S Lost prince chap 31: Bantering
Thank u Mommy's little nightmare, Uchiha Sasuke and Libbindy. A Toast! and to the others who're new here welcome.
I'm waiting for you only, the slightest touch and I believe
Go on, come on leave me breathless, Dance me tease me
Loving feeling, make me breathless
And if there's no tomorrow, and all we have is here and now
I'm happy just to have you, you're all I need somehow (Breathless, listen to it, sing along)
Nuada
Halfway back, I awoke and we were not close to their home yet. The thought came to me. I asked, "How is it Joe is with some girls?"
"Surrounded by them. Can't wait to find chics. When we were helping to open the blocked fountain, he was asking your friends for girls' numbers. Darn!" she replied. I laughed.
"You sound jealous. Don't be."
"No!" she replied. James smiled.
"Prince I have never heard you laugh so freely. It's good."
"Thank you. I am not angry all of the time. Did you enjoy the food?" I relaxed and glanced outside. Some trees raced by.
"Yea! Everything was nice! But Manning said you guys will need a lift," James said. He had leaf green eyes. Hmm, how did the doctor know? Was he intuitive? Laira scratched the bracelet. I undid the clasp. She looked amazed.
"But you want me to wear it don't you?" she asked.
I shook my head. "Not if you are allergic to it. It is fine."
More questions, but because we were not alone, she didn't ask them aloud. The clever girl talked about her new elf friend Jasmine. I had seen her with Nuala. They were flowergirls. My sister and the fish would have a portrait done. "Hey Nuada I like your costume. How much did you make it for?"
"I forgot. It doesn't matter. You already took photos right?" I felt sleepy again and closed my eyes.
Laira
The elves were so happy! I am glad I got some photos of them, together. It's not something to be missed. Liz hardly dresses up, I always see her in jeans and jacket. Her preference for black is like Nuada's.
Nuala when will you have your portrait done? I wanna see it!-- I sent.
She laughed. Not so soon. I will do it later. You can view it in our room next time. How is brother? He seems happy.
Oh he is! We're going home now. I like his braid.
That took 2 hours. Brother was quite patient, though he could barely stay awake. Has he eaten?
Yes I did make sure. She thanked me. I learnt that the Elmright elves were from Chimera, land of the fire, a region close to Africa. They were related to dark elves and fought with magical arrows and some could cast spells. The Elmrights liked a leisurely lifestyle of song and dance which they gladly demonstrated for us. Nuada did not approve. His was the honorable way. I stroked his forehead. He always became uptight when I brought up meeting strangers. A blond lock came loose and slid over his scar. He smiled.
When we reached my house, James told the elf he could rest till Tuesday.
Nuada chuckled and spoke to him softly. "Thank you. If you want to improve your skills, I do not mind. Practise. See you around."
***
"Sleep more?" I asked, when he came out from the bath. He was bare waist up. His hair was still tied and some strands were sticking out oddly. Nuada never looked so messy!
"Help me. And be gentle."
I still snagged on hair. Nuada jerked and hissed when some got in a tangle. Finally the golden mane was free. "Sorry. Your hair smells sweaty." I sniffed.
The elf pretended to be offended. He pinched my cheek. His hair was unkempt and puffy. He went in again to wash up. Later he gave me a candy as thanks. I examined the silver bracelet.
He glanced at me. "You won't wear it often?"
"Not when I'm home. How to control it?"
"Only I can, it listens to my voice. I do not understand why it's still affecting you." He whispered something. Nothing moved. I got a fresh comb and started untangling the wet golden tresses. Nuada shifted.
"Give that to me."
"No. Please let me comb!" I begged, trying to avoid. It worked for awhile, since Nuada was tired from waking early. But his deftness won out. He tickled me. I squealed.
The elf slowly combed out to the ends. Damn! It hurts. I won't do this again. Shit.
"Ponytail is ok, I think you look cool with your hair bound up too."
Nuada stifled a yawn. He lay down on the couch. I went into my room. Quiet descended. In an hour, the elf asked to come in. He held the control for cable. "Dainin how to get the channels? Help me."
"Press till you get the channel. Arrows up and down. If nothing is showing it means I'm not subscribed."
"Not sure. Join me." We watched Animal planet and discovery. The elf was delighted pressing every arrow and triggered the menus too. "Then how do I go back?"
I showed him. Later he wanted to continue with Aang the conclusion. The Firelord vs the good guys. He loved it.
********
My soulmate rose to view the porch. Many greens and shoots had sprouted since the time we did replanting. He was naked waist up, the scars were prominent. Nuada didn't notice me staring. He reached out his right hand to caress a flowering branch from the tree. We had sat together and he told me that he didn't want to hurt me. Time had flown and so had my affections. Love bloomed inside me. Fire gold sunset made the hair glitter like the sparkling jewels. He seemed at home here, even not doing anything. Nuada smiled.
He heard the dogs bark and cocked his head.
He said something. When I wore his gift, I could tune in to his words. They were very complex. Then he said Calm down my friends. Do you sense him coming? I will be here with you. I took it off, nothing more. Oh! It is magical. It would protect me too.
"Laira you want to talk with me?"
I smiled. "Haha, yes. Come and eat."
The elf looked unhappy. "You always ask me to eat. I'm full."
I ignored him and placed his gift on the table. Nuada added, "You want to? Fine I will eat with you child."
"Yay!" I hugged him. He rested his hand on my back.
We ordered KFC. Nuada wanted to try. He referred to it as, "The chicken with the box. A man was on it. It was the fast delivery."
"KFC."
He snapped his fingers, chuckling. "Correct." I thought it was unhealthy. He had a stomach upset when he tried pizza the last time. "I didn't eat that day. Really want to taste. The aroma weakened my resolve but I disciplined myself. Much to my dismay, they all finished them." We laughed at his expression, which he described. He has a solemn face, so crestfallen is cute. "The others said I looked like a waif in the lost land. I am not lost."
I had cake and he had chicken. He peeled them with his hands, ate them heartily. At least he could enjoy food! "Not everyday right?"
"Not at all. Joe! Had a good time?" My bro lunged at Nuada, who was astounded. Then he scowled.
"I miss ya! You eat with bare hands?"
The prince withered him with a dull look. "Surely you will not think a prince cannot eat with his hands? Go and bathe. You smell." He tried to disentangle himself.
Joe purposely refused to move. Nuada sulked, narrowed fine brows and turndown of the black lips.
"Ok ok don't be mad. It's your sis's day. Relax!"
"My sis is not here. I saved you some of this. Quickly. There is cake too," Nuada remarked.
That was the cue. Joe rushed in and out there in five. Haha! I watched Nuada eat some fruits.
His writing I keep every single one. He had decorated my twins' study thing
I don't like bright colors. Not all elves just me. Black is goth and one of a kind isn't it? Your metal singers also don it. Green is serenity, yes I like too. Blue, cerulean like your eyes, azure and sapphire is my second favorite choice.
Dear friends,
It's been a fruitful time spent with you both. Thank you for everything, your care and concern for us, the books, and comforting words. Laira I liked the potted plant. It's made of paper, I didn't know that. Who made it?
Not all elves are as reticent as I am. I was arrogant in the past. We are ancient but we have good qualities too. The nobles need to have etiquette lessons, I always failed them.
My sister is ambassador for both our races. Something you want to do next time? I need to be there with you, do not do it alone. I hope that things settle down in Bethmora and I can go there without escort. My friends worry I will get hurt again during riots. On a serious note, a few princelings were slain by orcs. The evil beasts. It makes me boil.
Moving on, your birthday is November 1st, correct? I checked it it is Sunday. That's nice, I can spend time with you then! And Liz says your tradition is cake and presents. Do you have plans usually? I want to give you a great day. It will be the first one. We have been together for a year and a half. How time flies. Joe when is your day? Sorry I forgot. I am open to suggestions, anything I can afford I will give you.
I can easily do a sword dance. Would you like that?
Write back soon!
Lots of love, Nuada
Sword dance! Magnificent! I got the chance to see what he meant when he practiced in the training room. The prince used his Luin in sword mode, then its tip extended and became the lance.
A man spoke to him. I was standing at a platform where Nuada couldn't see me. Soundproof.
Nuada gestured and demonstrated with one more sword. They parried. He gleamed with perspiration. He seemed charged with strength. They spoke with frequent pauses. Other people watched clapping. He rested when they began training with one another. For a moment, the ambers cast upwards as he drank water. But he didn't notice me.
James imitated Nuada's actions with a small saber. Elves are gifted in this form. I suppose martial arts are derived from them. Then the session ended. They bowed. People left in threes and fours. Nuada came out, clad in a silk robe that was black. He was panting slightly. I popped out from the viewing area and called him.
Nuada gasped. Then he answered calmly, "Hey too. You were hiding?"
I smiled and took his hand. "Yup. You didn't know. I was up there."
Hmm. You bad girl, what if I have a heart attack? Let us go for a bite. I'm hungry.
Don't push too hard. You just recovered.
"2 hours. Now I am at rest." He pushed open the door to the canteen, letting me go first. "Sit down. I will join you. Want anything?"
"Not really, I ate. Go ahead." Nuada headed for a stall and began pointing out what he wanted. He returned with a large amount of food, more than what I usually saw him eat- a large piece of brown steak, broccoli, carrots and potatoes. I gaped.
He chewed smiling. I am starving! Training takes a lot of energy.
I watched him polish off the plate. Agents passing by also looked shocked. Nuada ignored them. I remarked, "Hey want to try your spear. Later can I?"
"No you're not going to handle that. I will leave it in the weapons' room unless I am going on missions. My room will be only for rest and relaxation."
"Unreal! Nuada your room's only for sleeping! You like practicing, got your rackful of things." I laughed, though I was a little sad that he decided this already.
"It is real. It is too cramp if I practice might break something. My sis bought me ornaments, and I have a new tv. They may break. I can't have that." He licked his lips and sucked on the drink. Bones only left on his plate. Super speed!
I answered that I wanted to watch his new tv. Nuada's goldens flashed. "Why should I? You almost stopped my heart."
"I wanted to surprise you. I've improved in my sneaking tactics."
Nuada leveled me with his gaze. I apologized trying to look contrite. "Don't say sorry with a false tone and smiling, dainin." He was not finding it funny. Aw.
He shook his head. Beyond hope.
His room was very tidy unlike Red's. Nuada's TV, I set to observing it first before playing with the control. In the usual weapons' rack place, potted plants occupied the space. They were some kind of palms and emitted fragrance. The elf lay down but did not sleep. He was catching my movements. "I want to rest awhile before we go."
"Ok. Are you completely well?" I put my fingers to his chest. He said 'unhand him'.
"Should be. Am building up the endurance time." Nuada whispered.
"What is your usual training session?" I rubbed the callouses on his hands. He didn't resist.
The answer almost stopped my heart. 5 hours! He chuckled. "Relax I won't do that so soon. I should take a bath, some girl complaint of my stench when I didn't bathe for a week." He slowly stretched and found a spare robe. Referring to the time of confinement, our prince was too weak to bathe right after he fainted. Without assistance, he could barely manage, once he came back to bed he would fall asleep. I remember he didn't want to wear trousers so it'd be easier to strip. He went to the bathroom.
His bed was surrounded by marbles in what looked like big urns. What were they? A meditation game? Every marble was unique and was a myriad of colors. One urn had water flowing continuously.
My senses tingled and his gift hummed in sync. It attracted to one of the containers. The marbles whirled, knocking into the next. They all did, each time the bracelet setting a hum and all formed patterns shifting constantly. Nuada heard me. "What happened?" he yelled above the water.
"Better to see this yourself." I urged them to stop, as the itch was beginning to annoy me but no it wouldn't. why? The elf rushed out, his hair pooling water. He glanced at the marbles, his irises turning fiery sunset. "Help me." He rested index fingers on the token. Phew relief. Nuada toweled himself dry, frowning. I waited.
"They were moving on their own?"
"It was like this magnetic force dragging me to each container. What are they?"
"Halfling, they are foretelling stones. But these symbols…" Forget sleep now, the prince was wide awake. Quickly he got dressed and we were standing outside Sapien's room, near the library. The doors had no bell. The prince glared. They swung open.
"Abraham, come. I want you to see this." The aquaguy observed the patterns, commiting them to memory. I watched. Referring to a chronicle of the Ancient Fey, "They mean Lifebringer. This is marvelous. An elf' heritage, you are connected to all life. Laira, your powers are like mine. Would you like to learn from an Empath?"
"Yea!" I didn't hesitate.
"Hold on. You're not agreeing like that. More information." Nuada demanded, haughty. When prince was serious, he sounded like his old aristocratic no nonsense self. Sapien explained in more detail. In short, I activated the stones since my Gift of remembrance reached a new pinnacle. Nuada listened. He wouldn't let me do it right away.
"Will it harm her?"
"No no this gift is an integral part of her. It means her elf blood is more than her human blood. It's not clear until we get an expert to test her. Laira, you can touch something and sense what happened before?" the fish turned to me.
I shrugged. "A little little bit."
Nuada grumbled something. Then he dismissed the fish. "Brother in law, it's great potential!" he cried out. Then the door was slammed.
"It's good news. Why're you mad?" I watched him pace around restlessly.
Come to terms with something, the elf smiled. He said- I am happy. Can't you see?
Still you need a normal life. The hours here are odd and hard. You are still young, enjoy your life first.
No he didn't look happy in his body language. Sigh.
I know. No hurry then, I could leave my Gift to unfurl itself at its own pace. I wanted to consider the offer first. But I could talk to an Empath, like Charles Xavier to understand what this heritage meant.
*****
On my birthday, the first anniversary of our relationship. Nuada waited for me at our usual cinema. He had reached first wearing a brown leather jacket with simple patterns. I called out to him softly, not to draw attention. He kept the cellphone. The partial glamour. "Did you call me? I wanted to order tickets first but I don't know which to choose."
I took out my cell. "Yep. Never mind." I picked an action movie. Nuada didn't understand anything going on, there was too much shouting and bombs going off.
What is most important that you like it.
He leaned back in the cushy seat. I patted his hand. Ok. But there aren't many now, Nuada. Later we'll go outside you will feel tired cooped here too long right?
It's all right. Today your happiness is more important. Sometimes when I don't fall asleep, I turn on the tv. I like movies, they are special. And documentaries are really good too.
He made fun of this romance which I adored, it's called Once upon a dream.
Once upon a dream, in a magical kingdom
A princess fell asleep, only kiss from a handsome prince could wake her.
"Well? Will you kiss me if I don't wake up?"
He said, "There won't be time if there's a dragon in the same keep. Madness. I'll shake you and if not, I'll throw you on the floor." The prince burst out in mirth. I folded my arms.
"Hey you ruin my fantasy elf!" I didn't find it comical at all. Nuada smiled broadly.
I shook my head. "Couldn't you kiss me?"
"No I don't do kissing in danger. It'll have to be when we're out of danger, girl."
*Once upon a dream, cute! Dianeofthemoon made a Nuada vid from the song. haha. The teasing Nuada does is inspired by Shrek. Reviews!