Sanctuary

Chapter 40: The Safehouse for wildlife

Lyriel- My favorite dream

*am reading about wolves and wanted to pay tribute to them!

Laira

On his next break, I brought Nuada to see my granddad's safehouse of animals. I was sure he would have quality time indeed! It was easy to talk to my mom's father. He was a very open minded senior citizen and not so skeptical of the magical folk. "He is an elf. A real elf, Pops!" I phoned him a week before. (Not a problem, pops is a spontaneous type of guy)

"What've you done now, shrimp?" he laughed. "All right all right, this I got to see for myself."

Pops cares for the wounded and orphaned animals, from birds, badgers to deer and marsupials. I only visited him once a year, during Christmas. Mom is not his only child, it is just that Joe and I didn't know them that well. I sighed in great happiness when the friendly house colored like the trees became visible. Yay! Nuada pressed, not for the first time, "I don't want to frighten him at his age. I should use my glamour."

I grinned. "Don't worry. I already told him about you, prince. He's gonna be prepared."

The bus had dropped us at the main road. It took three hours or so to trek in through the golden fields. My friend's skin was at its most vampiric- gothic! For all Nuada's criticisms of my rock singers' dress, he looked like a metal singer now, totally in his black gear. I chuckled at the irony. In some references, the clan with pale skin is also called 'dark elf'.

I called out for pops. Before we reached the gate, Mitch, Suzanne and Corgi ran out, barking and wagging their tails. I pushed open the gate. Nuada smiled and patted them. Mitch was a sheltie, Suzanne a mix, and Corgi was like his name said. Then he looked up and gaped. Birds and bats were trying to hover and fly around. The elf held out his hands to let a bird land on his finger. Granddad called, "In here. Come right in!"

He was feeding a baby deer with a milk bottle. Its large brown eyes glanced over to us, and the soft ears twitched. But it was not panicked. Nuada bowed. I swept my hand to him. "This is Nuada (he told me not to say prince) and here's my granddad."

"Thank you for allowing me the pleasure."

"Oh not at all. A handsome fellow…. Call me Terry." I had forgotten his name! Pops wanted to shake Nuada's hand and as he did, he looked deep into his amber eyes. Ecstasy welled up in me. Both of them meeting, an electric moment! The calf bleated, its short tail wagging. I picked up the bottle to let it continue drinking.

"Now this I got to hear. How old are you Nuada?" Terry asked walking beside him. They talked for awhile, while he brought my friend around the loft. If it's one thing Terry is good at, he can hold attention. Although he is a vet, he is not just restricted to medical subjects. Pops loves all people tremendously and generously. I sensed the same wonder I got when he touched my elf!

He laughed deeply. "How did Laira get mixed with you?" Nuada smiled, explaining to him our unusual circumstances. After we mingled with the animals for a while, I announced that I was hungry. "All right, then. To the house. Bess is a great cook. You must stay here for a few days." Bess is not my granny, she is the housekeeper. My granny passed away.

Nuada replied softly, "Will it be inconvenient?" Secretly he wanted to shout yes! Let me stay here. But in protocol the elf was always respectful. Terry assured us no problem. We ate a hearty dinner. Bess wanted to feed the prince more food.

"It is very important to eat more at your growing stage…."

Pops guffawed. My soulmate smiled and thanked her. I will seriously become fat if I eat so much! And I am not growing. I'm an adult! He Sent to me.

When she did not look, I scooped a few pieces on my plate. Pops voiced this idea, "Bess dear, Nuada is an adult elf. Though their kind look young."

"Nonsense. You look as young as my teenage son, sir. How's the pudding?"

"Very good." He managed not to look mortified. I am proud of him, haha.

Granddad said sometimes his friends would come to help out and he would carry on as long as he was able. "God wants me to use these old hands as tools. I don't want to be an idler. Now your side of the story, girl. Come sit by me." He put an arm about me.

He mused that Nuada had truly needed me and he would see the truth. What truth? The elf solemnly listened, with little expression except for his ears twitching and the glitter of his unusual pupils. When Terry paused, he asked, "May I bless you Sir? It is a kind of magic, you will not feel a thing."

"Magic!" I exclaimed. Bess offered Nuada another fruit.

"No thank you. I'm very full."

Pops let the prince touch his forehead. Nuada closed his eyes, concentrated and a green glow of leaf patterns weaved figure eights. A rune circle pattern faded. Nuada awoke from the trance but he was fine, not tired.

"What magic spell is it?" I asked.

He faced Terry. "It is endearing that she thinks I perform miracles. I can't teach magic. It just… comes to me." He touched my hand.

Terry nodded. "Ah your people are all imbued with these gifts. I envy that. Nuada it means protector and acquirer. What do you wish to acquire?"

"Hmm, wisdom and skills. Anything I am open to. You really like our people, the Sidhe? Why?" My granddad was pro-fey. It is part of the reason why I wanted my friend to visit and hear for himself. Terry gave renditions and stories of how much he longed to be part of the fantasy realm. He kept so many stuff about them, reports, sightings, tales, stories, music too. Nuada's heart sang. I could tell how moved he felt.

"Then do you know of the ancient truce King Balor struck with man?"

I shook my head. Please! Why can't we not go there?

Without answering, Nuada focused on pops.

"Is it the agreement where man should keep to our part, and you the forests? I don't know much about it, have to admit. As a boy, my mother told me not to mess with the feyfolk, for they are volatile and strong with curses. That was her belief, mother. Bless her. Why do you ask, Nuada?"

"I…" he hesitated. I thought he would reveal himself as prince Nuada Silverlance.

But he simply continued, "I knew the king. Some of us did not believe in the promises of mankind. We do not all curse you. It is a myth. I am confident you don't mess with us."

That was funny to Terry too. Bless his humorous side.

I held the elf's hand. Why did you ask but not reveal who you really are?

I wanted to understand this man. But who I am is of no importance, I am a guest. Are you angry?

"Where do we sleep pops?" I asked kissing my granddad. We were both weary and should sleep early. Then we could talk more. In our room when Bess and Terry had turned off all the lights, I got up. Nuada was seated on the windowseat, bathing in the moonlight. He hummed a song.

"Hey. I am not angry, but even if he did know the truce, you'd judge him?" I hissed.

"No. I do not form such a fast impression of anybody." Nuada took off his shirt.

"Do you like him then? He is a good human being." I tried not to sound too self righteous. The warrior paused. He lay down on his bed beside mine.

I cannot dislike your grandfather, Lirael. When Nuada addressed me in my celtic name, he was perfectly serious. I know what you mean, by this purpose. But most humans are-

I knocked my forehead and sighed heavily, exaggerating the act. The prince chuckled.

Fairyelf! Not all are evil. Can't you see it differently?

My eyes widened, oh no that came out all wrong. Nuada would get mad at me. But he was still laughing. I don't care! Shall be a merry making elf. Night.

We stayed three days. Bess loved to feed Nuada and talked to him as if to her son. Pops and I bonded. He missed my brother. "It's too bad he's not here. Has he grown?"

"Taller, meaner yea," I said.

Pops called my boyfriend over. You know what, to poke fun at me. "Beware this little fire sprite. She's always dogged when she's onto something. Comes from my side of the family (he laughed heartily and I flamed red). Everything needs to have a why attached. Whereas Joe is the timid one, follower of the rules. He even makes the rules when I can't find any."

"Really? Not always, pops."

Nuada grinned broadly, teeth white. He had changed to a gentler tone of cream, which complemented his long hair. This was a tunic with simple twofold at the chest, a thin belt with dark green trousers. "Aw you didn't tell me that. Thank you." He inclined his head politely, casting a sidelong mischievous glance my way.

Before we left, pops became serious. I made a vow to visit him more. He said gravely, "I thank you, Nuada for taking care of my kids. I wanted to be sure they have a guardian. Joe pretends he is a grown man, but they need guidance. Please stay with them, protector. I don't know when I will go home to the lord."

I wanted to weep. Pops rested his wrinkled hand on Nuada's shoulder. The elf replied sincerely, "You need not worry. I am more than happy to guide them. Our lives are- intertwined."

Nuada's gaze was filled with an unspeakable emotion. Was it compassion? I let my tears fall. I prayed that pops wouldn't pass away yet. I needed him.

The prince did not want a noisy bus. It was morning and we had been walking for sometime. I could not speak. "Hey want to see me do magic?" He led me into some undergrowth. Then he closed his eyes, speaking quickly in elven.

Nothing for a moment. Then a long limbed white wolf appeared, wagging its tail. I cheered up. I love dogs! But a wolf! So majestic, and powerful and graceful!

We touched his strong body for a while, feeling its fur. "What's your name?" I looked at the elf.

To my surprise the wolf spoke, "My name is Rinaldine of The kingdom of reaches. Come get on my back." Unlike how cartoons portray them, his voice was melodious, not growly at all. I sat. It was really soft, his fur. Nuada mounted behind me.

"Thank you friend." Nothing was spoken, but soon we were on our way. Nuada kept me stable on the bouncing animal. Kingdom of reaches? Where is it?

They have been allies to my father. Rinaldine has sworn loyalty to the elves.

Apparently, while they talked, the wolf seemed to be Nuada's acquaintance than friend. Because he was summoned to his aid. Rinaldine said into my mind: You're a half elf, and it is so rare that the royals pairbond with you. And his sister is with Abraham Sapien, a fish? Fascinating. Shush, don't tell him. He is resting now. It takes energy to summon our people.

So I interviewed the big wolf. He said he was a shapeshifter in our world. To fit in, they had to become human. But they could morph anytime they wanted, not just at fullmoon night. Rinaldine, I am so curious. Why don't the elves get you as allies? I mean did you fight side by side?

The wolf replied: Laira, that was a long time ago. I know about how the prince hates humans. I was there. He saved my life.(Nuada valiantly fighting the orcs with his swords as the wolf bit into them. Blood) Some of my Clan pack hated the way he did things. But I could not bring myself to be the same. I really admired the prince! So I come when he calls. Nuada has a good heart. The orcs subjugated those spineless ones. Orcs are our common foe.

Haha I am trying to change his mind. Yes. ( I chuckled.)

The wolf did not doubt I would succeed. I felt very special. He said he could understand the suffering of both human and fey. Rinaldine did not choose any side. I think he was impartial.

About evening, we reached my neighborhood. The wolf was not even out of breath.

Rinaldine bounded to a stop. "All right. We are here." I turned around, Nuada had opened his eyes.

"Thank you." The elf jumped off and held out his hand. I got down. They stared into each others' eyes and connected for some time, before Rinaldine loped away.

My campaign to help Nuada come to terms with hollow people was underway. Didn't hurt to have some feedback. "So you changed your mind?" I wanted to know.

"No, only a little. Your relative is good. Point proven," he said evenly.

I cuddled up to him. "Thank you. I love the ride. Are you hungry?"

Nuada touched his stomach. "Yes. Don't try to play ambassador. Are you selling me something?"

I stopped grinning. "Hey. I am not, elf. I am not trained."

"You smile like you are. And hope I will take your side. Not good." The elf snorted.

We chose a café open to the Borderkind(fey who mingle freely with surface people and speak common language). No humans. The air felt tingly, so I'm glad a skilful warrior was my escort. The food was normal, not grubs or stuff. Phew! I tucked in hungrily to dinner. Mine was a set meal, fragrant rice, carrots, mushrooms and raisins with butter. Nuada had ordered some sweet tea which he asked me to sample. It was so nice. Free refills from an enchanted pot. The porcelain was also very rare, engraved with rune markings.

"You come here frequently?" I asked.

"With some companions. Is it nice? I find it more conducive." Nuada ate slowly, savoring every bite. He had ordered some kind of croissant with jam, with a few omelettes.

"Yes. I talked with the wolf. He thinks highly of you. I like him. He respects me."

"Good. He does not forget my kindness. What else did he mention?"

I told him briefly. Nuada smiled fondly. "It was nothing. Summoning is not something I practice so I got a bit tired. Not to worry. I want to ask you something…."

I listened. How heartfelt his question was, within the whole speech. I reached out across the table and held the pale hand, strong yet those of a young elf. It was strangely paradoxical, but Nuada embodied both of these. "… do you vouch for them? But you are an elf and my best friend."

"I am sorry. I do remember what you mentioned last letter. I cannot vouch for the whole human race, some are evil. But the young generation can be different. You showed me, they play together in Bethmora. If I had the magic, I will turn back time so you won't have to face the tragedy, prince." The words poured out of me, something I had not planned.

Nuada blinked slowly. He had tilted his head again. Thinking deeply. He shifted his hand away to pick up the drink. That is not possible. But I am grateful. Laira, you have so much hope. I do want to believe. To have faith. Still it is very difficult. They let me down.

My father trusted them, and we were forced to the underground. Humans do not change.

He was so right. My indignance rose. Life is not fair. Some people have it so easy. I can understand that, Noowa. I don't feel that sunny about the world either. The rich get richer, the smart smarter. I hate them. Damnit!

He smiled. "Child you sound like me. Bitter and unforgiving."

"No I don't." I denied. "It is the facts. Take me, short, average intelligence, broken home. It's not fair. I'm trying to find common ground here."

Nuada was silent. He carefully answered, "You have us, my sister and I. The elves. You will not be alone. Then your answer is you will be on our side? If it comes to a choice."

I did hope that day would not arrive. How could I bear to kill humans, who might be my friends? Granddad too. Hellboy also had this destiny. Nuada looked sad.

So I picked the white lie. I don't know if he realized that. It is just that Nuada had to have some hope, even if it was little. I want to use tact not blunt replies. The warrior had just opened up to me, his deepest emotions. He had offered an olive branch. (with expectations) Well I will worry about it when the time comes.

"Well, elf, you need to guide us along. You promised," I said merrily.

"No problem. I already am. Doing a wonderful job too," Nuada replied proudly.

A night turned to happiness. Then he asked me why I had taken a photo of the food.

"Ooh it's a keepsake. Look isn't it nice?"

Nuada agreed with me. He pressed the arrow buttons, while I told him what was what.

The moonlight was silvery. Soon we passed the borderlands and passed by a mall. The air changed.

Prince surprised me with his next comment. "You are so strong and fearless."

"What? Me. No no. I freaked when you were hurt."

His scar was faded when he beamed. "But you did not turn from me. I could be a vampire and bitten you. Yet you still saved me. If it was not courage, only kindness could not be sufficient."

I got it. Nuada wanted to praise me. Trust him to make it a nice long sentence. "It's all right. I would help." I held out my hand. Did he want to connect with me? This time, he walked ahead. "Wait."

He continued in a lilting cheerful voice, "I remember when Wink and I burst into the museum, the people kept screaming at us. They had a natural fear of us from the dark. The monsters in nightmares. Don't you think?"

I said no. Nuada smiled. Then he shrugged off his jacket and covered me. "You are cold. Are you tired? Since there is time, I want you to walk with me."

"Ok. Thanks." Nuada winked and his arm was around my waist. The secret garden place! Once more, I failed to see where a doorway was. The path behind us seemed endless. Fragrance. He waited before me.

"Come. What is wrong?" Amber eyes glittered. Lightly, the elf touched my cheek.

"How did you bring me here?"

You can't see the guardians. I saw them and told them to let us in. Since you are my soulmate, the privilege is given. Happy?

What guardians? Where?

But wily Nuada ignored that, thinking of other things and plans since he had a week and a half. The half was bonus, he said in amusement, for he had worked really hard. Manning had sleepily agreed.

"You're naughty." I chuckled, feeling one huge trunk.

Nuada shrugged. "That word is not for me. I am an adult. I left my phone there, so never mind. The present is more important." I told him I had not finished my letters and in turn the prince mentioned his preference for which music he loved. Plus Nuada wanted to cook a meal for us. Nice plans, and we hoped they would not be foiled. I suggested games. He felt tickled by my descriptions. I liked him to laugh.

It was moments after that I got weary and we sat down under a tree. I leaned against his warm chest. "Hmm, can you tell me… about Wink? Your troll friend? Was he a vassal (bodyguard, retainer)?"

Nuada's voice was dreamlike. I perked up to see his face. He did not cry, nor look angry.

"More than a vassal. He and I were linked by a rare bond. I met him in exile, four years after I had been alone. Strangely it was only then I could understand the troll tongue. We might have seen each other earlier. Sounds like (Nuada made whistles and sounds). Growling and roars mean the troll is angry. But he did not."

"I see. Then only you can hear him?"

"Competently. It is all right, lean here." I relaxed. Like when he was in pain about his parents, Nuada wanted me not to look. I opened my eyes every now and then to see his wispy hair. "His metal fist could fly out to hit people. No one knows how he lost his real arm. It must have been very strong, troll bone is tough. Wink stayed in front of my lair refusing to budge. I ordered him to, even hit him. But he stubbornly refused. Later, I realize he protected me against some orcs. I had beaten them before. I guess they were not satisfied and still wanted to kill me. So my friend and I fought them off together. After that, his mind opened to me. And it was easier as the days passed. Of course Wink did not speak much. I could tell him everything. I am sure he knew how I felt and my wishes."

Nuada was quiet.

"Cool. Will you let us be your companions? Don't be sad." I raised my head. The elf nodded.

He answered richly, "You already are. That was… in the past. I must have wandered far and wide, seeking for justice and revenge. Inside my heart was hollow, as hollow as the shells I despised. I will never forget Wink. From this passage, I read somewhere, angels watch over us. Just that we won't be able to see, except in dreams. I sometimes picture him guiding me. But I cannot… " His voice wavered. I took out tissues. Nuada shook his head and refused. Typical. Nevertheless, I laid my hand on his back.

After a while, he recovered and changed the subject. "Your grandfather will be fine. I blessed him with good health. The fey close to his home will look after him. They always have."

"Thank you. I should make Joe visit him more often. We forgot last year. His days are numbered." I wished I could do something more. I sighed. Nuada understood. I had no doubt he listened to every word and truly empathized. There was no need to say anymore.

We emerged from the ancient forest. My cellphone had stalled. It began to ring now. I cut it off. Nuada cocked his head. "You don't wish to answer?"

"Nah. Funny, just now it didn't ring. Why not?Argetlam?"

Nuada growled. "Will you stop calling me that?"

I used my most tragic puppy look to be contrite. The elf glared at me. He held out his hand. "All right, since you're so energetic, give that back."

"But I still feel cold. I might get sick," I replied, holding on to his shirt.

Nuada sulked. I feel the chill now. Didn't bring one yourself?

No. Don't spoil this romantic moment, please. When we walk you'll heat up soon enough.

The elf sighed and folded his arms. He replied that the concept of romanticism was bullshit. I shook my head. Halfway to my town, I took off the jacket and returned it to Nuada. "Better? I love your scent. Next time shall bring my own. It's cold so soon."

"Fine. Later, do not use the AC. I will catch a chill."

"In return give me a story. Please!"

The elf grumbled. "I already told one. When we reach, I need to sleep. Can you be considerate to my welfare?"

I laughed. No problem, he sure is vocal! That's the arrogant side we love!