Ch. 3 Eitilte- Flight

Elf age: 17 Human age: 1,200

When morning came the next day, Nuala did not expect Nuada to be so cold to her. She was unaware of what made him so angry with her and when she tried to ask, he brushed her off upset even more by her ignorance. She did her best to be a loving sister, but nothing seemed to work; the more she tried to be with Nuada, understand him, encourage him, even try and show regret for her actions that pained him, the more helpless she felt when she failed. Before long, it was time for her to leave for the temple. Her father gave her the warmest hug and a sweet kiss on the forehead, "Where is Nuada?" She asked. "I'm afraid my dear Darragh has called him for an early morning training. They left the castle hours ago, but I'll give your love to him, and I'll make sure he writes to you." Balor said with a wink. Nuala wasn't surprised, disappointed yes. She was hoping that her leaving would encourage her brother to face her, but to no avail. She smiled sadly and left for her journey North East. Upon arriving Nuala was introduced to the head priestess, Lady Lythienne Gravaris. "Welcome your highness." She bowed slightly, "Your father has told me all about you and your special bond with your brother."

"He did?" Nuala asked.

"Yes. And though you cannot fight like your brother, you hold a power within you. A strong one and I would like to teach you how to use it. Come this way." Lythienne showed Nuala to her room, upon opening the door Nuala stood face to face with another young elf girl waiting to greet her. "Your highness, this is Elas Wyndcolor." She was the same age as Nuala. She wasn't much taller than her. Her hair was a bit shorter and her face cleared of scars, a few golden freckles kissed her pale skin and her eyes were a golden cream beaming at her as she held a warm smile. "Hello your highness, I'm Elas. I'll be sharing a room with you. I hope we can become good friends." Nuala smiled back "I hope so too." Though she was thankful for meeting Elas, Nuala spent her first nights crying, asking herself if she even made the right decision. Her days were enriched with knowledge beyond her years and the world was as she imagined it to be and more; filled with magic and wonder, but she had trouble taking part in it. She missed her home, her father and her stubborn brother. Oh, how she wished a letter would soon come, she prayed every second, it felt like, for the next week that one would. Back at home Balor chastised Nuada for so cruelly ignoring his sister. Nuada had asked Darragh for the early morning training so he would not have to partake in Nuala's farewells. "It is time to practice your other princely duties." Balor said angrily as he forced his son to sit down in the library. "Here are your weapons." He said passing him a quill, ink and paper. "Now write to your sister. I expect you to send your letter by tomorrow morning." He shouted leaving his son. Nuada sat in silence, he didn't care for the library, nor for the scrolls that lied there on their shelves, their only use in gathering dust. It was too quiet for him, but he recalled a time when he and Nuala sat in the library diligently working on their studies, at least she did. Nuada sat across from her staring at her, his mind picturing her looking regal causing his heart to race. The teacher, noticing his lack of fixation with his work, had thumped him on the head so hard with his cane to bring him back to his senses, he was embarrassed to face Nuala knowing she was rubbing her head holding back tears. But she wasn't angry with him, she never was. She smiled saying that she would meet him for dinner, leaving him to finish his work. He despised Nuala for what she made him feel for her, that it had to be her, that she didn't understand, that she was gone, that she was not here, right now this very second by his side. Leaving him all alone.

"I hate you." Nuada whispered to the emptiness.

Nuala's heart skipped a beat when two letters arrived for her. One from her father and one from Nuada. She eagerly saved her brothers for last as she skimmed through her fathers' letter. It spoke of his work, how the castle was empty without her, and that he made sure the garden was well and thriving. Finishing it she smiled and opened Nuada's letter hastily; careful not to tare the contents inside, but to her shock he had left it blank for her. Not so much as a drop of ink had been spilled on the pages for her. Hurt by his actions she somehow found life more bearable at the temple. Her time was not wasted. Nuala learned to serve Aiden, and Lady Lythienne was true to her word helping her harness her link to Nuada and made it stronger than before, discovering in the process a gift of telepathy by touch but with her brother the link went farther, by simply just closing her eyes her spirit would search for his and she could then see the world through his eyes. Though the link was powerful she did not believe on imposing on his private matters, his constant absence instead encouraged her to seek him out despite how cold – hearted he remained. She did not want to give up despite how unsuccessful her actions became but soon her focus was pulled more intently to her own studies and no longer held hoped to be greeted by her brother when she returned home. Nuada in returned harnessed his vexation bringing his duties over her, excelling in his combat and princely duties faster than anyone had expected him too.

As the time came for the twins next Breithlá Nuala returned home and Nuada stubbornly refused to spend any time with her, more than was needed. They would enter together, greet their guest, dine - far from each other – yet when the festivities truly started music, dancing, drinking the prince was nowhere to be found and Nuala, dressed in robes of silk, adorned with pearls and Indian stones, looking lovely, was left alone with no one to dance or laugh with. Her father never part took in anything such as this, not since their mother died. Instead he would be off somewhere with his dignitaries speaking of more important recent matters. So, in a corner sat Nuala all alone watching her audience, she soon retired before her father. In her room she would change, read by candle light and fall asleep to the vibrations of the music playing down below.

This is how the twins celebrated every Breithlá for many centuries.

"What a horrible night, I don't know why you force him to dance with me. I think he was purposely stepping on my toes." Nuala sighed professing to her father the morning after their seventeenth elven Breithlá.

"Of course he wasn't. You know your brother isn't the best of dancers, besides I know he loves to dance with you." Balor said patting her hand. Nuala scoffed at the idea her brother could enjoy any possible activity with her. "I don't think I have been more hated by anyone in my entire life. And by my own twin brother." She said. "I can't spend another day let alone our Breithlá like this."

"Your brother has been stubborn these past few years, and I have learned no matter how hard I try I cannot force him. Just be patient my child." Balor said, "Your brother has the weight of the world on his shoulders as our next ruler and unfortunately that's where he wears his emotions."

"Crushed by the world?" she said, "If only he would talk to me, I want to help him; I want him to succeed."

"And your brother wants you to as well."

"Does he? Then why does he treat me so?" she asked facing her father.

"I believe he thinks the role that has been placed before you, the one you chose, is too insignificant, and he wishes to offer you a greater one. Ever since you two were children he always dreamt of paving a greater path for you."

"Your majesty!" a guard called disrupting their walk. "I beg your pardon but the summon is about to begin." With that Balor kissed his daughter and left her in the garden.

"What other role is there for me to take?" she asked herself as she stood there all alone.

The beautiful day was spent inside for the King as he heard of many concerns of wild animals, poor crops, and foreign exchange matters, but these seem to bring little worry to him when a young centaur who had traveled many miles from his homeland came to voice his concerns. "I fear not of animals, or ill crops, but of the humans." Many on the council laughed at him but he continued on. "My land is fruitful, filled with many treasures, but to the humans that is not enough. I have watched them slaughter my own kind and even enslave their own all for the sake of filling their empty hearts. I fear that their greed may spread." The council dismissed the young centaur, but Balor heeded his warning. He too had noticed a change in the humans and feared that he may see a new world order in his own land.

As the sun set on all the land the meeting was drawn to a close, as Balor made his way out passing the bowing members of his parliament he noticed his own son bowing among them.

"Nuada? Have you been here this whole day?"

"I have father." He said without lifting his head.

"Well don't just stand there, come join me."

Nuada peered up and smiled happily agreeing. Walking with his father they both spoke of the long meetings and the many matters that troubled their land. Balor wished to test his son's knowledge as future king when it came to crucial situations such as these.

"Tell me son what did you think a ruler should do to help our people in circumstances like these matters? What should the farmers do about the wild animals invading?" Nuada paused, deep in thought, "Many villages beneath the Black Stair mountains are still suffering from last year's rock slide. I believe," he went on to say, "we can help the villagers by removing the rubble and transporting it to the farmers land."

Balor looked interested and allowed his son to continue on. "We can build a stone boarder for the farmers."

"But what of the crops?"

"I have thought of that too. We can rotate the crops by growing another field. Not only will it keep the animals out, but the time of construction will allow the soil to rest. We can rotate the crops to the new southern fields allowing the northern to rejuvenate and become even stronger for a new and better harvest, and the people will have twice in abundance."

"My son" Balor said smiling, "You have taken more than just your training to heart. I believe you will do far better than I ever could as a ruler."

Nuada could not contain his smile. All he have ever wished was to make his father proud.

"There is however one more matter that has been weighing on my mind. Your sister." Nuadas smile was wiped away from his face.

"I have been conversing with her."

"And?" Nuada said turning away from him.

"I am not just a King Nuada, I am your father. I understand it has been hard for you, being alone here without her." Nuada was no longer listening and Balor followed his gaze. Nuala stood down at the end of the hall, she had invited guest from the temple. There they stood conversing unaware of the king and princes presence, lost in their words.

"When she first left I knew you were angry, the look in your eyes were filled with detest and I worry you may still resent her for that."

"What?" Nuada asked surprised drawing his attention back.

Balors expression was much more serious now leaving Nuada with no choice but to confess despite his discomfort.

"She is a princess, father. Her status should not be lowered."

"And what would you suggest? Have her rule by your side? What of when you marry? Would you be so willing to split the crown and rule with her then? And as for your future wife, I don't know many Queens who would be pleased that their husband shares a crown with his sister while carrying the heir to the throne." Nuada was hurt by this cold truth turning his gaze back to Nuala. "Nuada, you are the first born, with this comes responsibilities and she understands that. It is good of you to want to raise her up, but you must understand YOUR position . . . and hers."

Nuada remained silent watching Nuala as she laughed leading her guest around the corner vanishing from their sight.

"If you wish," Balor went on "I could raise her position by marrying her off." Nuada froze.

"She would be taken care of, her position in court would be raised, and she would not have to live her life out as a priestess. . . .that is what you want, isn't it?"

Silence.

Balor chuckled "Have no fear my son." I meant to merely play a cruel joke on you. I would never do such a thing to your sister. If it is Aiden's wish she will find love on her own, without my interference."

Silence. Balor could sense Nuada's temper rising.

"Control yourself, she will not be sold off to the highest bidder." Balor said leaving Nuada to stand alone in the dark corridors but his anger continued to grow. He was tormented by the idea of his sister having admirers who would watch her endlessly. He too had his own, but he never cared for them.

Sword fighting began to become his favorite pass time, after Nuala left he found himself excelling in it faster than his father had. He also found that most of Nuala's admirers were among his rank. Darragh would call Nuada forward along with a partner, and on those not so rare occasions it would be a young elf noble, who had whispered to the others, "Do you know if Nuala likes. . .?" hoping to find something in common and with the others trailing off about his admirations for her, dreaming of a future together. Coming forward the two boys would bow to each other their wooden sword touching at the tip and brought back into a fighting stance. "Begin!" Darragh would shout and before Nuada's opponent had a chance to blink he would have them pinned down his sword pressed roughly against their throats, glaring down at them. "Pathetic." He would whisper to himself.

The summer days without Nuala, Nuada spent at the training grounds. Many students were practicing riding, sword fighting, sparring anything to improve their skills. Nuada and two other students were practicing their archery, aiming their pointed arrows to a target that seemed no bigger than a fly, a field away. "Release!" the guard called, and the arrows made their way rushing across the field. From a distance they could here the target had been hit, a soldier who stood a safe length from the projected mark had three colored flags, he raised only a single red one, signaling that Nuada was the only one who had hit a direct bullseye. "Students!" Darragh called "Gather round!" All did as he continued on, "You all have trained for nearly your whole lives and now it is time to take the next step into your training." All the elven boys looked eager and curious. "As you know when fall draws near we prepare for the harvest festival, a time of celebrating the end of our labor, where all elves, beasts, and humans gather for feasting and drinking. With each generation of training warriors, we hold the Sgaoileadh, a tournament where only the strongest of you will be accepted to train in Fearann Caillte. Fearann Caillte is a dangerous place, where even nature is your enemy. We cannot simply let anyone come." Darragh's eyes pierced straight into Nuada's. "Those who fail, fear not your training will continue here. And eventually new opportunities will arise for you. But those who succeed I warn you, you may not come back alive." The boys returned to their training, eager for this opportunity but when Nuada joined them, they reacted coldly. "It's not fair." Nuada heard them whisper. "The prince will probably just ask the king to let him go instead of participating." "He can't do that, can he?" They asked each other.

"Coward." They whispered under their breath. Nuada said nothing has he gripped the handle of his weapon, ready to spar.

Nuada continued to learn from his father watching him at council meetings and joining him with state matters.

The night was quiet, Nuada was sitting by the fire as he watched his father read of more important things. "My son," Balor called from his desk not looking from the papers. "you will be happy to hear that most of the rocks have been removed from the villages and construction on the wall has begun. The people have you to thank." Nuada smiled. "Im glad to hear of it." It was quiet again, Nuada was preparing the right words but just couldn't seem to find them. He was thinking of Darragh's words.

"My prince do you plan to participate?" Darragh asked, confronting Nuada. They were the last left in the training grounds. "I'm unsure. Mostly I do not believe my father would allow it."

"Do YOU want to go?" Darragh asked emphasizing on what Nuada wished for. Nuada smiled the idea of having his first adventure far away in a mysterious land was more than what he could dare ask for, but his smile faded as he thought of his family.

"It does not matter what I want." Nuada picked up his weapons and began to walk away when Darragh called out.

"Pity. The winner of the tournament not only gets to go to Fearann Caillte but is awarded a gift from the Gealach temple. A weapon blessed, and hand crafted by the priests and priestesses. I believe your sister was asked to help design one of the winning blades, and award it to the winner."

Nuada paused dead in his tracks.

"Father, I need to ask something of you." Balor looked up from his work to see Nuada standing in front of his desk.

"I wish to participate in Sgaoileadh, and if I win – No – when I win, I want to go to Fearann Caillte." Balor was taken aback surprised. "I understand you wish to prove yourself but this isn't just training my son, it is running straight into the lions den."

"I don't care Father, I know I can win, if you just –"

"You should care." Balor cut his son of with a stern voice. "Sgaoileadh live a dangerous life many of which are cut short, and those who are fortunate to live long enough to see their sons born do not get to see them grow into men." Balor stood to face his son who held his breath to hear his answer. Balor sighed, "I think its best if you do not participate."

"What? Why?" Nuada cried. "You know why." Balor held a serious expression. "If anything happened to you there would be no heir to the throne." Nuada, hanging his head, upset swallowed his words, tightly clutching his fist. His father rested a hand on his shoulder.

"You must take care of your sister." Nuada pulled away from his fathers' touch angered by the responsibility that was placed before him. It was unfair to him, to care for her but be unable to have her, and when trying to break free from her be chained to her. "I. Am not. My sisters keeper!" Nuada shouted with rage, Balor, shocked by his sons behavior, let his anger rise up to meet his sons when suddenly the doors flew open.

"Your majesty!" A guard lead a young messenger came racing in behind him, panting "I'm terribly sorry, but I bring word from the North. Grendel and his mother have been slain." Balors anger was completely forgotten as a terrible feeling filled him even though he knew his people would cheer and celebrate. Grendel was no ally to either man or magical creature, he had followed in his mothers' footsteps ostracizing themselves away from the rest of the world, no ally but each other, enemies to all, but who was capable of bringing down such a beast?

"Who has killed them?

"A human mercenary by the name of Beowulf." The messenger replied

"Father what is wrong?" Nuada asked he thought his father would be happy to hear the news. Balor remained silent, lost in his thoughts until finally.

"You may go." He told the messenger

"Father? Please tell me. What is wrong?" Nuada asked sensing his fathers concern.

"We'll speak about this another night."

Silence.

"You may go." Balor said nothing more to him, but only held a look of disappointment

For the first time Nuada was filled with uncertainty, he had worked hard these past centuries, but the look his father held had made it feel as if he had accomplished nothing. Nuada felt a terrible realization as he stepped out in to the corridor, one that did not seem to exist before. It was an understanding of his very position. From the day of his birth, he was reminded why he was different than any other crowned prince in the world. His people were the link to man and magical beast, a source of balance. A balance he would one day lead.

Nuada found himself hours later staring outside a hall window, watching the blue waves crash up against the rock as the moonlight reflected on the sea. He looked far past the horizon into the darkness, into the unknown, casting back to him his own doubt. The wind howled like a mourning beast, in the distance, its cold breath sent shivers through him. The world began to seem much larger to the prince as he stood with nothing but the cold shadows starring back at him. He was unaware for how long he had stood there when suddenly a warm hand was placed on his shoulder sent a shock through him.

"Nuada, brother, are you all right?"

Nuala's voice held a sound of concern when he turned to meet her, her eyes reflected it as well. "What's wrong?" she asked. "Nothing." He said shrugging off her shoulder, turning to walk away.

Catching up to him, he tried losing her in the twisted hallways but to no luck. She was stuck to him unwilling to be shaken.

"It's father isn't it? You've spoken with him." He didn't like how she could read him so easily even without the help of her powers. "The tournament? Oh, how exciting! You should compete, I know you can win and then you can go see the world." Her optimism was surprising to him.

"You want to see the world and prove to father you are the prince you were always told you would be." Nuada tried his best to ignore and that proved more difficult when the winding hall came to a dead end. He scolded himself for not paying closer attention.

"You should." Nuada turned to see Nuala smiling warmly at him. "I know you want to compete and you should. You can't lie to me brother, I know how you feel." She smiled

"Feel?!" He shouted angrily. " How could you know?! How could you ever truly know?!"

"You have no idea! The pressure, the expectations set by father and our people!" with each word he took a step forward forcing Nuala into a corner he continued, "Your not even fit to rule, you can never understand. So don't ever say you know, you stupid girl!" Without hesitation Nuala swatted her hand across her brothers cheek, it burned and he was surprised by his sisters actions, and a strange calmness spread through him.

"You're wrong Nuada. I may be your sister, unfit to rule but I am also the other half of your soul." She stepped forward.

"Since before we were born, I have been by your side and together we took that step into the world as Aiden breathed life into our limbs. I have felt every blade slice your flesh, every burden on your mind, and every ache in your heart." Tears were threatening to fall from Nuala's eyes and a twinge of guilt resided over him. Nuada could feel himself turning red as Nuala continue to chastise him, he didn't understand, but he found every bit of her despair just as lovely as her happiness. His heart raced too quickly for him to stop himself leaving him flustered and embarrassed knowing that Nuala could sense this her eyes did not waver, she stood her ground staring back at him.

"So don't you dare say I could never understand."

She left him to ponder his thoughts, leaving him breathless. Nuada knew that she understood more than anyone else in this world, and the very idea of losing that person frightened him. He stood there for some time, as a passing servant noticed him,

"Are you all right your highness." She asked.

"What a magnificent Queen she would be." He whispered his face still burning red.

Nuada tossed and turned in his bed unable to sleep and he could sense that Nuala was still awake

These past years he had been torn. He, hating his sister but loving her, loathing her but wanting her. He understood the more he fought to push her away the greater his desire became. The guilt within him, for the first time in centuries, was too much. He pushed back his sheets, strapped on his boots and a simple ivory tunic he opened the door to his room and rushed down the hall. When came to Nualas door he was hesitant to knock, but surely he balled his fist and gently he tapped on his sisters door. "Nuala? . . ." he asked, silence. He tapped one more time, but still there was no response.

"Nuala . . .I'm – I'm sorry. And you were right you have always been here for me, even when I didn't want you too be." It was terribly silent and Nuada began to think he was speaking to an empty room. "Nuala. . . " He closed his eyes and her name echoed in his thoughts, he then could feel his soul reaching out to find her when he felt a warm and gentle presence linger over him. "I haven't been a good brother for so long and im going to make it up to you. Im going to speak with father again and join the tournament. I know its not for several weeks but when the time comes, come to the tournament. I want you to see me win. And I will win . . . Goodnight."

Writers Corner

To be continued in pt 2