Chapter 28 Sunny side and cookies
*After Forever Energize me, watch the new video of prince!
Laira
They are closer than before despite the declining of their mental telepathy. It is to some of my credit and Abe's! We four had a family conference. I told Nuala how he truly felt about their bond which he confided to me after our adventure with the mysterious fallen. Now Nuada has come to terms with Sapien's status as her soulmate. He didn't act hostile towards the fish, entertaining fascinations with his destruction.
I had reasoned that: look, since I am his soulmate, his twin needed some guy to care for her too. Nuada's concern was true: Abraham is no fighter. How will he protect Nuala? And if he got hurt in the line of duty what will his sis do?
Abraham admitted that he was right. Then he brightened. "But I can shoot relatively well with my gun."
Nuala patiently answered that it didn't matter. "Brother don't forget we worked really hard into nights to find you the antidote." On honor, a warrior must not be ungrateful. He thanked me but all I said was, "It is my solemn duty to ensure his happiness." No doubt being tactful will benefit my ties.
Nuada was kind of mocking when he replied, "You impossible brat. So it's all a ruse. How selfish you are." And he didn't get why his sis, Abraham, me and Liz laughed. His sense of humour comes quite slowly but we are helping him in that direction. Red always called him waif , royal assness or fairy- slash- elfboy. He just looked pissed but smiled faintly instead of exploding.
Nuala said her wedding would be quite soon. Only finalizations had to be made. Elves, dryads, fairies and goblins were involved. Some of them were from the asian region, they wanted an exotic theme for the special occasion. Uriel and Salem enlisted my help to assist in finding the heart of the Fountain. I was quite apprehensive that my gift would not work in front of so many eyes on me. The pressure was intense. But I reminded myself that since I am half elf I should help them. With the power of my remembrance gift, I sensed the source and nudged the water to gush forth. Deep into the earth, resonating with its energy, the fluid burst out in some bubbles. The soil color stained it red brown.
Other elves also helped to Sing. Nuada had not come. He wouldn't let me go if he knew I had to be Inside the fountain, where the currents might wash over me. Since His Highness was in danger coming here, due to the rebels being on the loose, we all agree to keep the fountain's restoration a secret first. He would soon find out.
We were all very weary when it was done. No more blockage to the source. Salem easily bounded in beside me. He called forth a red flame and knelt to press both hands to the soil. I laid my right hand on the statue of a griffon. Salem carried me out after that. I was so tired I couldn't think straight.
"You will improve as you try more ambitious things, elfling." He orderd the other trolls and dwarves to enlarge the fountain's perimeters. There will be more space for it to go. In an hour or two, the clear liquid spurted out as a cough from the stone statues. We all cheered in unison! I beamed.
Joe hugged me. "Cool sis!" I curtsied to them. Salem smiled. "Later I will give the prince some to drink."
Uriel bowed to me. "We are in your debt."
"It's fine. I liked helping you."
"Joe too, thank you for the manpower. Is there any favour you wish?"
"Hmm, interesting chics to check out? Can you like intro me?"
The healer struggled to get what he meant. I nudged my bro. "Oi plain speak."
Uriel smiled. "All right. I know many elf single girls. You don't mind any age range?"
"Like below 100."
The elf's handsome face melted me. He said, Don't be disloyal to his Highness.
Ok, you are just so cute! I really adore you, like my brother.
Haha. Now you have helped him change his mind about humans, it's quite a progress. However he still looks pissed when we hear of any news concerning more humans being born. Does he eat on a regular basis now?
I smiled and replied, Yes, he does. He will actually tell me he needs to eat when I forget. I tend to get carried away sometimes.
As promised, my phone rang. Private number but I got a good feeling! I walked to my private space in the undergrove near the cinema where we watched a movie together. Nuada and I had many memorable times. He liked the foreign movies very much. But the most vivid moment was when he told me about fey honour and lying.
"Moshi moshi sunshine. How's lunch?"
Nuada laughed and named some stuff he had. "Moshi what?"
"Hello in jap." I said. "On my side, I was trying this tiramisu dessert. It's chocolate icing and heavenly cream. On my recommended list."
"All right. One day I feel like eating that." His amusement radiated, as if he was trying to refrain from laughing.
I laughed. "You wanted to say something else to me?"
"Yes! Halfling, do you want to go window shopping this weekend?"
I was puzzled. "Huh? You hate going into stuffy malls I thought."
"I want to. Because it's part of my attempt to adapt to this modern world. I cannot stay ignorant." Wow my friend actually revealed an open side to his nature! I beamed.
"Sure ok! You're on."
He briefly explained what he'd done this week (as is habit) so it's storytime while I say ' uh huh' and 'yep'. Then Nuada had to go already. "We may talk more when we meet, Lirael. Thank you again."
"Love you bye!" He doesn't say it back or mushy stuff, but I can hear the effervescence in his voice.
Change in mentality and attitude the elven lord seemed to relish the moment. I took my time browsing. He did not mind following me. On this trip, Nuada was entranced with old curiosities, statues. But he found the music stores too noisy.
"You really want to go in there?" he winced at the volume.
"Never mind then. Wow, isn't that nice?"
"Yes a great imitation," he reflected. The amulet of topaz matching his irises with silver and sapphire in a star glittered. My blessing for him. I wanted to keep him safe. "Are you going to buy anything?"
I thought for awhile. "Bookshop. It's more quiet there." I took him into Kinokuniya. He wondered what the whole big word meant. It simply means Storeful of books. Nuada smiled. I let him lead, he seemed at ease and confident here. Then it dawned on me again: oof! He is in a mall! Nuada thought- everything is so orderly and smells nice. Let's stay longer.
Cool. Dear prince, you changing your mind?
Most humans don't even know what happened millions of years ago. Besides I don't come regularly. I shall make the best use of the time here. You can wander around, I can find you.
Not a bad idea. I went to look at artbooks and fantasy novels. Later, he did find me but was not going to buy anything. I wanted to think which book to get, Drizzt do'urden's latest novel or an artbook. Nuada offered to pay. "Just get both."
At home, his removal of glamour never ceases to amaze me. His scars returned, together with his blanched skin. In my shoes other girls would have passed out, but I took them stoically. By definition, handsome need not mean flawless skin. Which of us truly has non- scarred tissue anyway? There are tanned elves, they can cast spells for it. But Nuada scoffed at the idea of being a poser.
Catching this reflection, Nuada grinned. Indeed, you're not shallow! Good.
"You've been eating well right? Uriel was concerned."
His face was serene. "Yes. Eating a meal bonds us together. Food warms my stomach after a mission. Always." He cocked his head.
"What?"
"You went to Bethmora without me?" he asked. I got a shock, how had he known? Without touching hands. Our bond was becoming no-secrets. Before, we had to hold hands to Read minds.
"Yes I went with the other elves and Joe. We were looking for stuff."
His ambers deepened. "Stuff? Please continue."
I sighed. Squirm to escape from firm glare of my soulmate. He had made me promise. "I used my gift to find the heart of the fountain. Like to unjam it. Then the water can smoothly run."
He was very quiet. I waited for a while then went in to bathe. I played host. Nuada did not press me, though I really expected his annoyance that I disregarded his instructions. "Are you ok?"
The elf looked up from the Drizzt novel. His ambers were quizzical. "I am. What?"
"That's cool." Nuada accepted my little embrace. "You are happy. I only wanted to help."
"I know. Don't do it again, Lirael. Let me escort you next time." His tone was mild. He took out bottles from his bag.
"What're those?"
They smelled wonderful. Green vials of oil? "Shampoo. I don't like the human ones. These don't dry the hair so much. Come, I want to shower now." Oh! That's why their hair is so fine.
Nuada smiled. haha we're born with good hair. It's a trait.
Yours is golden. I wish I had blond hair. Wait, I can go dye my hair.
Don't. It is harmful and drying. Brown hair is beautiful too. And it's the coat of a sika, fox*.
Later in the night, I watched some anime. Nuada had fallen asleep. I held his right hand, more receptive to senses, reading his mind. He felt free of burdens, giddy with elation, had invented a new style of dancing with his scimitar and he was on the task to find our dad.
"Eh? Why are you going to find him?" I reeled from this.
He sighed. "Got friends… look.. then bash him…"
I scratched my head. He breathed deeply. Within moments, the elf was himself and alert again. The shopping had worn him out. I laughed at the mass sweatdropping of the anime. It meant the character involved had said something out of turn beyond belief, hence they felt super- awful. But it is all indirect. Then they all fell down, feet up.
"Why is it comical?" Nuada remarked.
I explained. He nodded solemnly. "I see. What is it in?"
"In original Japanese."
Nuada noticed the subtitles, his mind was trying to comprehend how I could understand the jokes. So the boy made a fool of himself, but they laugh at him. How cruel.
At this interpretation, I held my tummy, helpless. Oh stop stop. It's making me tickle my funnybone.
The elf looked incredulous then smiled. We both felt tickled by the next scene, a pink giant bouncing onto the small boy and he was shouting "dammit!" I said, "Well it's artistic isn't it?"
"Yes. I get why you watch this.. cartoon. You call it any- something?"
"Ani-may. They're not all cartoons, actually they're popular form of dramas. Some are really tragic, funny, science fiction, family and fantasy. Multiple types. This one's grouped under the Mad series, as in they are super funny and incredible."
I asked him why he was looking for our father. He replied, "To hunt him down and make him responsible. Don't you want closure?" Nuada Silverlance became vicious and cold. His ambers simmered.
I did not feel horrified. After all men have violent tendencies. I nodded.
While unpacking the other stuff, clothes and books, Nuada enquired- child what's wrong? You're very silent. Last time you got like this when I did not eat.
No, cos I'm watching telly. What do you want for dinner later?
A light meal. I'm still full.
Elven taste?
"Laira, why use me as a benchmark? It's just preference. Really," he commented. "Egg and greens will do. Thanks. How about you?" I was eating a mix of bbq chicken, greens, with curry sauce. Yummy. I asked the elf to try some sauce but he didn't like it. I don't think of Nuada as old unless he brings up the wars and killing, or politics. I didn't understand the politics, which he liked to elaborate on, but I didn't mind. If I could just be an instrument of listening, and it pleased Nuada then it was fine by me.
He watched me preparing some tomatoes and lettuces for cooking. "You know, you don't have to cook them, dainin. Minerals are lost through heat."
"Ok. But if I don't cook them my stomach hurts. I read somewhere it's because I can't tolerate the acid."
He seemed concerned. "I will find out some drinks you can take. It always hurts?"
I smiled. "If I neglect meals, I have gastritis. So I think it's super important to stick to regular food times."
Feeling shy, I changed the subject. His stare was unnerving. It bordered on fatherly concern.
"I got this book, a factual book about your race. But they don't explain why and how you behave."
"What, for example?" he asked.
"The info is vague, elves bow rather than hug and kiss. Those are detailed. What I want to know is- more on how soulmates get along. That's not there."
"I see." Nuada looked in the fridge. He continued, "You're planning to be a diplomat between our people and the humans?"
What? I didn't think that far. But it sounded cool! I said yes. The pale elf found a big bottle of honey tea. "Can I drink this?"
"Of course." He poured a glass and smiled enjoying the taste. "Is it all right?"
Nuada said firmly, "Then it is my duty to ensure your safety. Playing such a role to mediate is always perilous." Casually, my prince passed his right hand over a wilting bunch of flowers on the table. They perked up!
"I'm not going to do it so soon. Relax."
Nuada looked anything but relaxed at my statement. His frown was similar to my brother's when I asked to extend curfew. Joe was always nagging if I came in at 11pm. Since we moved here, he could ask the elf to babysit me.
Almost forgot how limiting that felt. I didn't want Nuada to stop me from doing stuff too. He watched me. "I will be ready." No arguments or debates.
I told him that he had just cast a revival spell on the flowers. "You've magic, elf. Don't deny it any longer."
"Not much. I don't recite from spell books, like the wizards can. With all living things, I understand them. So I wouldn't call it denying."
"What're they called?"
"Solonquessir."
I felt in awe. If we could find them, then the wizards could make Bethmora habitable again. Trolls and the other Sidhe did live there, in small huts. The wizards could put things completely right. Nuada was stroking my hair and rested on my back.
No they cannot. Wizards are not miracle workers. There are priests and scribes too.
Our neighbor's dogs started barking. I grunted. "Nuada please tell them to stop."
He replied, "That's so random… fine." He stepped outside. What a frenzy. Nuada pressed one hand to the door. I didn't hear anything. The dogs quieted.
"They are impatient for their human to return. Dogs like being outside. What is he thinking?" he looked pissed, coming back in.
"You said something?"
"I did. Very softly. Animals can hear well. Sometimes, during cases…"
Story! I waited. Nuada shook his head. I pouted. He laughed. "I need to keep those confidential."
"A teeny weeny peek? Like a trailer? I won't tell." I gestured a long line with my hands, then made a section with my thumb and index finger. My elf chuckled.
"I know the creatures are afraid for some reason. So I talk to them. They calm down."
"Like how?" I jumped.
Nuada quirked his brow. "That'll be breaking the confident status. I cannot."
"Please! You can reduced the possibility of them being hurt! You're a genius."
"Lirael, I promised not to reveal specifics." He relented when I begged him. "Once a wild dog wanted to attack us. Hellboy shot it. I understood its deep fear and confusion. It had lost its master. How it looks like? A three headed dog, this tall, some call it Cerberus (it made them look dwarvish) The dog easily batted Hellboy away and jumped onto Liz. I went in with my sabers. Its fur was so thick our attacks made no difference. Then I jumped on its head. The dog tried to shake me off. Cerberus had been summoned by a deviant sorcerer. He had died. I spoke to it, said 'you need not fight anymore. Your master is gone.' I patted it. The dog felt happier. We sent it back. The end."
"But how did you know? You Read its mind?"
"Oh that's the fish's department. He found a spellbook left behind charred. I think the master was burnt to death." I beamed. He is a great natural story teller!
Joe came home later, but he was just rushing off again. My bro had taken some things. Nuada said, "Be careful. What about tomorrow?"
"I can't. I haven't talked with you, man. Sorry."
"Joe," I called, running to him. "Why can't you stay?"
"Coz I'm one of the main people. I need to be there." He said I didn't have to accompany him.
Nuada assured him we would be okay. He added, "Call if you need us. I will stay till Sunday night."
After he left, the elf confided - he is stressed. Falling sick.
Oh no!
Don't worry. Not certain yet. Can you sense how ill someone is?
I could. More like a nightmare when it already happened, when you collapsed I woke up screaming. You have dreams?
He sighed. Some hair concealed his face while he leaned over the table. I noticed Nuada always became like this when he needed solitude, time alone. I went to sit down and began planning for my project. I wanted to paint a picture of an elf.
Nuada sat with me after some time, pensive. Softly, he confided, "I had dreams of Father. He did not say anything to me. I wanted his admonishing. I was evil."
I looked up. Nuada was stoic though his tone was filled with anguish. His eyes were dry. I patted his hand and continued sketching. He asked me what it was for and stuff. "Oh later want to try baking? I can show you."
"Yes! Show me," he exclaimed, cheered up.
He helped to measure out the quantities of flour and sugar. I mixed the butter. "For cookies, the dough has to be dry. See?"
"I do." Nuada gave me the fresh milk in its jug. "You are an expert eh?"
I smiled. "Kind of. You're a fast learner though. Later we'll add these almonds, cashews and nuts on top. Then they'll be different flavours. But no cocoa powder. You mind?"
He said never mind. The elf rolled out the dough perfectly. I had always struggled not to tear the dough. I gaped. I laughed even more. Nuada pretended to be offended. "What's so funny?"
I took out cookie cutters, star, house, berry, apple and so on. He thought- nice! I cannot wait to make more next time.
My hair had some flour. His hands were whiter. The elf took a leftover piece and bit in. "Delicious."
"Nuada! That should be baked first."
He finished it. I pressed my forehead. Innocent expression of delight. Nuada could be a boyish elf. He just didn't unleash this side enough. My heart glowed.
*sika meaning fox is from Ms Dunkle's Hollow Kingdom novel In the coils of the snake. It's about elves, the true meaning of honour and beauty. A wonderful novel.