Sanctuary 29 The Prince's Unique Gift, Blades

Remember the Lion king's song of romance? There are several versions, the full one is Elton John's. Abraham and the prince talk more.

Nuada

"You guys always sing and dance at festivals don't you?"

"Who? I do not like that." I thought it nothing less than ridiculous. Such a human thinking, that we are playful.

"An elf told me. Or was it… I met some guy once," she mused happily. Her eyes had become glazed.

Who was he? Reading her palm showed images of them travelling around, with elves I was not familiar with. "Why didn't you ask for me?" I inquired.

"Oh you were sleeping. I was fine, Hellboy and the others were with me too."

I replied curtly, "You should have." Laira blinked in surprise. Didn't she understand? How many times will this happen? She was furious that I stopped her, when she was discussing the information about twins. "I thought we had an agreement. You are my responsibility."

She nodded. "The agreement still stands. But I wasn't alone. Do you like this song? It's Disney. Most people like."

I listened, lulled by the melody. Piano acoustics are irresistible.

Can you feel the love tonight?
The peace the evening brings
The world, for once, in perfect harmony
With all its living things

And can you feel the love tonight?
how it's laid to rest?

It's enough to make kings and vagabonds

Believe the very best

It is where we are
Its enough for this wide-eyed wanderer
That we got this far

Can you feel the love tonight?
You needn't look too far
Stealing through the night's uncertainties

She urged me to sing too. I absently hummed, then sang softly. The Halfling grinned.

"You've a manly yet musical voice!"

"Don't change the subject."

"Chill. I am sensitive enough if someone is hostile to me. Oh then we listened to this new elf playing a fiddle. It was so cool. He jiggled around like this. Don't be angry, soulmate. I will call you next time."

Then the timer for the oven buzzed. The cookies were brown and looked palatable. I liked eating the ones with nuts and pistachios on top. It is my second favorite to chocolate. She introduced me to yogurt, to cool my temper.

Can I ask you something? She was hesitant almost shy.

Go ahead.

Do you feel worried all the time? I can take care of myself. It'll stress you out.

Not always, unless you run off without telling me. You're not a warrior.

Laira bowed to me. "Then I want to be your pupil. Please instruct me, sensei."

I stared at her. Take care of herself, learning combat skills? It is my duty. I didn't want her to… I scrutinized her petite frame. The swords I used were too heavy for her. A dagger? I had to understand more. "You want to train? As a warrior?"

My voice was incredulous.

Laira smiled. "Well not like you, can't be half as good as you, prince. But I want to defend myself. So you can stop worrying."

On the contrary, my extent of worry had just risen. She will be injured. It is very dangerous and painful. And once someone has started training, there's an instinct to slay and take life. How to phrase these tactfully? I held her by the shoulders. She looked determined.

"It is not necessary. I am your protector always. Whatever happens, I will face the enemy and violence. You are too delicate."

She argued, waving a knife at me. "No I am prepared for it. Look, I can use this. I know the rest are too heavy. Please show me!"

"No. I don't want you to get hurt." I took it away.

Laira looked at her feet and sighed. "How about just a bit? I will be careful, can use a glove. I won't be completely defenseless. When enemies come from all sides, you need help."

It would be the worst case scenario. I pictured Abraham and Nuala besieged by monsters, and my friend captured. It won't, I wouldn't allow it to happen.

She concluded, "So it's logical."

"I will not fail. What will I do after you have mustered defence? Become redundant then." I persuaded, trying to grasp the crux of this problem.

No you won't. You are still the great Elf Champion. Think about it. Bye.

I didn't wish an innocent gentle girl to become tainted by blood and terror. I was traumatized after my first kill. It made me sleepless and guilt ridden. The bloodlust and rage will blind any warrior when he is not in control. My rationale was always blinded, all my rash actions… I cannot. Why had I been agitated at the thought of the child seeing other strange elves?

I had to convince her of the realities and error in thinking. I knocked on the door. Blasting music. It was only Friday, she wanted to stay away from me? Not normal.

"Yes what?" She shouted above it.

First, a positive thing. Children will listen in a good mood. "Want to see something?"

"Huh?"

I smiled. "Come out. They are really nice. And special," I added enthusiastically. I took out a flat green box from my bag.

She waited, expressionless.

I gestured. "Open it."

She peeled at the tape. I had placed within two bracelets, one purple beaded delicately like stars- the color she loved. The second one was more ordinary. I had asked my good friend to fix the beads on the former, since I am not patient enough to repair that. Making blades I could adeptly do.

She tested immediately, grinning. "Purple! My favorite, Drizzt's eyes!"

"That reminds me, I have found out about drow. They are skilled in the arts of guerilla warfare, taming panthers and a lot of covert skills. But I haven't seen any myself."

I was thrilled when her gaze rested on the silver one. The gift I truly wanted Lirael to wear! It was gilded with protection spells and had independent life.

She only glanced at it with no reaction whatsoever. I prompted, "What do you think? Isn't it pretty? It shines in the dark."

"Looks plain."

I tried not to mind. "Maybe when you see from another angle. This is pre-Cyrillan silver, very rare. A magical fey gift." She loved mysterious fey objects. Had been eager to see the things.

"Thank you. Anything else?" she sounded impatient to go back to her private room. I was puzzled.

"Don't you want to talk more? I wrote you a letter." I smoothed the creases. Now did not seem a good time to breach our argument subject. My senses brushed on her irritation.

"Later."

I gave her a kiss. She stopped being sulky and touched my hair for awhile. I wanted to start on the Dark elf trilogy. I was hooked from the start, curled up in the soft chair in our room. The dainin soon fell asleep.

My favorite moment was Drizzt defending a young moon elf from death. He has honour. Indeed we would be comrades if I met him. I was interested to know if this legend was real. I also identified with Drizzt's homelessness, exile, fortitude and decisions.

About ten. The child had started to snore, her headphones fallen off. I pulled the blanket around her. I kissed her forehead, laying my rough hand on her soft skin. Laira smiled and flipped over. If only she would allow me to protect her. I cannot let her be hurt. It'll break my vow and honour. Goodnight angel.

Then I went outside and glanced at the phone. I pressed a familiar room number. "Hello sister. Can I talk to you?"

"Sure. Anytime brother. She's ignored you already? I could sense something amiss."

"No she is sleeping. She had no response to my token. I had bought the bracelet specially. That day we (Nuala and I) went together. I had it blessed and spelled."

Nuala said evenly, "She did not understand. You can explain it again. Being half elf is not like us. They are more naïve."

"I have tried. And we have a problem. She doesn't want me to protect her." I leaned back, crestfallen.

"Brother, what happened? Your emotions are strong now."

"I don't want to teach her self-defence. Laira assures me she wants to be a warrior and can take care of herself. Fighting will make such a youngling yearn for battle. It will be against my values to show her the art of war."

"It is normal actually. You wouldn't want me undefended," my sister replied. "You gave me a dagger."

Ironically she used it on us. I had the scar on my heart to prove it.

She went on, "She wants to help you, I Read as much. Brother, our connection is closer now. Tell me can you get this?"

I smiled. Yes! "You're thinking of cherries. Right?" My twin was ecstatic, her mind showing rainbows. "I am your protector and she is naturally, being my mate."

She reminded me that I had been critically injured recently and my friend only wanted to help.

"I know, sister. But that was only once, won't happen again. Do you think I can refuse? I wish to."

"Actually I'm certain Laira won't become violent and bloodthirsty. She has a kind nature. She can accept you without conditions. I won't tell you how to refuse. Just instruct her, Nuada."

When sister uses my name, she is rebelling against me. "Fine. I must try, alone nonetheless. Then if it fails…" I was sure my logic would not fail. Laira is a linguist and reader, her gift of Memory and directions are indicative of guiding. The Severn Clan are either musicians or guides very much taken by artefacts, history and books. The complete opposite of my upbringing.

"Come on, Nuada. Don't be stubborn."

Switching to English, and insolence. "I am few seconds older than you. Kindly show respect."

Nuala said, "I'm wiser. Why let this be conflict? Relationship is about give and take. Brother, she is practically a sister to us."

"It won't be. And Abraham, he makes you laugh always? Bundle of scholarly blue."

I smiled at this. What a funny image.

"Oh you're asking for him? We are happy. He is such a generous mate, offering to carry heavy things and finding poems, songs for me."

"Can I speak to him?"

"I will go call him." Nuala put down the receiver. Some music played in the background. What time did Sapien sleep? I prepared to Send her never mind. Then the fishie said, "Hello Nuada! Brother in law!"

"Who were those foreign elves? Why didn't you call me when they arrived?" I started heatedly. It was partly his fault.

"I am sorry. They hail from South America, specifically the Peruvian jungles. Dark skin, green eyes. I was unaware you wanted to see them."

"Why were they at the Bureau?" I was curious. New elves I had not heard or sensed. Did they have Cloaking magic from us?

"Diplomats. They may wish to join us. Are you furious, Brother in law? They are your own brethren." Abe asked. He rambled some more.

"I see. They are my kind, but elves don't become friends so quickly. We have a grace period of months at least. I thought you studied Elven Customs, Abe." I felt too lazy to roll his whole long name out.

"Ah you recall, Nuada! Haha, my books say the very opposite. Is it just… never mind. Next time we will inform you. Oh you were sleeping that day."

I clarified that I sleep light. "Were they attractive to girls?"

"No scars, smooth brown skin. They look very different from your friends too, I deduce from their love of the sun. One has dark hair. These Peruvian elves' language is harder to decipher. We simply let them sing and dance. It was very enlightening. They were very warm!"

And the Halfling mingle with them? They could be dangerous, not speaking our elven dialects! "In future I wish to be updated, especially if my friends are there. Am I clear?"

"Crystal, Nuada. You sound happier now. We will take care of your friends, Liz and Nuala are always with Laira. She won't be alone."

"Thank you. I am in a good mood, Sapien," I said. For both the antidote searching and looking after the girl.

"Cool. I can feel something else too…" Abe tried to push his luck.

"Not at all, Abraham," I remarked, "This music- I like classical."

"Excellent! You can borrow which you want. Vivaldi, Chopin, Bach, my favorite is Chopin. I have a lot…. Cheerful tones. Nuada which do you prefer? I will prepare."

I chuckled. Didn't know which ones, all were pleasant for dreams. Passing by their room and library, the piano and tinkling melody, violin, no voices but perfect.

"Not sure. I do not know who composed what."

He started a lengthy discussion. I yawned. "When I go back, I will just take some. No need."

"Haha you feel bored? Nuala and you are intriguingly different. But your tastes in music are the same. Amazing. What else?"

I told him a few things, not too personal ones. The fish laughed.

"One more thing, maybe you wish to know: Manning's friend has found your spear… at least we think it could be…"

My heart raced. I jumped. "What? When can I see it?"

"It is in a museum.. we are currently arranging to attend an auction, or private session. You can verify it… but the details are not out yet."

"Let me know. I wish to attend."

"You are sure you need the spear back?" the fishie pressed cautiously.

What? Irrelevant question! I said curtly, "If the spear is mine, I will take it back. Is there a problem?"

"Prince, I understand. Of course."

I thought for awhile. "Abraham, do the finances cover that part? I do not mind paying."

"It should, hmm, we are well funded. Till next time, here's your twin."

"Hello. I overheard about the spear. Told him not to start babbling yet. You want it back?"

"Father gave it to me. It is a Sacred relic of Bethmora passed down through the generations. Why don't you trust me? I am now an agent, how to use it to hurt people? Do you still doubt?"

She paused. Her answer soothed me, "Brother, you are changed. I am sorry. Just- I had a dream with your spear. Mother looked sad holding it. Maybe you need to think about this."

"Ok."

"Want to sleep soon? Don't feel stressed yet. It could be, only."

"I can sleep late tomorrow."

"Do you dream of them?" she asked in a whisper.

"Yes. But I cannot speak with them. I see them so far. Out of reach."

A sound. Just a cat passing by. Soon we hung up.

*******

I waited for the boy, somehow worried. But he didn't come yet. My eyelids were heavy. I lay down. Then the door opened. I padded to the living room.

"What the- Nuada! You're not in bed yet?" he was shocked.

"You are home. Earlier than expected?" I enquired. He smiled wearily.

"Yea. Sucks though. I'm gonna bed. Night."

Maybe I will teach the girl something. She will be discouraged and not continue. The high price of aches, wounds and pains. You will see. I placed the silver bracelet beside her, precious. I fingered the amulet. The Sidhe don't take a gift unbidden.

Mother? She looked as always, young. Nuala had her features, her angle from the left. Only her eyes were not amber but pink. I rushed forward to hug her. Mother it is I, Nuada. Do you remember me? I am your son.

Yes.

I have missed you so much. Can I see you more often? Is this heaven? I cried.

She smiled but her expression had frozen like a distant stranger. Don't leave me. Wait!

Don't leave the mortal realm so often Silverlance. You tread the boundary ever so lightly. I am Morrigan, Seer of the underworld. Why have you come?

I prostrated before the goddess. She was not shining like the gods I had seen, essence as grim and dark as midnight. Her hair consisted of raven feathers. Intelligent eyes glittering through the feathers. Large ravens landed close by. They Shifted into figures as tall as her.

I am sorry to intrude. But I want to see my parents, King Balor and Queen Sylvia.

The guards advanced on me. The chill was worse than wintry.

You need to let them go. They cannot stay here.

But they are here! Please let me see them. Mother! Mother! I attempted to chase her soul but kept meeting other women. They gazed at me blankly. I saw her, only to be eluded. Morrigan waved her hands and spoke in a foreign tongue. The place disappeared. Falling sensation.

Drenched in sweat, my face was wet too. How can I let them go? Why won't she help me? What justice is there? I cannot follow them.

"Nuada? Are you crying?" my friend asked.

"No. Go to sleep." I scrubbed my cheeks. Laira had come beside me and her fingers rested lightly on my face. I sighed heavily.

"Don't pretend. You are crying. Come, let me hug you." I tried to pull away but had no strength. The walls I had maintained for so long crashed. I miss them. It is not fair. I didn't get to say I was sorry. I sobbed, unable to repress this grief any more.

She lay down. When my voice returned, I whispered, "I'm fine. Want to be alone."

"Why are you so sad?"

The pain reached a crescendo, stabbing like the spear. Nuala also could not sleep. She cried bitterly. Softly, I admitted I missed my parents.

Soon the girl slumbered. Lirael always slept soundly. Her hand covered mine, on my chest. I was so sticky with sweat. My throat was parched.

I found a cup of water nearby, drank it and lay down. Laira murmured my name. I smiled.

*****

The next day, sunlight pierced my closed veil. I blinked. She was lying with one hand over my stomach, leg thrown almost out the bed. I gently shifted and sat up. "Morning. Wake up." My head ached. With a pang, Morrigan's condemning words returned. I won't think about it.

Then my keen ears heard Joe's troubled breathing. Laira was hugging me again. I patted her shoulder. She rubbed her face.

"Don't 's late."

I washed my face. At least my eyes didn't look swollen. I was exhausted however. The boy was feverish. I went to his room. He had pills on the table. I felt his forehead, hot. His whole body was too hot to the touch. I unbuttoned his shirt.

The sister came in chewing something. "Nuada. What is it? He looks ill."

"Apparently." I wished to try some healing magic. When we were alone, I whispered his name. No reply. I put both hands to his face and focused. Cool down. My fingers seeped the excess heat away. Joe frowned and licked his lips. He reached out to grasp my right hand. "I'm helping you. Be good. Just a while more," I whispered. Since he did not let go, I channeled energy via his arm.

Laira asked me what I wanted to eat.

Cereal. Thank you. Take your time.

His temperature was down for a while. Some more mana. The soft blue welled up. Resting a while, I tried to sooth his lungs using a short incantation. The long incantations were harder. His breathing cleared. Good, it worked. My vision blurred so I leaned on the wall. Cloth stuck to my skin. I realized how feeble I was.

"Hey elf. Nuada, what's wrong?" Laira's voice was very loud. I winced. "You're- exhausted."

I raised my head and looked into vivid blue eyes. It was déjà vu, we were this close when they rescued me. "I cooled down his fever. Get a cold cloth to sponge Joe. He's almost recovered now."

While she was in the bathroom rinsing water, she grumbled, "Attempting that spell without breakfast on empty? Are you playing doctor or hero? It's too much for you, Noowa." Her emotions were unnecessary, but very nice. I preferred this to her reticence.

I smiled. "I will be fine. Yum." I spooned the delicious warm milk and cereal into my mouth. She sponged the cloth over Joe's face. I recovered soon enough. The migraine receded. Healing magic does not drain much strength, only a fraction to make one sleepy.

"Relax, my friend. You take drugs to cure flu?"

She nodded. "Usually. We're not wizards. Wow you finished. Don't get up too suddenly."

"All right," I said. Her left hand gleamed silver. She had worn my gift! I am sorry I rejected your gift before Nuada. It is very cute and shiny.

Joe coughed, waking up briefly. "Thanks elf fairy."

"I'm no fairy. How do you feel now?" I took his hand. His pulse was steady.

He moaned. "Just returning the favor. Now you understand how tiring it is to be ill." Joe smiled and closed his eyes.

Laira Sent, Don't scare me! You look like a ghost.

I only used a little energy. I assured her.

"Come outside. I want you to rest." She put on country music and stood opposite me. I took the armchair.

"Why were you so sad?" she probed. "I didn't hear you clearly. Too groggy."

I could not speak for a while. Music filled the gaping hollowness inside. I swallowed hard and said, "It is hard.. for me to let them go. I had to, last night. Their spirits… moved on."

Tears sprung but I commanded them not to spill over. I inhaled.

Laira blinked. "It's ok to feel sad. You can cry. I mean- they will be here in your heart always." She spread her fingers over my heart. "My aunt, whom I loved very much, also died suddenly. I was shattered. She had been so kind to us. It was my dream to repay her and give her a better life… but an accident took her away. Aunt was already sick, that was too much strain. I took a really long while, to accept it. I still miss her. I comfort myself that she is happier in heaven. Try it."

I smiled weakly. My eyes were damp. "Thank you. This bracelet is my token for you. Like the amulet you have given to me."

"Oh then I must wear it? Ok ok. But I like purple more. Is the purple one also special?"

"No that is ordinary. Feel its magic." I touched it gently tuning it. The silver vibrated against her skin. Laira gasped eyes widening. Adorable.

"Yea! Try the method I told you. I want to…" she wanted to elaborate, but I tugged her arm.

I cradled the petite Halfling in my arms. "Shh, I will. Some peace." I thought of Mother and Father. They won't forget me, I won't either. They are together. I don't know if there is a heaven, but it sounds wonderful. Is it where the light always shines and there is no agony to burden them? The soul flies free from its web of entanglement? Let them be together. I sighed. "Your aunt was- very young?"

Laira nodded, leaning on my chest. Our heartbeats in tandem. She talked, her voice and the country music blending together. I did not really listen closely, drifting off. I think I said 'yes' and 'no'.

"So will you teach me to defend myself?"

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