Chapter 12 I am a Morning person + Metal music

* Referring to the moment where Luke says ' … anything'


The symbols were each unique. They looked like arcane alphabets. I did not have to turn on the light as the ink was incandescent. Magic ink. Would Nuada teach me his language? Verbally it was easier as I learn most by audio sensory. It will be cool to understand Gaelic so I won't be in a foreign language film in the presence of the fey folk.

The elf stirred as I tiptoed back to my bed. He sighed.

"What are you doing?" he whispered.

"Nothing… sorry to wake you."

His amber eyes glittered. "No. How goes your talent?"

"I need to touch an object before I can look. Oh yea- I made a map of the maze you brought me in. May I have permission to go there freely?" I stroked his blanket. Nuada smiled and lay back on the pillows.

"It's fine. I give you the permission. Why?"

"Cool. My secret." I leaned over and kissed his cheek. My plan was to try restoring the forest inside. I had roughly sensed trees, perhaps the remnant of their souls… maybe I could use my gift to encourage hidden seeds or saplings to grow again. Of course I did not know I could. But it was like a dream. That orchard had been his childhood refuge, it was tragic that the ruins were left. I remembered hearing people laughing as I lay my hand on the dead tree. One of them was the younger self of my elven companion.

His breathing deepened. I went back to sleep.

****

About 8am, I woke up and heard him snoring. He looked adorable and smiled dreamily. Nope I did not imagine but those blond locks had lengthened again, a few wisps fluffing up with his breathing. His left arm dangled out of the bed and his right one rested on his chest. He had unbuttoned his shirt. The clock ticked. The alarm, it would startle Nuada!

If I could just reach it before it rang! The clock was on my desk and I stopped the alarm. Was I mistaken to think the elf slumbered like a dead log. Soon as I did this, Nuada said, "You're up?"

"Don't scare me. Pressing off the alarm." I cursed myself for not being sneakier. Anyway why didn't he just continue sleeping?

His intelligent pupils deepened more to gold, as his smile widened. "You're really noisy."

"I ain't. Plenty of time, go back to sleep."

The elf chuckled. I used the bathroom, then walked outside to make breakfast. Felt like something hot – pancakes, hotdogs, egg omelettes? First I took out the frying utensils, washed them and made myself hot tea. Lots of sugar and milk. I peeked in Joe's room, he was way out! I am a morning person, whereas my bro usually sleeps till noon or three. Which was Nuada?

Afterwards, going out for a movie felt good! Other than the park, we hadn't brought our guest anywhere yet. I was surprised that the prince had come to the kitchen now. He stifled a yawn. And the first time the flawless hair looked untidy.

"What do you want? Veges?"

He thought for a bit. "Yes… what are you going to eat?"

"These, eggs and hotdogs." I took out eggs, hotdogs, tomatoes, lettuce and carrots, plus some fruits. The elf found a box of plain cereal and shook it. "Yup you can take that. Here's some milk too."

"All right. Thank you. How do I make the fire come?"

Huh? I frowned and stared at him. Nuada observed the stove with great interest. I pressed the starter, showed him how to increase and decrease the flame. "Sit down. You want those?" he asked indicating the hotdogs and eggs.

"Er, yea. Are you sure? I mean, elves are warriors. I never heard of elf chefs."

He laughed. "I know how to. To survive, I could not stomach raw food. Troll's food is much worse. Hand me some plates." I couldn't believe it! Nuada knew what he was doing. He did not have any problem using frying slice and pan.

The smell was wafting and making me salivate.

When he served them, it all looked pretty well-cooked and none were burnt. I dug in.

For himself, milk, cereal and greens. I watched him in fascination.

He smiled. "What is it?"

"Nothing. Thank you by the way. Delicious. "

Joe stumbled out as we ate halfway. "Morning. Hello man."

He tasted the meat and eggs. "Um, it should be charred, sis. But this is good."

"Not me. By His Highness!"

Joe's jaw fell open.

"Why not? You think a prince cannot help himself?" his voice was bland and one eye was lazily slit.

"No." both of us said in unison. Joe asked him how could cereal taste good with vegetables.

Nuada replied that he felt sated with relatively little (which I already knew), and greens were healthy.

My brother opened a plastic box of fruits. "Have some raspberries and grapes. Nice too."

"Thank you!" the elf helped himself. My heart soared at the simple pleasure he experienced.

"What meat do you like? Or you're totally against meat." Joe sat down, resting a hand on the elf's shoulder. I noticed some veins on Nuada's hand, he had lost weight.

"Fish and bird. I ate fish mainly, during exile. May I have more?"

He loves fruits. It certainly fit the elvish trait Nuala and Uriel were telling me about, their main diet consists of greens, fruits and little meat.

"Sorry to ask so much."

He nodded, chewing a grape.

I wanted a chance to practice with my telepathy and not fear the ghost whispers in my head. Why were you writing so long last night?

Silence. Then, while the prince helped to bring dishes to the sink, he answered

Research.

It's your holiday. You can rest.

Halfling, it's not in my nature to do nothing. I'm reading up on history… especially the diplomacy of my race and shapeshifters, druids and other folk.

Oh. I replied. How creative of me. That was way complex!

Aloud, I suggested a movie outing. The guys got delighted.

"There's action, comedy, romance, science fiction, fantasy. Which do you prefer?"

"Not romance okay. We can see the whole listing in the cinema! I haven't seen one in ages." Joe ran into his room.

"I have heard of movie. Moving pictures. Anything is fine." Nuada grinned mischievously. "Same don't want romance." I loved the way he said 'anything'*

We took Nuada to the park first. It was quiet this time of the day too, weekday late morning. Contrary to belief, he did not feel exhausted by the use of glamour. I suspected the elven necklace allowed me to see him in his true form, for to me, his pale skin and amber eyes showed, though his glamour was on. I kept silent on my little discovery.

Joe chattered on about our life. BPRD investigations were more thrilling by comparison. The elf was content to listen. Nuala asked me mentally how he was.

He's so cute. We're taking him to a movie. What about you?

Her laughter was as soft as a canary. Her voice is not ghostly at all.

She replied- I am having a meal with Liz and some elven friends. Abraham is nearby.

I am glad Brother is happy.

Nuada touched my hair. "Yes?" I wanted to tell him we could be family, that is if he didn't mind our human blood. He will be welcome. But I didn't work up the courage to and simply watched how well he carried himself.

We selected an action movie in English and bought tickets. The elf watched a small television playing the trailers. "Why not that one? The Obsidian butterfly. It looks nice."

"That film is foreign language, in Japanese. Next time, if you want. There will be subtitles below to translate."

"Ok. I was just wondering. Hello friend." Joe stuffed his cellphone in the pocket.

Nuada could find the seats in the darkness of the theatre. Back row.

Oily smell. He commented.

The elf took the innermost seat and I occupied the adjacent one. I held his hand.

"Sorry it's the popcorn. I didn't buy."

"When is it starting?" he whispered.

A loud click as the screen in front became larger. He startled at the volume of the sound.

Nuada

Entertaining to see their shock when I offered to cook. They thought I was the chauvinistic kind- ordering females to do the chores for me. In exile, you learn independence. Wink could not use his giant hand to do that. The first times, I did get poisoning from raw food. Did not want a repeat of that. But royalty can do things ourselves.

I was proud I could use the frying pan well. It paid off to watch a cooking program how they handled the things. The delight of my hosts softened my heart more.

How much longer can the fey exist? They were still expanding, the number of buildings had increased on the working sites. Mortals to bring peace and balance to Bethmora. Must divine beings speak so cryptically?

I don't know how to interprete this vision. The Halflings might make a stand.

I had been researching also on the Severn branch of elves. Whenever I had time, that came foremost to mind. I had promised the children to help them understand their heritage better. This task I hoped could repay them for their kindness. Information was scarce, but I could use the time to cultivate patience. Could this branch of my people have mingled freely with mortals? Why would anyone give up our pure ways of creation to live and even beget children with them?

It was not tactful to ask, Joe harbored hatred against the elf who had abandoned them and Laira was more sorrowful. Previously my goal of enquiry into this matter had been personal, I had hoped their father would help me.

I saw pictures of the Severn elves finding artefacts and blessing them. Some of the ancient names were sung from their lips. Would my friends wish to reunite if I could find the elf and make him responsible for what he had done?

Nuala and I are together once more! The bonding of twins has mystified many for centuries but not I. I need her, as simple and profound it is. It makes me jealous Abraham Sapien will be her chosen mate and she shared telepathy with him. Why couldn't she just leave his side for one moment and spend time with me? I was close to death. Her telepathic link to mine grows weaker. We still mind-bond sometimes, but when I am here, I can barely make out her voice. So I had thought her voice a ghost when I first opened my eyes.

The cinema, or theatre has many huge chambers with seats and big screens in front. The tickets were the 'booking' of a row, depending on number of people. Outside I had got entranced by the beautiful vision of a black butterfly imposing itself. It looked so real! Hope I could watch it next time. They told me it was in Japanese, an asian language. Subtitles translated the speech. I also liked one with a cartoon dog.

When we sat down, the show began, but people in families or groups continued walking in. A notice flashed turn off all devices but no one bothered to take notice. Musical tones rang. The sounds and speaking were at a much louder volume to my sensitive ears, when a character screamed, I needed to cover them. I supposed this movie entertainment made humans dwell in a fantasy world. I watched in earnest. The talking animals looked very adorable and charming. Some were real things, and actors. Then her hand covered mine.

Outside,

The lights seemed extra bright. Joe steadied me. "So did you like it or what?"

"Yes. It was a good story." I smiled. They wanted to get food to eat. I said I would wait outside. The sunlight peeked through the little foliage and leaves overhead. My arm throbbed again, result of twirling a spear before I left the Bureau. I need to be more careful. More humans filed into the cinema. What of the joys of running in the grass, or feeling this sun and wind on your face?

"Come on, let's go. You don't want to eat anything?" Laira asked, chewing. Joe said he wanted to meet some friends.

"No I am fine. Have fun." I told him as he waved and ran into the building again. She smiled.

Shopping turned out to be a very strange habit of looking at the blinding varieties of shoes, bags and clothes. The Halfling went into shop after shop feeling the fabric of clothes and asking me if she looked nice.

"Yes, it's soft and should fit you."

We left the stall, with a salesgirl smiling in earnest at me.

Then she fitted on a bracelet. "How about this? Or should I pick this?" Pink one and gold one.

I thought they were of inferior quality to the jewellery elves can smith, but she eagerly waited. "Both."

She was delighted and confirmed, "Ok." Then the puzzling behaviour: she placed them both back. Would she ever buy anything?

"Why don't you buy something? Isn't this the aim of the shopping?"

"Er, nope. I have no aim."

Being inside the mall drained my energy faster than I would wish. I subtly hinted that since there was not going to be any buying, I wanted out. Laira navigated to one exit. If not for the signs, I would be lost. "Better? I forgot to ensure your welfare. So sorry."

I breathed in the partially clean air. It helped only a little. She gazed at me with much concern. I pinched my nose bridge. Really tired. I will wait, and you can carry on.

You need to recharge your battery. It's fine, I want to stay with you.

Battery? What did that mean? We were under some foliage and no humans loitered.

I slipped off the glamour. When I got this belt, the merchant said using it for long hours would begin to sap the owner's energy. Just for a while.

"Did you enjoy the movie? How about watching one at home tomorrow? Then the sound won't terrify you," she said.

"I was not afraid. Well enough, the story was engaging. They invoke passion. The animals looked… odd."

"Coz it's CGI…." The child explained this concept to me. But it proved too much of a challenge to see it as 'fun' so I interrupted.

"So tell me, why do you compare the items but you don't want them?"

Laira looked amused, her smile widening. "I like to, it's called window shopping or browsing. Actually I like a few of them. But, couldn't decide which few and I've got little cash. Normally I scout for things both beautiful and cheap. Quality matters too. I love company when I browse. Thank you."

I accepted her bow. "I see. If it's all of the above, then you will purchase? I can pay if you like, my friend."

"No no, I cannot. I intend to buy you a present back. What would you like?"

"Weapons. I have enough. And your friendship is valuable above all these." This reply squeezed my heart. She seemed very moved, then caught me offguard when her hand felt my forehead.

"Do fey lie? Don't tell me you haven't lied in your life, Noo-wa."

I pushed her hand away. "It depends on the situation. We are capable of lying, but not as badly as mortals. However, honour and lying are separate. Hmm, why are you worming answers from me, Halfling? No more."

I feel your energy lessen. That means I have a chance of breaching your mental defenses.

Not amusing. Get out of my head. I built a shield around what I knew and fenced her out. She created a big toy car and bashed some of the wall aside.

This made me laugh. "All right, enough. Don't be rude."

Hearing sounds of footsteps approaching, I pressed the belt to reactivate the glamour. Just in time.

Laira looked around then returned, with a determined expression. "Coast is clear. Are you all right?"

"Yes." I smiled, rising to my feet. "Let's walk."

The late afternoon was cooler. The skies had darkened. I love rain. "I am starving."

The food choices were oily and smelled weird, but I had to sate my growling stomach.

"Why are honour and telling lies separate?" she pressed. I swallowed the last morsel.

"If I lie to you, it is only once. For a good reason. But I am bound to help you."

Her mind processed this quickly. Well, the intelligence and wit of a youngling would find angles to probe the issue further. I loved this spark of the children. It is good they want to learn more about us. Not all humans had forgotten us. "It sounds simple enough. That means in our situation, you will help us. Wow, like wishes. Can you grant wishes?"

"No sorry. I am no wizard. Deeds I can accomplish."

"Perfect! But you don't need to give your life for me. I don't want that, anything but your life. Promise."

I stroked my long hair. "I cannot. It is the rule, you saved me, so my life is yours. How about I do it without danger to myself?"

"Nuada, we'll be shattered if anything happens to you again. You can simply buy me gifts, or accompany us. Teach us knowledge."

That sounded feasible. We fey need to follow our bound words, and there are the invisible terms and conditions. They saved me twice, so I will give my life to help them in future. The prospect was indeed dark. You will feel shattered…

"I can teach you."

"Couldn't you be flexible?"

This debate could go on forever. However I like to win debates. "No, we do not bend rules. Unless, you can suggest something else."

Laira glanced down at the sigil etched on her right palm. It must hurt terribly but she never complained. In a soft voice she hummed something. I listened to the sound, it was not offtune. Quite soothing. Then a buzz interrupted. I took her wounded hand and murmured a healing spell. She did not notice.

"Hey. Where are you? We're walking in… let's see, Dean's Grove. Yep the tiny forest. Hurry up, bye."

I stopped when she put the phone into her pocket. "Hmm, let's think about this, you do anything else but block me from some attack. I've heard of people who jumped in front of bullets and died, on their loved ones' behalf."

I'm not so foolish as those mortals. Don't forget how skilled I am, I reminded her.

"I know that. But give me your word." She stuck out her last finger. What childish game was this? I refused to do this. "Ok silence is consent."

"That is pure nonsense." The indignant glare she shot me triggered a helpless mirth from me. "I- I never said anything to agree. I won't die," I conceded, failing to stop smiling.

"Good. Joe's finally coming back. Let's wait here." The clearing was panoramic, reminded me of the elflands. The leaves fluttered by, golden and brown. The backdrop of blue sky and orange fire. My twin's senses flared.

Nuala, can you see this?

To my delight, she replied yes! I want to go there one day.

Why do you desire Abraham Sapien? Elves have only their own kind for company. - I suddenly had to know.

He is everything to me. I also do not know why I am not attracted to other elven men, but Brother, it's just… inside. Like a passion out of time. Have you loved anyone so deeply?

Not yet. But it will definitely be one of our people. - I confessed.

We cannot be too certain. The divine powers don't allow for smooth plans. Nuala responded. She was smelling a bouquet of rare lilies, listening to classical songs.

"You're dreaming. That is rare." Small hands on my cheek.

I pulled out, a bit tired. Vivid sapphire eyes connected to mine. "I was speaking to my sister."

"Oh. Sit down. How is she?"

I described my twin with the flowers. "This classical song is playing too." I hummed the tune.

She made a face. "Yuck. Metal's way better. But I suppose when you love you change your tastes. That music makes you smarter did you know that?"

Laira

"Why do you like the singers? They have bad taste in clothing. Fashion challenged." Nuada said, tapping a cover.

I bobbed along to 'Indestructible' by Disturbed. My favorite line being: A declaration embedded deep within my skin,no hesitation when I am commanding the strike.

At least the elf was not puking or holding his head. His amber eyes deepened. I love that effect, I'm actually counting the number of times that happens.

"every broken enemy will know, that their opponent had to be a last look around while you're alive, I am an indestructible master of war!" I sang.

"Don't you feel high hearing it?"

He smirked. "I am not that. Though the first part sound like what I did. Don't you think I was evil? After I slew millions of your race in the past?"

What? Why did he mention that now? I stopped the music, mind reeling. Liz had told me before- the prince remembered what he had done in bits and pieces. That was so long in the past. The BPRD chose to overlook his crimes and granted him this second chance. Also on Nuala's behalf.

Did this mean that Nuada had recovered all his memory fully?