The fourteenth arrived. It was written by night, after a horrible week... Well... the worst part about writing is (at least for me), that you might have a story in your head. But you have to wait for your muse to spit it out. The problem is that my muse visits me in most unexpected moments. Therefore, again I hope that what I'm publishing below makes sense.

Enjoy,

MS

Chapter XIV

Twilight slowly gave in to night. Cloaked figure soundlessly moved along the trees. Golden eyes thoroughly examined the space ahead, definitely searching for something. Eventually they rested upon a dark shape leaning against the tree. Black lips curved and left hand went up to unsheathe she sword. Elf continued sneaking, and he was just about to raise the blade to stranger's throat, when he found it blocked half way. Both men studied each other for a few moments, and then threw themselves into each other's arms. Their laugh spread over the forest.

"Nathaniel… my old friend… I was positive, that this lazy court life, would blunt your vigilance …"- Nuada's eyes glowed as he devoured his companion.

"You wish…. It's you who sneaks like troll…." Nathaniel beamed back at Nuada and sheathed his sword.

Nuada's eyes narrowed in feigned anger as he reprimanded elf – "Maybe I'm in exile, but I'm still your prince… Bear that in mind and show respect…

Nathaniel smirked and slightly bowed – " I apologize Your Royal Highness. However, even a prince, has to prove he is worth the title.." – with those words he flung forward and charged at Nuada eventually striking him to the ground. They both hit the ground laughing all the way, and then they started to wrestle. It didn't took long when Nathaniel found himself incapacitated by Nuada. His friend's elbow, pressed against shoulder joint made him see all constellations in galaxy.

"I like it that you challenge your sovereign. But I think that this discussion is over. What say you my vassal?" Nuada slightly increased the pressure making Nataniel's face cover in sweat.

"Yes, yes I give up Sire. I promise NEVER to question your perfection again!" Nathaniel chuckled

"Good" – Nuada slowly got up and reached out his hand to help him get up – "It seems that you lack a good spar partner"

"Since you've been gone…. Eh nothing to tell, really. I have impression that we linger. The pride of our people is being swept aside…" Nathaniel sighed - "Your father is meeting different human commanders, they are having their balls making us to fraternize with human mob… pitiful…"

"I pity you my friend. I really do, but I need you there to keep finger on the pulse. You are the only one I can trust.." – Nuada answered – " But don't worry, our moment is coming. We will regain the crown and squish the vermin. And everything will go back to how it was."

"Nuada…. what will you do if your father questions your right to the crown?" Nathaniel asked – "You will have to answer the challenge…"

"He would have to find me first. And I'm not going to give him time for that." – Nuada spouted – " But I know what you mean. I will fight him.... if I have to. The overall aim is more important than anything. He will have all the time in the world to accept that."

"And what about your sister… She will never forgive you this…" – Nathaniel inquired

"She will have no choice" – Nuada replied firmly – "I will be her king. She will obey. Sooner or later she will… Speaking of which, how is Nuala doing? Tell me all…" Nuada's eyes glowed at the memory of his sister.

"Nuala… Nuala is doing fine. At least on the outside. She's keeping your father's company, helps him to organize court life… But I'm worried about her. She seems downcast. I think she suspects that I'm seeing you. Very often, in our conversations she speaks, as she wanted me to pass on her words to you. She worries about you. And still she does not accept what did and what you are planning to do. She wants you to come back home, apologize to your father and obey his will. I think that's no news to you." Nathaniel stated

"No, not at all.." – Nuada frowned – " My sister… my sister is too soft. She believes that humans are good at heart, and that they learned their lesson. She's a dreamer, she always was. But I don't blame her. She didn't actually see what humans can do. She spent the war locked in palace. I on the battlefield. That's why our visions and expectations always fail to match…. But one day I will take her on a field trip.. and I will introduce her to Quirk. I'm sure that after being presented some of humans' "achievements" she will change her mind. It doesn't worry me at all."

"I can't wait it to happen, my friend…" Nathaniel sighed tilting his head down

"Ok, so let's quit the talking and move into action. What do you have for me?" Nuada asked

" A whole lot of good news…" – Nathaniel beamed back – " but not here. Come to Narfell. I'm staying in a tavern. A decent one. I have all maps there, so we could plan everything enjoying the bottle of old good Elvenquist. I happen to have one…"

"Alright then, I cannot fight the last argument..' Nuada raised his hands in gesture of surrender – " You know how to play me you old scoundrel…"

"I guess to some point... I do My Royal Highness.." Nathaniel bowed to Nuada

"Well lead the way. I'm at your mercy now. Nowadays I would to anything for the taste of good elven wine.."- Nuada spoke in melodramatic tone

"Perfect. Any advantage gained over you is a good advantage my Prince… But still there are too few of them…" Nathaniel chuckled – "Follow me then…" – he added stretching a hood on his head.

Nuada did the same, and they headed for Narfell.

Narfell was rather small city. Most of its population were humans, but one could spot a halfling or dwarf. They were treated as rarity there. Narfell's citizens were mostly merchants as Waukeen held the patronage over the city. The heart of the city was a huge market with Waukeen statue located in the middle. The buildings that surrounded market, were all taverns. Each of them offered different kind of atmosphere and services. Nathaniel stayed in the one that neighbored with Waukeen's temple. He chose it for few reasons. I was expensive, so not many humans could actually afford it. The level of services provided by tavern's staff almost met elf's high expectations. And the most important, the view of elves was something that personnel was used to, so they didn't drew to much attention. That was fair enough. So after bribing half drunk guard at the city gate, elves turned their steps directly to "Waukeen's Ally"

"Welcome back Sire!" the host rushed their direction double bent – "Everything is ready in accordance with your request. Sea food, fruits and glasses. Is there anything more I could do for you?

"Yes, there actually is." Nathaniel replied – " Prepare a room for my companion. And 2 hot hot baths. We need to refresh. Make it aromatic. There is a reason to celebrate."

"As you wish sire…"- the host bowed – "Please follow me.."

The elves followed the host as he led them upstairs.

"My Prince I suggest we should refresh a bit before coming to business. Let's meet in my room in an hour. There is much to tell and much to plan." Turned to Nuada

"That's a good idea Nathaniel, I hot bath is something I've been really missing. Not that I mind living in a forest… But my royalty demands luxury sometimes.." Nuada smirked

"So my friend, let's say that you have a date with an extremely handsome elf… in an hour my love.." Nathaniel jested

" You wish…"- Nuada chuckled

"Sire, may I walk you to your room. It's at the end of the corridor.." the host questioned

"Lead the way human" – Nuada answered. As they stopped in front of his room's door, he added –" And for the future, NEVER interrupt my conversation again. I like how you decorated this place. But I assume you would be able to run it without your tongue. Interrupt me again and you'll lose it. Understood?" Nuada finished the sentence an inch away from human's terrified face.

"Yes Sire… I apologize for my unforgivable behavior…" – human stuttered

"Now leave me…"- Nuada hissed – "Take a bath, you stink of sweat and I don't want even to think of what more…" – the elf added lowering golden eyes on wet stain spreading over the man's trousers.

Nuada smiled at the sound of human receding first in small quick steps and then running downstairs in panic. He entered the room. It was bathed in dim candlelight. Golden eyes investigated every piece of furniture. A large bed stood in the centre. Nuada approached it to examine the sheets. He tilted his head with satisfaction, when he found that there were made of finest Rahemenian silk. The prince took off his cloak and got rid of his weapons. Then he sat on the bed and freed his feet off boots. The last thing that fell down to the floor was his shirt which landed next to his leather armor. Nuada stretched himself on a bed letting out silent moan. He was tired. He closed his eyes and started to drift away as he was brought back by a timid knock on the door.

He sat on the bed and called - "What is it?!

Silent female voice answered – "I came with hot water for your bath, Sire…"

"Enter"- Nuada commanded

The door opened, and young girl entered the room. She was holding big bucket in her hand's. She looked extremely scared. Her palms were clutched on a handle to the point, that knuckles looked absolutely white. As if there was no blood in them. She have him fleeting, terrified glance, and quickly turned her steps to bathroom chamber. Nuada smirked and soundlessly followed her. He stood in the doorway, with his arms folded and watched her preparing his bath.

First she poured the bucket content into the "shell", then she used a pumping mechanism to add some cold water to it. Simultaneously she checked if the temperature is appropriate. Then she reached for the sack she had hidden in her apron, and she took out the handful of dried herbs. She threw them into the water. After a moment a sweet scent spread over the chamber, making them both inhale it with a smile.

The girl remained still for a few moments, and then she got up intending to leave. She was convinced that Nuada was lying on a bed, waiting for her to get out. Therefore when she noticed him at the door looking at her, she screamed out of surprise and fear, and jumped back.

"I'm sorry Sire…. I didn't expect to see you here. I'm leaving right away…." She rushed his direction with eyes bored into the ground. As she was about to pass him, his hand shot forward, blocking her way out.

"Please" – she whispered – " I don't want any trouble. Let me leave…" – her were still focused on her feet.

Nuada's eyes slid up and down the girl's body. If dressed better, she could be considered a attractive. But it was not the issue. Right now he needed a woman. It didn't matter that it was a human. He kept a fast for so long, that right now nothing really mattered. With his second hand he cupped her chin and made her look at him. Her eyes were filled with tears, all her body was shaking. She could be 16 maybe 17. She did not try to defend herself, she didn't even raise her hands. She just stood there watching him with tears pouring down her face. Suddenly Nuada's arousal faded away. He took his hand of the wall released girl's chin and silently said – " Go…"

She didn't react, she just stood there shaking and sobbing silently. That angered him, he raised his voice –" What are you waiting for?! Get out!!! Or I will change my mind…"

His yell seemed to revive her. She glanced at him, and then quickly ran to the door. Nuada shook his head, and entered the bathing chamber. As he was stripping off his pants, he caught his own reflection in the mirror. He examined himself in it. Gods granted him with appearance that would make every woman fall for him easily. And yet, certain circumstances led him to the point, he had to harass human female to ease the tension. For a moment his gaze rested upon freshly healed scars which he received from the Firestorm. That's how he called the female that almost killed him. He slowly immersed in the water, allowing it to caress his tensed muscles. He closed his eyes and smirked at the memory of her threatening him with death. She was so helpless and yet so warlike. Which made breaking her more challenging. When he finishes his business with Nathaniel, he will have an entertaining reward awaiting. With a smile he imagined her pinned to the wall, with legs wrapped around his hips screaming his name, begging him to give her more. He clenched his teeth and strangled the need. How desperate must he be to fantasize about human.

He got up and searched for a towel. He could not find it, although he was positive that he had seen it somewhere. Suddenly the voice from behind made him turn around quickly:

"You're looking for this?" – Nathaniel stood at the door smirking – "You question my vigilance? You were so lost in your thoughts, that I could really take your head with me if I wanted…"

"Ok, so you caught me off guard. Nobody's perfect…" – Nuada snarled – "Now give me the towel will you?

"Where did you get these?" – Nathaniel asked throwing a towel to Nuada

" The scars? Ah, long story. And to embarrassing to share it with my vassal" – Nuada smirked drying himself and walking towards the bedroom

"Guess I'll need to get another bottle of Elvenquist to get it out of you?" – Nathaniel mocked

"No, not even a gallon of it would help." – Nuada replied lacing his shirt

"Since you are ready, come my Prince.. we have a lot of things to talk over" – Nathaniel opened the door for Nuada and followed him.

**************************************

Two elves leaned over the table covered with maps and drawings. They looked like mirror images of each other. Both high, muscular, with cascade of white hair enclosing their focused faces.

"The crown piece is right here" – Nathaniel rested his finger upon a small spot – " Humans moved it to rest by commander that acknowledged the truce with your father. Humans are such stupid creatures. They managed to keep the piece's location secret for so long. And now they put it in most predictable place of all…" elf sneered – "Or to be fair, they are not that stupid. My scout managed to find out, that it was not put in Christof's tomb. It has been hidden in one of surrounding. So my friend, Graveyard District is what we are heading for.."

"Perfect my friend.." – Nuada tilted head – " What with security? I believe it will still be highly protected…

"Yes, but it's nothing that we couldn't manage. The tomb is guarded by a small troop of City Guards. It's members are recruited from province's military formations. They are said to be the best, and they are trained to fight against any kind of opponent. They are good." – Nathaniel wavered his voice and then sneered – "But we are better. The troop consists of 20 soldiers. Four of them guard the entrance, the rest is located inside the tomb. That's all I know. But I think that would be enough. I will bring two more men with me. With four of us we will break through. There's another thing that worries me. …" elf's eyebrows crooked as he looked at his companion

"What is it my friend?" – Nuada smiled at Nathaniel's worried look

"The tomb is said to be larded with traps. Which makes our task a bit more complicated. We would need to recruit someone who knows how to deal with traps. Human traps. And this person would need to be really good. And at this point I'm out of ideas…."

Nuada sat down on a chair and rubbed his temples. Then he leaned back and folded his arms upon chest. He focused his eyes on a small spot marking the Graveyard District on the map. Nathaniel took his glass and approached the window. They remained silent for a few moments.

Nuada drifted away from the room. His mind raced trying to find solution. It would be extremely stupid to storm into the tomb, and get killed by first trap. He's been planning it for too long to spoil it in such thoughtless way. His good mood disappeared. So close. He was so close… All his plans shuttered to pieces just before his eyes. He hoped that victory is only a week away. That he would return to Quirk and Wink in a blaze of glory. And Firestorm awaiting. Firestorm………

Suddenly his lips corner's slightly went up. The pieces slowly merged together. Nuada's smile widened. This revenge would be a masterpiece. Nuada slightly nodded as he spoke:

"Nathaniel, I think that I've got someone who would die to take up this task. I just need to make her an offer. The one she would not refuse… Tomorrow I'm setting out home. We will met here in a week. And then we head for Ashane. Dreams come true my friend…" – with a smile Nuada raised his glass, and emptied it.

Nathaniel crooked his head. Nuada smiled at his friend confusion. There was no need for explanation. But there was a whole lot of room for celebration. Elvenquist has never tasted so good….