Sanctuary 53: Practice does Not help perfection!

Pirates of the Caribbean theme, Hyde Season's call



Nuada and I watched plenty of movies. I wanted to get electricity in our future home, though it is an unknown case there. Our conversations were most funny. He looked incredulous and sulked at my suggestions of modernizing. Maybe I let slip that it was backward civilization. To that, he deadpanned, "We are your people too. Our customs are not backward." I denied I ever considered that.

One movie we agreed on recently was Curse of the Black pearl! The action was just up Nuada's alley- "The dueling is something I don't expect from ragged pirates. It's realistic and witty." Elf beamed at Jack Sparrow's scenes. I also let him watch Mamma Mia- bimbo men. He had a perpetual frown at first but laughed a lot when they sang 'gimme gimme gimme a man after midnight'.

The healers'skills were excellent. In no time, the prince was back to his active athletic self, acrobatic and flexible. I watched him spinning a staff in majestic rounds, maneuvering it around his torso. Applause. It was just like the spear! He was not bareback but clad in a black robe thinner than the one he wore outside.

I was there at the juniors' end of the training place, equipped with small staff. I could not hit others yet, aw! He said I needed to get used to the weight by holding the staff with both hands and try not to hurt myself first. Nuada refused to let me try a blade. Not even a knife. Gloomily, I lifted the staff up and down. I did try to charge at an opponent of the second level and ended up falling! Salem had fought not to laugh aloud. I kept it a secret from the prince, because he said he won't let me come anymore if I can't follow instructions.

Today was less embarrassing, since very few people were in. Nuada arranged the schedule like that to focus on specific people. It is easier to instruct smaller groups and he wouldn't get tired from recent recovery.

I put it up and used as a walking stick to approach the elf and some guys.

"Hey how are you doing?" Jet asked. He was an asian Elf with dark eyes and tanned skin. Why was he here?

"Ok. Fine."

We practiced in slow motion. Jet told me he was a poorly skilled elf. "No talent at all. I really want to protect my comrades not stick behind a computer all the time."

I smiled. We bowed to each other. "It's surprising, I thought all of you can fight. It's natural talent."

"Nope. Hello sensei." Jet beamed and saluted.

Nuada smiled. "You have improved, pupil." His golden pupils were on the guy, not me. I waved the stick to get his attention.

"Me?"

The prince raised an eyebrow. "Not bad. You can take a break."

That meant I was still at noob level. Halfling you're not a combatant. It's not instant results. He replied factually.

At least not condemnation. For elf warriors during the ancient times, someone like me would be kicked out and shamed. I tried to dream what I could do in Bethmora- tame animals, cook, artisan, bard? "I'm going to instruct someone with one sword. Want to watch?" he added inviting me to walk beside him. The students were mostly fey. Hence his good mood!

I followed. The man parried his blade against the elf. He was doing at a gentle pace. "…keep it far, at least this distance. Do not let your vital parts chest and stomach be open to the enemy. Understand?"

"Yea, thanks. I will remember." Few more techniques. My stomach was hungry already.

Want to eat? I'm hungry! I asked.

Fine. Just a minute more. Wait for me outside. My friend said. He had to entertain some queries and last minute stuff. He was showing concern to someone who'd hurt herself and tried to look sympathetic. To elf warriors, if they can't take hardship forget training.

I wondered why he didn't remove his shirt today. "I don't want them to ask me what happened. And the aircon is colder," he said after coming out from the shower. Through the unbuttoned shirt, you could see the bandage.

"Does it still hurt? I thought you are healed." I gently touched his sleeve.

He smiled but made no comment. We ate lunch. His appetite was normal. I asked, "Can I use a blade next time? The staff is too heavy."

The elf sipped at his tea. Placing it down, he got more food and chewed thoughtfully. "No you are not ready. A sword is the same as a staff's weight. It is not easy to wield that."

"I've been practicing hard. With my bro's sword."

"You can do that? Who instructed you?" he asked, seeming genuinely impressed.

"The tv." I wanted so much for him to offer to teach me. I didn't want to be at the low level anymore.

"Those shows you see are not practical. Don't be fooled. Your skills are barely passing, frankly." Noowa's lips took a downturn. He rubbed his chest as if I gave him stress.

The opposite effect. He thought I was useless. Crap!

"What, that bad? It can't be," I replied.

"I'm serious. You need to accept the truth, dainin." After a pause, the elf's leg tapped mine. "But don't be down. Nobody is an all rounder even for our kind. It is honour not to give up. Even for humans, that is worth fighting for. I like that." He smiled.

Sounds cool! We finished the meal, as usual I lagged behind so that he would not feel that I was winning the race. Nuada eats very elegantly and once he told us not to make him lose face by finishing our stuff before he did. Finally he started on the jelly. It was perhaps an elven thing. I went over the demonstrations again inside.

Later Nuada searched for and found a manual. There were diagrams of different poses with various weapons. He explained a few briefly to me. I appreciated it and paid attention. His reason for making us practice the staff methods was like Drizzt's story. Staffs are a popular defensive technique. They can block and parry just about any strike your opponent throws at you, whether it's a kick or a punch. "It's not less competent or inferior to other weapons, Laira. Used well, you can disable the enemy with a bonecrushing blow, look at this." His long finger indicated a diagram. Wow! "You said defending people is important. This is perfect. Blades and so on will be more for attacking, require longer training time."

I nodded. He asked if I had heard this properly. His pleasant timbre…

"Yup ok. Hmm this is good paper," I rubbed the edge. "What material?"

"I'm not sure. Could find out from the bookstore keeper. Would you like to browse there? I just remembered now." Nuada took out a marker and drew symbols on another paper.

"All rightie. Thank you for explaining." I turned to the next page for bow and arrow. Overcome with new enthusiasm for trying too! Archery is good for long-range sighting. My eyesight was not too bad. "What about this?"


Nuada

"Welcome. I hope you are satisfied now." I touched her cheek. My soulmate's world was tilted back in balance again. Funny that I never felt this warm buzz of affection in the past, praised by the masters. This generation thrived on positive praise. I also wanted to move on to symbols, something Laira'd be intrigued by. Hopefully I could steer the topic away before it was too late. Oh shit, where was Lady amnesia or forgetfulness when I needed her?

"What about this, can explain to me?" She had the dreaded page open to archery, something I could not do. Damn, why did the master of this manual include that? Next time must hide this and use a melee specialized one.

I smiled weakly. "You have to be calm and centred. See with your mind, heart and physical alignment has to be in tune. But close range is better, archers are weak against melee. It is not distinctly elven," I said remembering advice I overheard during their sessions. Reluctant to tell my companion this was not my area of expertise. "So when do you want to go to the bookstore? This weekend? You will enjoy the ambience. There're English books."

"Ok! Noowa, any chance you can demo this? Hmm I haven't seen you do this before. Why?" Her blue eyes had become like a piquant robin's.

Busted, as demon would say when Manning caught him for something. I said, "You know the comment you made last week? About not invincible? It can be applied. I'm not… skilled with arrows. I like closeup attacks and techniques more."

"Aww." The child's crestfallen face looked cute. I laughed.

"Want to try the disarming technique?" I used a pencil instead of a knife. She was determined. This time, she was more flexible and almost dislodged the 'weapon'. I felt drowsy so I also relaxed.

I patted her head. "Normally people don't do this until they complete defense and attack practice. I've decided to waive that."

"Yea yea you're benevolent. I'm your best friend, should be!" she remarked with salesperson grin. I pretended not to hear the assuming tone.

Expression blank of emotion. Don't encourage bad habits. Although we are together, I do not understand certain jokes and puns. "Hey elf what're doing?"

"Dreaming." I can act sometimes.

"No manners!"

I shrugged. "Not my first time." The bandage felt itchy and my stomach wound throbbed dully. I wanted to take off the first one but the healers said no. Laira had run to answer the phone so I took the chance to check the wound. Fine. My back one could not be helped until afterwards. How vulnerable to injury are living beings. I am proud of being Elven, but it is more advantageous to have solid stature like orcs and giants. Their bodies are tougher than armoured vehicles. A nature metaphor would be ironstem tree.

While I adjusted the cushion for comfort, the child pressed, "Are you all right? You don't dream in the day."

I caught her wrist from pulling my hair. "Yes." (Not really a lie, it did not hurt so intensively)

Halfling's mouth was a thin line of disapproval. "I notice you look tired. And you wince when you bend down. Let me pick up things for you."

"Yes mdm. I'm doing much better." I showed her that stitches were off. Damn! If antiseptic was applied, it felt like acid. I could not see clearly, or I would do it myself. Abe helped. You may wonder why that fish was the candidate? Because Karin was a heavy hand. Abe tends to be more gentle. I can endure a bit of his nagging. Doctors can be rough.

"Any creams?"

"No need for that. But you can help me with some errands, please?" I brushed the patterns on her new dress, and turned to the desk.

"Is it because you want to drive me away? No I don't want to."

I shook my head. "Not the case. I'm tired now but the others are expecting documents. Why do you argue?" I sealed the last envelope.

"I'm sorry, elf." She listened as I told her which envelopes were for the departments. Plus collecting the clothes. I lay down. Yes, refraining from jogging around should be the case. The exhaustion was crying out in my aching limbs. Before when I got ill and was bedridden, it was true I asked her to go outside while I struggled with menial tasks. It was good intention. I drifted.

Blissful silence fragrance respite. Someone had kindly changed the bedsheets. Smelled wonderful. Time passed when I came to after the nap. She was not back yet. A note for me:

Hey Nuada I'm with HB and Liz. Later I'll be back in a while. Don't have to be strong when it hurts. I made u some tea. Can be drunk cold. L. It was jasmine tea, my favorite. I opened a book about symbols. We could continue that topic afterwards. When the door opened, I looked up but it was just another colleague. I finished the last page of Anger management and was puzzled that it was already past the definition of awhile.

Halfling what's wrong? I am awake, you can come back.

Oh hello. Yes coming. I'm with a cat. Want to join us if you're not tired.

Not really. I didn't feel like socializing. Was I feeling jealous? She was not unhappy, it was okay. All right, I'm coming.

I stepped in as the door slid open. Unug un rama called a greeting and waved. He was shaving halfway outside the toilet. Apparently, the mirror had moved. I nodded, looking around the haphazard place. Multiple tvs, bags, cats and so on. "Oh sorry we're cleaning up," Liz said, walking past me with a stack of things.

"It's fine."

"What's the occasion man?" he asked.

Halfling was crouched down looking with interest at a cat. I was invisible. He made a realizing sound. "Mindy's her favorite. They play a lot." I like cats, but not now. How could this one dominate attention? The pointed tail poked me. "Hey elf is here to pick you up," HB said.

I Sent- All right let me take it from here.

Laira brushed her hands and smiled. "She's so friendly. I was feeding her. Ooh one is taking to you." An orange tabby purred, weaving my ankles. I smiled.

"Yes adorable," I whispered. I wanted to say I did not mean to drive her away. But they were present. Laira clasped my hand. I held her close and asked inside. Why did you not come back? Took long.

Wanted you to sleep more. Was going to come soon. Got impatient?

I was worried, I said. Clichéd word. She looked sullen. "Again I won't be harmed. Outside sure, but not here."

I sighed. HB was silent, I thought he wouldn't comment. "Ya know when a man wants his lady beside him, he's normal. Elves too, this waif woohoo." Argh! He pointed a stubby finger at the tv. A man was holding onto the wife and promising to kick the habit. I rolled my eyes. Did I sound like that? No.

Stop interfering. Shut up. I inserted with vehemence.

He leveled a bored stare and sniggered. Grandpa elf, you're having a tiff. I received this clearly for a nontelepath. My temper was going to erupt soon.

"Let us go now. I found something interesting you may like." I put my arm around her shoulders. Well he just wanted to help me. I made effort to be civil, "Have you eaten?"

He smiled. "Nope. I snack. Have fun!" HB gave her something and walked inside.

Liz beamed at us. The child wanted to play more with the cats. The purring felt nice. "I don't have to be alone like male humans. It's not the same," I said.

She held up a kitten. It squirmed when I looked into its blue eyes it stopped and mewed. My hand covered its head. Laira laughed. "We are bothering them. Let's go now," I repeated after a moment. Liz was yawning. Finally we could leave, reconciled.

Dear Nuada chan mela en colamin,

Noroc ce mai faceti. Is it correct? Sorry (buartha) I did not reply to your earlier message. I was worried yes! Hope that all your friends have recovered. Should be careful ok.

I appreciate that you love me. Fine you don't do bow and arrow. I still want to practice. And I'm no longer so worried when you're on missions. Coz it's something I can't change. I know you are protected by the gods. Oh you believe in carving own destiny? I still pray a bit. You got well the other time. Sometimes I wonder why we need to suffer if God loves us. Is that how you feel Noowa? Abe agrees with this. For me, it's doubts.

What do you say to an eager someone promoting faith?

It's beautiful, I love the ornaments. Thank you! I will treasure them. Is it a marriage? I didn't get a proper answer. I want to invite some people and have food. I love to eat haha. Please dear one (eager face)

Busy nowadays. I'm also going to study for a short exam. You're in my thoughts, blessings of light on you soulmate. Get well soon. I made you a card.

Yours truly: Lirael

I opened the card. Many cartoon horses with big heads covered the flap and there was a popout star. So nice. By this time, my pains were gone.

To you Lirael ionuin,

This is also most beloved, less formal. Tapdh beleat, iontach do auram- thank you for your concern. This is the dialect I use more frequently. It is easiest for me.

I'm happy you learnt this. You sound like an adult elf. And merci is French right? A man was telling us how to use French. We had to go there. Krauss would be an excellent candidate, wish I was excluded. Some excuse that a noble should be present. Yuck.

It was a vampire case. See I hate them more. They are really sinister. What was the title again? These monsters are not soft like the movie's. I cannot speak except bonjour and merci, two words. Haha. Liz, Cheryl and Kevin translate. I am impressed at Liz's fluency*. She used to be wholly French speaking last time.

We need to continue with French lessons! Worse than computer. They asked if I wanted to do some filmmaking. I declined. I am writing this while listening to barely audible recording. The accent is unclear. Sickening. How the Hell do they understand? And they refuse to use English. Common language should be utilized.

Yes I get your point. But I am your friend. One day you may understand. Be patient to me okay? Thank you in advance. I believe in my own destiny. It is pointless to hope for gods to save us, they don't. True you are right, we have an accord. No help from anyone. It is very kind of you to pray for me. You looked angelic when I woke up, in the light. Very sorry for not waking up sooner. I got to sleep late, haha.

What nonsense, life isn't smooth sailing. That person is insane, how can everything be all right just pray and wait? I will punch sense into her or him. Everyone will suffer. Nothing is absolute guarantee. My companions and I have gone through much. I don't wish to sound negative and sadden you. We can handle problems better than this person. Obviously he or she deludes self from reality. Do you know of the Pandora myth? There's more endings. She left hope inside but also many things. I forgot what they are.

Wow you remember my words. Nice. I don't listen to that advice, in a good mood I will tell them shut up and leave. In a bad mood, I will do something far worse- imagine bloodied pulp. Sister believes in prayer. She does so all the time at our parents' memorial shrine. I wish I could bear visiting Father's last resting place. He died there. Many of my comrades don't pray much.

No it's no trouble. I wanted you to choose them at first but it won't be a surprise then. I'm happy! Colors match. The meridian is your favorite. It is the first part of our union, a formal searmanas (ceremony). Wedding is gúna pósta or la posta, depends on context. Oh I see. You're quite the food appreciator. I came across a program about food. Can't smell it! So sad, it looked delicious but complex to make. The chefs make it so easy. How do they manage? Who do we invite? I don't want too many, please. Crowds unnerve me, my temper flares more easily. But I'm not fearful. I'm not shy.

Think about it, give me a rough estimate. Do you feel special after this? I think I'm over the moon, the highest ecstasy elves can have. I am sure you passed well, so intelligent. Do I need to wish more luck? Sure no problem. Don't worry about any costs, it is my duty as your soulmate to buy things. This is a one side four leaf clover earring.

Do you like French? I'm struggling with it. Just speak English.

Sincerely

Prionsa (prince) Nuada

Laira

I laughed at the nonchalant cool guy way he described his experience with French. How firm he was on his views, bash up someone who'd convert him? Hilarious! I sighed and tried to focus on the terms of an argumentative essay. It's challenging. I prefer the free style of fiction most, not this kind. It's so boring to memorize the formats. I didn't know much la francaise either. Nuada allowed them to instruct him? Ok, I wanted to invite the gang like Red and co. heheh. Would he mind? I didn't like big crowds either. I stayed out longer to let him sleep more, he certainly seemed weary.

Because of his responsibility, Nuada still went to see to the pupils. A text: want to watch movie? Sat.

K! lets do that. I called him. He answered. "I miss your voice. And you sound happy," I told him.

"Not really. I sound happy, good. Haha." He sneezed and excused himself.

*in a hellboy novel On earth as it is in hell, Liz could read the French girl's note

11