Hello,

After a while I hope you're still with me.

Serving next piece.

Thanks in advance for feedback and enjoy...

MS

PS Frigg Song.... TA DAAAM!.... Those puppy eyes.... *sighs* :D

Nessa rolled into the cave almost giving Quirk a heart attack She headed straight for he sack. Quirk watched her pull out the last piece of clean clothing from the sack.

"Undo the enchantment Quirk" – she ordered changing quickly – "I said goodbye to the Elf. He's allowing me to leave"

Quirk studied woman in bewilderment. She wasn't lying. But something must have happened out there. Ruffled hair and dirty torn clothing made little fairy worried. She was positive that her master wouldn't do anything she wouldn't approve. At least Nuada she knew and loved. But recently she didn't feel like she knew him anymore. He has changed, became withdrawn and absent. And angry again. She was scared to ask, but she needed to know what had happened.

"What happened out there Nessa?... Why are you in such hurry?" – she paused and finally blurted out "Did…..did master do something to you? Did he hurt you?"

"No he didn't" – Nessa snarled – 'Hurry up will you?? I don't have all night!" – she glanced at the entrance hoping to leave before he returns

From Nessa's eyes quirk knew that she would not speak to her. Fairy sighed and closed her eyes

Amin faine lle! Tyela nenma!

"This is it… You're free to go" – Quirk said turning her back on Nessa

"Thank you Quirk…" – Nessa reached out her hand to touch fairy's shoulder. Quirk shook it off and walked away beyond her reach. Nessa decided to continue. "I regret we had to end like that….. perhaps under different circumstances… maybe we would understand each other better…. But not today, not here…. I'm sorry. I do not blame you for hating me right now. But Nuada has someone who would take care of him…. I don't…. so I need to do it myself. And my instinct tells me that I need to leave." – she dropped her gaze to the ground – "Elf is lucky to have you by his side… He'll be alright. You'll see…. Farewell.." she spat out and disappeared behind the curtain.

As she ran maneuvering among the trees her heart didn't seem lighter at all. She expected to feel joy, relief… none of those feelings seemed to be coming her way. Instead she felt defeated and humiliated, forced to disgraceful retreat. It was not how she imagined to end. Lights of Amarath tore her away from her musings. The view of home made Nessa's focused face lighten up slightly. This was where she belonged, this was the source of her inner strength, her domain. Taking one deep breath she swept amber eyes off her mind. Amarath made it so much easier…. With every step she took, all what she was running from, became nothing but a distant and harmless memory….

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

"WHERE IS SHE?!" – Nuada roared tossing like a wild animal locked in the cage – "Why did you release her?!

"I didn't release her" – Quirk snapped pressing her arms to her sides – "You did Nuada! She told me that you released her, and I didn't sense a lie! Do not blame me for your decisions! If you didn't want her to leave, you should have stopped her yourself!"

"You're right…" Nuada buried his face in his palm – "I'm sorry Quirk. You're right, I shouldn't blame you for my mistakes. I just didn't expect her to leave like this…"

"She's a rogue Prince"- fairy exclaimed – "Whad did you expect… Royal etiquette? I'd be surprised if she waited for you to dismiss her. She wass not a servant. She was your mercenary…" Quirk paused and then spoke out loud locking his amber eyes against her emerald ones – "Besides… you must have done something to her.. She was in extreme hurry, she wanted to disappear quickly. As if she was afraid of you."

"Did she now?" – evil smile crawled up Nuada's face. He reached for his tunic and his belt.

"What are you going to do, Nuada?" Quirk asked sensing she wouldn't like the answer

"I'm going to find her. We still have some unfinished business" – he replied putting on his cloak

"I don't think it's a good idea." Quirk's brows furrowed – "I think you should let her leave. I think that's what she wants too." seeing elf's face stretch in anger she quickly added – 'She was by your side fo all time you requested. She saved your life, although she didn't have to. She paid her debt to you. You OWE her peace."

"I do not owe anything to any human. And human's wishes are not binding for me." Nuada's glare made Quirk's little body freeze. She hated him when he acted like that. He scared her, it was like everything she want to believe he was, was a plain lie. Ignoring the lump that started to form in her throat she dared to continue

"But it is not about any human. It's about her. You have feelings for her…"

Within fraction of second he was at the table. The sound of his fist smashing against table's surface made Quirk's heart skip a beat. The old Nuada was back, now glaring at her seriously… dangerously. Any other creature would flee just to get out off his reach. But not her. His behavior only assured her that she was right. He was a warrior, a killing machine. He handled his emotions perfectly. Only loops in his guard were his sister, Wink and herself. Otherwise not a single glimpse of emotion could be seen on his face.

"Have you been reading my thoughts Quirk?" – he hissed through clenched teeth bringing his face closer to hers

"NO! OF COURSE NOT!" – Quirk protested – "You know very well that I would never use my gift against you"

"If you didn't.. how come you know what I think, and how I feel about this woman?" he slurred piercing fairy with his amber eyes

"I don't have to go into your mind to know this, Prince." Quirk replied calmly – "She means something. That's all I see and know. If she didn't you'd just let her go. Or killed her. Either way, you wouldn't be obsessed. And you're apparently incapable of letting her go."

"Am I that easy to be figured out" – Nuada laughed tilting his head back. After a moment he fixed serious gaze on fairy.

"You're right Quirk. I cannot let her go. I need her.." he paused and then continued in a raised voice- "but not for me! Not for my lust or any other personal need you can think of!. She's the key Quirk! The way to free our people! She will help me to regain remaining crown pieces… Now look at me Quirk…" he ordered in a low voice – "Look at me!" repeated making fairy jump – "I hope we'll never return to this conversation again… You insult me by even thinking that this human… No matter what it looks like on the outside…. The human is only a tool. A tool that has been carelessly lost. I…. We cannot afford such loss." – elf slowly stretched a hood on his head and turned away to leave.

"How are you going to find her?" – Quirk blurted out – "City is her domain. It will hide her from your sight."

"There is one place"… black lips curled – "The one she calls home. That's where I'll find her" – he murmured half to himself. The moment after he was gone.

"Home…." – Quirk sighed glancing at the curtain – "Somewhere you belong. A warm place….Home…" she whispered embracing knees. This cave seemed to be the coldest place she'd ever been to.

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

Nessa didn't know how she got here. Legs must have subconsciously brought her to this small side alley. She smirked to herself. This night was kind of a breakthrough. Another battle of principals lost. But know she was positive of one thing. She didn't want to be alone right now. No matter how it complicated things. She needed a friend…. Yes a friend. The forbidden word in her dictionary, one that was supposed to be erased and forgotten. She sighed. But she could not name him otherwise. He was the one that literally made her stay live after Rhys' death. He fed her, gave her shelter, absorbed the lake of sorrow which filled her soul. What was most important however, he cared for her no matter how much she tried to deter him. Her unbreakable guardian angel…

She scanned the alley once more to make sure she was not followed. She entered the building and almost automatically approached broken stairs. She grabbed the handrail and started to climb up. After a while she was standing on the second floor. The building was suspiciously quiet. Nessa sneaked along the wall until she saw Jon's door. She approached it to find that they were open. Her heart fastened as her imagination started to serve her most disturbing images. She unsheathed her blades and with an elbow she tapped the door to open them little more. Silent click made her dodge sideways. Her ears caught the sound of dart plunging into the wooden surface. The blade which she had to block came right after.

"I thought I made myself clear!" – Jon's voice made her relax but just for a while. She had to focus on deflecting his attacks, which she had to admit improved since they last sparred.

"I'm not interested in working for you!... Not now not ever!" – he spat out between she sound of two blades clashing against each other

"But I thought, that you were already working for me… Do you wish to renegotiate the terms of contract?" –she asked making the rain of blows stop

"Ness…. Is that you?" – the figure lowered his weapon and approached her slowly.

"I thought that after all these years, you should be able to recognize my voice. And my defensive techniques…" – Nessa mocked. If she could see Jon's face, she would definitely see relief and sincere joy. Hurriedly he sheathed his blade and spread his arms

"C'mere you brat! Let me see it's really you.."

Nessa smirked and slowly sheathed her blades too.

"I'm not convinced if such welcome should be followed by hugs… Aren't you going to ask me in? It's damn unpleasant out there…" – she queried sauntering his direction

"Of course I am…Forgive me my manners.." he chuckled – "Come, I hope I have some wine left." He reached out his arm. Before she managed to act, she came in quite rough contact with his chest.

"I'm so glad to see you.." he rested his chin on her head – "I was sure I've sent you …"

"Well surely it was not my dream place , but it was very….educational.. Now let me go will you?" – she slightly pushed him away – "Or I'll think that you're becoming soft…"

"When it comes to you Ness… I'm afraid it's just the way it has to be. Now come" – he murmured – "let me look at you" – he walked through the door tearing the dart out of the door. Nessa followed him becoming more and more concerned with Jon's behavior. Who was he trying to ambush? Why did his moves become so nervous.? \when she entered the room, even complete darkness could not hide the mess. Jon started to search one pile of things in search of candles. Nessa leaned against the wall and tried to comprehend the chaos in front of her. It seemed as if a hurricane went thought the place. Maps, clothes, Jon's personal belongings lied scattered on the floor.

"Jon.." she started – "What happened here? Are you in trouble? Whose back was this dart for? What's going on?" – she showered him with questions. After a while Jon finally found candles. He placed them on the table and rested his palms on the wooden surface.

"Ness" – he started hesitantly – "Hard times are coming our way.. There's someone who wants me… us to join new organization… Assassins' guild…. Alton La Fey. Does this name say anything to you?" he spoke to a space in front of him.

"Yes it does…" Nessa snorted pouting her lips – "Dishonorable scum, vermin who doesn't act unless there's something for him in it. Hired only by bastards like him. Our paths crossed only once. I don't think he thinks of me well. What about him? He's nobody important. A guild? I don't think so… he wouldn't persuade a mule to work for him.."

"Well somehow he did… And he's not the same person.. He's grown stronger, gained powerful allies. He's been here. His offer was very clear. To be with him or against him… People are scared…Some of my informers just vanished in thin air after his visit. Now his interest is focused on you. He didn't forget you. His people have been stalking me for some time to join them and to drag you with me…. This little surprise…" he raised the dart - "was supposed to put more emphasis to my refusal…. But I'm glad it didn't work.."

"Turn around Jon…" Nessa asked – "You've been hiding your face from me for too long. Look at me please…"

"There's nothing to see.. just my ol' face…" – he giggled nervously – "Now I had some wine around here…"

Her arm shot forward and grabbed his forearm.

"Stop it will you?" – she said softly – "Take off the hood" she slowly reached for the hood and removed it from his head to reveal miserable view. Jon's face was covered in bruises. One eye and lips were swollen. Blood marks assured her that this must have happened not that long ago.

"Did he do this?" she asked quietly gently cupping his face. She felt her eyes glaze. She closed her eyes to make tears recede. After Rhys' death she promised herself that no one will see her cry again. She opened them to look at her friend again. He seemed to be surprised with her actions. He gently took her hand in his and pressed it to his lips. She didn't do anything to stop him. Old Nessa would, but now, in this very moment she realized how lucky she was to have him by her side all these years, and how easily she could lose him. One person she loved was already taken away from her. If it hadn't been for Jon, all of her good side would have been consumed by the fire of her hatred and grief. When he opened his eyes to look at her, she saw gratitude and peace.

"You need to get out of here…." Nessa started –" They will be back. You can stay at my place…" she offered – "Until we find a new place for you to hide"

Jon's eyes danced with mirth. He tried to smile, but his face just stretched in grimace of pain.

"It's…. new to see you that openly worried about me…."- he mocked seeing little storm starting to appear in her eyes – "Don't worry Ness. I have already found new lair. A just need to move my things there…" – his eyes became serious when he added – "We won't be able to run from La Fey forever. Sooner or later we'll need to confront him" – he winced at the memory of his last visit

"And we will. I'm not going to submit to him. I'd rather die…" Nessa replied in a low growl instinctively clutching the handgrips of her blades. After a moment her face relaxed

"So I've picked wrong time….well then the wine must wait till our next meeting…" – she murmured turning her steps to the door.

"No… it can wait. You need to tell me all about this white haired man. I was scared to death. I thought I will never see you again! Stay….please… The night is long. "

"So you consider me that easy loot? Well good to know…." – she giggled at Jon's embarrassed look – "As you can see I'm alive and… - she paused for a moment.- 'unspoiled. I'm not that easy to kill… ya know?" she rested her hands on hips with feign annoyance – "As for tonight… your safety is the most important. Take what's necessary and leave this place. Tomorrow we'll meet on our usual place. We need to prepare for war…." she said half to herself – "but don't worry, there is nothing out there we could not candle. No La Fey will tell me where I belong!" – she ended clenching her fists. Then she turned to look at Jon sending him one of her sly smiles "I think we could start by spreading a word about his mother…. And her soft spot for men…." – her grin widened when she added – "And then I'd be more than happy to personally express my view on his grandmother and grandgrand mother. Make the story convincing Jon. Good night"

"Have I ever told you I love your smile?" – Jon's statement made Nessa freeze at the door – "You should smile more. You're too young to be that serious." he winked at her and added – "Till tomorrow then."

Nessa couldn't help the smile plastered on her face as she maneuvered through narrow alleys. All figures seemed to instinctively move out of her way, as if they knew the Oueen was back. And she felt she finally learned to appreciate what she had. She was afraid to admit it, but felt good. It was….peace. Finally she got a hold of what she has been searching for. Peace.

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

He liked to be a hunter. The harder conditions the better. And his current prey was worth returning to this human cesspool again. Heavy rain was his ally. It drove most of the vermin into their dwellings and made the stink less bothersome. Despite of what Quirk claimed, Nuada didn't have much trouble with finding certain alley. Once he entered abandoned building he took of soaked through cloak and tossed it aside. Wet trail could reveal his presence to her. And he knew that she wouldn't come to him willingly. Amber eyes rested upon the corridor entrance. He closed his eyes and in his mind he recreated the way to her lair. Silently he reached for his spear. He learned that she was not the one to be underestimated. The room seemed quiet however. He squatted and scanned the floor thoroughly. There was no sign of wet trails. Black lips curled. She didn't return yet which made his task so much easier. All he had to do is to wait for her to come to him. He almost laughed out loud at the irony of the fate. Nuada Silverlance, arch enemy of all humans, now pursuing one himself. But he was sure, that she was his key to success. And for the Crown, for the sake of his people, he was ready to do much more. Luckily, her attitude for him made the task a bit easier. He stood at the window and watched the moon reflect in his spear's blade. The last stage of the hunting was to wait for the prey to approach. Then he'd wait. Years spent in exile taught him the significance of patience.

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

"Damn….I need to search for the quarters with fireplace…." Nessa cursed under breath entering the building. She was dreaming about a bath, dry clothes and bed. This has been a tiring month and tiring mission. But she didn't regret it at all. It made her realize how imperfect she was and how much work was still ahead her. Luckily she was still alive to make good use of those conclusions. She took is as luck of a draw. Her right hand went up to rest upon her new scar, the one brought to her by her own blade.

"Scars are good things…" she whispered to herself – "they do not allow you to forget…" – the sensation of black lips caressing her collarbone made her shiver. She shook her head and pushed the memory away. The memory of her own weakness angered her. Mental fatigue made her mind an easy loot. Therefore she needed a sleep. She needed her mind clear. Especially now, when another enemy was standing at her doorstep. She entered the room immersed in her musings. She turned her steps straight to the fireplace. Luckily for her, her assasin's instincts were impossible to be turned off completely. As she was bending down to find hidden lever, her ears caught the sound of movement coming from the left corner of the room. Her muscles tensed preparing to attack. Her right hand wandered under the cloak to rest upon the handgrip of the blade. She scoffed herself mentally. How could she enter the building without taking up the usual security measures? All she could hope was that this carelessness will not cost her too dear. Within one moment the twirled around unsheathing her blade with one swift move. As she had expected it was blocked with another one. To her deep disappointment, her opponent had incredible reflex. But it was her fault, that she allowed him to corner her that easily. It would be unwise to hope that fate would be generous in this situation. Wasting no more time she reached for the second blade, when low laughter made her froze half- way.

"I didn't expect you to be caught off guard that easily… Nessa" – the figure approached and stopped and allowed the moonlight to reveal his identity. Although Nessa didn't need it to know who her unexpected guest was.

"Why did you come here" she hissed through clenched teeth still pointing the end of her blade at him. Her second hand clutched on the other handgrip, making her intentions more than obvious. "My job for you is done…. Why are you stalking me.." her voice now became low growl

"You left so quickly, you didn't allow me to give you another offer" – he carelessly rested his spear upon his neck. Nessa's mind flashed with anger, but she managed to get a hold of herself.

"I'm not interested." – she snorted – "I'm not going to work for you…Not now not ever. Good night…" – with her head she showed him the door

"So Quirk was right…." – Nuada mocked piercing her with his eyes – "You ARE afraid of me…. that's why you ran away…"

"I remind you your Royal Highness that you're no longer protected from me…" Nessa returned the sneer – 'If you are wise, you'll leave now…" she warned increasing her grip on blade

"No" – he replied putting himself in slightly more defensive stance. He took the spear off his neck and carelessly started to study it's blade – "I will not leave until you listen to what I have to say…and then…. "he turned amused gaze on her –"We'll se what happens next."

As he expected, her attack started with small arc aiming at his abdomen. After quick deflect his spear met another blade now pointed at his chest. He blocked this one too and pushed her away.

"I don't understand you, you saved my life and now you're trying to take it away? I see no logic in this. I'd suggest you lower your weapon and listen to my proposal. Just listen…" he was broke off by her charge. He jumped aside whispering the spell for his spear to lengthen. Nessa twirled again leading her right blade horizontally almost reaching his arm. He dodged locating himself behind her. Nessa's lips curled. She twirled her weapons blades down and squatted. Using her intuition she allowed her legs to shot back, and using them like scissors she took Nuada's legs out. She jumped up to stand up when she felt blunt end of his lance coming in rough contact with the back of her knees. Her legs bent, and she lost her balance. The would fall on her face if her primal instinct hadn't kicked in. She shifted her body weight, to the right and rolled forward. Immediately she stood up and raised her weapons. He was standing in front of her with his lance resting between his shoulder blades and his head crooked.

"Are you done yet?" -he mocked- "Then please stop this nonsense" – he added seriously – "I didn't come here to fight. I have a decent offer. You will listen to it either way. The sooner you do, the better."

"You dare to come to my house and tell me what I should or shouldn't do?!" Nessa's snapped breathing heavily -"Alright then, speak! If this is the only way I can get rid of you I'll listen…" she sheathed her blades and folded her arms upon her chest. "Just be brief.... I do not intend waste any more time on your demands and orders..."

Amin faine lle! Tyela nenma! - I release you magic untrap.