Nuada opened his eyes and remain nestled in his own Den. he could hear footsteps and his Court chat with eachother and turned to his back. "my-my They are up early" Nuada thought. "Or maybe I'm the one who's getting a bit lazy"
Nuada smiled slightly and effortly got up. His body was stiff and sore and cracked a few bones when he streched himself out without jawning.
Nuada heated up water at the fire place and made his way down. Nuada became a bit tired of showering in cold water pools in the Scentuary. And longed for the luxury of warm comforting water.
The weather seemed to have improved accoring to the warm sunrays that shined through the Scentuary.
Nuada walked close to the edge and spotted his friends Lugh was playing in the warm water pool Wink just crafted. WInk made a huge splash creating a tidal wave that almost made Lugh fly out of the pool. Scolding Wink to knock it off when he got over his shock.
Lugh noticed Nuada moving towards the main hall to continiue his training despite the sore bones.
"Nuada want to join us"? "The water is superb" much better than bathing in rain Lugh said sitting on the edge. Wink grunted giving a nod in agreedment.
"Training comes first..Sorry lads"Nuada said as he saw water pouring out of the ceiling a tad annoyed. He truly thought Wink finally fixed the problem with some sticky conent but the water seems to pour out anyway.
Lugh tip toed to a bucked with cooled off water collected from the rain. Wink saw that but decided to say nothing and felt amusemnt and tension build up.
Nuada just walked towards the main hall carefree and all of the sudden froze like a pilar when Ice cold water clashed against his back. Nuada shivered it was so cold that even his head started to pound.
Wink held in his laughter " Ohh You're a dead man"Wink whispered.
Time froze when Nuada became more and more furious.
Nuada slided a hand over his face to wipe the water off his face shot Lugh a death glare and ran towards the younger Elf Lugh threw the empty bucket in the air and tried to get away from Nuada lauging.
"Come here! Nuada yelled as he leaped after Lugh who tried to get away by free running his way out around the pool far away from Nuada's reach.
After minutes of chasing Nuada finally caughed up with him and pulled Lugh in a headlock
"Bastard" Nuada said tighening the hold.
Lugh laughed out loud jolly and the annoyed Nuada felt his face curve because of Lugh's contagious giggles.
Nuada tried very hard not to crack a smile eventhough he got over his annoyance.
Nuada loosened up and joined his friends for an hour of relaxation,He regretted declining his Brothers offer to join them for a realise now that he can't let moment he can spend with his court go by like It's nothing. Training is important but the people Nuada accepted as family as well.
He wants to be there for them for real this time since he hasn't really been there for them as much as he has promised due to horrible memories flashing through his eyes about his wife dying and the war that gave him more mental scars than on his own body.
Time is precious even for beings who can live for Centuries long because you never know If you'll have your best friends with you to live through those many years.
Nuada had a walk around the scentuary while drying himself and stood on the highest roof of the scentuary having a look over the deserted valley it was a bit misty but could see the sun as a fire torch shinging above the fluffy clouds.
Even the green valleys without magic can be beautiful and soon it will be free from Human politution and diseases. Every forest will be their domain. Every Sapphire and treasures of the Earth is theirs to keep. No more wars no more danger. The Elves who are tired never have to long for Tir Na Nog because Nuada will make Earth the Eternal land of Beauty when the Phoenix dust will be spreadded accross the globe.
Nuada enhaled the thin air of the Serene surroundings wondering If his fallen comrades are watching over him now that he feels so peaceful. he hopes Centa and the others are doing okay and that he can welcome them back in one peace. Nuada also thought about looking for a different Scentuary closer to home but Nuala will find out where he is and that's the last thing he needs. He loves his Sis and he never wants her to doubt that.
Nuala could sense her Brother thinking about her and it made her day better. She was happy that her brother still cares for her. And Nuala will always think about her Brother. But in her heart she felt that trouble was lying head in the Future. Hopefully it won't be on that day where Nuada returns.
Hopefully his Father and him can come to a mutal agreedment.
"Be careful Brother..wherever you are"
'Nuada!" "Wink's back!" Lugh said happy.
"Oh gosh look at all these potions,oh my you even brought some liquor!" Lugh said showing Nuada all kinds of colourful bottles.
And took a sip of the booze.
Nuada shrugged. Lugh won't be able to focus on battle training if he doesn't control his drinking.
"Where did you steal all of this?" Lugh asked while opening a bag with new gear and robes for the Court to wear.
Wink eyes grew big in disbelief and shot Lugh and aggravating growl in return.
"Hey chill" "I was only joking" Lugh said quickly. and focused his attention on the large bag of elvish silver Wink brought.
Wink huffed and gentle asked the bags back to place it where he stores food suppies and potions.
Wink looked at the bottle he just purchased after placing everything on their rightful place.
It had a sparkling violet colour,It was a shield of the best he could get,
This might help If they fail to summon the army and have to take out all the humans the old fasion way. But it was very nice to look at it. it was like thousand floating little sapphire's in a bottle. Wink couldn't help but shake the bottle seeing the sparkly colour rise up.
Nuada received a large scratch accross his back during sparring making the left side of his shoulder blade and lower back bleed heavily. Drops of blood splashed and fused with the water they were standing in.
Nuada hissed through his teeth in pain barely making a sound. Reaching a hand towards his injury.
"Oh good grief I'm I didn't mean to" Lugh squeaked and came to his comrads side.
"Hold on I'll get a potion.. Lugh said. Lugh bumped into Wink on his way to the potion shaft almost dropping the colourful bottle he liked.
Wink catched it just barely and growled at Lugh.
"Sorry..I need a health potion I accidentally cut Nuada"
"Wink throwed Lugh a potion and went back to his Den to get needles and desinfect serums.
Wink made his way down Where Nuada was, and carefully slided his clothing up to his shoulder blades,
He looked at the large wound and started to sew. Lugh kneeled down on the opposite direction of Wink feeling a bit guilty.
Lugh had a hard time watching the needle penetrate Nuada's flesh and see it drilled into the other side and have it pulled together by the thread.
Nuada noticed his discomfort ooze off his face and gave Lugh an "It's okay pal"glance and Lugh gave a apologetic smile in return.
Wink cleaned the sewed up area and scrubbed the dried blood off.
The troll gave a grunt hinting that he's done,
Nuada sat up feeling a lot better after drinking a healing potion,
"Let's have a short break"Nuada suggested after he changed into a new long sleeved Tunic.
and Lugh along with Wink walked after Nuada to the exist of the dome, All of them longed for some fresh air.
Wink stopped in his tracks when he heard a sound that shouldn't be there and his gut tensed up. It was like a rope being fastened and WInk sniffed around to detect anything unusual.
"Wink what are you doing?".. Nuada wondered.
"What's wrong? both Elves asked.
Lugh spotted figures above the high ramp of the dome It had shining arrows aimed at Nuada's heart.
"Archers" Lugh yelled "Nuada watch out!" when arrows were fired. Nuada saw the arrows closing in but Lugh jumped infront of him pushing him out of the way.
The arrow penetrated Lugh's abdomen collapsing to the ground.
"Lugh! Wink please help him" Nuada said turning him around Wink tried to pull the arrow out but more figures came from the shadows.
"Their movements" Wink roared. Those Archers are human"
"What? Nuada sneered forgetting his shock feeling his grudge for the humans increase mixed with intense hatred.
The large group of Archers fired their arrows at them in a bow coming down at them like a swarm of arrows.
Wink stood before them and used a Magical shield for any Arrows incoming.
Nuada kneld before Lugh and pulled the poisonous Arrow out of his abdomen. The Blood poured out like a fountain,
Nuada Ignored Lugh's whimpering in pain when he dug his hand into the wound to remove the tip of the arrow.
Nuada tied his tunic tightly over the wound hopefully the bleeding will stop.
"Lugh Shh!" Nuada said grabbing both of his cheeks into his palms trying to calm him down.
Lugh opened his eyes to look at Nuada he felt hope seeing his Brother by his side.
"You're going to be all right the shield will guard us" Nuada said. still remaining close to Lugh protectively.
"we can't stay here for long..he needs aid now!" Wink spoke up seeing the Archers seizing their fire but kept the arrows aimed waiting until the shield potion will fade.
Wink roared and smashed the stone ground creating cracks in it Wink grabbed a large piece of the ground and throwed it towards the humans like a disk.
a couple of human Archers dodged but it did hit a couple of them sending them flying against the wall.
"Now is our chance!" Wink roared move!"
"I'm coming back for you Lugh just don't die on me"Nuada said quick and rushed after WInk.
leaving Lugh behind was very difficult for them to do their stomach clenched in sorrow but they also knew that seconds counts.
The shield will keep Lugh safe for atleast an hour so they have to defeat the humans before Lugh becomes vulnerable for more attacks.
The surviving Archers eyed the warriors coming out of their protection shield and proceeded to fire at them. Wink doged alot of them and Nuada used his swords to bounce back incoming Arrows.
They managed to kill the Archers off but Wink stopped in his tracks realizing Nuada isn't following him anymore.
Nuada rested his back against the wall clutching and arrow that sticked out of his side. Nuada braced himself and pulled the poisonous arrow out Nuada covered the wound with his hand thankfully it didn't penetrated an Fatal area.
Wink wanted to remove Nuada's hand to see.
" No! I'll be fine"Nuada said and noticed more soldiers coming their way.
"I'll hold them off now go"! Nuada yelled.
Wink grunted in agreedment and made his way to his Den.
Humans jumped on top of Nuada but threw them off him. An Human came from behind and tried to stab him. Nuada grabbed him and threw him over his the human fall down from the meters high tower.
Nuada kicked one human soldier in the stomach sending him flying towards the wall and got penetrated by a broken piece that was supposed to be a torch holder.
Nuada collected his weapons when more humans spawned.
The humans are blocking the way to get to his friend and worried for Lugh's well Wink already has reached to the potions.
"Please Gods let him be in time" Nuada mused.
Wink charged towards the humans like a tank going through a wall made of butter. Wink bit human's heads off Crushed their skulls by smacking large bricks against their faces merciless.
Everyone who stood between him and the healing potions will be squashed.
The raging Troll went on a tossing spree,throwing man humans off the tower falling into their deaths.
Wink Roared in rage making the gorund shake and crushed many humans under his feet. it felt like he was on the battle field of Bethmoora all over again.
If only he could have contacted the others maybe then he could have reached to the potions quicker.
It seemed like Wink traveled far but he didn't reach further than turning around the corner.
He has to hurry and aid Lugh because Nuada won't be able to fight all these soldiers off.
Wink pounded his metal chest plates like a mighty gorilla and smacked groups of people away with his metal hand.
Human archers stood above the ramp aiming poisonous arrows at the cave troll but Wink sended his metalic fist flying and grabbed the edge of the ramp Wink pulled at the chains attached to his fist with all his strength pulling the whole ramp down. letting most of the Archers fall breaking their legs. Wink jumped and stood ontop of their heads and popped underneath his feet like stepping on a tomato.
Wink charged to his Den hopefully there won't be an army waiting for him or he'll be too late for him to save Lugh
Everything was quiet in the scentuary. Nuada looked around but could only hear the rain drops falling in puddlesof water.
NUada walked passed piled up corpses. Nuada noticed movements in the distance near the other human bodies. One human soldier tried to crawl to a safe area.
Nuada strolled towards him and stabbed the human in his back and the tip whent through the heart. NUada could hear Wink roar and wanted to make his way to aid him but heard a snicker and looked up.
It was a human and fled outside of the torches light further into the scantuary.
Nuada felt his fury boil and leaped over the broken pilars to catch up with the fleeing human. He's not letting any of these hollow things escape for what they have done to Lugh.
Nuada heard footsteps behind him and kept his guard up.
" Are we playing hide and seek now"?
"You really are the worst kind that ever walked on this Earth" "Come out and face me instead of hiding behind your pathetic army. Nuada barked.
Nuada saw a tall man standing in the hallway pulling out his words. Nuada narrowed his eyes and took a sprint. The human just stood there Nuada jumped and thrusted the spear into the human's face. but disappeared before Nuada's sword touched it penetrating the wall instead.
Nuada's eyes grew big in confusion but before he realized it was a hallucination it was already too late.
a figure leaped behind Nuada and hit him with a brick knocking him on the ground Nuada's head throbbed and his vision became blurry. blood dripped off his face into the puddle of water and within seconds Nuada was thrown against the wall, The rock hit Nuada's stitched up wound and made it bleed.
Nuada gritted his teeth when two daggers got stabbed into his wrists pinning him down.
"Worst kind that ever walked on this Earth?" The human said in a mocking way. "That title belongs to you for being tricked this easily pale boy!
The human lit up a torch so that Nuada could see him.
Nuada couldn't believe his eyes. It was him The human commander who invaded his home.
"You" Nuada spoke up in a rough whisper but inside he was furious.
"The Name is Bres "Not at your service..You Royal Cock roach" Bres said spiteful pushing the dagger further into Nuada's wrist.
"Why? Why..Didn't the army destroyed you? Nuada breathed through pain.
Bres grinned and grabbed a handful of hair pulling Nuada's head back to have a good look in the Fays eyes. "I saw the army..It didn't killed me off like the rest Because pale boy..I'm part fay"
"You? Nuada looked at Bres noticing some Elven traits in his facial features. Bres had the shape of their eyes and Iris.
"You"ll never be a part of us!"Nuada said narrowing his eyes.
"I have no intention in of becoming one of your kind moron" Bres said This land needs a suitable ruler and that will be me.
"But first we need to get things even. for all the years your kind let us suffer from poverty".
"I will beat you so horrible"..Bres paused and lowered himself to Nuada's level. Just like your little Queen" Bres said softly.
Nuada jerked his head up and felt his rage boil in his body.
He was one of them who has killed Cecelia. Nuada thought he had all of them. Avenged her death but this vermin is still breathing and now he has harmed Lugh.
She was a tough woman. She died without fear..she didn't make a sound When we flogged her.
"let's see if I can make you beg for mercy."Bres laughed putting more pressure on the dagger that's burning in his wrists.
Nuada hissed and breathed in and out in pain and intense his hands into fists makin more blood pour from his wounds.
Horrible senarios flashed before his eyes about Cecelia's demise
"How Dare you!..talking about her like that" ! Nuada barked through gritted teeth his eyes teared up and felt something snap like a shark seeing blood.
Nuada roared at the top of his lungs like a mad man. He became wild aggressively trying to release himself from the dagger that pinned him against the wall.
the circle around his eyes glowed with a reddish colour and bres took a step back.
Bres freaked out when Nuada ripped his wrist out of the dagger making the wound much larger and causing more blood loss.
Nuada freed himself and got to his feet to hunt Bres down.
"Men Men"! Bres screamed panicked.
Nuada came after him and Bres tried to make Nuada lose him by climbing on the walls. Bres dropped on his knees as he jumped down he ran in a dark alley but the road became dead. Bres felt against the wall with his hands he could barely see a thing in the dark.
an hand grabbed Bres by the hair from the back smashed his face against the wall breaking his nose tossing Bres against the wall and Nuada shoved his blade into Bres. Bres looked up trying to stop Nuada from killing him by clutching the sword.
"You pale demon"Bres said struggling.
Nuada just snarled in return and used his strength to kill bres. Bres whimpered loosening his grip on the blood soaked sword and lowered his head not making a move as the blood dripped from his woun on the ground.
Nuada snapped back to reality letting go of the sword and made his way to his dying friend.
Wink grabbed the last human soldiers and drilled his spikes through the stomach and the spikes came put of the humans back one one Wink's spikes pierced the heart killing the humans instantly.
Wink rushed passed his Den and the Dens of the others hopping over human bodies. He reached to the potion chamber and went pushed many bottles away looking for the health potions.
Bres remained quiet for a moment and slowly moved his head up. Thank goodness Nuada didn't shoved that blade into his head or see If he was still breathing.
Bres clutched the blade that was still drilled in his body and with his other hand he tried to reach to his belt pocket. and unscrewed the top with his mouth and drank from it feeling the sensation of pain fade.
Bres tried to save himself from the fatal blow by drinking unicorns blood from Nuada's horses he just killed outside the Scentuary.
but dropped the bottle in a fright when he heard footsteps from the shadows coming near.
Wink came closer to him with a gargling growl.
"No No No! Stay away! Bres yelled." Somebody please help me!" Bres pleaded for his life.
Wink came near Bres face and opened his mouth he bit a large part off Bres face and crushed Bres head with his metalic arm silencing Bres forgood.
"That's for our brother"! Wink said spiteful. Wink looked up when he heard a faint sound coming from Nuada.
Wink went down and rushed towards the edge of the underground scentuary
Nuada sprinted back to the hall like the universe depended on it and jumped down. hail fell down in the scentuary huge chucks of ice fell upon Nuada's bruised skin but the harsh stings didn't slow him down.
Nuada found Lugh laying on the ground on his side trying to get up to help his friends.
Lugh felt two hands landing on his arm and Lugh tensed up in shock.
"Shh it's me" Nuada said rolling him on his back picking Lugh up in his arms. holding the injured warrior.
"Nu..ada" Lugh finally spoke up.
I'm here"Nuada said supporting Lugh's head with his hand "You are going to be all right...just hang in there"
Lugh clutched his injury coughing up blood with a gurgling sound. and it squirted against Nuada's face.
Nuada was on the verge to snap "Wink hurry! He's dying! Nuada yelled Wink could hear his friend plea echoing and jumped down from a high ramp.
Wink came to the Eves side and poured the liquid down Lugh's throat carefully laying him down on the ground.
.."The humams how did they find us"? Lugh said with effort.
"I don't know.. Lugh please don't leave us" Nuada said and made Lugh sit up.
Lugh rested against Nuada's bare shoulder, Lugh knew that he can't serve Nuada any longer nor fight along side him when he awakens the Army again.
Lugh grabbed Nuada by his shoulder digging his nails in his skin with all the strength he had left.." Avenge us Brother Set us free... Our fate lies in your hands now". Lugh coughed.
Nuada said nothing holding Lugh tighter as the rain poured down in the knew he was going to die but refuse to give in to reality.
"I love you guys..I'll see you again in a while" Lugh said when Wink came closer beisde them Looking devastated.
"Goodbye my Brothers...Goodb-..." Lugh couldn't finish his last words his breathing became a struggle.
Nuada looked down when Lugh became limp in his arms. Nuada shook him gently but gave another rougher shook when Lugh didn't wake up.
"Lugh is gone".. wink said tearing up. He will be missed.
Nuada looked Wink in the eye with eyes full of tears aswell
"No..No It can't be"! Nuada shouted. unshedded tears threatened of flush down but Nuada tried to keep his emotion at bay He cupped lugh's face trying to wake him.
"We were supposed to summon the Army together "Lugh.." You can't Go"!
One tear splashed on Lugh's cold face.
Nuada squeezed his eyes shut letting his tears rush down his face When Lugh didn't wake up.
Nuada's shoulders shook violently and mourned for his fallen Brother.
Nuada strickened with deep grief once more.
Centa just came inside the hall happy that he arrived back from a long journey. but his gut clenched together when there were human bodies that could been seen spreadded all over the hide out. fearing the worst for his friends Centa desperately searched for them. But stopped dead in his tracks when he saw the motionless body of Lugh in Nuada's grasp with WInk and chewy mourning in silence.
"Oh no Lugh! Centa shouted and ran towards his friends falling to his knees next to Nuada moving Lugh's dark hair away from his forehead. He felt cold and then his body temprature dropped even more and slowly started to turn into a marble stone.
Centa couldn't stand the sight of Lugh changing and left the scene He couldn't let the others see him wheep. Centa's legs gave in as he reached his Den collapsing against the wall he was not able to controll the waterfalls of tears as they automatically flushed down.
He just leaves for a day or two and now the humans has took his friend away these filthy rats.
Nuada's court managed to take Nuada to his Den after hours staying in the same spot mourning and mentally cursing the human race. Centa and Wink carefully lifted Lugh's body up from the rain pool to make sure it won't break and placed it one a stone titanium table as a temporarily memorial until they reached to the ships.
Centa felt a lump in his throat seeing Lugh's face his eyes are closed his face also seems peaceful like he died without pain.
His mouth was still curved in a faint smile like he had a final vision maybe he saw glimpses of the Spirit worlds.
Centa never believed in the afterlife until he saw Thor with other fallen warriors appearing infront of him to save his friends from Shreng. He knows now that Death is just the start of a new journey.
"Until then my friend" Centa said "May the Gods watch over you kindly" and leaned forward placing a kiss on Lugh's forehead. Centa teared up but turned away so that Wink couldn't see him cry.
Nuada's court is even more deternment to destroy every human life form. Nothing could make Centa pity them. The Humans will pay for the crimes their Ancestors have commited against Bethmoora.
