Just a litttle bit of action. Inspired by NIN song "Just like you imagined" It has been haunting me for a whole week.

Pretty thanks for the hits. Still hoping for reviews :) I'm really open to all suggestions concerning my work. Even if not pink and fluffy I still appreciate them. Every feedback is a motivation to try harder...

Oh and warning.. I'm a fangirl... So a little bit of my drool over Nuada might occur : Well human nature..

Regards,

MS

It was merely dawning when Nuada left the lair and headed for the clearing to train. This was his daily routine. For greater part of his life was in war, or has been preparing to it. His body was marked with the scars that his enemies gave him. The wounds on his body healed, skinned over. The mind however was infested with myriad, gaping injuries regularly contaminated by his resentment towards humans. But now for the first time in ages, he was calm. Each piece of his plan was finally in place. Only three more missing. Three pieces of the crown. At this very moment he could almost feel its cold weigh resting in his hands. Never had a dream been so close. Almost physical. Almost touchable.

A slight breeze coming from a lake flipped Nuada's hair back. He felt multitude of tiny water drops cover his chest and abdomen. He closed his eyes and submitted to this feeling. The spear started to circle along with his wrist. Its moves gradually gained speed until it twirled. All of a sudden elf lunged forward and cut the air before him. Then he moved the whirling blade over his head, and slashed the point opposite to his earlier attack. For a split of a second the blade stopped. The prince threw him self left and during his flight, he made the sequence of moves that parted the air in few more places. He reached the air rolled over, jumped to his feet and with his blade he made his personal area unreachable. After this initial part of a training, he made his lance extend, and with a master's precision he made it dance in his arms. A pure Danse Macabre.

When he finished, the sun has already greeted the earth, caressing it's surface with warm beams. After the last turn, Nuada straightened and rested the lance between his shoulder blades. Sunlight made sweat drops covering his body glitter. The glow exposed each of his perfectly carved muscles. As he stood there, letting the wind play with his hair, he felt that this was where he belonged. A perfect union of nature and its most dedicated defender. Beloved child. He left the clearing and headed for the lake. When he reached it, he put his lance down, and stripped. Very slowly he entered the water. It had the temperature of mountain lake. Nuada bit his lower lip as he proceeded further. It was always a test for his self discipline. Gradually his body adjusted to given conditions. Nuada slowly spread his arms and plunged into the water. Swimming was his way to tranquilize his body and mind after intense training. After doing a few lengths, he came out of the water. He slowly put on his pants, and then he bent down to get his lance. After having it shrank, he rested it upon his neck, and headed for the cave.

Entering it, he stopped half-step at the view that revealed before his eyes. Woman was sitting shirtless as Quirk was removing the bandages. Unwillingly Nuada's gaze rested on her small breasts. His loins clenched forcing him to take a deep breath. He forced himself to look away.

His body's reaction angered him. He did not desire this human. At least he did not want to. Ignoring the woman, he entered the cave and automatically he headed for the weapon stand. From the corner of his eye, he saw her rapidly raising her arms to cover herself. That amused him, for he would never suspect this impertinent human of being that prudish.

"How are your wounds – he asked focusing on his lance, giving her time to dress

"If you're asking me, if I'll be ready to face you, don't worry. I sure will." – the annoyance in her tone made his mood rise even more. He turned around to look at her. She stood there with hands resting on her hips. Her eyes were tossing lightings his direction. Nuada put himself in the same position and asked"

"Are you sure you want this? I don't think it's necessary…"

"Why? Do you fear me?" Nessa interrupted him half- sentence

Nuada took a deep breath again. She tried every little bit of his self- control. If he only didn't need her… She spear danced in his wrist. With one leap he was on front of her. Two shiny slashes fell down her sides. Nessa felt the sleeves of the shirt she wore, coming down her arms. They left hanging on a piece of material left under her armpits. It was the first time, she thought that this duel was not such a good idea. Nuada's face was just an inch away from hers when he murmured

"Do not prod me, Human. For your own good do not. I could show you why, but I don't want to. Yet you are very efficient in weakening my will." – his lips' corners twitched as he added "The sleeves were too long anyway"

He slowly backed off and headed for bedroom leaving Nessa astounded.

Nessa was brought up by Quirk's voice

"See, I told you. Little you know about him. And you are constantly disrespecting him, my Dear. Weigh your words. I would if I were you."

Nessa casted Quirk furious look, she grabbed two wooden sticks and stormed out

She ran for the middle of the clearing. She was angry to the point that she wanted to cry. Angry, frustrated, caged… Suddenly she became a part of some awkward situation which she formally controlled, but underneath it all, she felt that she was lured straight into a trap. But the trap was set up long ago, and she got too deep into it to be able to withdraw without dishonoring herself. This was the most absurd and humiliating situation she had ever experienced. A deadlock. From now on, she was sure, that each choice she would make, would be the wrong one. At this moment Nessa could see only one aim – to defend her pride. This motivated her to make first swing with a stick. Then and gradually her moves merged into one deadly dance. She turned off her mind and swept all doubts aside. Now all her world were these two sticks complimenting each other's actions.

Nuada watched her train from behind the tree. First he focused on her face, still emotionless. Then he moved to wooden sticks that made up for her weapons. They acted as extensions of her arms, working in perfect harmony with the rest of her body. Fast, precise and deadly efficient. He was convinced that he would defeat her. Now knowing the opponent, being aware of her weaknesses, and most of all having an overall aim, that didn't leave any room for doubt. But there was something more. He looked forward to crossing his blade with her, because he missed challenging adversary And she had what he has been looking for. Skills, temper, and she was a reward herself. And now he was ready to face her with clear mind. No unnecessary emotions involved He smiled smugly and slowly left his hideout. He walked towards her approaching her from behind.

Nessa was doing arcs making the sticks pass each other in the air. She heard someone coming. She smirked. Now he's spying on me? She held until she was convinced that he was right behind her. She made a quick turn and led one stick horizontally. It was blocked by a spear. Nessa didn't even try to act surprised.

"So now what? Are you spying on me? You know what I can do. You've seen me fight. What more do you want?" she attacked him with questions

"I did tell you what I want. I want you. And I will have you in two days. And now? I don't want anything. It's just that… your skills intrigue me. Who taught you this?" Nuada queried

"Oh… so now we befriend? I' d rather not." – Nessa frowned and turned away from him – "You're interrupting my practice. Is it part of your strategy, or you just cannot stand a second without me?"- the sticks started to whirl again in her wrists.

"How deep is your hate?"- he asked making her stop and cast him a surprised gaze from over her shoulder

"Why do you think I hate you?" she replied with a question –"You're very wrong. You'd have to mean anything to me. Since you don't,…." granted him a meaningful look – "You have to deserve my hate, my Royal Highness.

"That's a very good speech. Really touching. Almost heartbreaking. But I know you do. If you didn't you wouldn't be so eager to kill me." Nuada sneered – " Which only spices up our little play. Now continue your training. I want you to give me your best. Only best. Now if you excuse me…" he bowed and and slowly walked towards the trees.

She watched his back as he moved away. If gaze could kill, he would have been stabbed with a dozen of daggers. Nessa's hands clutched on the sticks. She visualized smashing his skull with them. She let the sticks out of her hands and sat on the grass. She covered face with her hands. And then she moved them backwards allowing her fingers to intertwine with her hair. She rested a blank gaze on space front of her. Suddenly her fist fell on the ground.

I got myself in, so now I have to get my self out. No matter the price......

She stood up and continued her training. She was positive of one thing. If she was to be his prize, she would make sure, that winning her would cost him much. As much as she could make him pay. Just as Rhys told her once: If you ever come to a battle you cannot win, make it worth to remember, for it will probably be your last one.

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

It was dark, cloudy day. A cool breeze coming from the lake saturated the air with unpleasant moist. Nessa's arms covered in goose bumps, as the gust of wind entwined her making her shirt and hair dance. With a little help from Quirk, she managed to mend the sleeves that Nuada had cut off. She adjusted them to her arms length, and then sewed them back. From the scraps of material that left , she plaited a provisional belt which she tied upon her waist. She stood at the cave's entrance watching brushwood wave. What was the most peculiar; it all seemed to be the silence before the storm. She felt something big coming her way. And for the first time in her life she was not sure of the outcome. She felt somewhat uncomfortable and lost. She wished to be back in Amaranth, again to be the Queen of her domain. She got used to being in control. And reluctantly she had to admit to herself that got tricked way to easily. That was splinter that stuck in her pride. Painfully.

"I think that you're acting very reckless. And immature. You are aware, that there's no way you could win this." – Quirk's voice brought her round – "Master made you a decent offer. Why are you so haughty?"

"Quirk, you told me once, that pride is the only thing your Master has now. And it made him hunt me. Meaningless woman from a minor city. Just because of some stupid incident in a tavern. He dedicated much of his time and effort to find me. And why? Just to prove my inferiority to me? To himself? Don't you think that he's acting strange? And his reaction is delicately speaking exaggerated?" – Nessa answered without turning her head – "Yes, I'm reckless. If I wasn't I simply wouldn't be here now. Yes, I'm immature, I'm only twenty…What would you expect of me… life wisdom? At this age?" sly smile crawled up on her face to disappear as she continued – "And yes I'm feisty, cause my pride is all I have. My pride and blades. And I'm not going to give them away easily. Call me stupid. I don't care. That's what I've been taught. No one will EVER accuse me of cowardice. And accepting the offer would mean nothing less."

Quirk nodded in silence. She could not fight her reasoning. To the same extend she could not fight her Master. In this moment, she found that Nuada and Nessa were very much alike. Both stubborn and hopelessly honorable. This could only end one way, and there was nothing she or anyone else could do to change it. A strong gust of wind seemed to acknowledge her conviction.

"Are you ready, Human?" – Nuada emerged from behind the curtain – "The weather doesn't favor us, but it wouldn't be a problem, would it? Or you want to withdraw?"

Nessa watched him as he approached. Elf's appearance intimidated her for a moment. He was dressed in the same outfit, that he wore on the day they first fought – black boots, black shirt and purple silk scarf with a tree emblem placed on the abdomen area. He really looked like royalty. For the first time Nessa caught a sight of man in him. And the view didn't seem unpleasant to her. When prince stopped just in front her, she realized his height, she had to lift up her head to meet his gaze. It was still and focused. In his left hand he held the belt with her blades. His own rested upon his back.

"So what's your decision, Woman?" – he inquired

"The blades.. " – she replied firmly reaching out her hand.

"Very well." - black lips curved as Nuada handed her the belt – "Bear in mind, that bruises or other minor injuries won't delay our departure. And you're doing everything to make your journey more painful that it needs to be."

"I'll remember. Thank you for your concern. Now maybe we move from conversation to action? I know that royalty has a tendency to talk much, but you needn't to waste your words on me. The mob has a tendency not to listen…" Nessa mocked

"You're right. Talking will not solve anything. Shall we?" with his arm gesture he invited her to step out of the cave.

She held his amused gaze for a moment, and then she left. He followed her. Wink and Quirk joined right after. In absolute silence they reached the clearing. Nuada took his position and awaited for Nessa to do the same. After she buckling her belt and pinning her hair she was ready. She stood at the other end of the clearing. They simultaneously walked towards the middle decreasing the distance between them. Each of them challenged the other with gaze. Finally they stopped about 4 yards from each other. The silence was interrupted by Nuada's voice

"So that's it. In presence of witnesses I promise, that in case of my defeat, you are free, you are allowed to leave and none of my people will take up any action to harm you or stop you. In case of my win, you'll join me in my proceedings without any questions. I will need approximately the month of your time. As for our cooperation, I demand three things, loyalty and respect and commitment. You will be paid for your efforts. Once we complete the mission, you are free to go. That will make us even. Do you accept my conditions?" Nuada asked

"Yes I do." Nessa replied – "but you forgot to mention one significant thing" she sneered at Nuada's puzzled look – "the head, Elfie, the head…I'd like to have a souvenir."

"Prepare yourself"- Nuada murmured – "To get a price you have to win it first.'' he added unsheathing his blades.

"True, after all it's me who's not very fond of talking…" – Nessa smirked raising her blades

Suddenly the sky flashed with lightning, and then the thunder rumbled through the place. It was followed by the sound of two blades clashing. Two figures already came close, giving a start to rare performance of skills and determination. Both of them were focused on opponent's blade. Nuada's actions were dominated by acrobatic attacks. With the help of sommersaults, and jumps he cornered Nessa. From the very beginning she found it hard to deflect his hits. She noticed that something has changed since the last time they fought. Nuada seemed to be constrained and therefore focused and definitely faster. She tried to provoke him with her gaze, but he didn't seem to react.

This is not good – she thought avoiding cunning attack aiming for her legs

He was everywhere, back, front, left, right. She was not even given the chance to attack as she had to focus on keeping his blades away from her. Only her warrior intuition allowed her to foresee his next position. After another flash of a lightning she felt a raindrop coming down her neck.

How epic… storm and rain. And a night to remember…. She didn't know how his forearm found a loop in her defense. Blow to the ribs knocked her off her feet. Her eyes glazed when she was still in the air. She fell to the ground a few feet's further, fighting for air. The blades fell out of her hands, leaving her defenseless.

Nuada approached her and resting one blade on his neck scoffed:

"Disarming yourself? No, no I don't like it. Don't disappoint me. Pick up your weapons. Or this is it?"

Nessa sat up grimacing in pain. She hoped that the rib was not broken, for her right side pulsed with strong pain. She reached for weapons, got up, took two steps back and spoke:

"Ready when you are…" – she gasped

"Perfect…" black lips grinned

They came close again in fight fervor. Again they blades clanged as their bodies danced trying to gain advantage over each other. The rain was becoming more intense. Nuada watched Nessa raciness with pleasure. Nessa pirouetted and kicked elf below the knee making him kneel. She lunged sideways to cut him through the shoulder. Nuada rolled over and with one accurate kick took Nessa's legs out. Woman lost her balance and fell on her side. Within a second they were back on their feet again. They both were wet and covered in mud. Nessa was tired. Soaked clothing slowed her moves, her rib and shin ached. She had to finish it fast for she knew she could not take much more. With a yell she charged at Nuada.

The lightning brightened the clearing, providing perfect background for the final scene.

Nessa led first blade horizontally and second vertically. They both were deflected. In a pirouette the tried to reach his side. She was almost there, when Nuada unexpectedly somersaulted backwards and before she managed to react she felt a blade pressed to her neck.

"That's enough" he said firmly – "I guess my head stays with me, just like you."

Nessa slowly lowered weapons. The defeat left bitter taste in her mouth. She turned her head to look at him. His face expression made her hands clutch on handgrips.

"I wouldn't"- he warned her increasing the pressure of blade on her neck

"So what now?" she asked slowly sheathing her blades

"Welcome to my fellowship, Firestorm" – Nuada sneered lowering the blade- "Come, there are few rules that I need to present to you. But not in this rain."

"I will join you in a minute. I'd like to be left alone for a while" – Nessa replied

"As you wish.." – Nuada turned away and walked towards the trees. Then he stopped, looked at her and shouted – "Don't judge yourself too hard. You withstood the longest…." Paused and teased her – " And I still find your potential interesting'.

Nessa fixed her gaze on space in front of her. She didn't react to his roistering. After a while she was alone. She stood there allowing the rain to pour down her face. The omnipresent consciousness of defeat strangled her. Raindrops allowed her to hide tears. It was a terrible humiliation. And worse was yet to come. Very slowly she raised her hand to her chest. The second one searched for the belt, clutched on handgrip. Nessa partially unsheathed it and then she stopped interrupted by Quirk's voice

"Why would you think this would be a honorable way out?"

"Quirk, I thought I said, that I wanted to be left alone. Why can't you respect my wish?" Nessa snarled

"I asked you a question. Do your really think that killing yourself will make you look better? It's the highest time someone told you that. You lost a bet. Do I have to remind you, that it was YOU who proposed it? You act childish. If you value your pride so much, you should get up, shake the dust off your shoulders, and face what you had brought upon yourself. You made a vow, and honorable people keep up to their word. End of the lesson."

Nessa clenched her teeth. After a moment of intense inner fight, the blade returned to the sheathe.

Rhys wouldn't want this. That would be cowardice. If this is supposed be my lesson, I'm ready to take it.

Very slowly she left the clearing. Mistakes are part of life. And this time it was her turn to bow to destiny.