Chapter 26 My stand on the fey (re edited nov10)

I want to show more of the family side. Hammerfall The way of the warrior

Nuada

I threatened to hit her for real if she did not quit tugging my sash. She seemed determined to give me a fit. Coming on an elm treebeard indeed! They seldom obey us. Looking at her now she had an angelic innocence. After a while of viewing the flowers, Dainin fidgeted and sniffed the air like a puppy.

"Nuada want to talk! Have things to tell you." She jumped. Quite a crowd.

"Shush, not now. Be still." I Sent that I wanted this peace first.

Her next remark was, "So fragrant!"

I smiled. My sister nodded eagerly as they held hands. When we were alone, among the blue flowers, with other couples strolling, I was ready to listen to what she wanted to tell me.

"Man why didn't you write?" she demanded. I held her wrist firmly before she could tug my sash again.

"I meant to. But I needed sleep." I gestured that we sit down on the stone steps.

"Story!"

"Can't recall all. What time we came back : dawn. We start at ten, finish at six. If I did not sleep I wouldn't even wake up."

So sorry. Why so long?She brushed my hair gently from my forehead.

A lot to do. The humans are on strike and we had to assist. Ridiculous.

"Aw. You look all right." Her hand tickled my ear. I sneezed.

"Stop." I shifted away and glared. Laira grinned. "Your brother? How is he?"

She could not meet my eyes and smiled even broader. I knew this meant an imminent lie coming. "I kind of leaked about us… but he did not hear me."

"And?" I prompted.

"My mom wants to visit soon. I'm going to tell her. About us. So we got to break it to bro first, then he will help."

I beamed. "That's great. She's not missing then! I am happy for you both." She took my hand. I understood why she was reluctant to tell me, Mrs Severn didn't like our kind. It was a prejudice because of her husband's frivolousness. It was sad but completely understandable. I myself hate humans because they killed my allies in the wars.

Will you be angry?

Not at all. I can wear my glamour. Problem solved.

Laira shook her head. "No! Glamour in our own house? I want to make a stand."

"Listen, your mother is here for a reunion. I do not want to break your family up. You want to lose the only chance?" I answered. She was not practical.

"You're very important to me."

I kissed her. "I do not mind. I look very frightening with my pale skin."

"Hmm I don't think she'll stay for that long. She's quite modern now. After so long, she may have changed her mind."

I reminded, "But I am an elf."

"We can show her it's ok. And you are a prince. That'll help."

I just did not see how useful this way was going. She asked if there was a bit of glamour to make my skin less pale. "For your skin to appear golden? Maybe fade your scar."

"Which night will it be? It has to be a weekend." Secretly I was thinking, let it be a weekday. Then we can forget the whole idea! The woman will take one glance at me and collapse. How could Halfling do this to her kin?

No! Don't be bad! She shouted internally.

I pressed my forehead. Sorry. I will try. Do I need to do anything?

That's more like it. Bro said mom has a weakness for foods, she loves trying everything new. You could offer her food. I'll tell you what is what. And get her gifts.

I considered all these suggestions. "I will try."

" Joe…. I'm sure he'll be really happy! Can you call him? I will follow up."

"Fine." We had the rest of the night together and Laira caught up with the others. It was a cool night.

On my free day, I called the boy Halfling. "I need to tell you something." I never take too long to start.

"Yeah?" he replied. The background was full of noise.

"Laira and I are together. We are soulmates."

Silence. Then he shouted over the noise, "Huh? Come again?"

"We are together." I felt exasperated. What would his reaction be?

"Omigod! What the-? Nuada you- are- ?"

"How do you feel? Shocked?" I said.

"No, I don't mind. My sis and you. I can hardly breathe! How long you were together?"

I relaxed. He was glad, he did not mind. "A year. Sorry to pretend."

"Oh but you are older than us. Like a hundred years."

"No Joe! I am young for an elf. Listen don't think of it this way. I am your friend. Does it truly matter? Something else too…. " I asked him to help me with their mother and her prejudice.

He answered, "Oh ok. No problem. Just be yourself. I'll settle."

"Isn't it awkward? I don't wish to hurt your relationship. She wants to come back to live with you? Your sister did not tell me clearly."

A pause. "I don't know. She just emailed me and said visiting. That's all. I'll ask. Don't worry, elf. My money's up. Bye!"

The present might make her happy. We went windowshopping, as you know which I dislike. Initially I wanted to give an elven necklace. She would not see the difference. It was pretty, a honey and red choker. However I changed my mind and put it back in my drawer. Too decorative might insult her, slender designs would be appropriate for young ladies.

My soulmate suggested a lot of things. She had even done research for what her mother's tastes leaned towards, but it was not certain. "She likes bright colors, Noowa. Favorite colors black, blue, orange, red. Let's see the choker. Hmm."

"I think we should look for others."

"Cool! Shopping!"

On a weekend, the mall gave more options. All seemed unsuitable- gold, silver, costume jewellery. I thought it was better to get her a real material. In one shop, we stayed longer. On Liz and Nuala's recommendation, I was trying the part-glamour, all of my elven features were the same except my pale skin was golden minus my long scar.

I was dizzy from the varieties available. The woman speaking seemed irrelevant.

It took some time. I pointed at a thin chain with a bird pendant. "Will this be all right for a 60 year old woman?"

"Sure sir. Since you're so cute, I'll give a discount. Anything else?"

I turned to my friend. "What do you think?" The salesgirl laid out three more. The first looked all right, we agreed. The salesgirl's stare lingered and she smiled like a child.

So this worked. Even the demon complimented me. The disguise should serve well and it was not draining like the belt I used. She packed everything in a box and paper bag. It smelled nice.

"Your hand is cold. Is your jacket warm enough?" my friend commented, leading me to a bench.

"I'm fine." I was worried actually. Only sleep relieved the stress. I really did not want the woman to leave the children again. Please let all be fine.

Soon it was time for the meeting.

Laira

My boyfriend said the words for the glamour to take place. Every scar and skin pattern (on his forehead) disappeared. Secretly I wished Nuada looked like this.

Joe whistled merrily. Almost time now. "Nervous?"

"Very." The elf paced up and down. "What time?"

"Don't worry stay cool. I'll explain. You know stuff already."

His hair braided, the elf wore a modern meridian shirt and jeans. He was human in appearance! Joe had hinted to her our friend was special. So she ought not to be furious outright. Cross my fingers.

I said, "Nuada thank you for agreeing. You're gonna be great."

He sulked inside. The jeans are tight. It's hot too.

Afterwards you can change.

We got the door when the bell rang. Nuada was still. "Hello my sweeties! How big you've grown!" mom laughed and hugged us. Her perfume was strong. Her hair was a short bob and gray. Mom took off her shades and looked around. Her clothes were formal gray and black except for a nice brooch of a bird. The pendant would it work?

Never mind. I reached for his hand and said, "Mom this is Nuada my boyfriend."

Her grey eyes were expressionless. She smiled a bit. "Hello. How do I pronounce your name again?"

He repeated his name and held out his hand. "Hi Mrs Taylor." (we rehearsed it not to mention our family name using her maiden name) He also bowed. She smiled wider.

"Hello."

Awesome! Yay she is happy. I thought.

Nuada presented her with the gift. "We want you to have this."

A little pause. She said it was pretty. Joe asked her to go to his room to show her what he collected and he chattered on. Time to set the table for lunch. Last minute, mom emailed again saying she wanted to spend more time with us since we hadn't been together for years.

"We haven't told her the truth about me," Nuada said in a low voice.

"On it, when we're eating." I took more utensils while he carried the pot of soup. Some were storebought food, ready to eat, Joe's cooking. Nuada had made the vegetables and elven cuisine courtesy of Salem's sister. I wonder if there was some magic to convince mom elves rock.

"Won't she choke?" he pointed out. His ambers were clouded.

"Whatever happens, we will stand on your side." I reassured him.

"I hope you are right. When she asks about my family, the story is they are merchants on a trip abroad." That's a lie, I feel bad about this. I cannot lie.

Yeah. The truth is too hard. She will ask. Just a small lie.

Almost ready. I decided like that. The truth of his father murdered, his mother died? The elf queen was pretty! Nuala still remembered Queen Sylvia's face and the twins had spent some time making a memorial. Nuala painted her portrait. She was sweet and looked like them! I had truly felt for the prince, he had not cried but the pain inside was crashing. So I hugged him and assured him we were there for him.

"Ready?" I asked.

He nodded. Don't force her. To accept us.

I replied: Remember all I taught you. The day before, our elf had come right after his mission. And we had identified the human food which he was unfamiliar with. He had good short term memory. I think we could pull this off. The elven cuisines are blackberry jelly, honey oatcakes, honey and toffee apples. Salem's sister was a genius. We had eaten a few. I think our mom will like them. Maybe she had forgotten her hatred of the fey. I wanted us together. It was unfair that she might judge him based on race alone.

One more thing, do I tell her you're royalty? I popped.

He smiled. Up to you. If it improves the situation. Remind me if I forget any of the human customs.

"Ok."

She didn't feel stunned from the unusual desserts. She ate everything, keeping up a steady conversation on all her life so far. We gaped. Nuada looked friendly. He was perfect in the food names. Joe was overjoyed.

"Your name. Nuada, very unique." She ate a toffee apple.

The elf answered, "Because I am not mortal."

Her eyebrows raised. I gave her some more chicken. "We've been together for a year now. We met at Blackwood museum."

Nuada was grateful. Mom said, "Good good. You are very handsome. An actor?"

He paused. Laira this is new.

I told him telepathically. He said, "I am a paranormal investigator." I told her he was professional in his occupation, the truth!

"Oh an unusual profession. Tell me more." She listened riveted as Nuada described one mission. *the space one from chap 10

"My friends are also aliens." The elf wanted this open.

Joe put in, "Mom, Nuada is a prince." I stopped chewing. Nuada shot him a worried look. He thought- so quickly?

"Of which nation?"

Closer to the truth. He considered for sometime whether to continue. Mom waited.

"You have golden eyes. Are they contacts?"

"No. I was born with this color. I like artefacts very much. Especially paintings."

She smiled and talked about classical music. Oh he knew of this! Nuada picked it up. "I love classical music too. What do you listen to?"

"Nuada that is nice. A lot of people don't appreciate classics. My favorites are Mozart and Chopin."

Then she pressed which nation he was from. "Mrs Taylor, I am a prince of Bethmora."

I wondered why he chose to say 'a' not 'the'. Was he not the only prince? Joe Sent: no he told me he used to be a major prince. There're other minor title princes and lords too.

That definitely did not sound like he was from Europe.

I covered his hand. He was confident, but his hand was cold. He waited tensed.

Mom's voice held a warning tone, "Laira what did I tell you about staying away from strangers of nonhuman origin? I made that mistake years ago. Just stick with humans, what's wrong?"

My brother explained our dear friend's kindness and his love for nature. Joe had certainly done some serious rehearsal or it was spontaneous. He didn't let up for some time. Nuada watched her quietly. He was fine with anything. He had tried his best. I was trying not to shout at her. I was old enough to think for myself. How can she insult him like that? Nonhumans aren't evil.

The elf shook his head. "It is all right. I will calm her down."

"You see mom, they really care for nature. Not many people do that anymore. Some of the plants perk up when he touches them," Joe said.

"What race are you?" Her eyes froze.

I cut in, "Mother, I love him. They aren't all, he isn't like dad. Really. I have made up my mind. Nonhumans are also people!"

She glared at me. Her face went pale. Nuada asked, "Are you all right?" He stood up and seemed to convey something to her.

Mother stopped hyperventilating. He sat down and smiled. "So, you are soulmates. I understand… given what they have told me, you are a good elf. Honorable? My husband promised me the world. Joe and Laira came along, and he didn't stay long. Later I never saw or heard from him again." she said husband as if he was a demon.

Nuada replied gently, "I know that tale. I am sorry."

"Call me Sharon. Since you are here now."

What? Did this mean…?

"Sharon I will keep my word. Not all of us are unfaithful. I had a strict upbringing."

She pursed her lips. We ate in some tense silence.

Her main concern was- You have so little in common. They live long lives. You will only get hurt. Why? My heart sank. Couldn't she get to know him first? I didn't care! After all our time and trials together, I could not be separated from the elf!

I argued frantically, ' We have a lot in common! We talk about everything, Nuada is honest, upright and kind. Very brave too. He shows me the most unusual animals and is always caring for me. He has a beautiful soul. He's middleaged. Not too old.'

She cried a little. Joe patted her shoulder. "I was only 15 when I had you. Young in love, hearts unbroken. Lenwe charmed me during a Crossroads concert. I can use telepathy, when Lenwe opened a channel for me. Mostly, I was blinded by love. And I have done a fair bit of investigating myself."

Stunning! Joe gaped. I glanced at my boyfriend. He blinked and his brows knitted together.

"I investigated why humans stayed with the fey. But I never know why your people are so fickle. Changelings are put in our homes." She looked at my soulmate.

"Not elves. We treasure our partners very much. I do not change my mind easily, Mrs Taylor," he replied calmly.

I added angrily, "Ours wasn't a first sight thing! We became friends first."

Nuada shook his head at me. It's fine. She's just asking.

Mom's stern glare at Nuada was hurtful to me. Joe whispered something to her. But she still pulled away and asked, "Very well, prince. Vow that you won't hurt my daughter."

Shit! Then any male would be driven away by such a demand! Way for tact. I was damned pissed.

"I swear. I will not break my word," Nuada replied, steadfast and resolute.

Mom talked to me when the boys went to the kitchen to wash up. "He told me that you are soulmates. In gaelic. He has such a lyrical voice and yes nature is in his blood. Lenwe too. But they are different from us, More brutal in their treatment of us. I thought you won't go for a fey. Despite my reminders, Laira…. "

The elf could definitely hear this! I cursed inside. Joe came outside, winked at me and turned on the rock music. Nuada grumbled- damn! I want to listen.

She continued her reasoning about their kind vs humans. Just due to those investigations alone, it didn't mean anything. It was only a couple of elves and most other races of the feyfolk. I shook my head. "Look, Nuada won't hurt me. You don't know him. He is my soulmate. My human boyfriends ditched me."

Mom looked disappointed. I folded my arms. "Child, I left for years and I suppose things won't return to what it used to be. I just… don't want change. I cannot bear you to…" Now she sniffed.

I took her calloused hands. She had raised us. What the prince advised came back to me, this may be a reunion.

"But you left us. And we have grown. I have. He has been through so much and is very wise. Nuada has many good qualities. He's not a halfway elf like the asshole. Mom, it was hard on you."

She sighed. "Only time can heal. And tell."

We paused, each reminiscing. I caught the elf's glance. He tilted his head. How is it?

I ranted, Adults! Argh.

I see. Laira be patient. She is old. Ask her to stay. I will speak with her. He sent me reassurance. Nuada folded up his sleeves and waved a plate. I smiled.

"Mom will you stay long?"

"No." she smiled. "I have a restless spirit. You too, Lirael. He told me your celtic name, of the Higher ambitions. Somehow, I cannot stay angry at him."

My heart sang. "His name means to acquire. And healing. I want to understand the elves more."

"Yes. I cannot forgive Lenwe Severn. He was despicable. I hoped so much he wouldn't leave you alone. But he said he must not be held back. I was so naïve. His music often took him far from us and I could not get him back. I suppose the tendency to go back to the Fey borders was always strong. We did not have a formal marriage…. Not even your cries would bring him back. The bastard!"

I shed tears for him? Never! "Don't think of him anymore. He's dead. We should let go."

"Knowing this, Nuada may abandon you romantically? You can still trust him wholeheartedly?"

"Lenwe was not your soulmate. Nuada told me elves will always remain loyal to their loves only once in a lifetime, unto death. At first we struggled with this difference, mum, but now we are okay now. Do you condemn me? I am half elf too."

Sharon (I thought of her as another adult) answered, "No. Feisty indeed. Ah, so I will have elf children." She laughed.

"Please this is embarrassing. We've agreed that it won't be so quick yet. I want to think through first. It won't be rash, and I'm not so sure I want to be a mother yet."

"An old lady I am. Don't wait too long. So Nuada, you will stay till tomorrow?"

"Yes." He quietly settled beside me. He had changed into more comfortable trousers, wider at the ends. Thin people look all right with this design. It complemented his cut. Bare feet.

"I want to hear more about your people."

The elf laughed softly and politely answered all her questions. I leaned against him feeling his heartbeat. Secure and confident. I didn't really hear their conversation, only once they shared a laugh at my expense.

Nuada

A most stressful experience. I have never done such a thing before and lies were in place. But I gained much. Speaking with the children's mother, I understood where all their persistence and mischief came from. They should appreciate her now that she is alive. Mrs Taylor does not resemble my demure mother. However the same protectiveness made her harsh towards my people. I did not take her comments to heart.

A contradiction, but I was eager to prove my honour.

Initially the plan was not to tell her where I was from. Joe revealed my identity. She had not wanted to think I was from the feylands. She wondered why I have golden eyes. Maybe I could have lied that I am an actor. I was touched by the halflings' strong defense of me. May I be struck by a lightning storm if I betray them. She had no lies or deception when she supported me.

Now we were speaking decently. I felt tired but at least I didn't have to debate nor lie anymore. Being honest has always been an important value for me.

She was a curious human. "Did you really meet at a museum?"

Well that came much later… "I was hurt badly. They tended my wounds."

Laira looked up. Mrs Taylor nodded. My daughter's idea of lying eh? Why?

More surprises. She could speak my language, though not as fluently as an elf. "Impressive. I was wounded in battle and fell into a long sleep. They saved my life. She did not mean to lie. I went to the museum. A very enriching experience."

"You were lucky that they came." The woman beamed, her dimples making her young for this moment.

"Fate is indeed miraculous." I used to be a warmonger so my sister had to stab me to stop my onslaught of carnage. This had to be kept a secret (I promised myself only for the time being). I shielded that part.

She stood up. I watched her, curious. The woman rested her hand on the very wound I had sustained. Sometimes it still ached. She nodded to herself.

The child beamed and hugged me tightly. "Yay it's ok. You're awesome."

"I'm relieved. Excuse me." I went for a shower.

When I came out, the night sky was dark. Sharon was taking things from her bag. The children spoke to her.

"Nuada, come. This is your usual clothing. Handsome."

I was wearing a comfortable cream robe and loose pants with a sash. She smiled and handed me a vial. "This is a healing salve my doctor friend made for me. It is good for aches and pains. Take care of yourself. Otherwise my daughter will be upset and weep."

"Mom!" Laira complained. She flushed.

"Thank you. Joe, have you shown her the garden?" On Friday, the boy and I planted seedlings and sprinkled fountain water so the dying grass regenerated. Little flowers had sprouted. She gasped.

"They are delicate and sweet!"