Ch. 2 Cinntí – Decisions

Elf age: 12 Human age: 750

After their adventures, many times Nuada and Nuala sought out the pool with the strange fairies whose wings echoed in the air, but after many evenings of retracing their steps they never did, as if it had vanished without a trace. Many days after they picked the flower, Nuala came to notice that the little flower did not fade, so with great hope the little princess planted the flower in the barren garden. For many days it remained to be the only plant thriving, but one afternoon as Nuala passed through ready to meet her father she saw a second little bud and a third. "My flower!" she cried out. "My flower! Father! Nuada!" The garden over the years had begun to transform itself from an unfruitful plot for conversing to a bed of color where all shapes and sizes of the crimson flower blossomed becoming a refuge for the children as they hid among the thorny stems. The flower had found its way into the soil spreading through and encouraging more nurture within the ground. Soon a variety of strange, yet colorful flowers spread throughout the castle grounds, their seeds given as gifts by foreigners from other lands. There was such an abundance that the people of the castle seemed to sense a different kind of magic floating in the air. As the ages passed, only a day in the eyes of the elves, the twins became even more inseparable, they could always be found hand in hand running through the gardens picking flowers or napping under the giant oaks beneath the sunny sky. When the clouds grew grey and threatened the land with rain they returned to their shared room where they spoke of everything they knew and everything that was new. Their laughter would echo through the castle halls, as they would chase one another tickling each other's side. Nuala slowly began to notice how longer her brothers hand gripped became when he held hers or how longer his hand remained pressed to her side as he drew laughter from her lips. She thought nothing more of it than her brothers' love, and she greatly cherished it more than any treasure she had, but the people saw their innocent time shared as something that could be detrimental to the prince's future as a leader. He was found more with Nuala then training with his master. Some began to fear his time with her would weaken him. A cloudy afternoon Balor shared in his children's joy watching them from a high castle window, but as he did something caught his attention. As he watched his children play he noticed how intent his son's gaze was on his daughter. A predator watching its prey seemed extreme to label a child with, but his was so focused on Nuala it almost looked as if he didn't dare look away from her as she left his side to pick flowers. Balor was unsure how else to describe his sons' behavior and how it was changing, perhaps he was just overthinking the situation. He watched on and even smiled as Nuada kissed Nuala's cheek as she returned back to his side, causing her to giggle as they continued their game.

"Good afternoon your majesty." Balor continued to watch his children's game move into the gardens tall flowers, as his children hid Balor remained peering out the window not turning to greet the group of men bowing to him.

"Your majesty, we have come to express our concern for the young prince and princess." Vulen, a leading elf minister conveyed to the king. He was followed by two others Kiiron, and Chathangles. Kiiron was an elderly orc who had stayed in the west temples and was responsible for many of the scrolls that are resting in its library, gathering information of all kinds: from ancient creatures to sorcery; his knowledge helped bring prosperity to many kingdoms. Chathangles was short, plump with black dark skin, and matted yellow hair. A Tellom. A creature no higher than either Kiiron's or Vulen's waist. Balor didn't know much of him except that his time was spent in a hole and his temper was shorter than his stature. "What of them?" Balor asked confused, but not letting his face show it as he turned to face the ministers. Darragh, who was invited, stood behind the ministers and stepped forward, "Sire, Nuada lately has been struggling in well – much of his training. His education is no laughing matter either. Its not easy to say but –"

"THE CHILD IS FALLING BEHIND!" Chathangles screeched, impatient at Darragh's lack of proper words.

Vulen stepped alongside Darragh. "Were worried, when you were his age, you were much more advanced in your studies and training as was your father, and his father before him."

"It is not just we who are concerned for the princes education and training." Kiiron spoke out picking up Chathangles, who looked as if he was ready to attack the first thing that moved. "The country rests on his shoulders, and the people need him to grow to be a leader." Balor understood their concern. Though the time they were living in was peaceful, the possibility of war never left Balors mind, and an unready king is a doomed country.

"What do you propose?"

"Perhaps we could have him not invest in such childish things." Vulen said stepping to the kings side to point out the window to Nuada and Nuala laughing and playing in the garden.

"Ministers. My son is still just a child."

"Than perhaps." Kiiron said releasing Chathangles dropping him to the floor with a thud. "We could turn to the young princess."

"Nuala! Come on wake up!" Nuala's eyes shot open as her brother shook her awake. "Today father promised to take us to the eas!" Her exhaustion vanished as the sheets flew up and the twins raced to get dressed. The twins ran down the halls to help their father rise from his slumber but to their delight the maid told them he was waiting for them in the stables. Their day began with a simple fruit pastry shoved into their mouths as they both ran as fast as they possibly could for the stables. On many other outings they would have a team of attendants trailing along: Flag bearers, trumpet blowers, maids, nurses, and stable keepers, with an additional band of servants to attend to any need for the royal family or their guest. But today their father wanted to make it special for his children. With only two nurses, one stable keeper and servant their father had promised a day just for them. As they mounted their horses Balor lead the small group east. As they walked the children eagerly spotted an array of animals from song birds to giant elks, Balor smiled at his children's jubilation, but his mind couldn't help but trace back to what Kiiron proposed only prior to last week.

"Let Nuala join the priest hood your majesty."

Balor was taken aback by this proposal, even Chathangles stopped his tantrum to listen to Kiiron's offer. "Nuada is inseparable from his sister, perhaps by joining the priestess in the ember forest southwest of here, we could separate the two in a healthy manner. Nuada could catch up and Nuala would be given a role, since she herself would not be able to succeed her brother."

"An excellent idea Kiiron!" Vulen smiled, "The girl is already so gentle and timid, the ember temple could be the right place for her." Chathangles muttered, standing up in agreement with Kiiron.

"Maybe we could send her to the far south ocean temple instead, the priestess there could train Nuala not just on our culture but others as well. They are famous there for mapping out the distant lands." Vulen said. The ministers eagerly continued to think which temple could be the best possible fit for Nuala, but the king was shocked at the very idea of sending her away.

"Ministers, please!" Balor called out. All was silent as the minister's eyes were on the King. "This is my daughter we are thinking about."

"No sire its also your son we are thinking of as well. Our future King." The King knew that Nuala's role would be less than that of his son. He thought many times he could have a marriage proposal with a young elf noble living in one of the neighboring cities, or even dare for a better alliance agreement with a distant tribe. But many times, he had brushed the thought away, the very idea of sending his daughter to a foreign kingdom never to return left his heart heavy.

Darragh who had remained silent approached the king, "Sire, it is your daughter and your son you must think of, and you must accept the best solution even if that one is a difficult one. You must place all priority above else and choose what is best for your son, for your daughter and for the people."

All was silent as the king was in deep thought. It seemed Darraghs words had spoken to the king, as all Balor could muster to say:

"We shall see."

The children were not sure for the reasoning for their fathers sudden surprise but were in no hurry to complain. After thirty minutes of walking and riding they had made their way to the Eas.

From a distance the Eas had cascaded with water tumbling down the hillside over onto the black rocks, splashing violently into an enormous pool. As the group had come closer the crashing sound of the water against the pool it poured itself into became thunderous. The twins leapt down from the horses, stripping themselves down to their undergarments, Nuada in a long linen pair of pants and Nuala in a linen dress of her own. Diving in, the children swam about the cool water, splashing at each other laughing and smiling.

"I wish their mother was here." Balor whispered as he stepped down from his horse. The water had looked inviting and Balor tugged off his boots, resting his feet into the cool water. The sensation of the cold pool triggered a memory nearly lost. Before the children were born this is where Balor and his wife had spent many of their days together. When the winter came Balor would hold his wife as they both glided across the frozen dark waters, laughing. In the spring they would watch life return, the flowers blooming would reflect their colors onto the water. In the summer their afternoons would be filled with splashing, games and laughter, and in the fall they would ride their horses to rest by the water side, watching the autumn leaves drift down onto the pool, as if they were dancing on the surface. It was there she had told him she was with child. It was the happiest day of his life. Balor sighed at the memories. "What would she want me to do that was best?" Balor needed the time to think about the children's future, he thought best after working so long that maybe he could bring them together one last time before he made his decision. "What's best for your daughter, your son and for your people." Darragh's words echoed throughout his mind, and he knew he was right. "No matter what the decision is it won't be forever."

Throughout the afternoon the children ran back and forth between the water and the land. Nibbling at fruits, pies, and meats brought, then rushing back to the water to continue their games. Balor laughed heartedly as Nuala frightened Nuada from behind the falls, watching Nuada jump from the high rocks, and seeing the twins build a replica of their home out of the shores sand. As the sun began to set Balor called for his children, as the group packed to head for home. Nuada came racing from the water, but Nuala was nowhere in sight.

"Where is your sister?"

"She said she wasn't feeling good and went over there." Nuada said pointing in the direction of the woods. "Strange" Balor said, Nuada gave him a puzzled look. "Do you not yourself feel unwell?" Nuada shook his head.

"Nuala!" Balor called, "It's time to head home!"

No reply.

"Nuala?!" Balor called this time more concerned.

Silence once again

"Stay here." Balor said with a firm tone, though Nuada was alive and well a small twinge of panic raced through Balor as he rushed through the brushes in the direction Nuada gave him. "Nuala?!" He shouted out.

"Nuala! Answer me!"

All was silent, and Balor was about to dash deeper into the forest when he heard a small cry. "Nuala?" Balor found his daughter crouched down hidden beneath a growing oak, crying.

"There you are, Nuala. I was so worried." Balor said crouching down to meet his daughters face, she continued to cry almost unaware of her father's presence. "Nuala?" Tears streaming down her face. "Nuala? What's wrong? Why did you come out this far?" Through her tears and small hiccups Nuala whispered, "I was playing with Nuada. . . (hic) . . . and I looked in the water and . . . (hic) and I saw –"

Balor looked puzzled as his daughter stood, crying still, to show her father. Her linen dress was short enough that it reached barely past her knees, the wet fabric clinging to her porcelain skin. At first sight Balor saw nothing wrong with the child and thought maybe Nuada had played a cruel joke on her until he saw what had frighten her, trickling down her leg.

"Oh."

Nuada was held back by his nurse as Balor made his way back to them with Nuala wrapped in his hunting coat nestled in his arms, she desperately clung to her father, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck.

"Father?" Balor smiled down at Nuada. "Its alright, lets go home." Nuada believed his fathers words and felt a small bit of relief until he heard, as his father mount his horse and take Nuala from the Nurse who had briefly examined her whisper, "It's time to separate the two, have Nuala in her own chambers tonight." Nuada's mind shattered not believing his fathers words, he refused to believe them. At dinner that night he was the only one present at the table, his father off with the ministers, and his sister tucked tightly into bed, in a chamber of her own.

"All she had was a stomach ache." He mumbled as he played with his food, his appetite long lost. "I don't understand."

"Congratulations, little princess!" the nurse maid said as she brought Nuala her supper. Nuala laid in her bed confused, she wasn't sure how this could be a wonderful thing, in fact it frightened her and caused her pain. "Here, my dear, eat this. It will help with your stomach."

Nuala sat up as the maid place the tray on her lap, a bowl of sweetened milk with soft buttered potatoes, and a small loaf of bread to accompany it. Nuala took the spoon in her hand but couldn't bring herself to eat the food, the odor smelled sickly sweet. "Im sorry I'm just not hungry." Nuala said as she let the liquid poor from her spoon back into the bowl, the sound it made didn't help with her stomach.

"It was a long day for you, I understand. I remember when it first happened to me. I nearly jumped out of my dress, not sure what to do but mined you now I was a bit older and my sister was there to help me." The nurse maid smiled as she reminisced about her teenage years. Nuala stared down at her food wishing she could be back in her old room where everything was familiar. The maid lovingly rubbed on her lower back and it brought some relief to the aching bones, but it wasn't enough to soothe the pain of sudden change.

"What does this mean." Nuala spoke softly as tears threatened to fall.

"Well," the maid smiled gently as she continued to rub Nuala's back. "It means you can become a mother."

As morning came Nuada with Darragh went on for morning training, while Nuada remained in bed. She didn't want to move, she didn't want to eat, she wish she could curl up and hide away forever. Nuala was thankful her brother hadn't seen her like this and was envious that he couldn't feel any of this pain. There was a gentle knock on the door, "Come in." Nuala said from under the covers, her voice groggy.

Nuala didn't care to see who it was, but a sudden weight sat down next to her and rubbed lovingly on her shoulder.

"Nuala, we need to talk." Balor said gently.

Nuala still hadn't been able to stop crying and pulled the sheets of her face. Balor smiled tenderly seeing his daughters face swollen, her golden eyes puffy, her nose reddened and stuffed. "Poor thing. I'm sorry I wasn't much help yesterday."

"No,no. You were very helpful father, its just this is all so sudden, and I don't like it." Nuala motioned to her new chambers.

"I miss being closer to the garden, and seeing the vines crawl up to my window. I miss sharing my room with Nuada and watching him train. I miss everything and how it used to be. I hate ALL this father."

Balor chuckled a little "Báire, you can still be near the garden, and you can still see your brother."

"But father its not the same." Nuala protested hurt that her father would laugh at her.

"Your right its not. Listen Nuala," Balors tone becoming much more serious. "You are no longer a little girl, but a woman now, and we need to discuss your future."

"Take your arrow, pull back with your arm. No tighter. Now keep both eyes open." Nuada grunted as he tugged back the bow string Darraghs hand on his, the other positioning his arm into a proper angle.

"Good, now . . . Release."

Nuada exhaled and let go. The arrow screamed, as it made its way across the field finding its way to its mark, with a loud THUNK. A direct bullseye.

"Excellent your highness." Darragh said patting Nuada's back. "That's the first shot you've been able to hit all morning." Nuada said nothing as he placed his bow away.

Southwest of the castle Darragh trained Nuada, the morning hours were long and relentless. To Nuada they seemed to go on. Darragh was informed of Nualas current state, but he couldn't afford to be gentle with the prince despite with young princess was going through. He did however decided to prove on other skills. For much of the morning the prince raced across the country side on horse-back practicing his combat skills on the beast. Then it was archery, and now Darragh was preparing him for falconry.

"A hunt would be good for him." He thought. As the archery lesson came to an end the soldiers had begun to set off to prepare for the hunt. Darragh would have join them when he turned to notice Nuada starring back into the direction of the castle. It was some distance away but across the field from where they stood, past the tall trees and up the steep hill there it stood, and beyond that the sea.

"Your highness?" Darragh called.

"Things won't be the same again, will they?" Nuada said almost as if he were talking to himself. Darragh sighed and pulled his reigns to lead his horse back to Nuada. Side by side they both stared back to the castle, "A beautiful sight." Darragh thought. After some moments of silence Darragh answered, "No." he whispered to Nuada. Nuada sad expression deepened, his grip tightened on the reigns.

"But that doesn't mean something better isn't coming across the horizon for you." Darragh said as he turned to leave. Nuada was caught off by this comment but was grateful for his masters words. "Aiden help the boy," Darragh said "its only been a day since the separation. I pray training him to adult hood won't be this bad." He thought as he galloped away to join the rest of the soldiers.

When Nuada returned after a full day he headed straight for Nuala's room, to find her sheets in a tangled mess, but no Nuala. He asked the maid, "I'm afraid I'm not sure sire. She only said she wanted to stretch her legs."

Nuada searched all around the castle, in the garden, the courtyard, the stables, the kitchen, everywhere he could think that she might be. "Where is she?" He found her in the unlikeliest of places, the throne room. Entering he found her just standing in the middle of the room her eyes were locked onto the king seat. It was a bit of a concerning sight to see; Nuada reached out to her placing his hand on her shoulder.

"Nuala?" His words brought her out of her trance.

"Oh, Hello Nuada. How was training?" She smiled

"It was fine, is your stomach feeling any better?" he asked. Her expression sadden.

"It still hurts."

Without hesitation Nuada grabbed her hand and lead her out of the room down the hall. "If you still feel unwell than you shouldn't be out here. Come on I'll take you back to bed." He didn't get far when Nuala stopped him. "Nuada, my room is the other way." He unconsciously had been leading her to his room.

"Oh" he whispered, "That's right." They walked together for some time, their home was quite large for just three people; and they did it in silence neither could muster the words they needed until finally.

"I think father is sending me away." Nuada stopped, stunned "What makes you think that?"

"He told me, he wanted me to visit some of the neighboring temples. And when I ask if you or he were to come, he said no." Nuala and Nuada seated themselves in one of the many hall chairs and their she confided in her brother telling them everything that their father had discussed with her. "I don't know if I want to be a priestess." Nuala said. Uncertainty filled her and Nuada could sense it leaving him unsettled. He didn't want her to be one either, and the idea that their father was sending her away left him both angry and hurt.

"You are a princess! You are meant to do greater things in this world. Just tell father no." Nuada said standing up on top of his chair.

"But he is the king. What if he commands it?" She said looking unsure.

"As future king I command you to do what you want." Nuada said he stood on a hallway chair balancing himself on the chair arms pointing down at Nuala. She giggled at the sight, a very regal pose Nuada held. She breathed a sigh of relief. Nuada laughed as well. "What do you want me to do?" she asked, without hesitation Nuada answered, "I want you to be here with me."

"Ah! Your highness's. Supper is ready." A nurse maid called, "And you Nuala, should be back in bed resting."

"But I was just –"

"No but's young lady. I'll have your dinner sent up to you immediately."

The children parted ways agreeing to meet later. Tucked back in her bed Nuala nibbled at the small tray of soup and breads given to her. Her stomach was able to stand the flavor and she was grateful, she couldn't remember being so hungry. A knock came suddenly to the door and Nuala invited the visitor in.

"Good evening Nuala." Balor said with a smile.

"Father? Shouldn't you be having supper with Nuada?" Nuala asked surprised to see him here.

"Yes, but I had wanted to talk with you more about what we discussed this morning." Nuala appetite suddenly vanished.

"I feared that you may have gotten the wrong impression. I don't want you to think I'm sending you away. I'm allowing you to fulfill your role as a princess." Nuala looked puzzled "But priestesses are not princess's." She said giving him a questionable look.

Balor laughed "No not many are. But you understand Nuada is the first born and only male heir. He was destined to be king, destined for a higher purpose. You live to help your brother shine, but what of yourself? I didn't want you to think you could be little to no value if you stayed here." Nuala had never thought of it that way and Balor could see she understood his words. "It is your decision but just know that there is a whole other world waiting for you, Nuala. Waiting for you to be a part of it; just beyond those trees, across the fields and over those mountains."

"I heard father came to you again, did you tell him no?"

"What's that." Nuala questioned as she noticed the tray Nuada brought in, a cloth covered its contents. Nuada smiled, sitting beside her on the bed, "Your favorite." Removing the cloth Nuada had snuck her two pasties baked with wild field berries and spices with a cup of warm milk and honey. Smiling, Nuala brought the cup to her lips, the heat radiating, spreading through her finger tips, and with small sips, the warmth then expanded throughout her, soothing her throat and comforting her spirit. The rich taste of the milk left behind a sweet subtle hint of honey and numerous spices. The pastries she eagerly took as they were richly filled with the taste of butter and fruit. "So, you told father no, right?" Nuada asked again. Nuala stopped and stared down at her tray, she wasn't sure how she was going to tell him.

"Actually," Nuada's face began to sink.

"I agreed to go to the Gealach temple." Nuada stood back from her, anger rushing through him. "The Gealach temple?!" Nuada shouted so loudly it could be heard all the way downstairs.

"Nuada please don't shout."

Nuada tried his best to remain calm, but this sudden news had him pacing back and forth like their father. "The Gealach temple? Nuala, that's fifty miles away. Why?" Nuada looked as if he were on the edge of tears. It pained Nuala and she couldn't bring herself to look at him.

"Father said it was time for me to fulfill my role as a princess." Nuada found his place back on the bed beside his sister. "Then why don't you stay here with me, at the castle, our home. Why do you have to leave?" Nuala brought her gaze back to his. "I don't know but maybe that's what it means to be a princess. I want to do something more." Nuada's heart sank his eyes no longer able to meet his sisters gaze. Nuala held a sentimental smile reaching out she brushed her hands against Nuada's cheek. "I'll come home every now and again." She knew this would not comfort him but she was unsure of how else to pacify him. They sat for some time in a painful silence, Nuada felt as if this was his only chance to tell Nuala how he felt about her.

"Every day I share with you I share a form of guilt," Nuada whispered "The guilt that I had hurt you, but I want to protect you. I want –" the words were nearly stuck in his throat. "I want you to need me." he took her lingering hand into his, whispering "I love you." He wasn't sure if she had heard his declaration but before he could ask of her own feelings for him Nuala responded.

"Nuada, I don't need your protection."

She went on but whatever there was to tell him her words were silent though he saw her lips move. "she rejected me? She doesn't need me?" The words spun through his head and his anger grew.

"Nuada, it's for the best." His grip tightened to painful squeeze and it shocked Nuala that he would intentionally cause themselves pain. It frightened her and she tried to remove her hand from his "Ow! Nuada stop!"

"Fine." He whispered his temper rising. He slapped her hand away getting up to leave. He had never felt this embarrassed and angry before, "If you want to leave, then leave! I don't care!" He shouted before slamming the door to her room, leaving her, a tiny bruise forming on her wrist.

"Nuada?"

Eas – waterfall

Báire – Sweetheart

Gealach – Moon

Writers Corner

*Slips out from under the rock hands you this and makes a hasty retreat* LOL! Hey guys. Wow I'm super sorry it took this long AGAIN I don't want that to happen once more, but yeah here is the lovely chapter 2 DECISION, (DECISION, DECISION). I actually got into trouble writing this chapter, I was writing it at work and my boss told all my co-workers it was very embarrassing anyway. I'm sorry I was MIA I was actually in Ireland and boy I needed that vacation, well, actually it was for school. BUT STILL! NO EXCUSES! I apologize if my Gaelic is off. Later!