Chapter 24 More Letters, Sunday outing

*Recommended songs: "When you look me in the eyes" by Jonas Brothers and "A Love before time."

Nuada

The new agent constantly trailed me even when there was no need for a meeting or mission. I continually kept far away from the indecent woman. It disgusted me that she resorted to exposing herself, especially to me.

"I don't like you. Stay away from my room!" not the first time when Malorie waited for me to come out each day.

"Prince, I understand completely. But I won't give up." The siren blew me a kiss. I cringed internally.

On missions, she was efficient, her voice put the targets into trances so we could dispatch them. I wished that Liz or Hellboy would be on the team, but the supernatural cases were assigned to Abraham Sapien, her and I. I was careful to keep the fish between us most of the time. Since she was so efficient, she could go in front.

Nuala showed me how to block my mind from her probing. I had mysterious headaches that showed nothing was wrong when Uriel did a routine checkup. We only found out when my sister touched my hand and felt the invasion. This shield would hold for sometime.

"If only there was some way we can make her leave!" Liz vented, when we were together in the forest. "How's your headache?"

"I'm fine now. Yes, I completely agree."

"What did Manning tell you?"

I replied, "Did not promise anything."

"If Krauss returns she can leave. Should be the case."

I shrugged. The moonlight silver was soothing. At least I would have a few days of respite now. Now the highlight of the day was my reprimanding of the slut. An example:

"Nuada, why don't you let me mind-bond with you? I missed you so much."

"I don't share my mind with anybody! We are just colleagues. That is final!"

She sulked and her hand went to her jacket. "I am all alone. I have liked you since I knew you came here, prince!"

I braced myself as the siren's telepathy probed again. Often she would seduce me and attempt an attack on the mind. I swore.

"Hey bitch, you're in the way!" Hellboy came in time and shoved her aside. "She pestering ya?"

"Yes." I glared at her and walked off. They had some argument. I was grateful when someone showed up to block her or distract.

When there was a feedback session, I frankly told Manning I could not stand her.

"As you agreed before, I don't have to continue with this partnership if I cannot right? The woman seduces and invades my privacy."

He shook his head. "I understand. You can rest this week, Nuada."

"I mean permanently." After negotiating for some time, I agreed to go only on cases with the others as well. I refused to be near her otherwise. I wanted the tinman back!

On the positive side, the children were free every weekend. It made life more bearable. I have kept all of their letters and postcards. Some examples:

Dear Nuada,

How do you like this postcard? My penfriend gave me a few. I'm writing in pink ink. Too little space, I will continue on paper. I love you!

Laira

Hi Nuada,

It's us again! We got more invites to the national museum. Want to go this weekend?

This is a postcard from Cairo. It is where the famous Egyptian pharaohs and the pyramids are. We got a chance to see a pyramid, though it is quite short compared to the

Famous ones. Nefertiti, a medicine genius during that time.

It's gross that some people want to buy mummies and bring them to display at home. Artifacts aren't that horrid, we can clean them. Oh archaeology can be divided into paleontology and anthropology. ' Anthro' meaning artifacts and 'paleon' studying of prehistoric life.

I did accept their invitation and spent lots of time in the quiet airconditioned houses of art, clay, jewellery and many things. They had preserved them as much as possible for people to view. It was an exclusive invite, so not too many humans were crowding the place. Too bad there weren't any ancient weapons. I preferred those. Some objects seemed elven or goblin in design.

I would ask my sister and Uriel to come next time. They love old things.

Dear halflings,

How are you? Thank you for the nice letters and postcards. Of course I like them.

But I prefer correspondence like this, not instant messaging. I do not like typing on the computer at all. Lessons are very dull, I dream most of the time. You should not expect someone who existed before most life here to adapt so quickly. It is so hard.

This week, I have more freetime. You can come in the afternoons.

Lyra, is your hand better? Do not overstrain when you feel tired. The new agent assigned here is a pest. I dislike her. Unfortunately she still remains as long as Johann does not return to the Bureau. I wish that I can hit her, which is the only option left. She invades my mind and privacy.

My stamina is back to normal, I can train for two hours each time. I keep it to thrice a week with a break of alternate days.

Look forward to your phonecalls and letters.

Lots of love,

Nuada

This was the first letter I decided to sign off like that. I should not hold back my emotions for them anymore. They are my family. The age gap between us is wide, they have shorter lives than elves. That I am completely aware of, but I won't allow it to impede the time we share. Half-elves, known as dainin in celtic, can live longer than humans but shorter than elves.

Soulmates… This letter came two days after I told her the news of our relationship. Newly updated was funny.

Hey Nuada,

I've been thinking about our new updated status and feel that it's ok! Hope this brings a smile to you. I don't mind you're elfblood and much older than me. Do you think I will make a good soulmate? Need pointers, as I don't know much, such as the rules or manners. Do teach me.

I love you. Still, I will need time to get used to the whole idea. Not to mention some people will go nuts! Joe can't keep secrets, I don't think I want to tell him yet. It's ok if your sis or Liz know. They can definitely keep secrets. Haha! Is it the elven way to reveal to everybody? I would feel shy.

Usually the mortal way is to draw closer, building the trust until we become really committed. I have always looked up to you as an older brother to us. You have much knowledge and wisdom too. That excursion to the fey markets was fun, let's go again some time. Nuala can come, how about asking Uriel and Salem? I miss seeing them.

Write back soon.

Sincerely,

Your soulmate

I loved to re-read this letter in the file. How sweet and kind she was to me, forgiving me unconditionally. Maybe Laira did not understand what crimes I had committed. So I asked her when I phoned them. I relished hearing the voices of friends, sometimes I spoke to Nuala like that when I could not feel her.

"Hi Joe. This is Nuada."

"Your Highness! So soon you are free?"

I laughed. "I have to go later. Just use my name. Now I am. Can I speak with your sister?"

"Nuada! It's you. What's up?"

"I want to ask you. Why is it you forgive me? You didn't see what I did in the past."

"Oh." No reply for some time. I waited. My patience level has risen these months, having to endure trials, illness, minor injuries. Then she continued, "Nuada I don't have to see that. Did Nuala tell you?"

"What? I don't know."

"She showed me her memories of you and your father. As in how you murdered him. Don't be mad."

"I am not. Please continue." I sat up, listening intently.

"But I have promised to be your best friend and soulmate. Elves value truth and vows right?"

"Certainly." I answered, nodding. "You didn't mind? What about now?"

"I want to honor my vow more than my shock and horror. Like I said before, it's not my place to judge you, Nuada. Is something bothering you?"

"Not at all. Except my work, which I wrote to you why."

She asked me to be patient and that something good would result. I could not see how it would, since I am not a cheerful person. I am more realistic than positive. It was a debate I often had with my sister and Abraham too. They leaned to the positive tangent.

"Halfling, you are sure you won't regret that choice? What if I turn on you?"

"You won't. Don't tell me you're contemplating mass genocide of humans! You joking?"

I smirked. "I don't joke. But it'll be dishonorable to turn on you. As an agent, even if I abhor the rule, I am bound to protect the repulsive species that walks this earth with us. Solving mysteries and rehoming the aliens is just a nicer term for that."

"Aw, I was hoping you have changed your opinion. When we went to the museum these repulsive creatures you think of- saved artifacts and fossils so we can understand more about our past heritage. Oh yes, remember the vase? It looked elven!"

"Tell me again." She described a vase with inscriptions in gaelic. "It could be. I was looking at the collection of paintings in the other gallery."

"Promise me you won't go on a rampage."

I sighed. "It wouldn't benefit me to do that."

She chuckled. I smiled. "Do you want the vase, Nuada ? Joe's got connections and can ask them to save it."

"No need. It is safe in the museum. Transporting it around might break it. That was an interesting trip."

"Glad you like. So don't ask me again why I forgive you."

"Why not, Mela en' coiamin? That means love of my life."

She attempted to pronounce it back and replied, "Just don't. Argh you're beginning to behave like my bro! Is the siren pretty?"

"To me she isn't. I won't be disloyal to you, Laira. I don't take to strangers not respecting personal space."

"Hmm, yea. I have faith in you."

The alarm went off then. "Thank you. I must go now. Call you tomorrow. Bye."

"Ok, take care!"

Laira

Nuada would usually not wake up till late afternoon. He got back late, like 4 to 6am.

But once when I called his room number, someone else replied.

"Hello guess who?" I began.

A female: "Hi are you the new girl?"

What the hell? Was she the bitch? Liz had warned me she was always sticking close to Nuada! I demanded, "Who are you? Where is Nuada?"

Her laughter was grating. I growled. Then she dropped the receiver and cried out. "Get out of my room! I didn't give you permission to come in."

A sobbing ensued and then my elf came on the line. "Hello?"

"It's me. Why did she pick up the phone?" I asked, a little stung. Then I felt ashamed, he wouldn't betray me like that.

"I'm sorry. She came in without permission. Are you all right?" Nuada spoke the anger still in his tone.

"Yea. Is it… convenient to talk now?"

"I am free. I won't let anyone get between my friends and I. On my honour."

"Are you free this weekend? Let's meet," I replied, hopeful. Being a paranormal agent means he has to do paranormal hours. Sometimes, though so far this did not happen, they also had to do weekends. Bummer!

Nuada paused, flipping papers. The alarm would sound for meetings and emergencies. But for other functions, such as spying and meeting embassies, they had printed schedules. Then he said cheerfully, "Yes on Sunday. I have something on Saturday. I can't wait. What time?"

"Saturday night? Or morning."

"It will be evening to night. Why?"

"Coz you'll be tired. Maybe Sunday afternoon? I'll confirm again with telepathy." I didn't want the siren bitch to spoil anything.

"That is fine. I received your letters, thank you. Laira, is Joe there? I still have time now."

"I'll call him." My bro nodded with a big smile on his face when they conversed. How could Malorie enter like that? She should be sacked. Why did they give her so many chances? Liz said she also appeared in people's other rooms. Some kind of magic? I the new girl?

Sunday rolled in. I woke up real early to get ready. Because Nuada was so busy with missions, we only talked on the phone. Whenever we could meet personally, it was special! Yesterday I was dreaming in my class. I didn't care that I only passed with an average grade. I was taking up a part time writing course, as I liked to do that and wanted to improve myself.

I decided on a new feminine dress, white and black patterns, with earrings of lapis lazuli and the necklace he had given me. Surely I was overimagining, he probably won't compliment me. Oh yea, I should mention that his two buddies, Uriel and Salem wrote me a card: Blue flowers, to view them together. You will enjoy this rare species of flowers. Please come! Everyone close to Bethmora central wants to see it. Only bloom at night. Don't know if prince can make it. Can you tell or persuade him? He's really shy sometimes.

Shy? He claimed not to be. Nuada dislikes crowds. But he could talk smoothly even if they thought he was nervous. Once he admitted feeling slightly nervous speaking to an audience on what they had found. Liz helped him through that.

I reached extra early. He would be punctual, he always was unless he lost the way.

But I failed to detect who was the prince. I touched my necklace as I watched people skating and walking. I guessed which one Nuada was. A very young man with deep blond hair, tanned skin, approached me. He smiled. The glamour lifted for me, it was Nuada!

"Lirael, how are you? Am I late?" the elf hugged me. I was taken aback. He just doesn't habitually express himself like this!

I shook my head. "Nope, just in time. I didn't recognize you." Under the collared shirt and jeans illusion, the fey was wearing a violet robe. "Your friends told me the blue flowers are blooming. We can go together. I need to refer to the card though, as to when…"

Nuada teased that I was forgetful. I fingered my necklace again, reassuring to see the real prince under this glamour. Should I tell him? It was so fun! Then he produced a bouquet. "I had this specially picked for you."

"Wow thank you! Later, come by my house and I'll pass the card to you."

I had not eaten lunch yet, and the prince agreed to eat with me. I picked a quiet café and a dark corner. Nuada chose to eat grilled fish and vegetables without gravy. I was the meat eater. Guess what? Did you know this necklace can let me see you in your true form?

That is cool.

I laughed at his use of the word.

"I never heard you say it. You sound like a foreign prince. Oh hope you don't mind me eating so much."

"We are like family. I do not mind. You're growing still." He swallowed. Then went on, "You were asking about our customs right? Usually the male has to care for the female, it is our duty. In all aspects. What else do you wish to know?"

"I mean more specific details." I chewed on my fries. Nuada talked at length how elves usually did it and they needed to love everyone in both families, extended and so on. I was more tuned to his melodious voice. "I would rather show you, Mela en' coiamin. Can you come for the flowers? I am keen to attend." He sounded so hopeful.

I smiled wide. "Be my pleasure. Are they blue or violet?"

"You shall see," was his brief reply.

Outside we took a stroll in the park. The rain had just stopped, the air was cool and refreshing. The elf was quieter, his face pensive though he wore a constant smile.

"Nuada, you want Johann back?"

"Definitely. Do you know why I'm so attached to Nuala?" he asked softly.

"You are twins, the connection is stronger than other.. kinds of sibs."

He removed the magical cloak. I glanced about us. Huge gnarled trunks enfolding the surroundings. I did not know where we were. He touched my shoulder. "This is fey territory. I felt it just now. I don't wish anyone to hear our conversation."

I nodded. A scent of autumn leaves, the air smelled fresher than out in the city. Upon closer scrutiny, the bushes moved like they were alive. There was a faery ring of toadstools. Little figures peeped out from their cubby holes.

Nuada watched me expectantly and had been holding out his right hand for sometime. "What is it?"

I touched fingers with him and asked how did we come in? A secret garden?

Oh yes, kind of a secret garden. He didn't go on with it. I tried to notice where a pathway had somehow opened. The elf prince gracefully drew a sign in the air. Get this, a special bench materialized before us! Roots into the ground stabilized it. He took a seat.

Then Nuada spoke, "My mother was having another brother or sister after us. But, she miscarried. I was very close to her. After that, Father tried to be good and responsible. He was a warrior foremost, strict and loyal to our soldiers. He did not behave the same after our mother's passing. I depended very much on my sister, but was still very furious with the gods. My sister somehow, accepted this separation. She brought me through the loss. I do not know how I continued existing. Father was cold to me, but warm to Nuala." He stopped but did not weep. He just stared into space. I rubbed at my eyes.

"You were very young?"

He touched my cheeks. "I don't remember. Why do you cry?"

"I feel your pain. Didn't you cry?"

Nuada sighed. "I could not. It turned to anger. Sadness was impossible. It was not fair."

Now I understood why he found it so difficult to be affectionate and expressive. The king, Balor according to Nuala, had not acknowledged his wife's passing. Like father, like son.

"Why are you telling me this? You should let her know." Why didn't he talk to her about this? I'm not his counselor.

"I will try. It is a custom of close bondmates to share our innermost feelings and secrets. Are you all right?" he asked in concern.

His ambers were piercing. I smiled. "Of course, of course. Thank you." Thankfully he changed the subject to news of artefacts and other elves uncovering chambers which used to belong to a palace wing.

"I hope you will not mind. Did I spoil the… date?"

I could not possibly tell him how stressed I felt with what he told me. Nuada combed my hair with dextrous fingers. "No." He had mustered courage and strength to discuss his past with me. It was a rare moment of sharing. "Not at all."

He looked as if my lie had got through to him. He smiled. "I feel a lot better, Lirael."

"Great." I forced a smile and kept my hands away. If he touched me, he would feel hurt that I was not ready to open myself totally. "So you mean we can talk secrets like that? But today I want to enjoy the remaining time with you. Let's not worry so soon."

Nuada frowned. "But I thought you agreed that sharing is fine. Do you want to tell me anything?"

"Tell me about the elven jewellery. Are they all magic?" Asking questions was my forte.

The elf could not resist sating my curiosity.

"Not all are. Some just have a pretty delicate design. But a few have glamour properties, giving the wearer ability to blend in. Some necklaces contain part of a wood dryad's heart or liver. They can cure illness and injuries. Actually spells are not woven into accessories, like most legends have it. The craftsmith has certain metals in mind and he or she will mold them into fey jewellery. Your necklace lets you see us in our true form? Is it clear?"

"Yup! It's fantastic, better than a scanner. I love it." I stood up. "Let's go outside."

Nuada nodded and rose. "Restless already. I wish to show you a special place. When I first awoke from the long sleep, I had dreams of the river Elysion. As a family we often went there, following its path. Laira do you know what water signifies?"

I kept my hands in a pocket and my handbag. He seemed puzzled that I didn't want to have contact with him. "Yes, it's life and cleansing. Lots of religions use water to baptize people. Hindus and Christians always feel that way."

"Yes. What is your religion?"

"Christian. But- someone told me the fey don't like Christians. It's ok, I won't preach or anything. I'm not that faithful in it. "

He shook his head. "I do not mind. I came across a story about the Genesis. Adam and Eve. They were tempted to eat the fruit of knowledge. And men's downfall. It was quite abstract. You have a bible at home?"

This was surprising. I guess it showed the prince's wish to understand us. Hey, then he wouldn't be anti-human so much now. "Sure."

"Can you tell me more stories from it?" he requested.

I agreed to. Nuada was pleased and his hand supported me. "Oh you finished the books I lent you? So fast."

He chuckled, brushing a wild strand from his eyes. "Yes finally. You mean I'm slow. I always sleep before I finish 4 pages. How do you measure time?"

I laughed. "It's a compliment, Nuada."

The water was purely shiny and clear. I could see some fish swimming with the current.

"This is part of the River Elysion. It is one of the longest in the world. The beginning of Elysion is located at Northern Ireland. My… home."

Awesome! I tried to see where it was flowing to, or from. The tributary wound like a snake.

The prince had seen a bird that landed on a branch above us. The bird looked like a canary, twittered. He whistled back to it. Laira, as my partner, feel free to share your feelings. I don't mind.