Chap 41 Well earned Free and easy vacation!

So impossible, coz they may seem

You've gotta fight for every dream…

For me it's waking up beside you, to watch the sunrise on your face

To know that I can say I love you, in any time or place

It's the little things that only I know

Those are the things that make you mine, I'm flying without wings.

And you're the place where my life begins, and you'll be where it ends…

(Flying without wings- Westlife)

- Eternal Blaze, from Mahou shoujo Nanoha season 2

Nuada

The trip to the safehouse, I had to admit, truly was amazing. He liked me when we shook hands and there was no pretense. Most of all, Terry genuinely cared for animals and wanted to help them. While I followed his tour, I also listened to the brownies and fairies chatter. They were the faeries guarding this place. What a wealth and variety of species, flying squirrels, raccoons, hedgehogs, bats. They captured my heart. Animals won't forget kindness bestowed on them.

I had seen a doorway into a grove so I asked the Halfling to come along. The guardians are not visible to naked unpractised eyes, having very strong glamour. It is not regular. I wanted to keep that a secret. Laira in her usual kindness and sincerity said she wished she could have helped prevent my childhood tragedy. I merely reminisced about the old troll, but did not shed tears. He was stupid to sacrifice himself to a grinder.

"Nuadha," she annoyed me.

"Don't call me that. Since you're warm now give me back the jacket. I'm cold."

"Will you… never mind. Here."

I wore it back. When had the wind become colder? Deep silence. Surely the girl was not angry now. I asked her what happened.

"I wonder… will we always be soulmates?" she asked me. It reminded me of the moment we stood at the traffic junction. Nuada I like you. Will you come back?

"What is wrong?" I turned to her. Blue eyes wide and innocent. At this point, I was unsure which path to take. But I would not ask for directions, surely it would come to me soon…

She added in a mellow tone, "I'm just curious, nin mellon el principe."

My friend the prince, I translated. "You mean the gods might be wrong? It's fine, I like being your good friend. It does not matter," I replied smiling. And, mother would say this too, "We should learn from one another. But don't forget the pleasures of simplicity."

"How wise you are, elf!"

"Only because I've seen much. Our relationship has improved tremendously. Occasionally, we argue, but it is not too bad. Better than the ones I lost through anger."

The buildings all had similar colors and outlines. Laira looked content. The road looked correct, so I started in that direction. "Nah it's this way. Here." She held out her hand.

"I know. I wanted to explore the place." I scoffed.

The child guffawed. "Stop pretending, Noowa. You're lost. Typical guy behaviour."

My pride. "I cannot allow you to take care of me. I should Always lead." In the past I could be furious if a woman tried to lead me. Only my sis and mother were allowed. I am an expert guide in the jungles. Laira reached up to brush my hair.

"Ok you're the guy. But I'm the guide, the memory. Relax. Anyway if you are lost, elf it's going to implicate me. Mutual font size caps 72." She laughed.

"What the- look. You're too much imp! I'm not illiterate, nor am I lost." I scowled which just worsened the mirth she was in. Then I added with a grin, "Bold and caps all the largest." This is the new method of communication, they 'talk' with the keys. Bold and caps mean shouting. Not bad, your voice won't get damaged. Liz sent me a text message in caps 'HEY THX FOR THE TOUR!'. I could tell she was not mad but very happy. So I wrote back 'welcome'. I am getting used to text messages on the phone but I reply with only one word.

Reading this, the Halfling asked if I had seen her latest text message. "Hmm which one? I have a lot," I said.

"Day before you came to meet me. I sent to confirm when and where…."

I listened to her detailing the text, classical that her good memory supplied this information. She ended with, "So did you see it? You're so popular with people. A lot of sms eh?"

"I think so. Now I am here. It went well."

******

At home, I took a cool shower. It felt heavenly to rinse in a bubble bath of foam. I have my own showerfoam of elderflowers and shampoo, which I store here. I have ordered some more for my elf colleagues and plan to give them during some special occasion as thanks. My hair appeared darker gold than it is when dry. The children were waiting eagerly when I came out. Joe thumbed to the screen. "What is it?"

"Nuada did you open my email? The one about the bus joke?"

His face showed annoyance (or is it hurt). I smiled.

"I am sorry. When was this… almost a month ago?" I was a little guilty. Should have replied something.

Joe sighed. "I have been sending you stuff I thought you might like, man. Wait, don't tell me. Oh no!" Then he shook his head and covered his face.

You forgot the password? Why?!! He was moaning inside his mind.

I chuckled. "It's not the end. All right, I shall open them all now and read. Sometimes I forget. Sorry." Laira stared in curiosity. I had written the passwords, still the original ones though I think they can be changed, on a notebook. There are three to four accounts set up for us automatically and they are free to use. I had no idea the kids were sending me things all this while, so I only answered them by handwritten letters.

"Which one you sent to? All right."

Typing slowly, I got into the email thing. What, 200 messages unread! Dutifully I opened every message Joe had sent, the recent ones. Moments later, I got up from the seat and walked around. It feels too cramp to sit still at the desk and stare at the screen.

"Do you know how to open attachments? See the paperclip icon. Press download."

I tried it out. "Why is there a need for this?"

Laira said, "They are too big, so you attach them to the message and send. Sometimes you have scanned something separate or a pic." Joe made a face.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"I feel so disappointed. No reply from my dear abrateir. I thought you ditched me bud," he said dramatically. I put my arm about him and patted his shoulder.

"Sorry, I will reply at least once next time, all right? I still write letters. Now I need to open this electronic thing too. Forgive me, these are foreign things."

"You get tired, Noowa? When doing emails? It's fun," the girl added. She was saying this while looking at her own computer and reading something.

"Yes not for more than half an hour. Joe I bought you a gift. Come." The boy grinned. His mood changes so quickly. I knew he liked to collect swords. This one was a blunted one, but looked genuine. After all I would not want him to hurt himself. On my trip to the blacksmith's, where I went to survey new weaponry, I had seen this beauty on the hanger.

The boy unsheathed the thin sword and ran along his finger. I heaved a sigh of relief.

"Why is it not sharp?"

"If it was, friend, you'd have a deep cut. Do not test a blade like that." I frowned. Joe continued to flick his finger on it.

"Oh. Thank you. Want to check out my model stuff? I like to collect cars and planes."

Laira did not look up from the computer. She was so engrossed. I followed the boy to another room. Previously it had been locked, now he had used it for storing all types of planes, cars and even robots. The robots looked familiar.

"What are they?" I pointed at them.

"Transformers. Bro you got to watch that. They can transform into vehicles. I watched the second one. Did you?" he happily informed me, holding my arm.

That's also in a movie? I smiled. "All right. Is it animated or people?"

Halfway through the screeching and the adventure, I reached for the remote to make it softer. It is not my favorite movie, much too noisy and many characters. But have to admit the changing part is nice! The autobots' and the decepticons' war, the boy Sam and his girlfriend were very real. I could almost believe they existed. These people were not hollow, they truly wanted to help the robots with the Spark.

Laira came out towards the exciting finale and sat beside me.

"Cool, Nuada you like them too? I love Bumblebee."

"Which one?" I chuckled. "So many."

Bumblebee was the yellow mute car, the leader was Prime. He had a blue face and red body. The bad guys were grey and had red eyes. Not so much a problem there. I could unwind in this house. Thinking back, I first came here wounded, hostile and ready to slay anyone who came within inches. And I did not enjoy the artificial things, justifying that training, horseriding, the outdoors and music were my people's pursuit of fun. I had not understood what is fun.

They called me to have dinner. I finished replying to one more message- 'thank u for sending them. Sorry, will do better next time. Nuada.' My sister had urged me to eat more or I'd fall ill. I am fine, used to long days without meals in the past. All a mark of a warrior.

"Smell nice? I made it myself," Laira called, fanning a hot plate. It looked like a type of pie. "You can have it after you eat the main course."

The pie was called brownie. Before I could take a piece, they told me to wait and dribbled vanilla cream on top. Ah the taste is heaven! My weakness for a sweet tooth, haha. Hot and cold at the same time.

Joe laughed. "Really cute princie. This would go so well with a promotion of the elf people."

"No way. I am not going to take part."

Devious glances with each other. I knew at some point, these mischief makers, no not elves' definition, would plan for it to happen like the crown thing. Really it is not true that only the pureblooded fairies like to play tricks.

Faren, the new elf, picked up when I phoned for Uriel. My intention was: tell him not to come, I did not want surprise visits. He said I sounded like I was high.

I responded amiably, "You're right. I am. Tell that guy not to come, please. I want to have a complete good time here."

"All right your royal Highness."

"Faren do not use my title. My name will suffice. We are friends. You are settling in? if there is any problem, ask Abraham Sapien or Liz. They are very helpful."

He praised them to Thoth's skies.

But if only he stopped there. Faren continued with passion, "But Nuada you are still our prince. We will always think of you both as our reigning monarchs."

The children were right here. I did not want to talk about court matters. I smiled and replied something quickly in our dialect. "Goodday fellow healer. I have to go now."

It was something still unsettled. After my crime, no one would recognize me as their ruler. A ruling council of elect members was the temporary arrangement. I was still in conflict about this, it was both our right to take the throne and enforce order. Yet, I was at ease being equal to the others, as I requested. So much had happened. Also, what were the opinions of the civilians? Occasionally, like the matter of the stone nymphs, I had been called to investigate. The council decided on policies and consulted us on important matters. Elves of other nations were signing pacts with Bethmora. Overall I was happy with this arrangement.

"Come what game do you want to play? Monopoly?" Laira smiled.

"Sure. Thank you for the great food. Can you make more?"

Joe grinned. "No prob!" This game was quite fun. Instead of free parking being just a zone for no payment, we made up a rule to change a seed, from cars to hats and dogs. I felt really rich as I planned my strategy well. The only problem getting money was when the owner at home rule applied. Joe had overspent on the chance- like a lucky draw. Yes!

Then spontaneity struck. I landed on the expensive lot, Oxford street (made me think about cows mooing).

Laira grinned. "Aha finally! Pay me $300 please." She held out her hand.

I slotted the money underneath. "No don't have."

"Don't bluff. Take out the money."

"Or what?" I raised my brow. She chuckled. Using her seed, she knocked mine out. "Hey. So violent." We laughed.

We took turns being the bank, dispensing of money like a cash register. I felt generous, since the usual amount was meager, I gave more money. The time was fruitful. And I had more days here to relax.

Laira groaned. She pressed the calculator. "I just lost by fifty! Why are you so lucky, Nuada? Want to do some chess?"

"I am improving there. I accept the challenge." While thinking how to avoid being eaten, I ate some snacks they had bought. Their mother had come by before and gave them things. Joe was my opponent this time. Laira was excited to watch some anime.

"Hey hurry up."

I pouted. "Do not rush me, imp. Did you all have a good time?"

He blinked. "Er… yea. Why do you tilt your head like that?"

A mere reflex action. When people point it out, it's funny. "Maybe I contemplate things. Yes, I shall move here. Did she mention me?"

He looked shocked at the move I made. Closer to his castle. "Yea, and still calls you the elf with the shiny hair. She says want to see you again. Oh she likes the present. Wear it all the time."

Good to know. I beamed. Then I felt tired and closed my eyes. The boy pestered me to continue. Sleepy. Afterwards. You can do other things right?

Guess what happened when I took a nap? They were whispering quickly, giggling. Tried to ambush me. I let them think they had got me, breathing slowly and evenly. I just opened my left eye a slit. Some movement. My ears heard the footsteps. Brush of my hair.

"Don't believe he sleeps so soundly. Be careful," Laira whispered.

What were they doing? I resisted the urge to get up and pretended on. The sofa felt depressed on the other end. Something was pressed. I peeked at them hiding behind the television.

When this elf shifted slightly, soft bundles of toys fell. What? "Uh oh, don't be mad," Joe said cheerily.

I leveled him my glare of death. This nickname causes much mirth among Red and Abe.

They were the teddy bears, ducks and other cartoon toys I had brought for them. I picked up a duck by its foot and sat it beside me. "A photo is it? What did I tell you? Where is your honor?" I asked indignantly.

Laira took a seat beside me and had the same naïve expression as a child elf's.

I asked for the camera. "Don't have. We just wanted to try." I quickly grasped her hand to read her palm. The truth.

"Try what? I am a master. Let's finish you off." I tapped the board.

Joe chuckled. "Hey so confident man? Mwhahaha."

"Why do you laugh like that?" I demanded, breaking into a grin. Squinting closely showed that he had moved some of my pieces. I remembered and placed them all back. I smiled evilly. He pretended to look horrified. The child laughed till she cried.

Do you know the trick of the jumping king? It is the evasion tactic. A king can only move one step at a time, whoever loses will jump place to place till there is no place to run. Joe was doing it now.

"Lose with dignity. Surrender," I said with a deep resonance.

"No way man. I can fight back hi ya!" He used his king to knock over my bishop, castle and then made a kissing sound on my queen.

"Hands off. Um. Eat you up." Joe stuck out his tongue and played dead. They are the funny siblings I am so lucky to play with. Ariadne had chosen them well to be surrogate playmates for us.

*********

My sister came the next day. She was in modern clothes. I pretended to look confused. "Who are you my lady?" I kissed her hand.

She laughed. We had come to meet her by the fountain. Laira had been very eager to revisit the markets again. "Let's have all out fun! Did you bring money? And no Abe here."

Nuala shook her head. "He wants to play with Liz's children. Brother, you're sick? Why don't you recognize me?"

"Ah that. I lost my memory. Forgive me." I was wearing traditional robes that did not have the sash and trousers of blue. I am told it is the best on me. Flattering!

Laira

Yes! Family time as promised. The elves were in contrasting wear. As proof it is not true twins want to look alike. Nuala wore a white blouse, her hair tied back, and dark pants.

"I like them. Very comfortable," she said. "Is brother cute?"

He was talking to Joe in an animated way. My heart warmed. Yes, my soulmate felt happy and at ease. We ought to have more time like this. "Yes. We went there…. Are you hungry?" The prince turned to us.

"Yep." I patted my tummy. Joe gestured to a place where we could seat ourselves. Oh was it a new stall? I asked Nuada. He nodded.

"Want to eat here? Warning, some foods are quite exotic." Meaning the fried insects, raw meats of unknown origins. Joe wanted to try a fried grasshopper. Nuada sighed. I ordered some noodles with a non spicy sauce. The elves ordered some flat bread plain and a few little cakes. The cakes were delicious. Filled with different types of paste, like honey, beans, crushed flowers, they melted straight in the mouth. The waiters looked relatively normal.

To our question of what race are they, initially Joe phrased as what are they, haha; the princess replied, Halflings. With human blood they need no glamour. Many of them come here to make a living.

I see. Interesting. But we're not afraid of the blue and purple skinned people. Nuada you forgot something.

He cocked his head, then immediately righted himself before we asked him why. What? No hints I am bad at guesses.

Me! How do I look?

Nuada showed me a thumbup. He finished the last slice. This tour, Nuala was paying. She wouldn't hear of refusal. We wandered around, not watching plays, but riding the various types of carriages. The boys didn't want to watch the performances. There was an open air kind of carriage run by ogres who were surprisingly gentle with the steeds. Steeds were larger in size and pink, different. They were faery horses, stronger than bred horses. Nuada wore a constant smile. Unless I touched his calloused hand, one would think he was completely free at this moment. All kinds of Sidhe milled this south part of town. It seems they always change. A few vendors were packing up.

"Is the tailor woman still there?" I touched the princess.

She nodded. Her orange eyes shone. "Thanks for reminding me. We need to collect some clothes. They ought to be ready."

"Clothes? Eugh," Joe groaned. Nuada agreed with him, vexed.

"Nuada you'll have some new ones too," I said. "How about we split up?"

They protested that waiting was all right. Male protective urge. Nuala said she could use some magical defence. Her twin disagreed. "We should not split up." His voice was gentle but firm. After we collected the clothes in a cloth bag, we rode another carriage to the eastern part of town. Here were mostly non edible wares, souvenirs. Joe wanted to check out every one of them.

"What is this?" were our motto here. I liked the intricate carvings on earthenware pots. Spending guilt sufferage here. I acquired clothes, cookies, a neat hand designer bag, earrings too. Joe got a fancy glamour belt (it reverses so he can look like a pure elf), crystals and small toys. Nuada had checked to make sure no witchcraft was on them.

******

The ride let Nuala down near the BPRD. She wanted to see her husband I think! Haha. I thanked her for sponsoring us. She was tired but happy. "Sorry. Did we make you guys run around? Sleep early."

"Not really, my dear. I have had such pleasure. Come Joe. Give me a hug." My bro blushed hot when she held him close and kissed his head.

The prince disguised his fatigue with a smile. When I worried, he said casually, "We are still young and energetic. Not grandparents yet."

"Yea we know. Thank you for a lovely day."

He inclined his head. "No problem. Anything special to tell me?"

Joe had fallen asleep against the prince. I smiled. Nope. I'm keeping some secrets. Look the stars are so bright!

"Oh! Can we like camp out under the stars?"

The elf nodded. "All right. I am thirsty. Do you have water?"

Luckily I had brought another bottle. He was grateful. "You can tell me if you're exhausted. We don't mind." Next time I would take care of him more. I let my mind wander. The elves will be older than us, when we're adults, they'll be more tired than now. I felt a little sad at that notion. Nuada stroked my brother's hair with affection in his expression. Let this time linger please.

He smelled delicious after a shower. But did not wash his hair. I still hugged him though. When I moved aside, Nuada glanced at me with surprise. Why? You need something? He feigned not to know my well meaning gesture.

"No. I want to show my love."

"Ack. Don't kill me. I wish to have quiet time now." He sat down at the table with paper and pens. When I left him alone for just five minutes, Nuada was leaning against his crooked arm. Snoring.

Joe woke up about to be loud, I shushed him. This time we really left Argetlam alone. He needed the rest from us rambunctious kids. I plugged into my music of Westlife's Flying without wings. My favorite line was 'For me it's waking up beside you, to watch the sunrise on your face' . Yup, if we did go camping, I could get a chance to see him with the sunrise!

*What I mention on the games are how I behave when I lose. Hehehe, I love games they bond pple closer. As is my intention here…