OK, here's a little silence after the storm....and before the storm...
First of all again, thank you for the reviews. This is what motivates me, and my muse to get on with it.
So SesshiraRayu, and Found-in-a Reverie. I really appreciate your feedback.
To the rest of the world... thank you for the hits, I take them as a message "we're not asleep... yet"
And one more favor... I've been reading a lot of fanfics lately (sick leave, a lot of time...) and well. I caught this Mary Sue obsession. To what I'd like to ask of you is.. If my character has a tendency to go mary-sueish DO SLAP ME! I know she's strong, and whatsoever, but I really try to make her real. But since I'm not a REAL writer, I might have lost my distance somwhere (taking into consideration the fact that Nessa is 10 years old now).
Well hopefully enjoy XVII.
MS
Nuada finished changing his clothes. With one hand he dried his white hair and the other reached for maps and drawings he was about to show to human. Today he intended to introduce Firestorm to his plan. And to watch her struggle. He knew exactly what she felt right now, for he felt the same for a long time. It was her turn for humiliation. He entered the common room holding papers in his hands. To his surprise she wasn't there. Anxiety crawled towards his heart. It took too long. She should be back unless… unless she was up to something stupid. Nuada grabbed his spear and rushed towards the exit. As he was reaching for the curtain, Nessa rolled into the cave, almost ran into him. She moved her eyes from his face to a spear in his hand and asked
"Do you ever part with your spear? It did enough for you today. Perhaps it's time to put it down." –she jested – "if you want anything from me tonight.. forget it." her face winced as her hand went up to her ribs- " I formally say that I had enough."
She limbed towards the table and slowly sat down on a chair. A silent groan came out of her throat
"Bloody hell, that hurts…." She whispered to herself
Nuada eyed her up and down. She looked totally miserable, soaked through, covered in mud. Nuada relaxed, span his spear blade down, and went back to get the maps that he had left on the bed. He returned with maps in one hand and shirt in the other. He tossed it to Nessa saying:
"Put it on. And bear in mind that it's the last piece of clothing that I'm giving you." – he locked her eyes against his and added - " I don't pity you. I just don't want to burden Quirk more."
"Well in this case I won't thank you. Could you at least turn around? Allow me to keep this part of my dignity…."
"No." – black lips stretched in malicious grin
"MASTER NUADA, FOR YOUR HONOR!..." Quirk exclaimed and then quickly covered her mouth as if she tried to stop the words that came out of it.
Wink and Nessa froze watching those two having a soundless argument. After a while Nuada shrugged and groaned in feigned disappointment
"What kind of Master I am, that my servants do not allow me to manage my own property?"
Quirk relaxed, put her hands on the hips and chuckled - "Servant's role is also to remind his sovereign of noblesse oblige rule."
Nessa used the time they took on the conversation to change. After initial examination, to her relief she found, that the rib was not broken, just considerably wasted. Bloody trail already appeared along the rib line. She winced at the pain that was to come.
Nuada returned to her and said – "I see that you're quick. But you need a bath, or at least a wash. Go…" with his hand he invited her to the bedroom – " Quirk will assist you as well as she will defend your virtue. Do not fear, with such guard, you're save." the he finished the sentence half giggling.
Nessa cast Nuada an outraged gaze. Suddenly she felt laughter coming to her throat. Probably the tension became ready to get out. It started with silent giggle. And then it turned to some sort of spasmodic laughter. Her side exploded with pain with every breath she took, but still she could not stop. Quirk was disoriented; she was looking at them in pure disbelief. Finally Nessa managed to calm down enough to say:
"Perhaps it is your virtue demands protection.. Mine is somewhat…… absent…"
Her words caused another burst of laughter. Nuada joined her and now they both choked. It lasted for a few more moments until Quirk ordered:
"Stop it you two!" she sounded offended – "Do you always have to garble good intentions?!" – she flied up and located herself an inch away from Nuada's face – "One day you'll regret making fun of me.." –she poked his shoulder
"And the same refers to you. I don't know what's so funny about this… - "she gesticulated in front of Nessa's nose – "Perhaps I'm old fashioned, but lady, should respect herself. ALWAYS! I will be in the bedroom if you should need help with washing yourself.." She granted them last angry look and graciously left the room. Nuada and Nessa exchanged surprised gazes and wiped the tears off their faces. Nessa followed Quirk shouting;
"Don't be angry Quirk, I'm sorry. Don't be mad…"
Nuada walked her with eyes and listened to her trying to appease affronted fairy. After a while his bedroom filled with women's laughter. That most probably meant that all issues have been explained. Nuada smiled. He missed the sound of honest laughter. He unfolded the maps and patiently waited for his new companion. After a while, Nessa entered the room.
"Alright, I'm dry, clean… a little bit wasted, but I thing I'm ready to hear your fairytale."
"And it will be the best you'll ever hear" he pointed at the chair – "Sit"
Nessa slowly approached the chair. She sat down heavily and winced. She straightened and crossed her legs, folded her arms upon the chest, leaned back and spoke:
"Well, speak then. I'm dying to know what made you find my potential interesting?"
"Your fingers thief, your fingers…" Nuada smirked at her puzzled look – "I want you to help me to get to something…. Valuable to me…speaking of which, how do you feel about tomb raiding?"
"How do I feel? You're royalty here. You should consider it repulsive…. I don't mind it. As long as I'm well paid and entertained.. I don't mind it at all." she slowly leaned forward, rested elbows on the table and pillowed head on left arm. "So do continue, it's getting really interesting"
Nuada smirked and without taking his eyes of Nessa's face rested his pale finger on a small point. "The artifact is located somewhere here. Graveyard District. Ashane. I need you to help me to explore some tombs. I don't know where it was hidden, so it will be necessary to investigate all. Questions?"
"Well yes, even a few….. do you have any plans of district? Tomb itself?" Nessa queried.
"Here "- Nuada tossed another paper piece on the table
"Perfect" – Nessa slowly got up, unfolded the plan and placed it next to Graveyard's map. She studied them for a moment. Nuada watched her in silence. Her face was focused, sort of absent, and her eyes slid from one sheet to another, trying to embrace as many details as possible. After a while she raised her head and asked - " What's with security? Any details?"
Nuada stood up approached her leaned against the table and spoke – "City Guards division, 20 people. 4 are located at the entrance, the rest is inside. But these are not of your concern. Your task is to find and disarm the traps that are surely there. The rest belongs to me and my men."
"You have no idea about thievery, do you.. PRINCE?" she chuckled and immediately winced – "We cannot openly attack City Guards. At least not outside the tomb. I've never been to Ashane, but I heard that Graveyard District is not easy loot. It is generally well guarded, so I think that we might need slightly more detailed plan…"
At first Nuada felt sting of anger as he glanced at her amused face expression. Who was she to tell him how to get rid of opponents standing in his way? But then at the second thought he had to admit that she was right. He didn't know much about roguish business. That's why he needed her and that's why he decided to listen to what she had to say. He waited for her to calm down and said – "Alright then, you got me. I'm ready to listen to your proposal.. just don't forget who's in charge, human."
Nessa nodded, and started to speak. Her fingers traveled up and down the map stopping at some strategic points. She always lifted her head up in order to see Nuada's reaction to her words. Nuada smiled smugly, as she appeared to be quite good strategist. As he watched her, explaining each move to him, he came to this irritating conclusion. He considered her…desirable again, especially now, when her eyes mesmerized him with its fire. His loins clenched painfully as his eyes slid down her body. Although her figure was not very feminine, rather boy like, provisional outfit that covered it exposed all places that Nuada'd rather keep hidden. His mind was now having a fierce struggle with primal instincts. After all he won. She he could demand anything of her. And if she refused, even take her by force. But that would be what humans would do. HUMANS glared in his mind cooling him down. He forced himself to move his eyes back to the maps.
"…And that's why I need to go to Amarath. Perhaps I could get some additional info from my contacts. I think that would make this quest much easier. So?.." she suspended voice and looked at the elf
"It's late, I need a rest. You too. We'll return to this conversation tomorrow." – he replied and turned his steps to the bedroom. Nessa followed him with eyes until she lost his back out of sight. She sat down heavily and rested her head upon her hand. It all seemed too easy. He spared her life just to have her disarm some traps. He could have picked any other rogue. And disembowel her. Why didn't he? Nessa frowned Either I'm paranoid or he's dragging me into some sort of wicked game. She laid down on bearskin trying to spare sore rib. The dreams that came to her were not at all comforting. She felt as if she was locked in the cage of his amber eyes, no matter where she ran, she couldn't hide. They'd always find her. And then there was only darkness.
*****************************************
Nuada had his lance shrunk as he ended the training. The good mood didn't leave him. From now on Firestorm was his main entertainment. He knew that obeying him cost her even more that accepting the defeat. Everything was going according to a plan. Nuada vigorously headed for the lake to take a swim. As he emerged from behind the trees, he saw Nessa sitting on the grass and watching at the lake. She didn't have any shirt on, only a strip of material covering her breasts. Apart from scars, her body was black and blue. A huge bruise on her side merged with one upon her back. She must have got it once he hit her against the tree. The gust of wind flipped her hair back and made it dance.
"Awake, so early?" Nuada asked approaching her slowly – "As far as I know, humans value a good night sleep"
"Yes we do." Nessa replied kept her eyes fixed upon the lake – "It's just my rib doesn't seem to share the opinion"
"That's how you wanted it" – Nuada snorted – "I don't feel guilty." He turned away to leave
"Why?" Nessa's question made him stop
"Why "what""he frowned – "Why I do not feel guilty?"
"No." Nessa replied lifting her head to catch his eyes – "Why am I here? What about me made you bring me here and start all this? I don't believe it was the tavern. I just don't"
"Oh we're in reflexive mood? Is it that hard to believe, that not minding your own business might bring you trouble?" – he asked resting his spear on the shoulder – "Yes, you're here ONLY because you didn't remain silent when you should have. As simple as that."
"And was I worth it?" Nessa's brows went up in authentic surprise
"Definitely yes." – evil smile crawled up on elf's face as his eyes rested on her injuries – "It's been ages since I last had such a good time with human. You tend to die too quickly… You Woman lasted the longest. Take it as compliment."
"Why do you hate humans so much?" Nessa inquired
" Oh so now what, we befriend? I'd rather not" – with feigned outrage Nuada took off Nessa's words.
"Alright, I get it…" Nessa smirked at his well aimed irony – "I'm stubborn, I will ask until I receive the answer or you behead me."
"That would mean that you would have to tolerate me for longer than requested month. Would you really want it?" Nuada crooked his head
Nessa slowly got up. Nuada saw that every move was painful to her. She slowly straightened up approached him and with a sly smile said
"Your Royal Highness, according to your promise, after a month I'm free. Who knows? Perhaps I'll find my new mission. Making you love us? – she jested – "But to start healing I must know what causes the illness…" her blue eyes sparkled sending this obnoxious impertinent message.
"What's your name, Human?" he asked fixing his eyes on a point above her head
"Nessa" she replied to his chin
"Well, Nessa.." he said bending down, positioning his mouth next to her ear – "I will tell you a secret… You're not irreplaceable. I don't need your head. But I suggest you to watch it. When it falls off your neck, it'll be too late for second thoughts. Bad temper... I'm SURE you understand"
His voice made Nessa shiver. Suddenly she realized that she really wouldn't want him to fulfill his promise. She slowly backed off and intended to leave. The caught a glimpse of his profile. It was noble, perfect, as it had been carved by some artist. But on the other hand there was this wilderness, which she failed to notice earlier. The feeling that came to her was strange. It was warmth mixed with… desire? She cast the thought aside. She just wouldn't.
She was brought around by his grasp tightening on her wrist.
"Are you listening to me, Human?" his annoyed tone made her blink
"What?!" she snarled struggling to free her wrist
"I just asked if Quirk had seen your injuries.." – his grasp tightened making her freeze
"No. I didn't think it was necessary…" she answered confronting his gaze
"Well I do. Go and tell Quirk to take a look at it. I'm sure she'll figure out something"- Nuada stated
"I still…" –Nessa tried to argue when she was interrupted half- word
"I SAID I DO. I'm really getting tired of your insubordination. I order you to go and have your wounds fixed. Will you go by yourself or should I carry you there?" Nuada's voice become a growl and his grasp made Nessa's fingers limb.
"Alright I will! Now let me go will you? Without my fingers I'm of no value to you.." she shouted trying to free her hand again
"You got that very right"- he released her hand and with a sneer continued – "You are worthless human filth. A temporary entertainment. I only need your body to do something for me. I don't need you to believe in it, you don't have to understand it. Just do what you are told. Nothing more, nothing less. In return you'll regain your pitiful life back. I think that's very generous offer. A month in exchange for life. " he watched her eyes narrowing in anger as she replied
"Just one loop in your plan Your Royal Pitifullness. ASK ME IF I CARE .. That was just my pledge of respect. Adequate to yours" she held his gaze for a moment and added – "I don't have to respect you in order to do my job right. And I won't." She turned on a heal and started to walk away. Then she stopped and spat from over he shoulder "I'm just reminding you that last night makes us even. So don't flatter yourself that much…"
Nuada watched her leave. In his head his thoughts rumbled against each other. He didn't know why he had said that. After all he respected her as a warrior, she had proven her worth to him. He even started enjoy her company and her specific and sarcastic sense of humor. She was the first human who did not fear him. At least formally. Even her insubordination and lack of humility amused him… to some point. A deep plunge cooled his senses. He doesn't have to be kind towards her. After all she's just a tool. And even if he finds her company entertaining, he cannot allow her to get under his skin. His loneliness was coming to and end. Soon enough he wouldn't even consider human's company enjoyable.
When he returned to the lair, she was sitting on a chair with arms folded upon chest. As she noticed him, her eyes tossed invisible daggers his direction. To his amusement he found that her cheeks were slightly red, which meant that she had to be furious. She was turning his small dagger in her fingers. He ignored her gaze and slowly headed for the bedroom.
"I need to go to Amarath whether you like it or not. I need my equipment supplemented. I need new armor and new clothing. I won't go in some girly elf's dress. I NEED TO GO TO AMARATH!" Nessa gradually raised her voice and ended yelling.
"Don't raise your voice. If you want something all you need to do is ASK" – evil smile crawled upon Nuada's face
"I forget it. I won't…" Nessa growled
"Then you'll go in girly dress…" Nuada sneered
"Without tools I won't disarm anything… I NEED to have my tools. Which part you don't understand?!" – Nessa tried to remain calm but her voice trembled
"I assure you I understand perfectly. All you need to do is ask. Your blackmail is not very convincing. If I cannot use you, I'll find someone else. And as for you, we'll return to my primary idea. I like it." Nuada calmly answered
"If I'm so disposable, why do you bother? Why not kill me and find someone else.?!" Nessa tried to calm down
"Oh that's easy…" Nuada approached her sneering – "Why would I destroy my property? That wouldn't be very wise, would it? Well anymore smart remarks? Any?.. A little one?" – the way he mocked at her made Nessa's jaw clench. She was annoyed with herself. This pathetic sissy got on her nerves perfectly. She studied her boots for a moment, and then spoke through tightened throat
"Can we go to Amarath? I really need to get some things." She ended almost whispering
"I didn't hear the word.." Nuada demanded
"…Please.." – she murmured avoiding his sneering gaze
"We'll go there tomorrow" – Nuada grinned – "And next time you'll ask, say it louder. I hardly heard you this time"
That was it. Nessa's mind burst with rage. Before she realized what she was doing the dagger flied elf's direction aiming straight at his heart. Suddenly it lost its speed and fell down at Nuada's feet.
Nessa's eyes widened in surprise. Nuada picked it up and mocked at "Every day you disappoint me more… I believed that you are able to control yourself. That's why women aren't warriors. You're taking it all too personal…"
"I don't think you should be the one who should preach about taking things too personal…" Nessa spouted hastily
Nuada ignored her retort and continued – "To spare you further disappointment.. you cannot hurt me. Loyalty enchantment." – the dagger lazily span in his fingers – " You, unfortunately don't have such powerful allies…" once he finished dagger flied her direction. Nessa dodged it and it plunged into the table.
"Just checking your reflex. …" he turned away and walked into bedroom – "Next time I won't miss." he added from over his shoulder.
Nessa took a deep breath to calm down.
Get a hold of yourself girl..... You dance as he wants you to. That's not how it's going to be. Not at all...