Hello All,

Introducing XVIII.... I'm afraid that's the last one being updated that regularly. For all future delays... sorry, new position, new duties, less time, and brain too tired for word flow.

So hopefully enjoy...

MS

Quirk was sitting on the table and watchig Nessa and Nuada as they prepared for departure. The atmosphere was thick, one could almost see the ice mass filling the room. They passed each other without casting even a single look .

"If it continues, they will kill each other. Or I will. This is getting unbearable…"

"Listen you two!" fairy snapped – " I understand you don't love each other. That's fine. For me you don't even have to like each other. But for Mielikki's cloak, don't make us all miserable! It's hard to breathe here!"

Nessa glanced at Quirk and said "I'll wait outside, discuss it with your master…"

"Oh no you won't! This concerns you too. You need do come to some kind of agreement or I swear,…. You really wouldn't like to deal with furious fairy…" Quirk threatened.

Nessa moved her gaze to Nuada's amused face, returned to Quirk, shrugged and left the cave. Nuada peeked at Quirk trying to get rid of smirk that just wouldn't come off. Then using all his will not to snort tried to appease her saying "Don't worry Quirk, it's just few more days. You'll muddle through somehow. There are good times coming our way. This all is just rough prelude. Just hold on a little more." He winked at her and headed for the exit.

Nessa was waiting for him, leaned against the rock. When she saw him, she leaned forward and asked – "Shall we?" Nuada tilted his head and headed directly for the hole in the brushwood. Nessa followed right after.

Amarath was ½ hour way from the hideout. They walked all way in complete silence. When they stopped on the hill located in front of the city gate their faces showed extremely different emotions. Nessa's lightened as she saw home. There were moments, she didn't believe that she would return. Nuada's was stretched in disgust. Everything about human dwellings, the view, the smell, the sound was repulsive. He was revived by Nessa's voice

"I 'm going to need your cloak. Give it to me." – she demanded

"Why would?..- he asked and added – "It'll be too big anyway…"

"I cannot enter my territory exposed like that. Not in ellfie dress…" – she snorted – "And I don't think it would be good for you either. To be seen with me" – casting a meaningful look she reached out her hand.

Nuada rolled his eyes and reluctantly took off the cloak and tossed it to her. She grabbed it and put it on. It in fact was way too big, which made Nuada giggle.

"You look as if you were some kind of priestess or enchantress" he spoke trying to calm down

"Well then we match. You look like elven royalty. You always have to have magic cloaked creature sticked to your back around…" Nessa replied stretching the hood on her head – "Come" – she said and went down the hill.

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

This city was a torture for Nuada. It must have been a market day, for the humans were cooping up everywhere The stench of dirty bodies mixed with not fresh food odor made Nuada's stomach content come up his throat. Every second someone was running into him or elbowing him. His will was stretched to the limit. They meandered through the streets. Finally Nessa turned to a small side lane which, to Nuada's surprise, seemed to be empty. They walked down it for a while, and then Nessa stopped in front of one obscure building.

"Welcome to my kingdom…" she spoke and entered it. Nuada hesitated for a while, and then followed. After a short trip through dark corridors they entered a room, dark, cold and dirty.

"Is it where you live?" – Nuada asked not being able to hide shock and disgust.

"Almost… Catch!" –answered returning his cloak to him. Then she approached a fireplace or rather a hole that used to hold this function. She bent down, pressed something in the wall and they both heard a silent click. She approached the wall slightly pushed it and a secret door opened. She turned to Nuada and spoke "This is where I live"…

"I have to say I'm impressed.. Did you make it by yourself?" elf asked

"I define myself by how well I hide… That's my job. That's why I'm alive and…. Unspoiled… My job is to deceive and to remain unseen. Yes I did it myself. And out of all creatures in this world I'm revealing it to you… Sweet irony.." Nessa spoke half to herself before entering the room.

Nuada took his time to study the room. From his own experience he knew, that dwellings say more about people, that they would like to reveal. The room was not big it was actually divided in two by small curtain. Space behind the curtain was provisional bathroom. Nessa who took a pile of clothes turned her steps directly there. Nuada continued his examination. There was not much to see. Simple furniture, no unique items, works of art, nothing that would tell him anything. He sat down on the bed. He slid his hand over the sheets. With a smile he lifted a cat fur that stuck to his fingers. A cat…. Who would have thought… he smirked to himself. Finally his eyes rested on a small table standing next to window. Right there in a small vase stood now completely dried elder branch. He approached it and spoke loud – "Elder? You don't seem a flower picker to me…"

"And you don't seem a fairy saver to me" – Nessa shouted back from behind the curtain – "Things, and people are not always what they seem.." Nuada tilted his head at her remark and turned to look through the window. People were still cooping up, all this filth, soulless brick formation made Nuada's nose wrinkle.

"What is it that makes you humans love and create towns? All this corruption, filth, stench…" he asked keeping his eyes focused on window view

"I could try to answer that, if you'll be able to answer what makes you love forests so much?" Nessa emerged from behind the curtain all dressed up and ready to leave

Nuada's eyebrows crooked as he was searching for the answer in his mind. Finally he spoke

"Forest is my home. It's where I was born and where I grew up. It's where my people are. It's freedom in its pure form. I think that would be the answer. More or less.."

"Well everything you've just said applies to me as well. But town is my home. I was born here, here I won my life. Here is everything that matters…or mattered to me. This place gave me a chance to be who I am. To be free. If I were born anywhere else, I just wouldn't be me. I'd probably be some decent wife with at least three children on my back…" Nuada tried to remain serious, but picture of this woman as a housewife made him snort, and then giggle

"Yes I also find it funny. So briefly that's why I love it in here…" she smirked at him.

They both looked at each other smiling. Eventually Nuada broke the silence with a question

"We are not befriending.. are we? An hour without a disregarding remark from your part seems suspicious.."

"What's your name….ELF?" – Nessa asked twisting her head to the side

"Prince Nuada Silverlance, son of Balor" he answered slowly leaning her direction

"Well, Nuada, we don't have to befriend. But tools serve you better when you don't toss them around. Wouldn't you agree?" she asked slightly leaning toward him locating her face an inch from his. They remained still for a moment, each one trying to make the other look away. Eventually they simultaneously leaned back. Nuada cleared his throat and spoke: "I see that you are ready. Where to now?"

"Forenar's Pride. I need to supplement my equipment…" Nessa replied heading for the door

Nuada watched woman's back as she led him through the maze of city alleys. He felt strangely relieved. More civilized type of relationship applied to him more. Eventually they stopped in front of huge door of "Forenar's Pride"

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

Old dwarf stood by crossbow stand manipulating by the stringing of one of the bows. He turned around to the sound of a small bell that announced new customers. At the sight of Nessa his eyes first widened in surprise and then glazed. A silent moan came out of Forenar's throat as he almost charged at the woman.

"Nessie, my precious flower… I was sure yer' dead…" he reached her almost knocking her of feet and hugged her

This time Nessa's eyes glazed. Partially out of emotion and partially out of pain. Dwarf's embrace was very strong, she could almost hear her ribs crack.

"Forenar.." – she gasped – "I cannot breathe…"

"Oh sorry, sometimes it's hard to control my strength.." Forenar jumped back wiping the tears. Then his eyes narrowed and he snapped "Oh this filthy worm… I will disembowel him and hang him by his guts… How could he scare me so.. Let him just come here.. I'll show him.."

"What are you talking about, my friend?" Nessa queried smirking at outraged dwarf

" Jon… this no good traitor… He rolled in here, all covered in blood and said that he had lost ye! Then he fainted. All the time he was blubbering about you being gone and having sent ye to death! The next day he just disappeared leaving me with all this…" Forenar's voice broke down

"So Jon is alive…" Nessa spoke faintly

"You bet he is!" Forenar snarled – "But not for long… Just let me put my hands on him…"

"Calm down Forenar.. As you can see I'm alive and well. It all was… a part of my new task. Jon just might have panicked. Don't be too harsh to him. Please…" she sent him one of smiles that made old dwarf's heart melt

"Alright… but only because ye asked me.." Forenar didn't seem convinced

Nuada watched the scene with a dim smile. Many people seemed to care for this woman. Quite odd, taking her profession and temper into consideration. He cleared his throat to remind her that he was waiting. Nessa got the message as she spoke to the dwarf

"Forenar, forgive me, but I'm little pressed for time…" she was interrupted by Forenar reprimanding Nuada

"Ay ye, goldilocks. Don't you hem at my Girl! Now we talk. If yer' in such hurry go and run around the shop. We'll call you when we're done.."

Nuada's eyes narrowed in anger and his hand went down and grabbed the handgrip. Nessa rushed his direction trying to attract his gaze, now fixed upon her friend. Her hand shot forward and covered the his that rested on the blade.

"Please don't… Let me handle this.." she pleaded

"Get out of my way…" Nuada growled glaring at the dwarf above her head

"Nuada… YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS, look at me please!" she hissed trying to hold his hand in place

Nuada blinked and cast Nessa a surprised gaze. "Did you just call me Your Royal Highness? No sarcasm?" he crooked his head

"Yes I did, and I will do it whenever you wish, if you just let it go this time…" Nessa negotiated

"Oh… that's interesting.." – Nuada relaxed his stance and fixed his gaze upon woman's face – "and what else can you offer for not taking this dwarf's head off?"

"Don't push your luck…" Nessa murmured – "I cannot hurt you, BUT he can.."

"Alright then…"- Nuada snarled –" I'll wait outside… But you owe me thief. You owe me."

He reversed rapidly and stormed out of the shop. Nessa sighed in relief. She knew that Forenar was not an easy opponent, but in fact he was no match to Nuada. She slowly walked to dwarf took his head in her hands and spoke -

"Just don't do it again… Do not prod my superiors. They are not good people and…" – she sighed – " Just don't do that, alright?"

"I won't… promise" Forenar mumbled

" Alright, I don't want to outrage him more. I need new armor, new set of keys, and new set of your "surprise" daggers" – she recited

After a moment all lied ready on the counter. Raked all in and tossed a purse to Forenar

"I'm not sure if it's enough." - she said – "Nevertheless I will deliver the rest within a month of time. Is that fine with you?"

"Of course there is Girl!" – Forenar snarled – " Just watch yer back. I don't trust this pointy ear flirt."

" I will Forenar…. I will" – Nessa grinned and rushed for the door. Nuada was waiting for her with his arms folded upon his chest.

"That was touching" - he scoffed

"What?"- Nessa inquired

"Saving this crippled maggot's life."- the moment he finished the sentence, he caught her fist which was coming right against his cheek. Nessa's face was stretched in anger when she growled

" You may insult me… But don't you dare to insult my..." - she hesitated - " friends..." - she added firmly - "Especially the ones you would never even come close to…"

They froze for a moment having a gaze duel. Finally Nuada spoke – "I thought you didn't have friends. It's a bit unprofessional…" he released her hand pushing her away. "You ARE full of surprises…" he added eyeing her up and down. –" So where to now? I see that this place spoils you."

"Just one more place. We could attain more info about Graveyard District there." – she answered turning her back on him – "Follow me"

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

It's been almost two weeks. Two weeks and no sign of her. I checked every possible option, used every possible contact and nothing. NOTHING!

Jon sat on the bed and rubbed his temples. Formally, he used all possible channels to track either Nessa or white-haired man down. They both seemed to vanish into thin air. He hid his face in hands and froze. He jumped at the sound of opening door. He grabbed his blade and put himself in defensive stance. The only person who knew where to find him was Nessa, but since she was gone, it must have been someone else. Someone who wasn't supposed to know the secret. When he saw the curtain of red hair emerging from behind the door, his throat tightened, and the blade started to shake.

"Nessa?"- he whispered trying to see woman's face through the hair

"And who would you expect. A city council? Of course it's me!" – she flipped her hair back revealing her face to him. Jon rushed at her with his arms wide open, when suddenly he stopped at the view of Nuada following his friend.

"What is he doing here?" Jon asked taking a step back

"I work for him and that's why I came. I need all you have on Ashane, Graveyard District precisely." Nessa stated. She gave him a searching glance, trying to assess his general condition. Apparently he was fine. A bit pale, but fine. She felt relief. She didn't care about the code. She was really happy to see him alive. When it comes to indifference, there was whole room for improvement.

"I hope that you know what you are doing" Jon mumbled assuming that is wasn't the best time to ask where she had been. He was happy to see her alive and that was enough.

"Let's see…" he murmured searching a pile of papers resting on a table. "Ashane…. Ashane.. here it is…" he exclaimed pulling out two big sheets of paper – "Here's the plan of Graveyard District with inserted remarks. All the things that you might find useful are written on the other side of the sheet. That's all I have. Information comes from Marla, half-orc bar tender. In most places I believe it's considerably credible. However I'd recommend checking some points in person."

"Great Jon, you're the best…" Nessa grinned and took the sheet from him – "I have to go… I will be unavailable for approximately a month. So if you happen to see any interesting commissions, keep them for me..

"I'm at your service as always…" Jon bowed to Nessa fixing his gaze on Nuada. He was positive that there was something wrong. He knew what he saw. She almost slaughtered the elf. Then why would she change her mind and work for him. This was not right. But he had no other way than to trust her.

"Till our next meeting then" he nodded to her and watched her leave. He returned to the bed and sat down heavily. The prior anxiety was replaced by new one. Far more disturbing. It was something he would never forgive himself.

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

Gloved hand played with stuffed purse. A pair of eyes hidden behind the mask lazily examined cloaked newcomer. The room was dark, lightened by one small candle standing on the table. The shadows of two figures danced on the wall. Eventually masked man spoke:

"You must be very determined to come here. It's been a while since I had guests. You risk a lot to come into… a death... lover's lair. Give me a reason not to kill you. You would match my collection…"

"First one is in your hand. The content of this purse would be enough to build a small division of your… specimen…" the guest answered

"You insult me… I suggest you think of something better if you don't want to taste my anger…" mask eye holes seemed to burst in flames

"Let me finish then.." the figure snorted – "I assure you that my gratitude is equal to received support. Therefore I offer you these stones. I'm convinced you'll find them interesting." – he put three black stones in front of the host. Now his eyes seemed to lighten as he reached for the gift

"Myrkul's tears? How did you get those?" –the man was not able to hide arousal

"It doesn't matter…" the figure replied - "So… do you still feel offended? I just thought these could help you in your… research.."

"What do you expect from me then?" masked man relaxed now turning the stones in his hand

"Nothing big…I just want you to clear the district of your people on 17/18 Mirtul Night. That's all. I have a business to deal there. I just don't want to be disturbed." – figure explained

"I bet that you're heading for Christof's tomb? Here I can promise that I can order my people. But I hold no power over City Guards." The host replied

"Still that would be enough. Do we have a deal then, Belvites?" figure queried

"Yes we do." Belvites nodded – "Can you do me a favor?"

"It depends.. I'm listening…" figure froze awaiting

"Make it spectacular. I mean dealing with those inflated fools. I have a small… conflict with City Council. I've been planning to send them a message for a long time. I think this one would be the most appropriate. They shouldn't interfere…" – the rest of the sentence he spoke to the darkness But he was convinced that he was heard. With a sneer he leaned back on the chair and admired the stones, now perfectly reflecting the candlelight.