Chapter 32 Purple cake, celebration and practical jokers

What it means to be a hero –chinese theme

(Translated)

I don't know where to find love, what to expect anymore,

In this life, how many scars do I endure?

The Sky and seas are my witness,

Right and wrong have been through,

Leading a perilous life yet with some joyful moments,

I don't want anyone else beside me to conquer this vast kingdom.

Laira

We checked out a cake for me. The confectionaries were irresistible both in sight and smells. But you know the prince wouldn't look greedy. "I remember you like something purple. But there're none of that color. What do you want?"

"That!" Blackforrest cake with cherries. It would only the three of us, so a medium one would do. "You will eat right? It is tradition that I cut the cake and you should have one too."

The elf beamed. "I wouldn't dream of passing up the chance. And let's make it fast. I'm going to salivate." He laughed. The woman got a nice box with candles.

How beautiful it looked with the candles of light sparkling. The flames reflected in Nuada's unique eyes. Mom thought he was wearing contact lenses! "Happy birthday, Lirael. I cannot sing," he said candidly. My bro of course wouldn't open his mouth, so I just blew the candles with my secret wish. Actually I hadn't got a cake in years since I was ten after dad left. Brother never remembered. Nuada smiled when I gave him a slice.

"Do you like mind?" Joe had the tact to ask me.

"What?" my mood was too butterfly light to care what he wanted to ask. Normally his manners were crude too.

"Us not singing the song."

Nuada was enjoying the slice. He glared at him. Crap don't say that! I don't want to sing.

"No problem. I sang it to myself. Can I have some music please? Prince, like the cake?"

Joe headed to the player to choose a CD while I ate my own slice. Mine had more chocolate chips.

Nuada licked his spoon. "Delicious! This will be another addiction with icecream. What's the other nice food?"

"Tiramisu. Next time when you're free let's go eat that. But it has some cheesy portions… your stomach may act up."

He shook his head, gesturing. "Worth it. May I take the cherries?" With a rush of tenderness, I caught a whiff of his shampoo, invoking a little Nuada and Nuada plucking cherries in the summer. A woman walked in front of them. Her face was unclear in this vision, but I guessed it was their mother. I opened my mouth to ask him if he consciously remembered that.

But I decided not to upset Nuada. He had wept, when he dreamt of them leaving him. It is still not clear, for it was much too raw to explain. Instead, I scooped the cherries and put them on his platter. It's ok to indulge this brave warrior once in a while. "So many. Thank you. You don't want some?"

"I had enough." Joe ruffled my hair. "Oi!"

"Sorry! Nuada can we pick a day and celebrate for you two? It'd be fun. Anything you want." Joe was thinking of cakes, desserts and partying.

The elf blinked. Mildly, he told him there was no need. "Your companionship is enough. It is all right." He made space for my bro to sit beside him and offered his plate.

He discussed the Spring harvest moon. It was a festival where they took in fruits and the crops. Song and dance. "I didn't like to dance though. I must look terrifying to the perfect elves."

Funny Nuada labeling his own people as third person. I frowned. "Nuada you are an elf too."

"I meant some did not have scars like that. No girl dared to have contact with me," he said nonchalantly. Joe's sympathy shone through. He must be sad. Because he was royalty he could not be touched? But they have emotions too. "Why do you both look so sad?"

"Did you feel lonely? Other than fighting, you did want some girls too didn't you?" I felt curious and needed to take it to the next level.

He sat back and gazed off into the distance. His lips still wore a boyish smile. "But as a prince… my duty is to protect. Royalty must set an example. I would disgrace myself making merry with others. It was protocol to attend but remain distant."

Joe scratched his head. "Huh?"

Nuada rolled his eyes. "In simple terms, I could not flirt around. I am different from the free peoples, the other classes. Nor did I wish to. They did not give me a good impression." Now his tone reflected his distaste for protocol. "Never mind."

My bro nodded. "I see. Thank you. I don't have such a functioning brain. Didn't study much yea? Cool?"

The elf's brows furrowed. "Not cool. I have already simplified matters. Surely I can be equal to you my family."

"Yes!" I kissed his cheek. Nuada did the same and pulled me closer. His golden hair tickled my face. Then I winked at my bro. He took out a box. "Allow us, your subjects, to present you with a gift." We both said at the same time. Me with a deep voice.

Nuada looked disapprovingly at the twined circlet of branches. Uriel had made it for him. It's kind of a practical joke, the last one Nuada had thrown it away. But spare twines are always available. "Do you want me to be angry?"

"Please, see it ain't so bad. Comfy."

I fitted to my own head. Haha. A little princess. Nuada adamantly refused. "No. I will kill the asshole when we meet. (gaelic muttering)" He was sulking. We left him alone for a while to let him cool down. His temper flares are quickly squelched. We're his best buds, he won't be angry for long. Meanwhile I told his sis. She couldn't stop laughing.

"Ah he's so cute. Get a picture of him. Happy birthday. I got you a gift. When are you coming here?" she asked.

"Should be Tues. Ok, thank you! Yea will get a photo."

Those girls in the harvest dance were nuts. Nuada IS handsome. He's just not a flawlessly handsome elf like in the movies Legolas or Haldir. He is a real alver, Swedish for elf. The chance came when Nuada fell asleep that night, snoring. Joe was thrilled. We snuck up on him. He was so deep in slumber, not even twitching his ears when we tiptoed to the armchair. We do bid the elf to lie down, but sometimes he just sleeps where he is!

Shhh, do not move. On my signal. Nuada Silverlance sighed and smiled. Deep breathing again.

Oh yea! You got the camera ready?

Hell ya! I had put no flash mode but a little sound was unavoidable. Joe gently perched the makeshift twines on Nuada's head. We could have gotten away with it, but for the camera click sound. So the crown was slanted and almost fell over backwards, but Nuada woke up. And it flopped in front sliding down his hair to rest on his lap. I ducked behind the couch. Take cover!

He'd be really pissed off. Joe was mouthing across from his hiding place: we're busted! Die die!

Silence. Nuada observed the crown with a calm imposing look on his vampiric face. "Don't bother to hide you deaf obstinate children. How dare you! Whose idea?" Nuada waved the crown in the air. "I can smell you both. On the count of three." He really began counting.

On 3 we meekly stood up. Nuada tried to be angry. But he was not, I could tell. His ears twitched. "Um why is it you can smell us?"

"Joe if you're brave enough, you won't stand so far. Whose idea?" he asked loftily. Joe chuckled. "This is serious. Come here." My brother had been trying to creep out to his room.

I grinned. "Ooh even Nuala is in. She wanted us to risk a photo."

He glared at me, one eyebrow arched.

I straightened my face. "Sorry."

"What? Where's the photo? Give it to me." He smiled when he saw it. The twines tilted to the left side as he was sleeping. I hugged him round the neck.

"It's ok. We just wanted to make you laugh. You're always so solemn. Improve your humor." I whispered.

"Don't show this to anyone. Or I really will shed blood. Thank you." He sounded warm and close to crying, but he just smiled and held back.

"So how exactly do you smell us? We got odors?" I enquired.

"My senses are stronger than humans, I can hear smell and see better. Only affected when I was injured. You have an odor, yes." I sniffed him. He pinched my ear. "All right, don't show to anyone. Promise. Swear an oath."

We pointedly refused. The elf sighed. No honour left in this generation. In my day all oaths must be sworn.

Ack. We're only kids. You're our elder. Just relax. My brother Sent.

Now Joe could use telepathy quite well. So we could speak without moving our mouths. Sometimes we just talked inside, how nice it is! You're no kids. I am not old!

How about the diagram you drew? Where we are the saplings, you are the full grown tree. I replied.

It was just an example. Doesn't mean you continue disobeying me. Where is your sense of honour? Nuada's ambers slitted.

Trying and getting there. Just lighten up. It's not everyday we succeed in tricking elves.

Ha. It won't happen again.

But you did not hear us coming did you? – I argued merrily.

I had heard, but in my kindness I thought you wouldn't do something to me. See how blind my trust is. You're traitors. He chuckled at this statement. We laughed.

He did not crush the crown but put it in its box. I felt cozy at the thought. Uriel's grand idea! "Laira, go to sleep. Why are you still awake?"

The elf opened the blanket and settled down.

"Ok. Night! Will you kiss me?"

Nuada grumbled. "I am tired enough. Sleep." His bed in my room is near the window, I had pulled the curtains over. I have offered to change places, but my prince said it was fine. He liked the feel of air coming in. At first Nuada would wake up immediately at dawn, but after so long, he could rest well until we called him to have meals. Our beds are perpendicular. He could see me awake. I lay down and smiled. Close to a year and a half. I had saved him, and he was suspicious of our motives. I am glad it is not a dream.

"You're not asleep are you?" he hissed. I closed my eyes and snored. "Good night."

He padded to my bed and I felt him stand over me. Gently the elf tousled my hair and he whispered in elven.

Nuada

Why did they get the audacity to trick me? I am betrayed by my saviours. But it was funny how I looked with the straw crown. When I open that drawer, it always comes to mind. Liz and Nuala saw that photo. When I found out, I told them not to anyone else or I'd punch someone. Of course given their dishonorable tendencies, I don't know if they have fulfilled their side of the bargain.

I always tried to impress upon the half elves the importance of honour and honesty. But they insisted they wanted to have it light, take it easy. Speaking to them resulted in veering off topics or we would laugh and forget. Today I had more time, so I began writing.

Dear children,

It is very important for elves to keep promises and oaths. You should try, as you've elven blood. Then I will be very happy. Not that I am unhappy now. Surely I don't have to keep lecturing you. Oaths are not going to take your lives, you can swear it inside. I was listening to the song Cross my heart, which you sent me. Something like that. Otherwise, we will be hollow and empty humans. So, think you can try out?

Finally the siren has left me alone. I think she will be leaving soon, tinman is coming back here. I cannot wait for her to go! Some of them feel quite sorry for her, being alone all her life. She should find someone she can love and not chase after illusions of seduction. I would not mind if she had been polite. Love cannot be coerced. I suppose it takes years for one to realize that. I used to want my father and sister to agree with me, in a way as proof that I mattered in their hearts.

Joe, I will try my best to answer your cellphone messages. But the buttons are hard to use. Why don't we just talk? I don't want my fingers to get tired. Don't you get tired? Haha, you want to have a twin brother? It will be different from the experience I have. Guys are a lot easier. Actually, no, we are the only elf twins prince and princess. There are minor princelings, dukes, lords and so on, but they tend to be only children. We do not bond easily, only one soulmate in a lifetime. I am glad I found you Lyra. When things are rough going, I look forward to hearing from you. I was used to my own company in the past. I don't know if the goddess Ariadne had me reincarnated. You can think so, if you wish. Differences? I feel less fury towards the scum, because my memories are scattered. It does affect my emotions.

I should explain why I hate them. Because they killed my friends. They rose to defend me, trolls, elves, fairies and water creatures. This I know though I cannot remember how they looked like…. They were my closest companions, bodyguards. It was the sole consolation as a prince. I did not have friends. Nuala had not lost anyone so close to her, except when I left them. She was fortunate enough to be in the castle. I tried so hard to fight the orcs, our sworn enemy. We were outnumbered. Then human barbarians with horned helms and fur cloaks joined in. I was the only one to survive. Can you imagine how I felt? I was not a good warrior at the time, only average. They suffered much pain, I held each cold hand and watch the life go out from their faces.

These experiences are what it means to go into battle. If you want to train, you can only become the very best so you can protect and defend the people you love. I strongly discourage you from thinking about this course. Your job is stable, just stay there. It is not exciting and fun to fight. Not like in a game. I am sorry this has become negative in tone. Hope you won't stop here.

Our forest has blossomed. White and pink flowers have grown on the trees. One of them is an elf species called Eritun. I really like sitting under it and dreaming. Do you know which one, I showed you last month. It is nice to be connected to nature, the forests and the hills. It beats riding in a car. Horses don't feel stressed, if you ride them properly.

Yuck I hate noisy songs, even the Bon Jovi. It hurts my ears to listen too much to those. Why don't you like classical? It is soft and peaceful. I don't always sleep when I hear them. I believe there're fast ones, really? Yes I would like to sample those. But I don't practice my swords with music, it'd be too distracting. I will cut myself. Don't intend to try, hey you're not going to be injured I am!

I want to show you so many amazing things. Mostly 'old fashioned' but practical. Do not despise such methods all right? It is fair exchange of knowledge. I do not mind.

I really like being penfriends! It only strengthens our bond. You are my best mellonea (companions). I like Uriel and Salem, but they were not my childhood friends. Don't buy gifts for us. It will be wastage of money.

Write back soon!

Love,

Nuada

*******

They replied me in three days. I was surprised at the new title.

Dearest Nuadha Argetlam,

Yay! Such a long enjoyable letter from you. We feel super honored. I found the word for Silverhand. Is he your god or ancestor? Can I call you Argetlam? My friend said your name is pronounced Nuad-hay.

Yes we will try to be honorable members of the elves. Sorry we keep veering off topic. But don't you feel happy? It is so important to grasp the rare moments of happiness when they do come by. I used to be depressed that I didn't have a real father. I don't want anyone else to go through such emotions. I was just listening to some birds outside. They fully enjoy their lives, we should too! And a cat was sunning itself right in our office. Brother and me had to wake it, and it was grouchy. Haha. I suppose this is a sales speech about our point. Joe does not want to promise. Hit him next time.

What? Bon Jovi rocks. I like Have a nice day. Standing on a ledge showing me how to fly, when the world gets in my face, Have a nice day. The lyrics are good. Yea, it is too loud. You can make it to minimum volume, elf. I do like classical, the faster beat ones. All right, I will bring you samples this week! You will love Vanessa Mae, her violin pieces are so quick in tempo. Ooh cannot wait! No I am sure you won't cut yourself listening to music in training. A joke, Nuada? So cute!

We both feel for your friends lost in battle. We are so sorry. They were awfully cruel, it's no wonder you wanted to kill them. But the humans now, like we talked about last time, don't all hate the fey or hurt them. That's why we Halflings are born. I understand. It will take time for you isn't it? It's good to share with us.

We love writing to you lots. How about your sis? And Uriel? I don't mean will be less time for you, a combi letter will do.

It's me Joe. A short reply, man. Ok can call me back. I have lots to say but so little time. You're Argetlam, awesome! My friend Jeremy likes that screen name. We googled online our birthdates. Laira's is the reed ( the hidden dryad ). Mine is the Vine (balance of light and dark). We get the point of battles not being in the game. You played a game? Wow!

Those are really exciting. Can show you my specialty weekend.

It's me again. But I want to defend myself prince. Please please let me try! I will be careful. I remember the Eritun tree, the big one. Haha. It's really nice. Get some rest, ok? We'll be too much to handle for you. Not old, but older than younglings. I don't mind you spelling as Lyra. Sweet.

Lots and lots of hugs

Laira and Joe

Laira

I would like to call him by the actual pronunciation. I couldn't wait for a reply so I dialed his room extension about two in the afternoon. It took some time before the elf picked up.

"Hello?" he answered groggily.

"Nuadha! Are you sleeping? I'll call later," I replied.

"It's fine. I have to go in an hour. Waking up." He breathed out.

"Argetlam then."

He laughed musically. "Why? Don't need to. I'm not that special. I won't care if you call me like that."

"Why are you going so early? It's night missions usually."

He sighed. "Yes, I'm still tired from last night. We're escorting some ambassadors to their homes. But afterwards I can rest, so it's fine. Thank you."

I smiled. A slight pause. Then I told him I loved him very much and I would see him when we were both free. "Take care, Argetlam."

"Lyra, don't call me that. It's so long and awkward. I don't want them to tease me. Nuada is fine," he responded in a deep bass. I could imagine his golden eyes flashing in annoyance. "I might not even reply to that name."

"Ok ok. When can we meet? Tomorrow?"

"Let me think.---- I will be training in the morning. See you for lunch? The others will be having something so I will be alone."

"Sure! I'll bring the music! Bye."