Chapter 20 What guys value in friendship

*kudos to Megumisakura, Jani especially, haha your support rocks! And of course the sexy elf in black leather.

AFI:Halloween

Liz Sherman

Months of nature exploration and I gained valuable insight. I really wanted to help the fey with their conservation of the earth.

"Why don't you ask to be paid? It's what- 3 hours when we're free and also 1 hour of your time, prince."

The warrior focused on me with analysis. This look signified his bafflement, like he didn't know what to fathom of us humans.

I said, "Sorry, my joke fell flat. Not funny huh."

He smiled a little. "Meant to be a joke? I do not mind, though if you wish to pay me it would also be welcome. Your kind attention is what matters most. Anything to tell me?"

I produced a file of research I had whipped these weeks. "Here, for you." Nuada flipped through the data and pictures, plus my writing on his people. I had included thoughts and identification of various races. You must be wondering why I would do this- to curry favour or we were infiltrating Bethmora again? Wrong! It's my own free will, what all living creatures have. It's a dedication as thanks for what he had done!

"What is the purpose Liz?" Nuada asked when he found his voice.

"Nuala helped me with that. Didn't know his name. Oh and some are just what I think. (as he paused on a troll page whose picture I kept from an old volume) As for the purpose, read on to find out. I included an entire page of explanation why I'm doing this. Hope you will like," I commented.

Will he mock me?

The elf frowned. Sometimes I talked so quickly that he took time to process.

I asked, "Nuada, are you all right? I can't see those fairies without help."

"Yes. You can't see them because you are still so attached to the mortal world. The humans' scientific modern ways just do not accommodate us. The lost ones of civilization. At least you have improved slightly. Ironically these glamour glasses utilize ectoplasmic essence to reveal our true form. We have faded in the minds of this modern world."

Now it was my turn to balk and try to digest this complex thoughts. The first sentence cut me a little. I couldn't help being attached to this mortal world. But the rest of it sounded neutral, honest and philosophical…

The prince smiled.

"Very complex, Nuada. I only gather one thing- you are actually not lost people. But I am not meant to see certain lifeforms."

He nodded, seeming delighted by my answer. "I will take the time to read this work. You are free to rebut me if you think otherwise. There's nothing more welcome among us fey, we value candid remarks."

"Yea I noticed. Extremely sharp. Brutal at times. Couldn't you speak more… I don't know, nicely?" I made my hands light up so I could see the way. The elf moved without a problem. He could see in the dark. "Is it coz guy elves all need to speak so frankly? We have emotions."

He chuckled. "No way, all species, races of males are like that. Why do you ladies wish we can be more romantic, soft? Just as women are the nurturers, we have to be the protectors. Softness can't protect and defend."

I sulked. So much for honesty.

"Extinguish that. You will need help. There's a jagged rock."

Then the elf took my hand firmly before I stepped off the uneven surface. My shoulder against his chest. I blushed, please do not see that.

"Thanks. Biologically we tend to be certain stereotypes. It's sad that we have misunderstandings on them. You know how your sister feels. Can that apply to the rest of us women?"

Nuada waved a hand like a complicated symbol to part some leaves from an obstructed pathway. It took concentration, so he didn't answer me. This was further than we had been before. Looked like some kind of wilderness pathway lost to human eyes. A brook came up, sparkling waters. Peaceful. Stopping to rest nearby, I repeated my question.

"My sister is one individual. I can't truly grasp what you females are thinking based on her."

"Do you argue? I thought twins are very attached and won't hurt each other."

He glanced at me, smiling. "Liz we have been opposites of the coin since we became youths! Like every brother and sister, there's conflict. Everything about us is different-from food habits, colors to opinions. While I hated humans, she strove to protect them. My anger to her gentleness. We do hurt each other. I hurt her more." He looked sad at this admission. I was sympathetic.

"You don't have to talk about it, if it's too painful. Sorry. It is nice that you're both your own people and aren't afraid to show it."

"Thank you. I do not mind, Liz. When I had this scar, Nuala felt each cut as deeply as I did," the prince spoke, tracing one end of it.

"My master used a fine dragontooth knife to carve it. I was delighted to receive this ritual scar having completed my entire training and became a full fledged warrior. I forgot completely that Nuala would also feel as I felt. She cried at this disfiguration. So I took on her agony and her scar faded. But it will not disappear. My friends and I looked for herbs to reduce the marking, all in vain. Do you think I was selfish?"

"Oh Nuada it's been so long. I think it is cool. Didn't she like hit you?"

He smiled, his golden eyes full. "Violent of you, Firechild. No, my sister will shout at the most, not hit me."

"Let me punch you on her behalf." I socked his arm. Nuada pretended to be mad, taking on that arrogant glower, lips stiff, narrowed ambers. "Now don't think anymore."

He sighed and leaned against the trunk. "Very well. Having a scar like that is cool? Meaning I don't look too bad."

"Yea at least it's special. Can you choose where to have it? I only see Salem with it on his eye."

"The master decides. It is most honorable on the parts where people can see it. Like the tattoos on the agents… they happily expose their leg or neck. But those are decorative."

Later he ventured, "It is hard to explain why you cannot see my people in English. It's better in original elven. Tell me honestly, did you believe in us? Before I came?"

I shrugged. "Dunno."

The elf rolled his eyes. Helping me up, we left the passage and emerged at a moonlit opening. Little shrubs. Every branch and vine gave way at Nuada's elegant signal. As vicious as he proved to be in combat, Silverlance exhibited such gentleness and passivity to his beloved woods. "Liz give me a better answer."

"Will you be mad at me if I said no? I haven't, not at all. But, I liked the myths, I mean the stories of the fairies."

"Then there it is, the reason behind why you need to focus so hard just to see one of our kind." He said evenly.

My hands caught afire.

Nuada retreated from me. "Stop that. You'll frighten the forest people." I detected a note of uncertainty. He fears fire?

"Sorry!" I dissipated the flame. Nuada heaved a sigh of relief.

"Don't need to react so explosively. Calm down."

"I am calm. Don't worry, man."

*****

"So what is your achieved goal for tonight? I still cannot see anyone," I concluded. We were on the way back. Nuada supported me. I felt extremely drowsy.

"It's done. I learnt a lot about you. Do you feel my passion and understand how much we are connected?"

I nodded. Rewarded with a genuine smile. "Do the kids come with you? I'm sure they'd love to." Silence. I guess he felt acutely especially for the female Halfling.

Abe passed me his laptop. Time to check for messages. Mine was attacked by virus.

Laira was online. Hey Liz, how's princie?

I typed: he's fine but a little lonely, we just got back. Discovered new forest

Wow! I want to, but no time! How was project abt fey, did he accept it?

Me: yea, Nuada will read. He apprec my effort. (smile) I impressed him.

L: pls tell prince I will come tmr. Then he wont be sad.

Ok I will tell him. Nite!

I also gained much from the elf. He was chivalrous and dedicated to Nature. Evidently he feared fire. Well I needed to muster control more. I picked up the extension. On three rings, the elf said, "Hello?"

"Laira will come see you tomorrow."

"Thanks." His tone was more cheered. I smiled.

"You are nervous with fire?" I could not resist rubbing it in.

A long pause. He answered, "No. I am more worried about the trees and woods ." Cute.

Nuada values honesty.... "I forgot to mention that I burned down entire hectares of land when I exploded. Do you blame me?"

"Liz, we should forget the past." I believed him.

*******

Laira

After this crisis, I vowed to prove that I wouldn't be so inconsistent in our friendship again. I had asked Liz to tell him, but not where to meet, coz it'd be a surprise. I wished to sneak up on him, haha. Salem would always laugh at me (though he tended to be less bubbly than the healer) that Nuada and I should become closer than friends. I simply changed the subject. He had chosen to make his scar on his eye? Or was it a battle wound? Uriel and him were the warrior's only close companions.

The forest. Salem said he had woken early for a walk. Today my friend was decked out in meridian green, long sleeves, sash of gold, dark pants. Elves always wear something resembling the colors of nature. I shut down my telepathy. He seemed intent on something. I started creeping up on him. Then my shoe rustled on the grass. Nuada didn't move. Yay he did not hear me? Hope rose. I could improve. I was right behind now and about to smugly declare that I had won!

"Game over!" he said with a smirk. Aw! He folded his arms. "You think I didn't hear you?"

I laughed. He sighed, started leaving. "Hey hey! Wait for me! Will you show me about the fey? Please!" I shouted, rushing. This time my advance was super noisy.

Nuada slowed down. His golden hair gleamed, neatly brushed. Smelled fragrant- he had taken a bath. "Which level?"

"Huh?" I answered.

He groaned. "I have to elaborate so much just to get a point across."

"You were unclear, princie." I pointed out.

Nuada said which level of detail I preferred. "For Liz I am teaching her the forest and inhabitants, how to observe them without disturbing them. That is basic."

"K what is advanced?"

"More demonstrations. Want?" His ambers gazed on me. He smiled.

I agreed. "I gather with your excellent memory and visual intelligence, tell me what you think…" Nuada showed me trees and flowers. He was delighted I could sense their innate feelings. Therefore my elven senses were along the same line, if not equally strong. Then Nuada showed me more of a surface elf's tracking skill, staying downwind, how not to walk noisily etc.

"These shoes are quite good. But elven boots are more for stealth."

"No magic to silence the sound?"

He shook his head. Next, my friend broke some twigs and scattered them on the path. "We use such methods to lead a false trail or mark the path where you've been before. This is how to cut into the bark so there won't be damage or pain to the tree."

I watched. His movements were precise and fluid. Nuada had to call me before I followed again. every detail of this landscape was hard to memorize, unlike the city area near the Fountain of life.

"What's wrong?"

Finger to his lips, the elf knelt. I imitated him. He gestured. Do you see her?

What? Nothing's there. Just a couple of flowers around a flat rock.

"You can't?" he said, disappointment deep. Nuada said something in gaellic then bade me to try again.

Oh yes! Now I can. A pink person. Pixie? We had a conversation with him as a translator to speak on my behalf. I have asked for elven lessons but felt intimidated. Nuala said they usually grow up speaking already, there are over 30 dialects and slanks. How discouraging. And the rate of speech is too fast for me. As for him, he told me frankly, "Don't waste time, we share a common tongue."

Nuada smiled, allowing the pink pixie to land on his fingers. "She is collecting honeydew for her family and will need to go soon."

She chattered, holding one lock of my hair. I said, "Ok thank you. Bye."

Once she had disappeared, I could see nothing again. My companion rose. I took his hand. "Hey are you tired? Your hand feels cold."

"I'm fine. Are you hungry?"

I felt that he was a little weak though not about to faint-sort of weakness. "Yes! Let's go back and get something."

Meals could be ordered at the Bureau's canteen. Many varieties of foodie! Western, Asian, bread, drinks etc. I was delighted to see Nuala again. "Come and sit down with us," she said.

This was addressed to Nuada, I had no problem. He hesitated. "For a while. It's nicer to eat together." Nuala tugged his hand. She glanced at the larger table near the centre where Red, Abe were.

"Alright."

Hellboy was in a good mood. He loudly called a hiya to us. I munched on my food. Nuada nibbled some vegetables. Abraham offered us pizza.

I accepted.

"Have one, brother-in-law." He gestured.

Nuala watched anxiously. The prince smiled. "It looks oily. Thanks." He tried it. Delight showed in his features, his ambers lighting then going bronze.

I asked, "Abe, do you like metal and rock music?"

The fishman blinked. "My goodness, those are damaging to your ears. Not at all." Wow so prim and proper. I thought he is eclectic.

Red guffawed. "I like them a little bit. Liz is the hardcore one." Abe shook his head in disbelief.

I smiled. "Nah it's educational. Recently there's research showing metal can make one more intelligent."

Nuala said, "I think all music is nice. What do you like brother?"

We waited in reverent silence. Nuada said candidly, "I like folk music and some classical too. Metal is deafening and horrible. Don't know why some weird humans like that."

I pouted. Nuala and Red laughed merrily. I felt her immense excitement he's not angry with Abraham anymore! She smiled just for me meaningfully. "Prince you could borrow some of my classical collection… and folk music I think I do have a couple."

"Very well. No thanks, I am full." He declined the pizza box.

Liz came at this moment, surprised that Nuada was here. She raised her brows at us girls. Her plate was heaped. Nuada stared at her pile in shock. "It is my normal diet. Burning is hardwork." She explained.

Nuala asked if she could take one of the cakes. Liz agreed. I helped myself too. Nuada seemed to be astounded at the amount of things we were consuming. "Are you ok?" Liz asked.

"Yes," he replied. "I am just- about to leave. See you." He tapped my shoulder.

Are you like shy? They're friendlies now. I asked.

No I felt sickened at the smell of the oil. And my stomach is acting up. Nuada Sent.

Oh I did not realize. Will you be okay?

Nuada had a funny expression on his face, which I had not seen before.

*******

He was much better when we had fresh air again. "How's your tummy?"

"Ah, does not churn anymore. I am unused to such greasy food."

I nodded. I stretched my legs. Nuada reclined beside me, his eyes closed. Soon his breathing deepened. His right palm was facing up. I touched gently and probed. His fingers were callused.

Blue. The color of loneliness. Now it was a neutral blue. Secretly he was touched that his sis and the others wanted him to sit with them.

"Nuada are you very lonely? I will try to come more often if you like. Will you be free this week?" I said.

"It's all right. Thank you." After a while, he stirred. "Yes I'm free. Still cannot do a lot. How are your activities?"

I updated him on our exciting happenings, appointments etc. Now we could actually come visit him more again, because we were stationed in Brooklyn. Joe was usually away at some conferences. Nuada nodded at the right intervals, listening intently.

"So are you actually shy?" I ventured.

He smiled. "Usually I eat alone or with only 2 people."

"I'm shy too, with many people. My friends always said I'm the mouse. Do you think so?"

He chuckled. "Oh not at all! You talk a lot."

Reminded me that he pointed out my taste in music was bad. Nuada looked calm. "It is true. Get used to my honesty. I don't put things nicely at all. Liz also mentioned something like that."

"No it's nice. You guys should open your minds to noise."

"Eugh." He scowled. He seemed to be dreaming after that. I dozed off until I felt someone nudging me. Quite hard too.

"What?" I growled, opening my eyes. Nuada was near me, his eyes very wide. His elbow left my shoulder.

"Let's go." Nuada stood up.

Why can't you be gentle with me? That hurt.

"I cannot," firm musical voice.

I sighed. No easy way to speak to a fey prince. It was trying on my part to be accommodating. Nuada hummed a tune as we walked back.

You look great in this color. Want to see you in this outfit again.

He ruffled my hair.

"Do you want me to talk to Nuala? It is nice to eat together like that. Better for you too."

"No need for that. I can be alone. And happy as well," he insisted.

But his voice did not convince me of this statement. I was learning to Read more than what was on the surface. I confirmed with Nuala: when your brother says he does not care, is he unconvinced or pretending to be ok?

'yes he is.'

'He liked us eating together. I will ask him more.'

In his room, Nuada opened a big file. Oh, it was Liz's project. He was engrossed reading it. I watched some tv. Suddenly, he said, "I have been thinking- it was too rushed the last time we were at the Markets. Do you want to go there again?"

"Yes! When? It is safe?" I blurted.

The elf nodded. He told me to shift a bit and drew out another mattress. I was puzzled.

He added, "You can sleep on this bed when you are here. Then it won't be cramped. Don't go home alone."

I smiled. Nuada flashed a wide smile in return.

I ticked off my wishlist of food, clothes made, jewellery….. Nuada wanted to check with his sister when they could both come together.

Nuada

I had a good time with Elizabeth. She was very surprised I wanted to tell her of my scar and how it affected my sister as well. Getting it off my chest was necessary. It was really unexpected she produced this project saying it was especially done for me. I wanted to know why.

She wrote: I had many nature walks, but none so magical and special as the treks Nuada and I have. I cannot believe I missed out on much magic and strange creatures that don't attack people. Following are what I've learnt and read up on. You know what my favorite race is? The elf. Definitely need to go into more detail. Next are fairies. And then the wild animals. I love to see unicorns, mythical animals too. Hope I get a chance to, teacher.

I smiled. The bootlicker! But I didn't mind. She was as blunt in words as I was. "Can't you talk nicely?" to my frankness. I guess I had gone too deep when I remarked she was too attached to the mortals.

I believe friends must be candid with each other. Maybe I will explain to her next time. I do not mean to hurt feelings.

The Halfling tried to sneak up on me. She had gained some skill on listening. She can Read emotions of trees, like our kind. The strain of elvenblood. This was fantastic! I had forgotten my manners and mealtime completely. Laira sensed my feebleness and bade me to eat too. I will do better next time. All her questions were full of insight, always relating to how I compared to other elves.

But I am not shy. Just because I did not like sitting with the rest, could it be her only conclusion? I am not lonely either. I have what I want now.

Now she was bouncing on the other bed, ticking off what she wanted to do at the fey markets. I felt a small twinge of envy at her carefree life. "I feel giddy watching you do that."

She just carried on. I held her still without feeling the aches of last month. But I could not wield weapons longer than an hour without panting. Rest had to be total. Damn.

When I went to the training room, the humans came to express concern for my health. I felt puzzled they cared. A few of them said they looked forward to lessons again. I smiled in approval. 'Wait for 2 more months.'

Laira relaxed in my grip. "Nuada, do you like pizza? Even if you felt sick eating it?"

I said, "Not too much. What is wrong?" She looked pensive.

" You can ask nicely. It hurt when you nudged me like that."

I rubbed her sore area. "I did call you but you were soundly asleep."

"Why don't you carry me?" Females. If only they stopped thinking we should do certain things.

I shook my head and told her how exhausted I felt simply practicing for an hour. She looked concerned. "That's understandable, elf. But your strength is returning. I'm going to have a bruise. Does it still hurt?"

Should I tell her? All right. "Don't panic. When I get up suddenly and carry things, my wounds start throbbing. So, I can't carry you."

She glanced at her scarred hand. I took the salve and smeared it on her palm. Would my friend Jarvis call about a reputable healer? Then the child won't suffer the pain anymore.

*Don't miss the next installment, there'll be some action!