Chapter 27 Mellon en melloneamin

Amin naa lle nai = I am yours to command

Mellon en melloneamin= friend of my friend, the second meaning plural

Voronwer= Loyal one

Aratomin= my champion

Ascarer= impetuous one


Nuada

Sunday was peaceful. Scanning Sharon's mind revealed her suspicion of fey and especially my race, because of our volatile nature, but she was courteous toward me. She praised my humble, limited culinary skills when I made her pancakes and jelly. The woman has a sweet tooth.

She peppered many questions. This one was significant: "So you wake up very early everyday? How much sleep do you need?"

"Normally four to six hours will do. I catch up on weekends and vacations."

The children's mother nodded. After examining the most visible scars, I had tried my best to use the glamour but daylight naturally exposed them, she took my left hand. "You are still weak, Nuada. Come, lie down." She began pressing up where it was most comfortable, rubbing and massaging. I told her it was fine, but the woman was adamant to do my back too. How heavenly it felt! She soothed my hurts.

"Why are you doing that mom?"

"Of course. Watch carefully. These are the most sensitive spots, right my boy?" she asked.

"Um hm."

Sharon continued, "Massaging relaxes the mind and body. You should help him sometimes."

I smiled. Ironically I am not a boy. "It is all right."

"You will need them. Oh I almost forgot, I have a complete list of natural remedies and supplements. Laira, go shopping for them. How do you actually look like? The Fae always use magic to hide."

"I assure you, Sharon, this looks better." I raised myself to meet her eyes.

"He is a private person," the girl pleaded. She Sent- I am so sorry! Then they left me alone for awhile to discuss what herbs to get for me.

Laira

How cute the prince looked with the half glamour and his golden braid. Now it was loosening because I was not so good at it. He smiled and shifted so I could sit beside him. Mom was on her knees at the balcony scrutinizing the flowers there.

"My heart, let me try." I didn't pronounce the elven way right, so I said this.

He pretended to be horrified. "No need."

"Please!" He let me try on his left arm. The bones were mended but the weakness would always be present. I smeared with lotion and rubbed the sore areas. His golden eyes closed, he smiled softly.

Lirael, you can trust him completely? He seems rather- reserved. That is different from what I found out.

You were investigating years ago! Yes Nuada is reserved. But he is very nice to us, he pays for dinner. (especially my hand treatment but I couldn't let her know that or she would scream about the risks we took)

What happened to your hand, my girl?

Err… I burnt myself. Nuada seemed alert at this telepathic exchange. I implored him not to explain. It did not bode well. Mom looked sad. "It does not hurt anymore. There are magical balms in our world."

"I see." Not that we couldn't wait, but what a relief when she packed her bag by 4 and wanted to go meet with her old friends. Such a social butterfly is our mother! Before departure, Mom tried to send me something but I blocked her out. Our life was vastly different. I wanted her to respect my decisions.

Nuada observed the fluid in the bottle. "This is high quality liquor. Your mother is a complex human."

"Sorry man. She has been overly suspicious. You will keep your promise?" Joe suddenly remarked. How similar to her tone he sounded.

The prince clasped his arm. "I will. You're my saviours after all."

Unlike me, my brother was over the top that he was named saviour! He started dancing and humming a song loudly.

Nuada kissed my forehead, then gazed deep into my eyes. I had no doubt of anything.

******

"What do you think of my braiding technique?" I asked happily. The prince pulled it to the front, some strands flying stray.

"I won't let you near my hair again." Then he chuckled at my crestfallen pout.

"Your hair is too soft to hold in place. I want to add more ornaments in… was reading this volume that village chiefs braid bones, or special stuff to harden them. Or gel?"

"True for elven warriors as well. My companions helped me. You know?" he replied in awe. "But what is gel?"

I explained. Nuada frowned. "I don't want that. It sounds oily."

"It helps hold your strands in place. Ok never mind. Let me help untie for you."

"Ouch! Watch that! Be more careful!" he complained, jerking.

I cannot wait to braid his hair again! I would be more prepared this time.

"Did you know she was a detective?"

"No. Not till she said…"

Nuada sat up. His hair was all loose, giving him a fierce warrior appearance once more. The vampiric skin and scars were back. "She has reason to suspect my race. Will she come again?"

"Only this time. Relax!" Joe laughed. Nuada smiled faintly 'don't-get-why-you-laugh-at-me'. "Prince. If only I were more attractive looking! Then I will get more chics. Are you romantic?"

"I am not. We began as friends. There are many differences, you dainin are too accustomed to the human ways, I have my own." He tossed back his hair. "What damage you cause to my poor hair." He showed me the broken strands.

"Oops. Can you be more romantic?" I grinned. What is the elven way?

To embrace your body and soul… anytime. Amin naa lle nai.

I shivered. The prince closed his eyes to slits and traced a sign on my forehead. But my brother had to ruin the moment. "I am not telepathic. Guys guys."

I groaned.

The elf said, "Do not feel disheartened. You will find a girl."

"Yea patience man! I've always told him that." I mused. And I am the younger sib!

Nuada smiled. I turned to him and said directly, "We are all family. I wanted to tell you before. But I felt too…shy. I can't take it if you said no. "

"I understand. We can sense your emotions." He inclined his head elegantly. "I will not hurt your intentions. I thank you."

"Anymore of the cake? I'm starving. Salem's sis is a genius. How she look like?" Joe pointed at his stomach and bounced impatiently.

"Yes. A lot more. Can you relax, Ascarer?"

"Huh?"

"Impetuous one." Nuada patted his head to appease him and pulled open a packaging. Elves wrap cakes in a kind of huge leaf which is also edible. The best incredible thing is, they don't need to be refrigerated. It tasted gooey and not confectionary mass produced ones.

"I want more. It's so little," we whined.

He nodded. "I will ask. You should come more often. Thursday onwards, afternoons I am free."

You take the breath right out of me.
You left a hole where my heart should be.
You got to fight just to make it through,
'cause I will be the death of you.

This will be all over soon.
Pour salt into the open wound.

Is it over yet? Let me in.

So sacrifice yourself, and let me have what's left.
I know that I can find the fire in your eyes.
I'm going all the way, get away, please. (from Breaking Benjamin)


In my room, Nuada Silverlance allowed me to feel over his exposed back without pulling away. It was a gesture of trust and openness. A long one near his spine, lashed almost diagonal. I felt saddened. Looked like a battleaxe had almost finished him. The little ones were by a horse.

"Shit! Did you scream? That's awful."

"It was my fault. I was clumsy then. And I came on the horse from the back. Equines do not like being startled. They are sensitive, more than cats and other wildlife. I screamed, definitely, rolling away. But the hooves still got their marks. I could not move from my bed for a long time."

Pain sliced through my heart. I wanted to cry. Nuada heard me and rolled over. His hand touched my cheek. "The past. I don't even recall the pain."

I nodded. "Let me rub in the cream for you."

Don't cry. I don't know how to react when you cry.

I am a girl. I can't help it. It's what I'm born to have… look, better do this everyday.

Surely not.

No! You must. Darn it. I put force into my words and sat down. He smiled broadly.

"I promise. Now, you are mad at me?" How could I be, at his shimmering ambers?

I watched him folding his washed shirt neatly.

"Oh I was thinking. It would be cool to go to Bethmora as PR. Permanent resident!"

"No no I can't let you. You are better off here. It's not safe."

"Later. I want to adapt to your culture. And I can trade my half-elf pointers."

He leaned back. "Who wants your pointers? I don't need them."

"Hey! Noowa, you will need my little experience! Of course you think your own is enough, but considering the way you think of humans. And there're a number of us half and halfs throughout the world. Stop insulting us."

The elf tilted his head. But I didn't give in. Almost in the tone of ' all ye proud hollow beings are inferior'. "And the point being? To let you go into Bethmora, on your own? I won't permit that."

I shook my head. "Nope, I know you won't permit that. If I get an escort? Ok many many escorts. I want to see where all the castles were."

Nuada replied stoically, "Out of the question. I will go with you. Now it is too chaotic. They are all ruins. You said I insult you halflings. Not my point at all. I have some friends around who have human blood. I meant the mongrels populating like rats."

"The mongrels, excuse me, are good. Some of them. (he snorted in disbelief) Ok lemme ask you this question. Your highness." Nuada frowned. When I called him this, I showed the distance I marked between us. "Say you want to eliminate all the humans in America. I have grandparents, aunts, uncles, my nieces, my best friend, my other best friend spread out…"

The elf waved his hand then sat up. He seemed very concerned. "Why this story?"

"It is true. They are 30 people in this population. Will you kill them all, Nuada?"

He rubbed his chin. "I will let you warn them to leave. Before I eliminate the rest of them."

I smiled. "What if they don't? I saw on the news, some firefighters begged the old people to leave but they refused. Will you kill them then?"

He was torn. He wanted to, inside he knew of revenge but my morality issue was in the way. "Damn. I cannot. You vouch for their goodness. Is this a test?"

"Not really. I am glad you won't. Yep my relatives are very nice people. So it's fine. Good night." I lay down, smiling. Riddles are a good way to test the fey. Their honour is too strong for them to openly massacre all humans. I had read up on Kate Thompson, where a girl struck such a similar bargain with a pooka.

The elf sighed and shifted in his bed. He came close to me and touched my shoulder. You testing me?

Haha. Up to your interpretation.

I am sure you don't have so many people you love.

Oh? I will give you a list of them, and the solid proof to back up my claim.

He tickled me until I turned around. Is that really necessary? I believe your claim.

I pretended not to hear him. Nuada murmured something in elven.

We cannot be that different, after all I am just not a pure elfblood. The prince could not possibly take on modern technology like chemical and biological warfare. We needed to continue our campaign 'not let Nuada kick human breed ass'. Haha!

I expected him to react negatively to my wishes. I just wanted to view how castles or palaces looked like in Bethmora. As in Ireland where the action was! I've read some historical accounts of battles there. Nuala mentioned they lived there before the Great wars ravaged everything. Other minor lords and princelings (lower than them in status) fled or were killed. Those humans were beasts. No doubt about that. Elfland was vast, extremely. I overheard them talking about excavations and constructions going on with colleagues. It aroused my curiosity.

******

Nuada

I didn't wish to know the details of who was good or bad in Laira's opinion. Was that a fable or the truth, about her loved ones in this country? So I poked her but she wouldn't tell me exactly what she wanted to achieve in that argument. She was happy that I had given my promise not to exterminate all the lowlifes.

But I was not completely wrong. They populate like rats. Elves only have one or two children and they are rare. My sister and I were the last royal pair to be born in hundreds of years. The scum always produced more than they could control, hence the reason for their offspring abandoned on the streets and in homes. They call them orphanages. I turned over the situation again in my head, until I entered sweet oblivion. That night I dreamt I was standing in the rain, my sword drenched in blood. Children wailed around me. I pleaded with them to stop. Had I massacred their parents? No!

I walked in the muddy ruins. A neverending labyrinth of skulls. Then the numerous corpses of my elven comrades in brimstone. The silence was terrible to my ears. Do you wish this? Or rather…. Clean and bathed, I was wearing a crown. I am not a king?

Elven children gathered around me. I picked one child up.

"What is it?"

She waved. The land transformed. Lush green growth, choir of voices singing. Nuala and Abraham Sapien dressed in regal robes. No one answered me. I gave up speaking. Unicorns galloped by. My castle was no longer in ruins, it stood majestic and strong.

"Nuada! Nuada wake up." I startled at a familiar voice. But I was too tired to open my eyes. A cloth wiped my forehead. I blinked. Laira smiled. "Hi. It's late morning. You're drenched."

"Never mind." I took her hand and closed my eyes. I wanted to continue that dream again! Why did time fly so quickly?

"Nice dream. Was I in it?"

I smiled. "If I can continue." Lying down for a while I reluctantly got up for a bath. Joe said last night when I was asleep Dr Manning had called. I read the message. "I can stay till the evening. Thank you."

He looked concerned. "You didn't wake up for some time. Nightmare?"

"Pray tell!"

I told them the good part of the visionary dream. They loved the story. So I was to avoid killing and Bethmora's glory could be restored? I don't like humans! This is all wrong.

"Hope that will happen," Joe remarked lightly.

I nodded. "Yes. Dreams are a manifestation of our true selves."

Laira

Two days after Nuada went back to the BPRD, I saw a short letter. He had requested time alone for an hour or so. Then we played a game together. He seemed light hearted.

I was giving the fable you told, some thought. A fictional person used that tactic on our kind? Don't forget I am telepathic. But you aren't lying. I prefer to think of you as more elven than human. They breed very fast compared to us. It is a horrible conception, but the hard truth is never easy to accept. I mean no disrespect to halflings. Your lives are divided in two. Some acquaintances feel like you too.

Someday, will we arrive at the same conclusions? You feel loyalty to your relatives. I suppose it is commendable. Humans never give up where a fairy or goblin would. Dwarves and elves are more resilient. I gave you my word. Can we strike a deal? I will try to tolerate the scum's ways, or at least endure, and in return you give me information. What pointers are you talking about, soulmate?

Nuada

Endure? Close enough to a compromise. Mom had said the fey cannot be trusted and are cunning. But I don't think he would count as cunning, he openly declared his intentions. The bargain striking sounded fun, I wanted to try! So Nuada would listen to me! Yay! Cause for celebration. When I phoned, his sister answered.

"Hi Nuala."

"My brother is at a meeting."

"Never mind. He still loaths humans, but I said, if my uncles and aunts were in the vicinity would he kill them all? His answer was no. Then I got this short letter. In which he tells me humans breed damn fast."

She laughed. "I know. Brother is exasperated that you side with the humans. He wants to think of you as more elf… like Liz he tells her she's supposed to be a Firechild. It helps him stay… rational."

"Nuala, don't you hate the humans? They killed your friends."

A pause. I felt her smile. "No, hatred wouldn't suffice, mellan. What is the point? I will forgive them. Some are good. The doctor and Professor Broom are fine examples. Hellboy has confided on his father. I would have loved to meet him."

"You think Nuada would?"

"Oh yes! He will. My twin admires honor and noble intentions in any race. Take heart! " Elation at this answer. "Oh here he comes. Brother."

"Hi Nuada! How are you?"

He said, "You're early. I'm fine. What is it?"

"I saw your letter. I agree to the deal."

"Hmm, please refresh my memory. What deal?"

I repeated his proposal. Nuada was quiet for some time. Softly, he said, "I don't like to see you as human. They remind me of- destruction and horror. You are sure. You cannot go backwards."

"Yep 100 percent sure."

We laughed. "No need for numbers, dainin. So what information will change my mind?"

"For a start, my grandpa takes in sick animals. He has got this huge farm up west. Some day I want to bring you there. How about on your next vacation? You'll love it."

He said cool, he would like to.

"My best friends Laura and Skye love the fey. They are artists. Humans who have connections with your people."

"Haven't heard of them. I only agree to endure their presence."

"Sure. Prince, I know you've been through much tragedy. So you're mad at them. But the real reason is.. (would he as a warrior mind much?) your people can't handle chemical warfare. Like bombs and WMD. The ancient ways you practice won't stand a chance."

Frankness is a virtue that elves want to uphold. I needed to speak my mind.

"Halfling, I already promised not to." He was vexed. "I mean that I still don't like them, but I won't think of going to war. I am not a beast. Do you understand?"

"Sorry. Did you apply the cream? You got to everyday."

"Now as we speak, Nuala is helping me."

"I can't wait to see you again! Then we can go out. Did you get my present?" A change of subject would help. The anti humans war was a sensitive topic to us both. It was already a major step this far in our kinship.

Tapping. "Yes, I have it here. But it is not my birthday. Thank you."

"A token of our romance! Don't forget me."

Peeling open of paper. He sounded mocking. "I cannot. This is new… with a sigil. It looks like an elven design. Where did you obtain it?"

"My friend was going to toss it but I saved the belt. Is it magical? If not it can still be normal belt. I know you don't wear amulets. On Tuesday I met with my mom's good friend. He is some kind of alchemistic doctor. It wards off evil, Nuada."

His voice was thick. He replied unsteadily, "Thank you. You don't have to."

I smiled. "It's only polite to reciprocate. Is it nice?"

"Yes. I like it very much. Next time, save your money. I am your family now." This time, Nuada's tone had become formal again. He let me talk about what I'd done for the week, then said, "Will you be free later?"

"Why? Yes."

A polite pause. Nuala said something softly in the background. He replied in their tongue, then picked up again. "Laira afterwards I will call you back. Lunchtime now."

"All right, take care! I love you." I took heart that he was taking care of himself, eating three meals a day. after we'd been at the prince to have regular meals, he was going into a routine. It was ok if he did not consume a lot. He didn't need prompting to go for meals.