Hello again,
Presenting the next piece. The creation of totally overloaded and squeezed brain. I hope you'll handle this.
To those who are sticking with me...
Sesshira as always thanks for letting me know you're still with me. That means a lot to me. Really.
Sylistra... you're great reviewer. Thanks to your constructive feedback, I feel that I'm moving on.. forward. I know there's much to learn, but I owe you much. BIG AND HONEST THANK YOU.
And to the rest of the world.. I'm still counting on your feedback. For an author it's important, it helps to improve, become more creative. So if you have remarks please share them with me. I really appreciate all.
Thank you and see you in some time.
MS
Nessa and Nuada spent the rest of time left to their departure on studying the materials they received from Jon. They were more thorough and exhaustive than information the managed to gather so far. Maps, drawings and comments helped them to come to a plan that was a compromise between two, extremely different view's and strategies. Nessa's was preservative, based upon distractions and dodges. Nuada's plans were far more violent and based on an open confrontation. There were times that Quirk thought that this fragile truce will not last a second. For numerous times they came against each other with delicately speaking hostile intentions. But after hours spent on fighting followed by hours of silence, they slowly came to delicate compromise. Once they actually started to listen to other party's reasoning, the pieces started to come together just before their eyes.
According to Jon's notes, Graveyard District was a vast area of land which could be considered a city itself. There was a separate administration, guard duty, even separate specific night life which took place in "Diggers Hole" one of a kind tavern. There were two ways to get to the district, through the main gate, or use the forest route. Increasing demand for graves, forced the district administration to move the borders and acquire the forest territory. At first Nuada opted for using the forest route. Nessa however questioned his proposal, for she was convinced that the guards would expect possible trespassing there. Therefore this end would be the most secured one. Her fist hit the table as she snapped:
"Listen to me for a moment you stubborn, irreformable fool! Choosing this path will lead us straight into their hands! Can't you see that, dammit?"
"So let them come!" Nuada yelled back leaning on his fists – "I do not fear them"
Nessa took a deep breath and continued – " It's not about fear. I know you don't fear them. Neither do I. But the less they, see the better. For both of us. Therefore I believe that the main gate would be the better option. At least more daring. And they don't expect that…"
"You want me to sneak in like a coward? Not to touch anyone?" – Nuada snarled
"Name it as you like. Let me just remind you that you want to STEAL something. And stealing is about SNEAKING and being invisible. If you cannot understand that… then make me your whore for I will not help you with this and there is no way you can make me… I will not get exposed like that." She turned her back on him and folded arms upon chest.
Nuada glared at her back. He lifted his hand to the forehead and rubbed it. Then he shook his head and spat – "Alright then… let's hear it.."
Nessa turned around slowly and looked him straight in the eye.
"Look… I really want it to work. Not for you.. for me. So it's the highest time you started to listen. Can you do that? Or should I start to undress and jump on your lap?" she twisted her head to the side and sent him a sly smile. Her remark seemed to relax him a bit. He smirked back and spoke- "Quite unexpected proposal from your part, but today I'm forced to refuse. I'm listening, I really am.." he raised his hands in gesture of surrender
"Great." She smiled and continued – " My plan is quite simple. And don't worry there is something for you as well.." – her grin widened at interest that appeared in his eyes. "So, after dark we head for the main gate. You wait until I take out the guards. My way. You follow at my signal. We hide the bodies. I don't believe there be more than 2. Till the next shift we should have about 4 hours to take what you want and disappear. This should be enough time…" she paused and then continued – "Then we have to leave the main route as it might be patrolled. We'll proceed the side alleys straight to the main tomb. Again I take out the two guards outside the tomb. And then there's stage two. It belongs to you and your men. I just mind my own business, and lead you through. Does it sound that bad?" – she asked leaning against the table
Nuada's face was still and focused. He examined her face as if he was trying to see what she hid beneath the skin. Finally he spoke "What makes you try to improve the plan so much? My mistake is your score. If I die you are free.." she interrupted him " But not paid my Royal Highness.." her eyes smirked
"In that case…"- he grinned – "I agree to your plan. I think it's well rounded. Be proud thief, we're doing it your way…"
And try even more, the ending will be more fulfilling – he added in his mind.
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Although Narfell was not very far from Amaranth, the road was not easy. Narfell was surrounded by hills, much higher than those that surrounded Nessa's city. One who needed to go there had to do considerable amount of climbing to get there. Once they got to the top, they stopped for a moment to catch a breath. They both gazed upon Narfell. Sparkling lights made it resemble a jewel resting in a dark shell of valley.
"So here is where the fellowship unites?" Nessa asked fixing her eyes upon the town
"Yes, precisely…" Nuada answered
"Are your people as fond of humans as you are?" she cast an elf amused gaze
"No…" Nuada glanced back smirking – "They are worse. Now you'll understand how easy I have been on you so far…"
"REALLY" Nessa expressed her surprise quite loud – "So how are you going to make it work?"
"Well" - Nuada paused slightly leaning her direction – "It all depends on you. I can order them to keep you alive… but not necessarily unspoiled. If you just hold your tongue, everything should work just perfect…"
"I'll try.." she murmured, her eyes filled with mischief. As she took a step forward to descend the hill, he grabbed her arm making her stop
"In this place I want to make things clear. If I feel a hint of disrespect in you, in presence of my men, I'll make you regret it to an extend….well I can be very creative so to say.." his lips curved in an evil smile "So far I let you get away with your games, but no more. From now on you behave. Remember thief what you owe me.." his tone made Nessa's muscles tense
"Alright" – murmured slowly freeing her arm off his grasp – "I'll be a good girl"
"I'll be watching you…. Closely"- he whispered bowing down to her ear – "Come"- he added out loud – "We've wasted enough time on cheap talking. I wish to sit down and relax now."
Nessa watched his back as he walked down the hill. The got the impression that he was leading her straight to the lion cave. All she could do now was to believe this Prince had enough authority to protect her. If not….Everybody has to die someday… With a sigh she followed the elf.
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Three elves were sitting at the table. The bottle of wine was almost empty. One of the elves raised his hand and summoned the waitress.
"One more bottle… or make it two…" he ordered. The girl bowed and went to the bar to get requested items
"Two? Tuatha, I think you're launching out a little. We are setting out tomorrow. Prince Nuada will be angry, seeing your disregarding attitude..
"Mathan… please. What's three bottles of wine for three fine Elves. Even four. Prince will be here any minute with his companion. Is it really that much?" – Tuatha crooked his head at this remark
"Speaking of which, Nuada's a bit late. It's not like him. I'm getting a bit worried. Nathaniel what do you think?"
"I think that Nuada's companion might hold him back for a while… Let him have a good time" – Nathaniel studied his glass with a sly smile
"What do you mean?" both elves exclaimed in surprise
"Shhh! Keep your voice down! You're attracting too much attention.." Nathaniel hissed – "All I know is that this is a female. And that our Prince has been… taking care of her for a time… So let him have his time…"
"Elvin rogue… That's odd but Prince Nuada has always been very resourceful…" Tuatha mused
"Well thank you very much for a compliment…" the silence was broken by Nuada approaching the table – "What makes me so resourceful? – he inquired resting his hand on Tuatha's shoulder
" Nothing… nothing really" the elf mumbled – "We were just wondering what took you so long to get here… Speaking of which, where is our… pretty companion?" three pairs of eyes rested upon cloaked figure standing behind Nuada
"Well… let me introduce you to Nessa… our trap handler.." he stepped aside giving them a better view on her. As Nessa slowly removed the hood off her head, their eyes widened in shock
"A human?!" Nathaniel snorted and took a step back. Mathan and Tuatha froze moving their gazes from Nuada to Nathaniel
"Nessa" – Nuada turned to woman – "Go to your room now. Refresh yourself. In one hour we meet to have a final discussion on our plan." – then he rested a mischievous gaze on his companions " We have a few issues to discuss here."
For the first time Nessa followed his request without hesitation. As she followed the host leading her to her room, she scolded herself mentally. She was sentenced to a company of elves that openly hated her. She was at the mercy of a Prince, who openly admitted that humbling her is enjoyable to him. Woman shut the door and leaned against it. After a moment she sighed and walked towards the bed slowly removing her cloak. She tossed it on the bed and then slowly sat down. She hid her face in her hands allowing her hair to fall loose. Suddenly she felt tired and worn out. Nessa has always been a free spirit. Being forced to do as she was told was humiliating enough. But, unfortunately she was out of options.
Rhys I hope you're watching this, for this is the most educational lesson you could ever want for me….And I bet you're having a great time..
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"Nuada…I know you don't have to explain anything to me…"- Nathaniel hesitated – " but for our friendship's sake… for our mission's sake.. tell me what's the meaning of all this?"
"Relax my friend" – Nuada smirked at his friend's frown – "She's the best, he fame precedes her. We wouldn't stand a chance to get anyone as skilled" Nuada paused to make Nathaniel look at him. "Apart from that.. I'm playing a little game here, and she's my little dancer. A feisty one.." he mused allowing mischievous smile to crawl up on his face.
"Are you carrying on with her, My Prince?" Nathaniel asked in disbelief
"I think you're moving a bit too far" Nuada pouted – "Besides…claiming her is… "- he paused - " If you tried, I'm sure she'd bite off her tongue just to prove, you have no power over her. I have never seen a female fight like that… Impressive…" Nuada mused again
Disbelief didn't leave Nathaniel's eyes as he spoke " You are scaring me my Prince, but you have never failed me. I trust you, therefore I won't question your choice. But I don't trust human. And please, don't ask that of me."
"I'm will not Nathaniel.. I will not" Nuada calmed the elf down– 'It'll be just two days. All I ask of you is to, give me two days."
"What makes you believe that she'll be loyal to you? Does she even know what it is all about?" Nathaniel investigated
"She will be loyal, don't worry. I'm holding her under my thumb. She already dances as I tell her…" his black lips twitched – "And she doesn't know what the purpose of that is. That's the best part. She got in my way, and now I'm teaching her a lesson. Questions?"
"No… I just hope that you really know what you're doing…" Nathaniel tilted his head down and rubbed his forehead. – 'Now I just have to explain it to Tuatha and Mathan. And to be honest, I have no idea how to do this.."
"You'll figure out something…" Nuada grinned – "As far as I remember, you were always very talented liar…'
"Cannot disagree on this one…" Nathaniel spat from over the shoulder as he headed for the door
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Nessa lifted her head at the loud knock on the door. She was a bit surprised for she didn't think that an hour would pass that quickly. She adjusted the dagger hidden in her sleeve and firmly spoke "Enter!"
As the door opened, her brows rose in slight surprise. She expected to see Nuada, but instead there was the second elf standing in her door. The moment she saw him, she knew his intentions were not friendly. His eyes were filled with disdain and his lips stretched in malicious grin. He slowly closed the door and turned the key.
"I need to have a short talk with you, and I don't want to be disturbed… I hope you don't mind…" he sneered turning his face to her
Nessa's temper was hard to control, before she recalled Nuada's words of keeping her mouth shut she blurted out "I don't.. but perhaps it's you who shouldn't cut off his escape route" As she finished she gave herself a mental slap. Keeping her eyes fixed on the elf she slowly got up.
Nathaniel's reaction to her words was predictable. His face grimaced in anger. He took a step towards her with his fists clenched. A dagger whirled in Nessa's hand and she spoke "If you came to talk… talk. Make one more step, and this birdie lands between your eyes…"
Nathaniel sneered and took another step. A dagger shot out of Nessa's hand and cut him through the cheek. Within a fraction a second another one appeared in her hand, pointed straight at stunned elf. "Don't make me repeat myself!" Nessa growled - "Either you have something to say, or get out!"
Nathaniel wiped the blood off his face and growled back "You'll pay for this bitch! For some reason Nuada trusts you.. but I don't. I'll be watching you closely…." – he walked to the door and unlocked it – "And keep in mind that Nuada won't find you valuable forever. And he won't always be there to watch your back. And when this time comes… you'll regret it." – he murmured from over the shoulder.
She jumped at the sound of slamming door. She hanged her head and took a deep breath. Recently she has become very successful in moving from big mess to worse. She sat down on the bed and slowly spun the dagger in her fingers. Then she smirked. At least from now things could not go much worse.