Chap 37 Tempest, barter trade and the Lair

Track: Yui : Again.

Someone asked what abt Liz and Red's children, so this accounts for them. They are not major characters.

Laira

I really loved the special bracelet. It responded to the name Luthien. "Nuada thank you! Actually what is its purpose?"

He smiled. "There're protection spells to keep you safe. I was wondering when you'll grow to like wearing it." His ambers were so pale in the light now. "When I am not near you, he can protect you from harm. It can create forcefields, warn of danger especially from our kind. I didn't say this before, the fey are unpredictable. You saw that when you followed me. They are not as innocent as stories conjure them to be."

I quietly stored this in memory. Every piece of information I received, meant new knowledge. Yea! Nuada was studying the fresh leaves of a bush.

Nuada was in a great mood until Joe said he wanted to ask Abe to come along for the twins' celebration. He clammed up and stayed on the balcony for a long time. I was sensitive enough to Nuada's emotions that he was furious. My bracelet Luthien was able to amplify my abilities in this aspect.

"Are you hungry?"

"I am well." But the lightness of his ambers did not become orange, which meant he was still mad. At Abe. But why? The prince returned to watering the grass.

Joe was incredulous. I pulled him to his room. "Don't. I think it's fine that the four of us celebrate. He's angry with Abraham."

"But we're relatives now. Don't tell me he still doesn't accept? But they embraced for the ceremony."

I sighed. "Not sure. Look, let's just leave it as it is. Fuming does no good to Nuada's health."

I went to the prince and was about to speak to him when suddenly the gift flared. I cried out in pain. Searing hot.

Nuada's eyes widened. "Are you hurt? Let me see."

I stepped back, trying to pull it off. "No don't. What did you do to it? Why is it hurting like this?"

He said something in elven. The pain ceased, and swiftly he removed it. It looked ordinary again. Was it a snake?

Nuada glanced at me. "Lirael I am sorry. Luthien must have picked up on my anger." He sounded really sorry.

"You spelled it to control me?" I demanded, backing away.

He shook his head and held out his hands. "No. I didn't. I would not hurt you."

I took deep breaths to calm myself. Ok fine. "Why are you angry with Abe? He is Nuala's husband now. I mean, I thought you've accepted that."

He looked pale. A grimace of pain crossed his features. "I do. I had some.. issues recently. I should have shielded myself more. Will you forgive me?"

Joe was behind me at this moment. "Elf what's wrong?"

I didn't answer. I listened numbly to the prince's explanation. Plus he added, "I didn't want to hear about the fishman. He has been on my nerves all this while. Halfling, are you all right?"

So, this bracelet was more magical than expected. Nuada healed the burn.

I repeated, "Why does it hurt?"

"I do not know," he answered troubled. "The only reason would be Luthien picked up on my fury and transferred to your hand." The elf's features clouded over some more. I am sorry truly. Your wound should be all right now.

Nuada

The girl wanted to be alone. I felt guilty and thousands of years older. Joe thankfully did not shout. "I do not know what happened." I sat down. He went over what happened again.

He picked up the bracelet to observe. "Hmm I think it looks all right to me. Maybe the spell crafter didn't do as you said, prince. Could it be?"

His blue eyes searched mine. I smiled. "Impossible. I oversaw the whole process."

"Don't be sad, sis is ok."

"Will you trust in me? Even if it is hard," I whispered.

He assured me yes.

My chest wound ached again. Tired I went to our room. The girl was silent. Gently I asked if she was okay.

"No. I don't know what you did, Nuada."

I wanted her to look at me, to let me explain. I am truly sorry. It won't happen again. I promise you. Then I fell asleep. It has to be all right the next day. She always forgave me.

I called and asked for another day off. "I need to settle personal matters."

Manning said no problem. He was easy on me. Girls want attention when they are hurting. I could not leave her alone. Laira did not speak to me. "Want to watch tv together?"

She sat down beside me, her face full of queries. Nuada do you hate Abe? I thought you were fine.

I do accept him. Abraham won't leave us alone. We had an agreement but he did not abide by it. I should not have let this affect you.

Her expression cleared. We watched tv quietly. "Will you forgive me? I will check what is wrong with it. The vendor made a mistake." I asked.

She glanced at me. "Yes you should. I don't want to wear it. Your lips are grey."

My head felt light. My voice was a hoarse whisper. "I am fine." Using a healing spell stopped the pain momentarily. I lay back. She leaned over me.

"I will call your doctor. Don't move."

We held hands. She sighed. You got too tense. Now you look very ill. Sure you are fine?

I replied, Not really. Thanks. It was nice that Laira touched my hair.

Uriel and another new elf came to examine my wound. They stitched up with an almost invisible fine thread. I could sleep while this operation was going on. I heard them speaking.

Uriel said, "It is due to stress. The wound will throb when Nuada is brooding. What happened?"

"I see, damn he didn't tell me. What about the strenuous activities?"

"No those are per normal. It is all internal. Nuada I advise taking tomorrow off. Just don't brood over stuff."

Easy for him to say. But I had overreacted to the fish. Nuala felt the sensation and

Sent: Brother, your chest is again hurting? You need to be careful.

I'm fine now. The special token I gave her reacted angrily to my feelings. It hurt Laira. I feel terrible, I am worried she won't forgive me.

Nuala waited. She will. Meanwhile just rest. I picked up on your anger last week. I am sorry. But Abraham is my husband now. I can't drive him away.

She was right. I turned a bit and opened my eyes a slit. They were standing some distance away. I attempted to move, good nothing ached.

Midday. I was hungry. We ate lunch together. Seemed like she forgave me. "Nuada I know it was an accident. Why did you not let me know about this?" Laira gestured to my wound in an annoyed tone.

I smiled. "It does not give trouble until now. You don't hate me do you?"

"You withheld the truth. That is lying." She folded her arms.

"It isn't, not saying is not lie. I cannot tell good lies. "

Laira

I was pissed that Nuada had withheld the important truth from me. He had been in pain for goodness knew how long. While he slept, Uriel said while he was healing Hellboy, the wound had reopened too. But he omitted that. Still that was not considered a lie.

He looked like a young elf with his huge ambers innocently gazing at me. I could not be angry for long.

"Promise me something, Noowa. Don't ever withhold anything so important again. I am serious." I held his right hand tightly.

I will take care of myself. Still need to do many things. Don't worry. Laira you don't want to wear it anymore?

I could not promise. It was freaky. It would bite me again. The pain was quite stinging. I stayed quiet. Nuada murmured he would fix the problem. He confided that a hot temper was something he could not really control well. But he did see that feeling mad at the fish was not going to help matters. I wanted to play chess. We were halfway through the game.

"In short I was just having a bad week. Hope that I can get more time with Nuala. You'd side with Abe?"

Some wounded pride in his voice. I shook my head. Nuada smiled faintly. He shifted the bishop and ate my castle. "Hey! I was caught offguard. Put it back," I cried.

The prince chuckled. "No no. I want to win this time. I am so new at this."

I moaned. Things were back to normal. Elves are volatile. But I had to trust him, he is my soulmate. We are all sinners and we should help one another. As he once admitted in writing, he was not as perfect as he made himself out to be. In the end: Nuada checked my king!

**********

Next free day, we were playing a different game in his room. He had put soul into this redecorating, a Bethmoran designed chair with runes was at his table. The elf had made space for more plants, leaves tucked into each nook and cranny of the place.

"Ok. I want to try exchanging stuff in Sidhe custom. Pretend this is a very rare elven dish. And you want it, Nuada."

His smile was warm. Then he gave a negative reply and refused. "No. Keep it."

"Didn't you understand by pretend?" I glared. Guys see us as kids.

"I know. I mean that's not convincing. I don't want that."

I took a cup out. Borrowed it off someone. The elf chuckled. I continued, "This is very magical. It can refill itself when you've finished. Together."

"All right, then what do you want merchant?"

I pointed at his brand new belt. It looked so shiny!

Nuada tried to stifle his laughter. "Then how will my pants hold up? You're crazy. I cannot. What next?"

"Dunno. What should I say? In this case." I leaned eagerly forward and pushed the stuff to him.

"You have to be reasonable. Don't ask for weapons or belts. Food and similar things in the quantity more or less equal. Explain more of the worth."

But I did want the belt. He accepted the stuff and waited.

I spotted something. "The sword. In exchange for these." Produced two fake swords.

Where did you get those things? Stolen? Curiosity piqued, he nodded at my new toys.

"My friend made them for us. You can wield two like your fav style." I demonstrated a pale imitation of his actions.

Nuada held up his sword horizontalwise. "I do not agree. Mine is excellent quality. Those may break, let me see." He solemnly studied the fake blades. So cute. "You are a con artiste. I told you, it is hard to make someone give up on weapons or personal belongings." He sighed and made a pained expression. "Try again."

"Then these." Binoculars, piece of glass and a key. I told him (made up) the key was treasure, the bino was magic eyes to sight the enemy.

Nuada agreed. He took a book from the table. "Here you go." He gave a really weak smile. The difference between this and the normal smile- it is reserved for people who are naïve and he's trying not to mock. I was delighted.

If it was life or death situation, and I needed the weapon? Nuada said, "Then you got to sound convincing. Most fey will take a bargain. But they come with a price. Unless you are lucky enough to meet simple folk. The goblins I knew would be satisfied with shiny things. Intelligence level too, I wouldn't accept the fake things."

"Guys! Can I come in?" Liz called. Nuada pressed the remote.

"Liz. What is it?"

She wanted to play too. We had fun trying to speak formally and bartering items. We can totally set up stall and try doing this. Some Sidhe still do barter, most of them use coins or gold pieces. When I went on the trip with the elves, they exchanged money.

"A goblin with wheels said he had no pants and too many binos. I wanted to use my belt. It was to get safe passage to Bethmora," she remarked. Nuada became solemn.

"Why?"

And Goblin had wanted the spear tip in Red's chest. Nuada cocked his head and asked, "Are you angry with me? I was not myself at the time."

Liz shook her head, looking at the items on the table. "Memories. If I were angry you'd be through the window."

"I will not survive that."

"Prince will you have taken it out safely? You know how to right?" she asked.

"Yes." Amber eyes on her fiery grey and they had a common truce. I hugged my elf, checking if he hurt from that part again. His shirt had fallen open. Nothing serious there. No blood. I heard his deep voice vibrate through his chest. You should try that with someone you know. "I notice how much you care for each other. How are your children? One boy and one girl, are they twins?"

She talked about them. How does a mother think? I suppose I won't understand until I grow to that age. But having children will be painful. He thought, They're so cute. I want to see them. I agreed.

She had a photo of her daughter. She looked like a small Liz. "This is Trudi. My son won't keep still enough for pics."

Liz took out a compass. "This is magical. Pretend ok. Don't look at me like that."

Nuada smirked. I laughed helplessly. He glanced at me. "What's so funny?"

She promoted it as if it could read our hearts like the story's instruments. He remarked, "I'm not keen on magical objects. I'm not interested in how people think of me."

Liz pouted. Her cross began to glow. I said, "Uh oh."

She replied, "Fine. But it's of value you got to admit. In exchange I want your bag."

The elf looked all about for what she meant. He pulled over the green bag. "This one?"

Liz smiled. "Yep!"

He peeked inside. "I see. Only one bottle of water, my spare tunic and shampoo."

"Never mind Nuada."

I realized that he didn't carry an umbrella and mentioned it. He said, "That's feminine. No I dry myself and take a hot bath. We don't get ill."

"But… there is a risk," I pointed out.

Nuada smiled. "There're excellent medical experts here. No need to worry."

They did use cloaks and hoods to shade them from the heat and rain. I doubted that he wore any of that.

Liz felt the material of the bagpack. "This is durable. Feel it."

Then she asked, "Hey elf do you have that toolbag?"

"What toolbag?" he frowned.

"Your sis says you like to fix things in your spare time. Can let me have a peek?" Liz said.

"I don't have it. I forget where I had my things. Perhaps if my lair is still intact under the troll markets…."

I liked the passion in the pyromancer's dark eyes. "Cool!"

******

"I don't know if it's still there." The prince sighed.

We were all going towards where he felt might be his home underground. Small creatures, our guides, preceded us, chatting to one another. Hellboy mused that they had better not be tooth fairies or they'd meet his fist. He, Liz, Nuada and I with some fey to help carry the stuff. These folks were about my height with blue, brown or green skin and big floppy ears. Hobbits? I was reminded how short I am! The elf's face was hooded. This part of the city was still dangerous. His sister insisted he take precautions. Red drew a lot of attention, the good kind. The people automatically let us pass.

He had lived there for months before the crownpiece exhibit at the auctionhouse. The guides stopped. Nuada studied some stairs leading down to the darkness below. The hobbits sparked something which made fire flare.

"I think we go down," he said, motioning to us.

He held my hand. The stairs were marvelous stonework. Being an archaeologist, I knew the strength of the material. Red was more careful than usual. Dank smell, water dripping. The small fairies chattered and related something to the elf. He unhooded himself. His bright ambers glittered.

I looked in front. Liz and I gasped at the same time. It should be! Nuada said, "My ex home." A table with pots, plates and utensils on it. Leaning against the wall was a throne like chair. Scarlet curtains on both sides of the large chair. There were paintings of little figures behind. Runes of unique designs and symbols were carved into the plates' edges. The throne was intricately designed with archaic symbols. I stroked the worn handles.

Red and Liz were amazed. Nuada knelt and spoke in his tongue to a little fey holding out a golden screw. Red said, "Some place. Want this fairyboy? I can carry it for ya."

He hooked up an ancient vase. It was blue with many flower designs on it. Maybe he had used it for plants?

"Thank you. Anything you want? I do not mind if you take them."

We were dumbfounded by his suggestion. Liz thought, these are your things. We came to help only. Generally we said ok.

I sat on the throne, imagining he spoke to people from this vantage point. My feet couldn't reach the ground. The elf turned and smiled.

He Sent: feel like royalty?

A very short princess. And my butt hurts. No cushions? I got up. It was so hard and flat.

He picked up a brown cloth bag and jiggled it. Liz smiled and looked inside.

Then we heard the guys exchange tough talk.

"Fairy boy, it's so hard to breathe. Could faint here. Did you get cramps sitting at this table?" Red glanced at the table. By the way the mat was laid, Nuada had probably sat here crosslegged.

"Not really. I stretched, ate and trained as well, much of the time."

The centre was a space to practice. I could picture him dancing with his weapons. An empty rack was to the left.

"Doubt you slept well. How did you shower? And that's a bed? You gotta be kidding."

There was no bed, only some animal skins. Nuada indicated some pipes. "When some broke, I showered. Yes I lived like this. No jokes." I imagined he would be sweaty until it rained or some pipes broke.

"Where did you do poopoo?"

Liz and I chuckled. So many questions. Red was genuinely curious, not mocking. The elf walked past him. "Don't know. Behind."

The tunnel had extended behind but was too dark. The hobbits were preparing stuff to carry. Nuada shook his head. They put down the heavy things. Three fought over clothing.

Liz was busy firing up the brazier with her power. I gaped. It was incredible. She enjoyed this. "Heating up the place. Feels super cold." The elf watched. His eyes had a similar blaze.

"Feel free to take anything you wish people."

"But they are yours," I said. I scratched my head.

He smiled. "Not at all. I don't feel that way. It's been many many years." He just wanted the throne. More hobbits helped to carry that out. The painting could not be moved. It was such a pity.

His companion Mr Wink vaguely in his memories though he did not say anything aloud. A large troll with a metallic fist. But the features were blurred. I felt his sadness emanating.

Liz wished she could pull out the brazier, to her it was good fun to heat it.

Red laughed. Nuada frowned. "That would be too dangerous. Want the plates?"

I think for his welfare. Haha!

"Ok!" She picked up a few. They looked spanking new. Before the prince and troll had left the place, they must have washed them. Neat! I kept a box with runes on it. "Is this ok to keep? I like it."

Nuada patted my head. "Go ahead, dainin. You want that? Be careful demon."

Red hefted a few tomes with his prehensile tail and tucked a few more under his arms. Wow he's strong! Liz winked. "He loves showing off."

"Don't worry. All under control… (Expletive)" The prince moaned and rubbed his temple. "Oops." He had knocked over an old shelf. Dust billowed.

He thanked us for escorting him.

Liz touched his shoulder. "Are you sad? I am sorry."

Red wanted to blurt out about Wink. I intercepted in time and motioned that we go to one corner. "What's the biggie shrimp?"

I climbed up and whispered into his ear. He nodded solemnly. "Ok." He approached Nuada and said, "I didn't kill him. He was down. I told him to stay there, but he threw the fist. Then went into the grinder. That is the truth."

The elf's features were contorted. But not with rage, with grief. He was pensive as we headed out to the surface. Hellboy began to puff on his Cuban cigar.

The elf went imperiously, "Stop that. You're polluting the air. And I will choke on this fume."

Red sulked. "So much for care and concern. Bullshit."

Nuada muttered ' don't understand… idiot…' Red sauntered ahead, holding tomes and a couple of trinkets. He liked to collect oldies. One was a radio. How had that stayed intact?

I projected, how he died, is true. The whole thing on file.

He replied, I made a mistake, thinking demon would harm him. Wink was very rigid. I understand. Thanks.

Back at base, the guys were enemies. Nuada was disgusted that he smoked so much. Red was all, "I won't get cancer! I'm not your child."

"You are younger than me. Then do you want your friends to choke to death? It's poisonous….." On the bickering continued. They are similar in temperament.

So nice to have them care for each other. I leaned back and listened. Liz met Nuala coming in. Nuala said happily, "This is nice. They're like naughty boys."