44 Singer, Having fun traipse in the woods

*less intense, elves where they belong!

Paramore: let the flames begin, Slayers- Get Along


Laira

What? Nuada called me. Was it my hallucination? The prince beamed like an eager young kid. He accepted my hug and whispered, "Thank you. So how is my voice?"

Red burst out laughing. Nuada glared at him. "Great! Finally I can smoke again."

He muttered, "Idiot." I told him it was wonderful, husky but better than mute. A few healers I didn't know and Uriel came in afterwards to examine his throat. The stitches had long been removed. "Do not strain all right?"

"Yes yes." Came the impatient sulky tone. They asked us to leave. Nuada waved to me the sign Later! I met Joe outside. When we returned, Ciraden was waiting. He signaled shush. "Nuada has to sleep for the drug to work, last dosage. Then his voice will get better."

"K can we go in? Please. " my bro grinned. He had been so conflicted, both angry and upset Nuada was injured. Yea, the three of us had walked in the forest but I did not mention Joe's deep anger. As I was crying, he had been outraged that something had happened. To reduce Nuada's stress, I warned my bro not to show these sentiments.

Peeping in, we saw the pale elf was sound. His chest lifted softly.

Only to have it ruined. Nuada awoke and said our names. He sensed something from his focused concentration. In a mere whisper, "My friend you wanted to hit me? Why?"

"Err. Don't worry about it. You're all right now." Joe chuckled weaseling away. The elf waited adamantly. "Yea I was mad. It's unfair too."

Nuada opened his mouth to say something, then closed. His ambers became fiery. "I did not mean to worry you. It came so quickly. So you lost faith in me, that I'd be mute forever?"

Brother smiled and socked his arm. The elf laughed. Huh? I gaped. Ok that's some bond I don't understand. "Are you both all right now?" I asked. Nuada nodded. I looked through a mag.

"Yea! Can we watch tv? There's a new episode of Shana now." Without waiting for his reply, I turned it on. The elf tickled me.

Don't block me. It looks really exciting. He complained. I moved aside. During dinner, we all had clone meals of noodles and lots of grilled fish and veg, Nuada said casually, "I won't get killed. The gods said I have a long life."

"So one thousand years eh?" Joe blinked with a smile.

"Not sure. Let's talk about it decades from now? We had a centurion. It also depends on environment."

I added, "You had better be safe. Don't go and fade so fast." I was not crying but my voice wavered. Nuada promised he would not.

Nuada

I heard the fish approach from behind. I was packing the Cds sorting them into listened and not yet piles. From my sidelong glance he had brought another bunch. I sighed.

"Put them over there. Wait a while," I said with my normal volume. One week's progress!

"I missed your voice. As we all did."

"I'm fine. Thank you."

"Did you rest well today?" Abe continued. I turned to face him and smiled (not bitterly, but quite neutral). "I heard them tease you Argetlam. Is that your new nickname?"

"Don't bother those idiots. No he was my ancestor, with a silverhand. It's a direct translation. Sit down." I pulled a chair for him.

He opened his mouth wide for a while.

"A beautiful name. I have a passage about him. Would you like to see it?"

Yes I had completed the stacks and handed to him. "Sure. You don't mind if I call you Blue right?"

"Not at all, brother in law. I wish to hug you. If it is ok."

I shivered internally. "No it is not. I understand. Tell me about the latest mission." I listened to the details. Had to speak to sister about this intimacy business. I don't like hugs.

The cellphone, I could use it competently now. But Liz wanted to see for herself.

Liz said, "Ok. Try to text me. How are you." I pressed r and u. A new message: from celia hi Nuada I luv ur lessons. I know im no gd with sword but can I try some more? Pls! fin with long bows.

She peeked at the screen and laughed. "Yes! Say yes, she wants to see you naked!"

"Don't be rude," I grumbled. But I replied ok to Celia. "They are learning practical defence not thinking of my body which is a temple. Never forget that."

Liz patted my hand. "Ok don't be so worked up."

I found a new function and pointed to it. "Hmm what's this?"

"You don't know? Hahah," she chuckled. I stared at her with my somber expression.

"It's games. Press the numbers to go up and down. Red is not hungry. Will you please go with me?" she pleaded. All right, I went with her. Women don't mind if the guy does not eat, but it is just for company, a key contrast between the genders. It is less of a struggle to agree to the plan.

To my delight, there was a new letter waiting. I opened the envelope careful not to damage the stamp. Laira collects them and asked me to keep for her. One paragraph however, dampened my positive mood. Also conflict inside. You still hate humans? Then why do you teach them your skills? Have you got fond of them? Don't kill humans.

Why would the Halflings ask me this? After ruminating, I wrote back:

Dearest Elendil (formal for Halfling),

Noroc: How are you? I thought you understood how I felt.

Hate is subjective. It is true I have to see them on a regular basis now. Main reason being: they force us magical people deep underground, where we have to hide. I think it is an iniquity that the humans don't need to and keep expanding? How empty and hollow they are. But if I 'go on a rampage' as you like to say what will happen, what consequences? My friends were talking about this. I am aware of the firepower and arms, often see those here. Once we went to a military base. We don't stand a chance declaring war.

However lessons are objective. I don't reveal everything. They cannot match an average elf warrior, for someone of our race trains from youth.

I do not hate the humans here. Is that what you're asking? My reasoning is for one more day an agent can defend him or herself, will be good for the Bureau. It is expensive to keep finding new replacements when they die. More are transferring to this division. I don't understand, there are so many all over the United States why can't they remain there?

My vow is not to harm your people, or your loved ones. I suppose you will never agree with me on the subject, so why don't we steer clear of it? I am fine with other discussions. Any good news to tell me? Or need advice? Your mother sent me a note that she will continue buying supplements. Thank her for me. And I want to pay you back. This is my principle, the fey do not take free gifts. I feel a lot better now. (smiley)

I love the songs you sent me, all Japanese I think? A blend of quick and slow beats, interesting. I have kept the stamp safely for you Lyra, and all the rest too. It is nice you collect them. How long has it been? Sometimes the lady at the counter will give me new stamps. Hope you like them.

See you quite soon! Am going to sleep now.

Yours sincerely

Nuada Silverlance

Ps: don't call me Airgetlam. Alternate spelling. They have teased me endlessly.

Every time I met a colleague or friend, they would say, "Your voice is worthy of a singer's Airgetlam." I ignored these so-called jokes. Without attention the thing would stop eventually. They had to.

Laira

The latest letter we received from the elf prince started off with a pained tone. Darn, we ought not to have raised the subject. I could tell my friend was unhappy and did not see it as comical. I asked Joe if he had pinpointed Nuada about his sentiments of humans. Can't remember if I had. Sigh. We should be tactful. Nuada usually didn't reveal his hurt ego and sadness but it came through on paper.

I touched the stamp on the envelope. Guess it won't be enough, my efforts to persuade him to change his mind about Man. He didn't hate them all, since they met on a regular basis. Yet the hostility lingered. Forgiveness was a challenge. It must be so hard to recover from the trauma of seeing his friends get murdered and he couldn't help them! It was not too difficult to put myself in his shoes.

Could a trained Empath take away those memories? Yes could I become Charles Xavier who placed a block on Jean Grey's powers of phoenix? I wanted to ask Abe, in secret, to let me talk to an expert. I could start learning now, so eventually I could use this gift to help Nuada. With power comes responsibility.

I called my friend, feeling nervous. I stopped several times short of dialing. Then I took a deep breath. I should say sorry at least that's honor. I am his girlfriend, nothing to worry about. He answered immediately. "Nuada here. Is it you Lirael?"

I was amazed. "Wow Nuada,how did you know it's me right away?"

"Wanted to talk to you. I'm glad you're free now. Saw this great place we can visit, it used to be part of my friend's house. You always wanted to see what elven buildings are like right?"

I said it'd be nice to go. Then Nuada had not taken it to heart. He stopped speaking at length and asked, "Girl, are you ok?"

"Yea. About the last time, I don't know if me or Joe hurt your feelings. Really sorry.

We did not mean to criticize your view on humans. Won't do it again," I quickly talked in one swift breath.

The elf remained quiet for a while. "I know. It was a shock when I saw that in the letter.

But I'm not that easily hurt. Did you see what I said?"

Shock was an understatement. Nuada must be wounded that we had been inconsiderate. He would not explicitly say it of course.

"Yes. You're not… angry? You don't sound angry, haha," I replied no longer clutching the receiver so tightly.

"I'm fine. You are still young and don't fully grasp my situation. If you were my age, I would expect you not to dispute my point. I see my life here as separate from that ancient time. It helps," he mused even more softly.

"Ok. I'm relieved. I do collect stamps. Started since I was in school. I love animal designs."

Nuada chuckled. "That's nice. I have kept everything neatly. Next time you can collect them. (pause) Well, I am happy the matter is settled. Will you mention it again?"

Hmm, sounded like a promise extracting moment. "Can't promise not to. But we will definitely say sorry again if it happens. Ok?"

"I prefer not to talk about humans. Do not push your boundary. Swear."

I laughed at the heat in his voice. He sighed heavily. Then I told him, "Fine fine. Oh there is a slight problem, not talk about them? But how not to. If it accidentally crops up. Actually you can endure them over there? And not hate them."

Nuada said, "It is not a constant emotion, otherwise I'd collapse from the intensity. Anger makes me tired as well. There are times I forget the wars and live in the moment."

"Oh you're happy. Yay!" I replied. "I swear to try my best not to discuss the issue. Satisfied?"

"Yes. Please wait a moment." He set down the phone. In the background someone was calling him Argetlam and declaring loudly that Nuada was a singer. "Can you stop this rubbish? I do not wish to sing…. " So cute. The prince declined the person a few times.

When he came back, I asked, "Who was it? They want you to sing, go ahead."

"Not you too. It's all your fault, you called me Argetlam and Salem caught on. Now other than Waif, they combine this ridiculous term too. I've had enough. Really going to kill somebody now."

"Aww. Don't know when it slipped out." I beamed. Nuada as a cartoon figure thrashing his buddies was a great mental image. The elf confided that his voice would get strained and out of tune if he did try to sing. It killed me seriously. My stomach hurt.

I gasped and tried not to giggle more. Nuada's voice was full of mirth too. "Thank you. I know what to do later."

"Sing? Yea!"

"Argh. No I'm going to remain silent and not say a word."

Bet that ruse wouldn't work. He sounded firm on it. I think the nicknames eventually stopped but we sure had much fun provoking him! His friends were so naughty, not like adult elves at all! Maybe Nuada was older than they were.

*******

On another day, I met the elf royalty for a planting session at the maze. Then their friends would come and we would talk. I felt shy, maybe I could hide behind Nuada or something. About eight to ten of them.

Nuada had brought some seeds. His connections had unearthed these pods still in hibernation. They had life, and were in some kind of stasis mode meaning hibernation since centuries of old. Amazing how well they have preserved till this ripe opportunity arrived. There were small shovels.

Two seeds were deep blue and the rest green and brown with speckles. "I hope they can grow. It has been so long since…." Nuada trailed off, but he did not have to elaborate. Nuala and I understood- so long since any replanting had been attempted. I walked around the centre of the maze and described the look of the plants here. Earlier Nuada was really excited that I could show him his memories, unlocking them from their forgotten corner. Now I touched palms with his sister to show her the pictures too.

We used to frequent this place too. Nuala exclaimed. Her brother did not mind getting his hands dirty. He knelt and buried each seed evenly spaced out in the soil. I scattered fertilizer. Fun! I felt quite important.

"Here girls. Can try too." I took a blue one and covered it up with soil. The princess watered them until the patch was wet.

"People have to come here and water this place daily right?" I asked.

Nuala said, "Yes. Our friends agreed to take turns. When we have time we'll come too. I hope there will be flowers. I love the bright red ones, remember brother?"

"Of course." He smiled. The ground shook. I grasped my boyfriend's hand. "Not to worry they are friends." Golems about the height of a 4 storey building lowered goblins to the ground, carrying saplings. The goblins eagerly dug into untouched ground and did the work in no time.

"Laira they are you," Nuada joked.

"No way." I folded my arms. The twins continued in their own tongue. Even though the sun was kind of sweltering and Nuada's pale hair was plastered to his forehead, he seemed full of vigour. The fair elves (because of their pale skin and golden hair) met us as we came out from the maze. I hung back as they embraced one another. At first they bowed then one by one hugged Nuada and Nuala. They had to be on a best buddies' basis to embrace.

I blushed. Curious bright blue amber and green eyes stared at me. There were a few women. My soulmate touched my shoulder and introduced me as a fellow pure elf. Huh?

He did not refer to me as a halfbreed. Noowa, I am half elf only.

To me you are an elf. That's simple enough. And I don't wish to explain so much, he replied.

One of them Shayra had brought food. I was starving. "Thank you! We didn't think to bring much," Nuala said regally. We had a picnic lunch of stuff, seated under the trees.

"Do we address you both as Your Highness today?" Shayra's mate Anarin enquired. He had slightly darker hair.

"No just by our names. We are not holding court sessions," Nuada responded. He was reserved while the other talked. I focused on food and nodded to polite questions. They were so nice people. I wish more elves were always around like that.

Friend are you ok? I probed my mate.

There is the question of who will rule Bethmora. But I am not worthy of it.

I thought there are minor princelings? They can take over? Will you allow it?

Oh no, why had I Sent this? I shook my head. No no I'm sorry. It's your private business. Didn't mean….

Riordan, an elf with earrings and braided hair, broached this subject. My friends frowned, glanced at each other then told them they did not feel ready yet as there were many things to do at the Bureau. Riordan smiled. "We trust that the councils will run matters on your behalf. Prince, we support you. The past is past."

More answers from the rest of assent. I waited.

Nuada seemed moved. He swallowed. Nuala saved the moment with, "It is such a beautiful day, friends. The councils running things can easily ask for our input. In fact Brother and I attend them sometimes. Shall we stretch our legs?" She smiled and gestured elegantly around the city.

Everyone began to walk. Nuada smiled and followed them. He was at peace. It is true. I am not angry. You're curious naturally. The other princes are from distant clans and they can rule as well. As long as they are honorable I don't mind. Presently democracy is what the people want.

Anarin still wanted to call them by their titles. Nuada shook his head and refused. "It's an outing to relax. I thank you but it is not needed." Nuala agreed with him. I was thinking- give it a rest already! Don't get so hyper. They want to have a good time.

He got the idea and began to look around. We were navigating a more shady region, ruined buildings, reconstruction and some trees growing slowly. Bird calls echoed. I was determined to enjoy myself.

Nuada what species is it? A bird perched above us, cocking its head. He had a piece of bread. The bird hopped down to estimate if it could take it from him. Then it flew down.

I think it is a blue jay.

When the elf prince dropped the bread on the grass close by, the jay retrieved it but did not fly off. Fun! Riordan, Nuala and some female elves were chatting amiably. Beside us, some bodyguards including Salem (the only familiar elf in this group), hushed.

Shayra whispered, "The Animal Speaker."

The bird held Nuada's finger. He smiled and seemed to communicate with it. It began to sing. Other avians sang too. Shayra got reminded of tales. Riveting indeed, stories of their young lives. The twins calmed wildlife under any circumstances and situations. The animal gift was no exaggeration! Nuada's specialty was with the wolves, big cats and horses. I remember he was kicked by one, but wolves and felines? I felt out of breath. Whoa! Impressive.

The prince said modestly, "You flatter me much. Everyone of us here can tame animals. We understand their language."

He glanced at me, ambers shining.

Salem added, "But he is the best of us. I'm not so good. We were training together…." The men laughed.

Nuala thought: haha I can't distract them now. I tried my best. The storytelling began. My soulmate groaned and asked, "Oh really? I don't recall that much!" in reply to those stuff. I was proud of him.

Oh Salem had a young maiden beside him, deer ears and green eyes. She was giggling and holding him.

Hey hey your gal? Soul mates huh. I asked. The scar over his eye was a pale reminder of the ugly past. Am I glad he has a girl with him, she saw through his appearance.

My girlfriend, first one. I don't know yet. Salem replied wittily. When do you plan to get married?

I laughed. "No hurry. Invite me to yours ok."

The girl smiled. She was a shapeshifter, most of her body was covered in fur.

Salem nodded. "He is more… humble and open now. Which means we can make fun of him. There, we raced down the path…." He showed the way.

Nuada loved to run with the wolf packs. I guess Rinaldine was one of them. "He had much stamina did Nuada. I'm not exaggerating. He came in second, you know!"

My friend chuckled. My heart soared. He was so athletic! "I'm so excited. Why didn't you tell me?" I asked.

Nuada smiled broadly. "Don't remember the incidents. (to the others) Please, do not focus on me people. I feel a sense of embarrassment. What of your own deeds? Refresh our minds. Anarin you're good with animals too. I saw you that day." They laughed musically. Guy time!

Nuala was thinking of how she covered his eyes, asking 'guess who' and then dancing away. The young Nuada with wide golden eyes, short hair and small stature, scratched his head in confusion. He bumped into another elf with the hots for him, but she lost the chance. Nuada walked off in search of his sister. Hmm they were so attached to each other, but Nuala did not mind mingling. It looked like a social gathering. Chatting feasting song. "How old were you then?"

She glanced at me, astonished. I explained, "Sorry. I could see what you were recalling."

"I see… we were both twenty. I think human age could be fifty two. Here is one of my brother's friendship with the animals." Nuala held my hand. The prince hugging a silver wolf- really bright silver- speaking intimately to it. Little wolf cubs wagged their tails, pink tongues lolling. Large and small animals gathered around them. He stood up to pat another feline on its ears. There was no condescension toward them, purely respect and love. His blissful smile. When had he smiled like this now? I felt the strongest urge to see my boyfriend smile like that now. He had no scar on his face then. So it should be before he enrolled for military training.

"Where were you? Nearby?"

She answered, "I was some distance away with the herbivores. I never liked the wolves that much. It's a complete opposite. My brother commanded the forest though. His Gift in nature is stronger than mine. I am better with people relations."

******

Shayra, Anarin and Salem's girlfriend departed last. It was late evening, tonight no mission so Nuada had lots of time. Events go to plan unless the red light goes overhead.

I told him what I had seen.

"Not taming. I was their equal, Laira. I spoke to them," he corrected gently, brushing a hand to push back his fringe. This showed his ear more.

"About what?"

Quiet for a moment, reminiscing. Clad in deep blue close to black, he looked sexy, lithe. From this angle, Nuada seemed to have strengthened. "Actually I don't know. Every elf can communicate with nature. It is our gift."

"Abrateir you're so humble. What of the dangerous times? You could always soothe the beast." Nuala held his arm.

"Really? Thank you sister. She's much better in tongues. Studies a lot, what's the term, bookworm. Yes. While I hated mingling with guests, she loved it. One look and Nuala will be your best friend."

They both laughed.

I complimented, "You look so cute in this tunic, Noowa. Where's the sash?" Experimentally, I felt along his waist. He caught my hand. "This is the modern kind of clothes. The tailor had it made for me and she would not allow me to say no. Why, think I should have a sash or belt?"

I nodded. "It makes you more… elvish. Somehow. Color is a great mood indicator. Black shows you are a unique creative individual. Kind of morose and anti-trends. Oh you also will set a trend."

He listened intently, and smiled. "Thank you. Hope more people wear black. I feel dizzy with the colors."

"Guys did you wear entirely red before, or pink?" I wondered.

Nuada balked. He held his temple. "Red? Pink, don't even buy it! I'll burn it. Yuck."

Haha aversion to red!

His sister chuckled. "It's too intense. We prefer blue and green. But I dislike black. It's so gross. And dull." She clucked her tongue.

"Practical for night. Matches many things, " Nuada argued.

"Your crimson sash? It looks beautiful with this." I suggested.

"Packed away. I don't wear it all the time now, that's fine. Not the whole clothing. Eugh." Scoffing, Nuada shook his head. "My room should be in black."

His sister gasped. "Some type of shadow place?"

I informed him how much heat he would feel. He laughed heartily. Sometimes he does not understand the humour, but he will find my face or words amusing. I tried to compare if he also had this kind of laugh then.

"Er what's funny now, Argetlam?"

"You are very cute. I love it when you explain things to me. Ever considered acting in comedy?" he said. I beamed.

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