Chapter 14 Checkmate and Battleship

Tuo diao by Alex Toh, real funny song (some parts in english)

Dreams by the Corrs


Nuada

The next day I was all right again. No outdoors plan. I gamely agreed to be an opponent in battleship. The game involved pegs of yellow and white. Yellow for firing and white for missed targets.

"Understand? Basically your strategy is a secret. Bomb your enemy before all of them sink. And the top board is against, " Laira explained.

"Yes, it's easy enough." This strategy game before a real war. The little toys represented an army. I got the hang of it.

Joe passed by and commented she always lost. She stuck out her tongue.

Most of my ships were missed. Yes! I'm a winner.

"Did you move your ships around? You're not supposed to." She looked dismayed.

"I did not. I don't cheat," I retorted good-naturedly. I had scored about 3 rows of flames.

"My turn Z10."

"Shit shit shit," she muttered.

I laughed helplessly. Then I asked, "What did I hit this time?"

"The main one."

"Don't give up."

She looked very depressed. "No good, at this rate my country will fall."

I thought for a while. It tugged on my heart that in real life my people's strategy had failed against the invasions. I said, "Let's restart. How about we change the rule, move them when the enemy is near?"

She was puzzled. I loved the way her elven blue eyes widened. "You're winning, why stop now?"

I smiled and gestured. "Proven. Now, show me what you got."

"Ok." The next round, she had improved. Once a ship got hit, we moved the rest. Only the hit one didn't budge. "Yay! Great idea. Thank you."

After 3 rounds, I felt tired of it (mostly winning) so the girl took out a game called chess. That was harder to win. I mixed up the pieces often. My little teacher was very patient.

"I cannot take more steps. This is stupid." I shifted the pawn back one step.

She shifted her white one directly in front. "One turn but I'll grant a boon, Silverlance. Sure you want to stay there?" Pointed to the horse. "Once it's down you're in trouble."

"I don't care. Why am I in trouble? "

Her bishop finished one of my pieces. "It's best to learn. Believe me I also lost like hell. First times always like that. Since you've been generous I'll give you two turns each plus advice."

I scowled. Her turn to laugh. I shook my head as more and more got 'eaten' till the main pieces King Queen and Bishop were left.

"The King and queen have to live or it's totally game over."

Why did she have to say that? I was reminded of my father and mother. I had been the person to stab him. Balor a dead king. Essentially after he died, the fey didn't respect me.

I moved the Queen in front of the king. Laira seemed to have read my thoughts and remained silent.

I'm sorry, Nuada. Don't think of it that way.

Fine. I replied. Let me try to save what remained on this game. The queen could move all directions and steps. I will remember this lesson. Joe came to watch.

"What happened? You got wartorn?"

"Can you help?" I asked. He knelt beside me. Through his advice, somehow the tide turned in my favour. But in the end I had to surrender, still outnumbered.

Board games are nicer. It reminded me of my carefree days. "Did Nuala and you play things like that?"

"We had something close, made of wood. This is soft and flimsy. But I like it."

"Maybe when she comes we can play together."

"All right." I did not feel like discussing what happened before. She should forget it.

Joe offered me something to eat. "You didn't eat breakfast, man. This is pudding."

Tasted very sweet and circular in shape. I balked at the taste.

I stuck one thumb up. "But no more. I don't need a lot of food."

They asked what elven food and delicacies were like. Much better to show and demonstrate. I said I would purchase some when I could go there. "Fruit pies, desserts, grapes apples. Some examples."

A tinge of nostalgia. Queen Sylvia, my mother, always bought us snacks. I could almost smell her flowers, but could not remember her face…

A touch on my forehead. "Nuada are you tired? I'll leave you alone now. Gonna shower!" I leaned back and stretched. It felt too sweltering to do anything, so I had taken off my shirt. No sense perspiring and wetting it. Joe was reading, something he rarely did.

"What is that? Paranormal anomalies. Is it nice?" I asked.

He nodded with a grunt. I didn't feel like reading a magazine so I headed for the library. With some difficulty I recalled where the button was and the compartment swung open. I pulled out a book from the middle shelf. Hmm they had cleaned so it was not so dusty.

I read until they called me to eat something.

Laira

"Hey friend. You want to be alone now?" I asked. He shook his head.

The book he held had no pictures. About military history. "Thank you." He took a cracker and ate.

I wished he would not neglect his health. Nuada never ate unless we asked him to. Joe was bad, should not let him take icecream before meals. We could seriously spoil the elf!

"I want to read the mythology book again. Where is it?"

"Which one? Come, eat some more."

The golden eyes deepened to another shade. "I forgot the title. Can I search in your room?"

"After you eat more." He frowned at me. I forgot, he has a volatile temper. I refused to budge.

Uriel had answered the phone last night, because Nuala wasn't around. I had been stung by Nuada's temper when he shut me out from his feelings. (If he was happy, the elf always opened his mind). I so needed advice and a listening ear.

"So what if he's a man? I totally freaking care!" I griped.

"He is royalty miss. I can tell that's untrue. You love him."

"No I don't. He's so selfish."

Uriel laughed. "Get used to it, males are always self sufficient. He gets like that too when I touch him. Nuada needs time alone."

"Who?" I felt sad at that.

"I'm not sure. He won't confide, though I am his bodyguard. Could be a reason why he's upset. Nuada's grief is more apparent in fury. Started throwing things at you?"

"If he does, I'm going to beat him up." We laughed.

Uriel said, "Hey is Nuada hearing this? He will kill me, not to mention his dislike for backstabbing."

"No. I'm in the library, soundproof. So far, we are pretty ok. Nuada made it clear I cannot listen to metal music. Since he likes fighting, metal's good. But he's into country music, at most pop."

"Cool."

"I like you a lot, Uriel. I'm so sad you're married. At least I can talk to you. I thought elf warriors are solemn and sulking."

The musical laughter made me smile too. "I am the extrovert type, love friendships, medicine and food. I can be your friend."

"How many kids you got?"

"3. Want a tip how to handle his Highness?"

I agreed. He said, "Do not give in. Even if he is angry. Just remain steadfast. I think I should pay a visit soon. Very naughty that he's not eating well."

"Awesome! Elf doctor. Oh I heard you want to study western medicine too."

"Indeed friend. I can tell you will love each other. Soon." I laughed. Super unlikely! Friendship was good enough for me. Uriel wouldn't say when, but he would definitely come. Haha! I could not handle the prince alone. By this time, Nuada had finished the plate of crackers and waited expectantly. "You're dreaming. Let me go and search now."

I opened the door. After Nuada looked everywhere and found nothing, he remarked, "Why aren't you speaking?"

"Coz I'm pissed- Very angry with you." I felt bold at this. His white hair swished when he stood suddenly and faced me.

He was stoic. "I have done nothing wrong. What is the reason?"

"You neglect your health. I am worried about you." I said. His friend had said he lost someone he loved. This weakened my anger.

Nuada walked close to me, silent. He blinked. "I will eat. I ate a full meal yesterday."

He touched my cheek. "You're seldom angry." The scar on his face seemed faded as the elf towered over me. I felt light headed.

I walked in and helped to search. If I could find it maybe I can use the book to entice him to sit down and eat. Nuada watched me. I came across a book with the cover of unicorns. This one hurt me deeply. He had been reading this when he decided to leave.

"Is this the book you want?"

He nodded delighted. "Yes. I am a bit hungry now. My child, are you still angry?"

I did not reply. Nuada probed me for a while. Tell me what's wrong? I will change if it's my fault.

No. It is not good to talk about. Something like you hurt me.

I watched him as he tasted the noodles with chopsticks. It was new to the prince. Although I felt sullen, it was good to see him trying this out.

Joe diffused the tension and asked me what I wanted for dinner. "Hey you can't clip much. Like that."

"All right. Thank you." The prince easily adapted and used the chopsticks properly.

Joe had no clue what happened. He never understood.

I walked out, to the library with my cellphone.

"Nuala here. Hello!"

"Hi. Your brother is so irritating. He won't eat properly."

"Oh dear. Uriel said he will come by. Maybe today."

"What can I do? And he asked me what he did wrong. I don't feel like explaining." I kept a lookout for the guys. Nope. But he did creep up on me before. I pressed the lever to close the compartment and ducked behind one shelf of dinosaur reference books.

Nuala paused. "I sense that he does not understand what wrong he did, Laira. He lost Cecilia to an illness when he pulled away. Nuada isn't expressive. But he does care." She told me briefly the story. I gained new light.

His twin said more tenderly, "Nuada likes you both. He is so grateful to what you've done for him. Oh yes, Uriel will be on his way soon. Don't tell."

Haha.

Sooner than expected, the doc arrived. The doorbell rang. I exited the secret place.

Nuada opened the door and grumbled, "Why are you here?"

"Hi! I should be welcomed with open arms." The handsome blond elf smiled at me. I haven't described him fully yet, he has slightly darker blond hair than the prince, of a more delicate build and his ears are more pronounced. Our blue eyes are similar. He wore a lavender shift which cut off near the knees, much shorter length than the outfits the royal twins wore. Silver swirling patterns glittered along the seams.

I hugged him. " I'm glad to see you!"

Joe waved, then ran back in. Something smelled burning.

Nuada folded his arms. "Are you here to bother me? Don't you have somewhere to go?"

Uriel winked at me. "To visit my friends. You are the first, Nuada, sit down. I need to check your pulse."

Nuada reluctantly let him touch his back and do a routine checkup. The healer had broad sleeves. Oh, his bag of stuff was stored in them. I recognized a thermometer amongst the things. He stuck it into Nuada's ear. After that Uriel prodded his chest and listened to his heart as well. I found it funny that our prince looked extremely pissed and impatient. Occasionally Nuada hissed in pain.

"How is he?" I was genuinely worried.

"Fine," the prince announced just as Uriel made a sad face and clucked.

His friend said brightly, "Very poor indeed. You're not eating well evidently. Looks like I need to add more medicine to your diagnosis."

Nuada glared at him as if he would burn him through where he stood. I laughed. His brows rose in astonishment. Then he growled at his friend in elven. Uriel made a placating gesture.

"Let me see, hmm… you can easily drink this soup after meals." The healer elf opened a pouch he had brought along, tugging out a paper envelope of powder herbs. I came close to see. It was a black powder.

Nuada insisted, "I am Not taking that disgusting concoction! It smells horrid. I will throw up."

Joe had come to check out what was going on. Uriel turned to us. "He won't cooperate. Does our prince here eat 3 meals?"

I said truthfully, "At the most breakfast and lunch. Hardly much for dinner."

"Then Nuada must drink this herb twice a day, after meals. It will dispel the poison and ease the aches. About half of it each time." He produced two more similar satchels.

"Hey don't talk about me as if I am not present. Uriel, I will personally (gaelic)"

"K, no problem. So we brew it? Can we add sugar to make it nicer to drink?" Joe asked, taking the packets. Nuada looked sickened and pressed his nose bridge.

Uriel nodded, still smug about the whole matter. "Yes feel free to add it. (facing the injured warrior) You seem to have disobeyed my instructions, Your highness. Your wounds are in danger of reopening when you train. I am concerned for your chest wound. Does it still pain you?" He took his place beside the prince.

I felt sorry for my friend. All my anger dissipated.

Nuada Sent, Halfing, I need to talk to you later.

Aloud, he replied, "A little. So I cannot train? I don't want to lose my reflexes."

The other elf took his left hand and read into his thoughts. "Rest is more important. And bonding with your friends too. It would not hurt to show your feelings more."

Nuada sighed. "Stop your nattering. They understand me."

What did he want to talk about? That really worried me. Maybe when the doctor stayed he wouldn't say anything. I feared he would 'interrogate' me why the doctor had suddenly turned up without advanced warning. Especially since I called and asked for advice about him.

Joe chuckled. "Yep, I do. Nuada is ok. Just impish. Elf is defined as a mischief seeker."

Uriel laughed merrily while his companion shot Joe a glare that said 'traitor'.

"Yes I know that definition. I will make a move now."

"Can't you stay awhile?" I asked. I opened a box of candy on the table and offered it to him. Uriel smiled and took a few candies.

"Going to meet my family. Promised them I would take them out today. I'll come by on the weekend."

"Bye!" We saw him to the door. Nuada said some things in their language and then touched his chest. Uriel bowed, replying in kind.

I was going to plug into some consoling heavy metal music when Nuada took my hand. His goldens were searching. "What?"

Let's go into your room. Private. He did not sound furious, just wondering and frank.

Ok let's get it over with. I sat down on my bed. Nuada pulled a chair near me.

"What is the real reason you are mad?"

"Coz you're not doing well. You've lost weight and yet you're not taking care of yourself."

He smiled. "I will, from now on. Seriously it did not hurt until he poked me just now. I have cream to rub in." Held out a container. I examined the contents.

"Let me rub it for you."

"All right. But wash your hands afterwards, it has a pungence." I helped him with that on his back. He grunted. The smell was nice to me. Some hair got sticky with it. Oops. I also rubbed his shoulders.

With his back to me, he asked, "Was it because last night I drew away from you?"

I was caught unaware of this and did not answer. Nuada reached back and poked me in the stomach. "Laira. I am not talking to the wind here."

"Um, kind of. You didn't want me." I managed to talk steadily. But it was fine, I already understood why from his twin.

Silence. I touched his shoulder. "Ok done." Then went to wash my hands.

The prince had a dreamy look in his eyes, when I returned. "I liked playing with the chopsticks. Can we have noodles again this evening?"

I smiled. "Ok." Good I'm safe and he's happy. I took out the mythology book and covered my face.

"I did not mean to draw away. I'm not used to prolonged contact with females. Girls, I mean. Not your fault at all."

"Um hmm. Look, you also have to drink the soup."

Nuada's relieved expression changed to a scowl and he cast his long hair back in annoyance. "I did not ask him to come. What brought him here anyway?" I did not answer. The elf came directly in front of me. His shadow darkened the pages. "I suspect it's you."

Nope you've no proof. Haha!

You are guilty. Got that deceptive tone in your thoughts.

The prince pulled at the book. We shared it. He loved reading this.

Nuada hesitated when the black soup was presented to him. "It's unbearable. I will vomit."

"It's sweet, I put lots of sugar. Hmm, cannot help the smell," Joe said. He cursed and scooped the surface.

He made a face, stuck out his tongue after a few sips. "It'll be all right. That's it," I cheered him on.

"Don't want anymore." His voice sounded petulant. "I will rest."

"Cannot. How to be well when you don't finish? We'll let you eat something nice after that. " I coaxed. Nuada glared at me. It would be a struggle- he looked very nauseous after drinking the medicine.

"Excuse me." He ran to the toilet.

On the second day he could drink everything with the promise of a candy or dessert. And he walked around to reduce the possibility of throwing up. I hoped he would be better.

Uriel called to check. "Yes yes I finished it. I don't want anymore. Damn!" Nuada grumbled on the phone. "What? No I won't. Just forget it. Very funny. I will whack you when you come. Don't come back!"

He hung up. I said I wanted Uriel to come by. Nuada looked baffled. I am fine. Don't need to come.

It's more fun!

That stung my feelings. I am your guest. No way.

Are you better? Less pain? The truth. I touched his chest. He smiled.

"Better be worth it. Much better. I'm well enough."

Uriel said it was ok if he wanted to stretch a little, but no funny stunts and jumping. We settled for walks in the park. Nuada swung his sword only a few times and then let Joe try out. The prince felt restless.

If only his holiday wouldn't be so short. We had been enlightened about privacy, proxemics and elf culture. "Can you extend?"

"No I'm afraid. It's the longest. Why you'll miss me?" he asked. It was Thursday night. 3 more days. So sad.

I nodded and refrained from hugging him. Nuada squeezed my hand. Then he kissed my forehead.

"You need more sleep. Can you come weekends?"

"Sure if you want. Are you busy?"

I will set aside time for you Silverlance. Yay!