Chap 36 Fire and Water

Really appreciate the numbers going up, woohoo! Demi Lovato and Joe Jonas This is Me. Real me, don't be not genuine

Laira

"Can you sing this with me?" I requested, selecting Cross my heart. The elf smiled.

He did the guy portion. I won't forget it.

(me)Look in my eyes, hear what I say,

I'll be the one, who won't walk away

Nuada smiled and continued:

With your hand in mine, I want you to know

I'll stand by your side, and never let go.

I cross my heart, pledge to you

All my love to have and to hold

"Nuada. It's beautiful! I conclude that elf princes can sing!" I wrote down in my observations about the fey book. Things the twins have in common: singing. And I made a smiley face. He will not display his emotions in public but he will in private.

"I don't sing for a hobby though. Everything you believe that I can… this melody is nice. I guess not all romance is bad." He felt quite pleased that I noticed his hidden talent. Sometime long long ago, I think all elves sang and danced, but suppression was the case.

"Lirael, want to tie your hair? It's long enough."

Gently the prince combed my hair and divided into two halves. Usually I cut everything short, but this time I was more untidy. His left wrist was bandaged. "Is it painful? You are healed?"

"A cat. Don't worry, it's disinfected. Turn back." Nuada didn't make it hurt at all, how fluidly he tied my hair back as if he was a salonist. How many hidden surprises does Argetlam have? It's intriguing to discover these things.

"Merci," I replied cheerfully.

"What's that? A new tongue." Nuada sighed.

"Thank you in French. Arigatou!" I clapped my hands with gusto.

He remarked that bowing and doing that is a copy from elven custom. He looked pensive and serious.

So I laid my hand on his shoulders and said quietly, "It's ok. Don't be angry. Your race is the original. No doubts at all." I gazed into his surprised golden eyes, unblinking. Then I slowly lowered my lids. I learnt that it's the best way to show you're friendly to cats. Since direct stares are rude, maybe this would help.

Guess what? Nuada moved away, patting my head as he rose. I'm fine. Not angry. I'm not that petty. Am I his equal or child? That was something I always wanted to press, but he would not answer me. So much for directness. Consulting the tomes about the old races didn't help. I think it's dissembling the truth, yes they are bound to tell the truth by oath. And the twins are very honest and upright people. However, I wasn't going to be mystified any longer.

He took out the books I lent. "Finished the good parts. How did you get past the lousy Artist book?"

I shook my head. "Fluke. I passed."

Nuada hummed to the next song a fast celtic piece. Had he heard my silent question?

I doodled stars all over my book. Then he spoke softly, "You are both to me, Halfling. I respect you but you're young and inexperienced. There are times when you have great insight and energy. Perhaps we can meet halfway?"

I scratched my head. The warrior focused on something behind me. The wall. "Hmm isn't this what I drew?"

"Yep."

"Ah why put it up, this is embarrassing. It is a crude sketch." It's the tree diagram for the age range between us and elves, a rough calculation. We humans are the saplings, and seed is the baby. At the seed stage, Nuada had drawn a bigger seed to represent elf child is about twenty years older than a human baby. It was a rough ratio thing. I loved to ask him what if I went to Bethmora as a kid? Would he hit me? He would look puzzled. Most likely he hadn't gone training yet. Our age gap is stunningly vast, so it's miraculous that we could communicate. Like Jasmine had mentioned, we were linked by a strong invisible bond. I hoped it would maintain as long as possible.

The elf prince definitely was not thinking along this line. He cleared his throat. "Did you not hear me? Please take it down."

I looked up at it not agreeing with that.

"Well I won't. It's very cute and sweet. Don't worry I won't say who made it. It's my souvenir." Then I added, "Want to make Nuada's art corner. Oh yea!" I took his hand to let him see my vision. He cringed.

That's not going to happen. I will become the laughing stock of the place. Who will see? You're nuts!

I had stitches laughing over that. Nuada just continued looking more horrified, half open mouth, scowling. "S-sorry. I love it." I said when I was all right.

"Very well. Can I make a new one if you want to stick it on the wall like this? Colored will be better. Have many visitors seen it?"

I counted five. Nuada tried not to look more dismayed. In Nuada's point of view, he was naturally the 'elder'. That was why he ought to stay firm on most issues. Most of the time Nuada succeeded, but he became lax at our joking. I had been tactful- not too fantastic but I truly adored it. He couldn't summon that much anger at me, seen as the 'little elendil'! Cute!

"If only I could be a young child again. To regain that lost era."

Sure! I'll pretend you're shorter than me. I measured below my waist. Not good, Nuada almost twisted my ear. I leaned back just in time.

Bedtime. The elf said goodnight briskly. I asked, "Can I hear a bedtime story? I never had someone tell me before. Please."

He racked his brain and settled in the armchair by my bed. "A short one. Go to sleep when I finish angel. Once upon a time, in a magical kingdom….. "

I couldn't quite understand the tale, getting sleepy. Nor remember how he told me- the only one Nuada ever spin a tale from- only his sincere voice and lilting enchantment. But the web of sleep was so complete that I didn't have a nightmare at all.

In the middle of the night, I woke up briefly to drink water. Nuada was not snoring. I padded to the washroom outside and returned. Not scary at all, the elf looked like a pale person under the moonlight. It reminded me of the phrase: good night sweet prince, may angels wing you to your rest. I was tempted to stroke his hair. Within inches of my touch, Nuada stretched and turned to face inwards. The fey are untouchable, they are so different from humans- my mother had reiterated. What makes you think this golden hair boy will not turn his back on you when he is done? In my experience they will not easily abandon their own motives and goals.

This reminder from my mom after she saw him that day. Forgot his name she referred to him as the boy. She was still convinced Nuada would not keep his promise and be my soulmate. I wouldn't allow her opinion to matter. I headed back to my bed and lay down.

Yet this month, she had sent many supplements to Nuada and asked him to drink them. Hadn't she fully accepted my elf? I had called her many times but no one answered. Darn! Joe is my only flesh and blood. Mortals aren't very reliable anyway.

Then he gave me the details about Hellboy's visions and Near death experience. Amazing. After they pursued some formidable dark warriors, the demon had sustained serious stomach wounds. Nuada slew them with his spinning thrusts and parries. I didn't miss the action when we held hands. It's like tv! He simply told me what he felt: all the while I was worried that the demon would perish. He lay there, but I had to keep defending against them. It was another dimension, I think. The others were not there. I cursed so much.'

Nuada gave the last one a coup de grace and stabbed it in the chest. The sky overhead burnt and was orange with lightning storms. He took out the radio and called for someone to hear him. Then Nuada knelt beside the demon who was breathing very shallow. Very softly, he began to moan and clasped Nuada's hand.

'I am not your father. Let me try to reduce your pain. Don't die on me!' there was a light drizzle. Faint bluish white light emitted from the elf with a radiance. But the wounds did not close. The blood continued trickling. Nuada panted for breath.

Now he frowned, pushed the wounds closed with both hands. Some dark blood stained his face and hands. He closed his eyes.

"Oh no. You actually had to do more than a basic healing spell. It must be tiring," I said, gazing at Nuada. The warrior smiled.

"It took a lot out of me. I had ceased asking him to look at me. He seemed happy and awake as he told me he missed me. It was poignant, the strong front he had was gone. 'don't be afraid. It's all right. Help will come.' I continued pressing against his wounds and lay beside him. It was suddenly very cold. The only body heat was from Unug an rama. I drifted in and out of a sleep. My sister might have called to my companions looked at his wound, they saw that I only managed to close it but not heal the inner part. I was exhausted."

I nodded at the images. Salem was shaking the prince and calling to him. He could barely open his eyes. "I just wanted to sleep and never wake up. I know they were worried, but didn't have to shout in my ear wakeup wakeup. I managed to push their hands away and didn't move till 2 days later. First thing I opened my eyes, many doctors were looking at me. Dr Hardy was the most polite. The rest gave me a whole long lecture about how to conserve energy and tap from the earth." Nuada smiled at the memory.

I chuckled at his cute expression- amusement and annoyance. "I hate it when I try to sleep people go on and on about what should have been. I was too tired to listen. What about you, will you be annoyed if someone keeps nagging when you want to sleep?"

"Yes. Hey, I got a glimpse of your saving of the baby. It was so nice of you, Noowa! Yea! And you care for Red." I hugged him close and breathed in his scent. He smelled sweaty from the morning heat, yet the shampoo was nice. He patted my back.

I didn't want to, but I couldn't leave him alone. He looked tiny. No I can't account to Liz if anything happens to demon.

Nah you're a generous and brave elf. But I don't think he will die. I replied in confidence.

Nuada nodded gravely and dreamed. With foreboding, he whispered, "The prophecy says he won't die so quickly. He is destined to bring about the end times."

"Huh what are those?"

"Not yet time for us to know. Not you especially."

"Aw. I'm old enough. If it concerns everybody, then I should know right?"

He blinked. "All of the earth will lapse into peril. A most challenging time, unless Hellboy chooses the good path as he thwarted evil. Do you believe a person can change his destiny?"

Nuada had not, he took matters in his own hands. I thought yes, it was up to one's decisions.

"Indeed your answer is not hollow like. Good." He smiled faintly.

"Nuadachan."

"What's the chan at the back for?"

"Means best friend. Japanese use labels behind every name for different occasions. Sempai is applicable to you, high in status. And if you're in court, I would add sama instead. Do you wear your crown? How does it look like?"

He watched me with a blank gaze. Then he replied, "No need to wear a crown, people can see us immediately. I want the sempai."

"But you want us to be close family! Nuada chan," I insisted.

He added with a soft laugh and touched my shoulder. "You are Lyra chan. So smooth. Since you are so excellent in these languages, don't need to learn mine." I said I still wanted to. He wrote basic words hungry, sleepy, sister, brother, family terms, toilet.

"Then the harder words? What about them?"

"Dainin always start with the basic, then progress. Why do you use the difficult ones for?"

I shrugged. "Can sound great. In Spanish you'll be el principe. Nuala is la princessa."

He smiled and praised me. I replied in part, "You're eloquent too."

"Thank you. Use English, that's why we learnt it to communicate. A common tongue to

Understand. I know basic gaellic- how are you, where do you live, that's all."

"Hmm and the cursing part? Can I?"

His eyes narrowed. "No! No cursing. Ladies shouldn't use vulgarities."

"Males can. But I can't. No fair."

The elf unrolled the cloth. I was using cloth to be curtains. "Enough? Wait." Expertly he took out measuring tape to brace it, while I cut. But I wouldn't be cut off from the topic. I hung on to prince and refused to let go.

"Hey let go now! I will kick you." He nudged me with his foot. I held on, till Nuada tickled me on my neck and stomach. I couldn't after that!

"I am your saviour. How could you hurt me?" I whined plaintively.

"Don't threaten with that, imp. I will repay you. Within my means," the elf answered without bothering to. "And I can hurt you."

Think he will? Take a vote. I bet it's just a speech.

In the book about elves and favors, I referred to the advice. ' should one ask to give his or her life, ask instead for the name. Names have power.' When he read it, he could not stop laughing for some time. I was mystified. He gasped for breath and rubbed his eyes.

"No no. they are wrong. It doesn't mean total control. You're very funny, Lyrachan. Will I kneel if you order me by name?"

"Er, no. Teach me vulgarities."

Nuada smiled. his hair seemed to grow a little, he pushed some back. The curtains were done! "No way. I don't see how it benefits you. But I thought of your request, the self defense one. I could help you in that."

Basic only? Right.

Yes. Of course, the master keeps some skills. Can you take it down? It looks ugly.

He chewed his lip. "I want to improve on it." I gave in. The elf colored in the picture with pencils. I can treat him like a sapling now. He was so happy doing this and relaxed. He thought: this feels like my childhood again. yay!

I chattered about my views on life, including more renditions of Nuadha chan and my plans to have an art corner for him. He sighed. "You talk a lot of rubbish. Why do I remain your friend? It is a mystery."

I grasped his bandaged hand. He gazed at me a small smile playing. "Someone watched over us on top. And we're together. Is it painful?" He shook his head and peeled it off. A faint scar only.

"Her name is Ariadne, goddess of the air and the heavens. She had many eyes here and here," he described, pointing to his forehead and his face. I shivered. "Her voice could sound androgynous. Thankfully she does not come to me now. Has anything like that happened?"

"No. I just felt ominous when you fainted that time. I could see you very ill in bed."

The prince said I never had to worry about stuff happening like that again.

Joe returned! The elf was delighted. He took out his replies which he had accumulated over two weeks. "Apologies. I didn't have time to send them. Here you go." We read them out. Nuala had replied me if she had woken close to her twin. No. I was lying near a park. Someone saved me. Shortly I was admitted by Uriel and Abraham. It was the same time as my brother woke up, for we are connected.

We talked about the possibilities of the elves being which cusp. "I'm a Scorpio," I said cheerfully.

Nuada's finger traced the symbol. "Which means you have high standards, loyalty, charismatic, leadership. Can be narcissistic and destructive. Patience for longterm goals. I had better beware. Water sign."

Joe chuckled. "What are you?"

Nuada socked him. "An elf royalty. For this, don't know. We were born in spring. I think, a fire sign. I'm hot tempered."

"Haha you're not royalty here." Joe quipped. Nuada's burning glare would have incinerate everything in sight. Then he replied loftily, "I am. Totally. You are terrible.. Elves don't celebrate birthdays."

I tapped Aries. "Individual, one of a kind, fiery, stubborn. You fit this prince."

He nodded, smiling at me. Joe touched his hair. "Oh you grew out your hair? Nice!"

"Joe, I cut it this Thursday. Hmm, but Nuala isn't fiery. She can be stubborn. How about Pisces?"

We thought Nuala could be Pisces as she was softer. But they are only seconds apart.

"Aries is fine. Never mind. I wanted to say I miss you, but you have been rude."

My brother laughed. Nuada shook his head. He looked surprised when Joe took out a bag.

"I bought these, my liege. Enjoy." He went to bathe.

Nuada opened the bag. Fine set of stationeries, gilded pens. He looked concerned. "Wow!" I said in his ear. Sorry when he jumped. A card with music. Dear prince thanks for being our friend! Smile!

Later the elf told him it was too expensive and he shouldn't have. Joe smiled. "You will use them. They are nice right? Like it?"

Nuada said, with a stressed look, "Then I need to buy you back something."

"No need."

"I have to! Such a problem with you as brother!" They whispered other things. Who is older? Joe sometimes made the elf naughty. They've conspired against me at times, when Nuada pretended not to hear me because he was sharing some dirty joke with him, then eating my icecream before meals! But he didn't get a tummyache. It's only cheese he can't take. We bought some tiramisu for the elf this weekend. He loved it, his ambers became brighter. He said 'yes! Haven!' and held up his spoon in triumph.

"You can continue being a little elf if you want. Let's pick a day to celebrate your special day. please!" We checked with Nuala when she would be free and her food preference. Nuada voted chocolate cake.

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