait show his hard work.
all right we are almost there Lugh beamed and turned around and his eyes grew big in shock his jaw dropped in disbelief
he wanted to shout and kick anyone's ass in severe anger.
Nuada came next to him "Lugh what's wrong "Nuada asked confused and looked at the direction Lugh was watching
Lugh's fruit and vegetable garden got devoured by a unknown being
Teeth marks on half eaten fruits are visible and Nuada picked one up and saw the teeth prints are not one of a Fay
"An animal did this Lugh and we will find it". Nuada got up and scanned the area.
Lugh heard a ruffle in the bushes in the distance and beckoned Nuada to come here
they tip toed to the ruffling noise with their weapons drawn they moved the branches away and saw a baby troll eating of the last berries
Lugh planted the Troll got spooked and made a run for it.
"HEY"! Lugh shouted and took a sprint aiming his sling shot at the munching troll.
The creäture fell to the ground when a stone of Lugh's sling shot made contact with the back of his head.
"Drop those damn berries you thief"! Lugh hissed furious but Nuada stepped in to calm him down
"Lugh don't hurt him it's that troll I saved from human hunters and.."
" Well that's a great way to repay your humble deed munching on my life stock" Lugh interrupted Nuada furious
"Lugh please it's just a dumb little creäture he doest know any better". Nuada said trying to make Lugh snap out of his fury.
"Dumb"? the troll roared " who are you calling dumb"? and started to grow in annoyance.
"it's for the best that we take the troll home so that he can't do this again and I'll make a fence around our garden to avoid these problems"
"when"? Lugh asked and looked at the troll in disgust.
"Now" Nuada said. " the sooner the better and made his way to the dock are you coming"?
Lugh just nodded his head and followed Nuada.
Many ships were near the dock and Nuada climbed on board without the captains permission the captain looked agitated but continued
with his business when he saw the Royal seal on Nuada's belt.
"Nuada don't you think it's a good idea to leave without telling your Father? it will take us days to arrive".
"don't worry Lugh im writing a letter to him now" and tied a piece of paper on the paw of a message hawks on board of the ship
and it flew towards the castle Lugh watched the bird leave and hopes that Balor won't worry.
the ship trembled and almost knocked Lugh off is feet and noticed the ship is leaving.
Lugh got over his anger a bit and could tell Wink felt sorry because he brought him a dead seagull and moved it towards him with is snout
Lugh was a bit creeped out and picked up the bird and pointed somewhere in the sky to draw Winks's attention somewhere else
Wink looked in the sky to see where Lugh is pointing at and lugh threw the seagull in the ocean and when Wink looked at him questionably
Lugh rubbed his stomach pretending that he ate it.
"Hmmmm! thank you Wink it tastes good" Lugh said
Wink smiled and charged towards another seagull on the deck and killed it
"No No wait wink"! Lugh said knowing what wink was trying to do.
Wink brought the seagull to Lugh for him to eat.
Lugh sighed in defeat he had no idea how to get himself out of this.
Nuada called Wink back to give Lugh time to get rid of the seagull. Wink looked at Lugh and Lugh rubbed his stomach pretending he had eaten It.
Wink was happy that he could do something in return for the ones who make so much efforts to make him reunite with his kind.
Wink layed soundless in Nuada's arms and snuggled against Nuada's chest feeling the prince's
heartbeat and that made the fragile bond with Nuada stronger and also felt that he could trust Nuada fully.
The troll knew that he will see his family again but part of him rather stay with Nuada forever.
The ship stopped sailing so that the crew on board could enjoy the view over the Islands it was a blazing hot during day time.
even the wood on the ship started to heat up and Nuada decided to look for shade.
Nuada placed wink on the ground carefully and wiped the sweat away from his chest where wink was sleeping
but Wink woke up anyway wink curiously looked up to Nuada and protested nibbling on his leg to make Nuada pick him up again.
Nuada chuckled when Wink's nibbles started to tickle and lowered his arms to scoop him up
Nuada heard a splash and Luch with few other Elves ran in their underwear towards the edge of the ship
Lugh yelped as he jump up and down to avoid burning his bare feet on the hot floor and jumped in the ocean to cool off.
Nuada walked towards the water and saw his friends swimming having a good time
"Oi come join us Nuada! the water is great "Lugh waved at him and continued swimming on his back.
"All right I'm coming" Nuada beamed back and started removing his shoes Wink whined and clung unto Nuada's leg
"Stop it Wink"! Nuada said frustrated and brushed the troll off him
"Stay here Nuada warned don't come near the water ok"?.
Wink nodded sadly and backed away with his eyes focused on the ground
Nuada pulled his shirt over his head and threw it aside but Wink roared angrily when it fell on top of his head blinding his vision.
wink wrestled the cloth off him and saw Nuada jump of the ship and wanted to come down too.
Nuada splashed Lugh and Lugh splashed harder in return as they roared with laughter
Lugh noticed Wink at the edge of the ship trying to overcome his fear of the heights.
Nuada stopped playing and looked at Lugh questionably.
"Lugh what is it"? Nuada asked and looked at the direction he was looking and saw Wink trying to jump off the ship.
"Wink! I told you to stay back!" Nuada warned
Wink bended his knees and moved his tiny arms back and forth
"No!don't jump Wink"! Nuada yelled worried.
But Wink didn't listen to Nuada's pleading and jumped off the ship
Wink went underwater but didn't came back up.
"No"! Nuada cried and tried to swim as fast as he can to try to save the troll from drowning
Nuada was horrified and regretted leaving Wink alone on the ship
but Wink came back up swimming circles around Macha and Thor their eyes grew big in shock because trolls can't swim.
Nuada grabbed onto Wink and held him close. "Don't ever do that Wink! i was scared to death"! Nuada said angrily and relieved at the same time
Wink grunted and climbed on Nuada's shoulder and Nuada forgot about is anger when Wink cooed adorably.
Nuada's friends included Wink in their water splashing war.
for once Nuada can forget that he's a prince and have fun with friends instead of training everyday
and living a wealthy life means nothing if he can't share great moments with his best friends.
The break was over and she ship was on his way again Nuada layed on his bed in his cabin listening to the waves clashing against the ship
he rolled on his back and Wink was on the ground shewing on the fish he caught.
Wink come here buddy Nuada said and patted his hand next to him on the bed.
Wink looked up and skipped to Nuada's side and offered a bite of his half devoured fish.
"No you can eat it Wink" Nuada smiled.
"tomorrow you can finally go home i know you probably miss the other trolls"
"yes i do but i like being with you too" Wink responded in troll but Nuada didn't understand him unfortunately.
"I wished i could keep you it would be selfish of me but I've grown very fond of you my little friend" Nuada sighed
Wink groaned and moved close to Nuada's chest tapping his paw where his heart is like he's trying to say that Wink will always be in his heart.
"will i ever see you again Wink"? Nuada asked wrapping one arm around the critter
Wink grunted a yes and made himsef comfy using Nuada as a pillow.
Nuada knew that his new friend won't forget him and hopefully one day little Wink and him will reunite
they arrived at the troll realm Ogre's and trolls looked up in alarm and made a threatening gesture
but bowed immediately when they saw the royal seal on Nuada's belt
a shaken Lugh came behind Nuada
"it's ok Lugh no one is going to hurt you"
on focused his attention to the trolls he woke the sleeping wink up by rocking him gently
Wink perked his ears and realised he's back home and ran towards his family happily
Nuada felt a bit emotional he hates saying bye to wink.
"let's get out of here" Lugh grabbed Nuada by his arm and pulled him along with him towards the ship
Nuada looked back and Wink seemed happy and it's for the best that he grows up with his family
Wink looked back to run to Nuada but he wasn't standing there anymore and wink felt abandoned
Wink sniffed around to pick up Nuada's scent and it lead to the shore
Wink ran and hopefully it's not too late when he reached the shore the Ship was already leaving
Wink called out to Nuada to take him with him but the ship was barely in sight
Wink dived in the water and started to swim after the ship he didn't care if the ship gets out of sight he remembered the route and tried to swim fast as he can.
It's only been a week since Nuada returned Wink home but it seems longer for 3 days he truly missed him but he tried to get over it
by remembering he's with his own kind.
All Nuada can do is move on with his life.
Nuada played with his pencil rolling it back and forth as he kept his head resting on the wooden desk
he can't focus on anything lately and eyed Wink's little nest Nuada made for him and it made him miss Wink even more
Nuada stood up and wanted to move the basket away so that he can move on with his life.
when the ship arrived Nuada's parents were waiting for him and both gave him a tight embrace
the Queen pulled Lugh by his arms to give him a hug aswell Im glad to see you too said motherly
Me too my Queen you have been like a Mother to me. and enjoyed the warmth.
Lugh was happy to be away from the Orc valley but he hopes that he didn't make a huge mistake by skipping out on battle training
and all he can do is apologise and take whatever punishment Shreng has in stored for him.
""Im sorry" Shreng lugh pleaded
Shreng's face oozed hostility and looked Lugh in the eye "Oh you will be sorry after im done with you."
"im sorry master Shreng it's just too hard".
Shreng kicked him in the stomach that's what you get for skipping my training without my consent.
"and if you ever show up late or don't show up at all you will be begging for me to put you out of your misery understood"?
Lugh nodded and his body twitched from the pain and effortly grabbed his staff from the ground
"out of all the Elves i trained you are the worst" and pushed his face into the mud
"Tomorrow morning same time same place" Shreng hissed and left the bruised Lugh behind in the woods.
Lugh coughed up blood from the blow in his stomach and layed still Lugh remained in the woods for days feeling starved and no one was there
to help him.
he noticed a figure standing it was a small troll who watched him from a short distance he couldn't see very well in the Night and was scared that the troll might mistake him for food and will be devoured But the troll licked the blood off his face and sat next to him for warmth.
within seconds Lugh felt that he got scooped up in someone's arms and lost conciousness.
Lugh opened his eyes and noticed he was in a private white room he had bandages over his arms and head and looked underneath his shirt to see bandages over his ribcage. Lugh must have been injured worse than he thought.
The door opened and the Queen stepped in with a look of relief in her gentle eyes.
"Where am I my Queen"? Lugh asked
"In the castle Nuada found you in the woods with Wink's help"
"Wink's help"? Lugh asked confused and the door opened and Wink skipped towards Lugh's bed and Lugh picked the troll up
"I tought Nuada returned it" Lugh eyed the Queen
Nuada found him eating grass and flowers near the castle it upsetted the gardeners greatly The Queen said feeling sympathy for them.
"I guess you are not a dumb troll after all Wink you are a life saver" Lugh said and ruffled the tiny hair strains on his head.
The Queen became serious. "We know what happened to you and our King is taking measures".
"Measures"? Lugh repeated in shock and had a sinking feeling in his stomach. " against Shreng"?
The Queen nodded please don't be afraid he won't hurt you anymore
"No! Lugh said "please don't It wasn't him who did that to me.I..I felt and broke some ribs" Lugh lied trying to stop things from getting worse.
"Lugh stop lying a couple of witnesses confirmed that Shreng has mistreated you before the Training had started by shoving you".
Lugh shook his head "No! you don't know what you are doing! you are creating more reason for him to be hostile to me".
"Lugh listen now"! the battle training is over you won't get many training from him again". Nuada's mother said.
"arrggg you don't understand"! Lugh got up to his feet the Queen tried to stop him but he slapped her hand away and rushed towards the throne room
hopefully he can make peace but he arrived to late Shreng stepped out of the throne room and bumped against Lugh's painful shoulder without facing him
Lugh heard the word "Traitor" under Shreng's breath.
That made Lugh feel even worse and went inside without asking Balor for permission to enter.
"Sire" Lugh said out of breath and kneeled down. "forgive me for entering but please can we talk about this"?
"Why didn't you tell any of us"? Balor spoke not raising from his throne.
"I thought I'd make things worse and kick the last remaining humans in elf land out. "Lugh said
Balor looked at his bandages and carefully rested a hand on his shoulder "I'm sorry for not protecting you boy but I promise you"
"I won't let any human hurt you again".
"But what will you do Sire"? Lugh said preparing for the worst.
"I will ban the remaining humans from Elf land" Balor said and walked outside the throne room
Lugh ran after him and grabbed his sleeve "please don't if you do that then you will create more hatred please you will just make it worse Sire"!
Balor looked at Lugh but didn't heed his warning and stood behind his decision.
within days the humans are tracked down by the Bethmoora soldiers and got forced out with violence and the ones who resisted got killed
humans no longer co existed in Elf land and soldiers remained near the forest to make sure no humans are in their forests.
Lugh calmed down when the humans remained gone and finally had peaceful nights but this is just the calmth before the storm.
Nuada woke up struggling slightly to breathe when he inhaled a thick smoke coming inside the open window he became dizzy and nauseous and got out of bed
and walked outside towards the Balcony in the distance a huge dark cloud of burning fire cloaked the horizon
Nuada was horrified by the sight he knew something was very wrong and that fire didn't start by itself
Nuada grabbed Wink quickly out of his nest and held the troll under one arm as he ran outside his chamber as fast as he could to wake his Father and checked up with Lugh and Nuala to see if they are all right. Wink felt startled and accidentally scratched Nuada by digging his claws in his bare skin.
but Nuada didn't feel anything of it as the fear for his Families safety and adrenaline pumped through his whole body.
Balor hurried outside with a large group of Soldiers and saw the huge smoke cloud in the distance.
"Where is Mother"? Nuada spoke from behind Balor with a tear soaked face
"I can't find her Father! where is she"? Nuada panicked his legs felt weak and collapsed to his knees.
Lugh held him tight as he called for his Mother.
it made Balor's blood turn cold his beloved Queen could be stuck in that hellfire with no way out
Balor ordered his men to draw their swords to come with him and ordered the residence of the castle to put out the fire near the forest to prevent further spreading
Balor raced towards the village as fast as his horse can the longer they take to arrive the smaller the chance that his wife is still alive
a breath of hot air greeted Balor's face when they arrive at the hill.
houses are burning in the hell fire of the inferno that kept spreading the horses got startled by the fire and the riders almost lost balance
there was No sign of survivors and villages further away suffered the same fate a huge part of the Elven forest got destroyed in the lake of fire.
Balor's soldiers did whatever they could to put out the fire with the help of the magical beings and Balor looked desperately for his wife
but his Queen was never found so far.
Balor refused to believe she died in the fire and will not stop until he finds her.
an awful stench for burning bodies remained around the land and Balor's heart started to ace painfully when he noticed a badly wounded woman with the a bracelet with the Bethmoora symbol on her wrist.
she almost was unrecognizable because half of her face got burned but Balor knew it was his wife he collected her in his arms and rocked back and forth screaming towards the sky cursing the ones who caused this.
Nuada was still outside keeping his hopes up that his mother is alive but the longer he waits the more desperate he becomes.
and Lugh came behind him and touched his shoulder in comfort Nuada automatically placed a hand on it.
Lugh didn't know what to say because he knew that things are never going to be all right.
Wink licked the scratch wound he caused on Nuada's arm apologetically and Nuada hugged him close in response
after hours that seemed like days Balor returned with his men Nuada stood up with a heart sinking feeling his Mother is not returned
Balor got off his horse with his head down as Nuada approached him
Lugh watched them from the distance and saw that Nuada shook his head in disbelief when he heard the horrid news
Balor lowered himself to his son's level and Nuada clinged on Balor weeping hysterically
Lugh became emotional of the sight of them mourning and tears started to roll down his face aswell.
Lugh never forgot these horrid deeds of the human race and can't think of a race that's just as corrupted as the wicked hollow things who are called mankind
Lugh was convinced that all humans are born evil and was glad that the royal seal has separated Elves and humans.
Elves and mankind are never ment to live among each other and never will not even in the land of Tir na nog.