Chap 46 The funny letters by Nuada chan

Avril Lavigne- Complicated

Lyriel- Crown of Twilight

*I like online interactions a lot together with snail mail. Great fun! Our views here are strictly neutral. Welcome thoughts.

Nuada

Finally I have time to continue with the letters. My soulmate was waiting.

My beloved trusted Lyra chan,

Here's something just for you. In purple ink, can you smell it? Lavender flavour, you said it's a nice perfume. I got an extra set of colored pens like this, shall save it for a christmas present.

Well I think you do repress yourself but it's good. You want to be considerate to others at least you can remain calm. But it is unhealthy not to vent your anger. Lyra I do not mind if you want to scream at me when I have done wrong. Can you forgive others easily? What about me?

I will try to practise what you advocate: let bygones be bygones' Advocate, because you sound so official. Haha. It is a virtue. True, I want a long holiday too! It's been aeons. What did you do last year? Liz told me she always has a christmas tree in her house. I thought you had plans so didn't want to impose. Will you have a tree too?

Is it a live one? I think real trees should not be used, as it is very cruel. The poor tree will eventually die uprooted from the forest. The alternative is plastic, which are also bad as they cannot break down. Sorry this sounds long winded. Don't bother me.

Your friend is being too sensitive. Crying? She is not strong mentally and longs to be reassured. Yet she dares to insult you. No you're not tactless. Yes you have not asked me for emotional advice before. Most of the time Lyra chan will care about me. I shall try my best, based on experience and 'excellent' people skills. Do you care for her still? That is the question worth asking. Maybe she had a bad day and replied too fast. Is it electronic? Email I understand as being convenient, but backfires when person does not think through properly. Speed is the only good point. Paper is a better medium of communication, it gives both parties time to think. Joe is urging me (quite eagerly) to use emailing. I do open them but don't reply. There are too great a number, but I have read them some time or other. I don't like computers (angry icon)

Moreover, your friend is so faraway. Don't let it matter so much what her opinion is of you. That's not important. You always strive to protect others being hurt, silent rather than lash out. I admire this quality, Elendil. For it is an art to listen without judgment and being diplomatic. I wish I can be diplomatic. Haha, I really need that. And I don't mind people pointing it out, the truth. Isn't it painful to with- hold secrets?

I have a question in return- if you discuss forgiving someone, how does it help if you hold it in? You may confide and treat me accordingly. It is all right, I do not feel tired. I tend to read your letters over a few days. Long letters are stories from loved ones. It was something I looked forward to from my sister and mother. I'm enjoying all you are saying to me. I wish I had penpals when I was younger, love it!

And this portion is for both of you:

Nin mellon can be both for high regard and common friend. However Uriel is right that I use this term for people I am familiar with. How do you feel? Again not all elves are like me, I'm not a suitable benchmark. Here are some factors we are all individuals (meant be funny) Section of Nuada compares with other elves in the group:

a. food habits –others took cheese flavoured part, while Nuada took chocolate only. Sister likes mint icecream, Nuada hates it. For main course, you know I prefer dry food. Tried some gravy but almost puked. Half of us like more gravy and spicy, half like dry.

b. Blood types-almost same for same clans. My friends are from different clans, two out of Bethmora. But can donate blood to each other, plasma is the same. It is the substance that enables easy transfusion. Your bloodgroups are A, B, A.B and O isn't it? Elf letters are not same and too complex to draw out here. My art is bad. When you come, the healers will show you.

c. Hair color- appears to be all fair blond, white, dark brown. Shades of silver or gold. It's nice to have your hair, not easily dirtied. Better than this color which stains easily. Mine grows fast after cutting, but has exceptions. An old elf not due to age has not grown his back. Usually the old in our people have very long hair and remains. Also does not grow to same length, thickness vares. My sis and I compared our hair, dropped on pillows. I noticed a few when I was ill. But not that similar, her hair is thinner.

d. fingerprints

e. Left, righthanded or ambidextrous intriguing!

Do you know which I am? Clue, I can use both swords equally well. Only two or three I notice are lefthanded. They use bows well. The others are righthanded-Salem, Uriel, their families. I only visited once, noticed their behaviour. Haha want to see them sometime? It'll be fine to arrange.

f. Clothing love black! No one else likes that color (sad emoticon). All vote for blue green colors of nature. Won't let Nuada wear this for functions. Thank gdness missions are exceptions. Wanted to don it for wedding but sister threatened to punch me and companions had confiscated! Only have 2 robes of black. Ordered more, yet to come. sigh can't be special.

g. Temperament: hot and cool. Me in the minority, most are cool. Repression is part of elf custom, not to say what you mean. Discovered this fact from wise sage. Big surprise to Nuada who strongly opposes such indirect method. Gladly people around me don't fall into indirect problem. Candidness should be the way.

h. Gifts and special talents- nature is innate. Varies in strength, not power- wizard term. Telepathy, telekinesis (few have this) animal empathy, plants rejuvenation, healing, swordplay, music, poetry, languages etc. Just realised I like songs and music but have no talent composing. And you think I can cook well? Thank you makes Nuada smile.

When I get more will continue the list. Did I tickle your senses? The counsellor said speaking in third person is serious because person has given up hope but I wanted to do storytelling. Did not want to go to her office at first. Only my memories are scattered, nothing else is wrong. I just started this week. It is a woman with black hair, she and Liz look alike. Her name was very long. I fell asleep on the couch she asked me to lie down on. Lady did not mind. A sign on the door says: Everything is confidential. Well if she goes back on her word I will not consult her again. I feel skeptical indeed.

Hope you had fun. I like the translations thank you. Talk to you soon!

In love and kinship,

Nuadha

Laira

Cool! He was so hilarious in this letter. It was much longer than his initial ones and heartfelt. He had become more open to disclosure. Nuala and Abe were correct in this. He found it hard to trust in people absolutely. He still maintained a certain distance from other elves. Abe said Nuada liked to call him Blue so it would make the prince feel relaxed in his presence. Haha I think the elf did it on purpose. Ah this time the elf signed off with the gaelic spelling of Nuadha. So he did not mind then! It was good that they were speaking to a counsellor. So much stress every night warranted the need to vent frustration. And he did have nightmares. The prince was skeptical though. I was in stitches by his tale of wearing black and he is ambidextrous. Of course why didn't I think of that before?

Joe went gloomily, "Did he see my email? No!"

I said, "Here Nuada says yes he does see our online messages. Received but doesn't reply. Too many I think. It's all right."

My brother screeched No like some drama king. Haha!

"Ooh there is one reply. He says: hi there, thank you. But hardly have time nor patience for short forms, will see your letters soon. Why oh why?" He was waving his hands about like a cartoon character.

Letters by snail mail are still more sincere. Msn and online things are instant tools for communication all over the world. Having aliases and weird names and identities is the most enjoyable pro! This is the case, unless we already know the person we're interacting with and even Nuada didn't like it. It was cool how well Nuada phrased it, tactfully and perfectly! I would not let him down.

How special! Unless Nuada was ill or very busy, he never failed to give us a reply.

When he called, I replied him, "I love your latest update. Thank you so much! The differences are so funny!"

He laughed. "I'm glad. Did you see my electronic message? A short one, tell him his writing is legible."

I passed Joe the message. My bro whooped. I continued, "Yup, done. So what's up?"

"Nothing much. I wanted to hear your voice today, Lyra. And let you hear mine. So, how are you doing today, repressed?"

"Not when I'm happy. I repress because I care about you and if you feel upset, and I burden you further, you'd be more troubled." It was blunt and cute that my elf phrased his concern like this.

"It's all right. Let me take care of your needs. It's not right to hold back your stress. I read somewhere it is bad for health."

Thoughtprovoking. "Thank you." I said softly. If it is one thing prince excelled at, he is constant to all people he loves and under his protection, no masks nor pretence. He does not hide his emotions.

*******

I did want to discuss more but Nuada looked too weary when I dropped by, he motioned for me to sit down and sank back on the pillows. Piyo was pressed to his cheek. Hey Abe, why's he so exhausted? Is it a bad time?

He was up to console someone and had other matters too. We also know he sleeps badly.

Oh thank you. Have a good rest. I took out my sketch book. Hmm, what could I do next? More scenery, or my favorite anime? I had been watching some Xmen and I wanted to do a portrait of Rogue and Emma Frost. Insomnia, more people suffer from that. Including our elf, he always slept badly due to the irregular hours. He could have nightmares of the past and wars he could not prevent. He could simply be taking a nap which was not enough. A human would die from insomnia, no joke.

"Ah how long have you waited for me?" Nuada murmured stifling a yawn. He shifted to face me. Neat hair was mussed up.

"It's ok. Not long, lie down," I replied, patting the bed.

"I'm hungry. Have you eaten yet?" he scowled when I said yes. "Eat with me. I look forward to meals together."

I narrowed my eyes. "Is that an order? I don't take orders."

While we ate, I asked if he had actually stopped having nightmares. The elf nodded. Hmm. I commented, "But you don't sleep well all the time. Is there any reason?" We held hands, nothing much. Nuada projected peacefulness and a serene white color. He and his sister chatting amicably.

"I have something that can help. Try." I smiled. The elf read the instructions behind the packet of lavender candles. He sniffed it.

"Laira I can use these to help me sleep? So clever of you. But I cannot accept this free. I can buy my own," he said, handing it back.

I shook my head. "Please take them first for a start. My friend gave some free, she opens a shop. Don't worry about obligations. We're close."

His ambers lit like flames. "All right, don't have to give me gifts, just bring your cheerful essence in next time." Nuada held me, his chin on my head. Then we watched a movie on the usual Tv channel.

The fragrance helped both of us doze off. At first when I glanced at my companion, he would nod off and then wake up. It is safe to burn the purple candles, the flame extinguishes after a while. It will refresh the room. I snuggled down, how safe and cozy I felt next to him.

Nuala came in. "Lavender? Smells very good." She gazed around with a smile. Her twin stretched himself.

"Not mine. She brought a few for me. Let's get some next time," he said groggily.

"Very well."

I piped up, "Hey when you going? I want to come!" They usually had no fixed plans, if bodyguards were free too, they would just go spontaneously. Nuala answered that they were too sleepy these times and busy.

I stuck out my tongue when I leaned on Nuada. Sweaty! He chuckled. "What? Smell that bad? Oh it feels damp."

"Did you change? Brother, you will get sick sleeping in damp clothes." She tugged until he started stripping off.

*****

"So have you received my letter? I sent one yesterday." Nuala patted my shoulder. I said I will check. It was late afternoon. Princess had brought us twin sets of high tea, sandwiches and sweet drinks. It was like honey. I drained my cup. Nuada ate a little bit.

"Finish your food."

He stood up to walk. "So full. I don't wish to become fat like the piyo. All I've done is eat, sleep, wake up and eat more." His tone was dismayed. I laughed.

"You won't. Metabolism makes sure you burn off more energy. It's ok, even if that…" Nuada covered my mouth sulking.

"Don't curse me. I won't be fat! Have to train soon."

All I could say was mmm. Haha. Nuala confided, brother expects a lot from himself. I am all right with normal standards but he will force beyond the limit. No one can persuade him not to overstrain. Can you try?

I glanced at her. He was here in the same room with us, only looking out the window. You risk telling me this? Yea I have tried. Nuada's stubborn. Men tend to be. Was the king too?

My father Balor was not so. He listened to many views before deciding. Abrateir is unlike him. If he hears this, he'll look annoyed is all. I am speaking the truth.

"Why so silent? Backstabbing me," he remarked bluntly, folding his arms.

"Nah. My completed portrait. Please comment! Realistic?" I held out the page. Finally I had done a portrait of the prince in meridian, entire figure against a backdrop. Nuada smiled and studied it for a while.

"It is. Do I look that stern? Why no smile?" I said he didn't smile a lot. Nuada added a smile to his picture. Then browsing through, he expressed interest in what my techniques were and how long I took.

"This one, was a month. I took a long moment to make the blue color right. But I am not perfectionistic. (he inclined his head) oh I thought this squirrel was cute. I used oil paint. It is still hard to do. Water colors are faint but easier."

"I see. I can't do Any sketching." I bade him to try. He took a pencil, thought for a while and drew something. "So what do you think?"

It was a funny shaped unknown. Nuala and I guessed. Nuada sighed. "It's the statue of the fountain. It is ugly isn't it? I cannot draw. So sad."

We consoled him that it was creative. I said, It's a concept art! You could test people, if they guessed wrongly, you can laugh at them.

"That is what the woman said as she gave me pictures to look at. However she didn't say a word to my answers. Maybe it is very bad," Nuada said nonchalantly. He took the pencil and explained how the diagrams looked. One of them was a light and dark outline of a woman's face. At some point, our teachers have used them to say there is no right or wrong.

Good night Nuada-chan,

I prefer you as chan! Thank you for your advice. She didn't reply me anymore. I hope she stops, can't stand how self righteous she is. I don't care what she thinks, maybe we grew apart. A little sad.

Painful to withhold secrets? I don't mind. certain secrets should be kept. Actually you know a lot about me. I don't keep too much. Cannot, you are telepathic haha! Want to be more like me? Cool. Ok, I also want to emulate your good points, such as honor. Once you were exasperated that we lack it. Trust is essential too, it is part of honor right? To answer your question(indeed it is necessary to) 'how to forgive someone, yet repress anger?' I'm no expert. My favorite book The Art of Forgiveness says: try not to associate the action with the person, meaning for example, your enemy stole your stuff. It's his flaw, not the personality as a whole. We tend to judge him personally. But understand it is a flaw... Then you won't feel so angry. What do you think?

Don't be silly. I forgive you.

I was not that angry with dad. I did rage for many years, but I couldn't that day. I felt sorry… maybe forgiveness. Happier subject- yes so funny indeed! Nuada wanted to wear black? So how, did you hit the culprits? By the way nin mellon is us! Yay! Mellonea is plural? Thank you, I can add the new info to my book. I can write and publish a whole book on our race. Yipee! Sometimes I look at both twins, you're a little taller. Or is it an illusion?

Drizzt has long white hair, dark skin. Most elves have fair hair. Swoon, all so handsome! Don't get jealous, Noowa. Ah why didn't I think of your ambidextrous abilities? When right hand is tired, left also good. I'm proud of you. One more reason you're my soulmate. I've always been fascinated by lefties. It is hard for them to stay neat, the ink smudges and the words are slanted. It is a coordination of left and right brain. For me, supposed to be creative and not good at maths. I'm ok with it though. That means you're an all rounder! Try to talk to the lady. Her name is very long? Your heart will be lighter. Did she explain she can't solve the problems, but she will assist?

They probably got worried about you. I'm always here too. Even though I am younger, I don't mind sharing your woes. There's reason for us to be matched! Once I dreamt of a woman, I'm not sure if she is your goddess. She was smiling at me, and her ears were pointed. Not exactly an elf, but she looked like one. Her eyes were silver. Oh she had wings. She spoke to me in an ancient tongue. Cool! You spell as Nuadha. I want to try experimenting, calling this name in public. Haha! See how many people will come.

Love this penpal thing too. Take care and sweet dreams, my prince!

In kinship too

Lirael

I have a new sister, Nuala. So I also did one for her:

Dearest Nuala my sister,

Yea! I love the art of letters. Thank you. Ichiban in japanese. I really adore the unicorn pendant. It's so thoughtful to buy me that. I hope it's not expensive. Something I admire in elves (is it all?) that you keep promises and listen very well. I have a book recommendation: Good Karma. It is an action of bad and good choices. A buddhist term. And I was thinking it applies to what Nuada reminds me of. He is very gentle with them. He doesn't want us to think he is lecturing. But can be intense, he looks so serious. That's the only time his eyes become flames. Aah! I notice when he's very happy his ambers become deep.

Do you enjoy being a twin? I think it's nice. You are so connected. If you're alike girl to girl, guy to guy can impersonate one another. It happened in the Parent trap movie. I'll show you some day. Some people I know don't keep promises. Yuck, they are hollow. You told me about the past. I pray he won't reiterate the grand old speech again. We both can rehearse it already by heart.

Nuada was annoyed, he said: is it funny? You're rude and insolent.

But after that we pampered him. I combed his hair into a new style. Joe massaged his shoulders. So Nuada couldn't be angry anymore. 'so now you're afraid of my anger' he will retort. I'm a little sad that he dropped hair during his sickness. Your hair is different!

As a youth, not all our opinions are valued. My teachers don't like talking back, they think we're rude. Man! Not all of us. When will you and Abe get babies? I'm so excited! Wee!

Your little sister imoto, Laira

Nuala

The halfling wrote back to me. Brother slipped out another paper. I was surprised. The last sentence made me laugh aloud. He smiled. "Yes when? I want to be uncle."

"Not you too. She wants me to rush. It's tiring and painful to be pregnant. And Abe needs to have time. He's too sleepy to do that mostly."

Brother read his letter. "She's using my gaellic spelling again. Hurry. I want to play with little nieces and nephews." I blushed. She elves can turn red, not like men. His scar had faded much more, his skin less pallid. He was alabaster during his solitary life. Then we met again when he collapsed. Not all of us have the same shade of paleness. Our skin is luminescent. It fascinates Manning and the doctors who gave us checkups. The males of our tribe didn't have black lips, I did not know why Nuada's became dark. Father did not have them. The music was Memoria. It instilled a sense of home. I loved it though it was noisy.

He continued, "I cannot hear you. What're you thinking?" He stood closer and touched my cheek. Shielding?

"A bit. There's no need to fear you anymore. Don't worry." I said.

His eyes unfocused. He stared at the light transfixed. It looked like brother had no worries at the moment. He spoke in a low voice, "Much have I missed when I was in exile and then the coma… I was really excited to be reunited with you and Father. But it turned out badly."

I came closer. It was hard for him, sometimes the flashbacks affected him, made him worry or become nostalgic. But Nuada exerted efforts to control himself. The same discipline of rigour applied to martial arts.

He was seated, right hand on his knee. His hair cascaded down his back. I said, "It was the past. I wanted to be reunited with you too. Twins should never be apart. Remember I cried and begged to go with you?"

He smiled. I Saw that day clearly, I stabbed myself in the heart. The dagger fell from his hand, and brother turned and stared at me. Blood spurted from the wound and his lips. When I fainted, I wondered how he could still stand. I'm sorry too for using the knife on myself. It still hurts?

Nuada nodded. He frowned. "Why didn't the Goddess heal my wound like she did yours?"

"Perhaps it is a test. The healers have sewn it properly." Brother laid his head so he seemed to be listening to my stomach. He did not continue. A few times, I heard him cry out in terror while he had nightmares. I did not tell him. It was good they invited a counsellor Johanna Alvernol Cassidy. I could confide in her.

The woman was about my height. She had been delighted that I came first. "Oh you're the princess." Johanna walked barefooted and only wore sandals outside.

"I am Nuala. Call me by my name."

I could talk to her. She listened without interrupting. "Mine are dreams. My brother has nightmares….."

Before I left, she wanted to know if brother was coming. I requested she not tell him what I just talked about. Jo looked concerned. "Because, he is defensive. He may be on guard. He can be possessive of me. I shall ask him to come. Thank you."

Nuada had been reluctant. Like any male he was against people solving his problems. "Is she prying? I am fine."

"No, you can choose what to say." I glanced at him.

"Maybe."

****

"So did you like her?" I asked now. Nuada was pressing the player to change songs. He glanced at me.

"Not really. I said my name. Then fell asleep."

Cute. "Let me see." We touched palms. Jo greeted him. Brother was wearing a silk shirt unarmoured, but was very stiff. His aloofness was normal. She invited him to sit down. He stared at her in silence for a while.

'Please sir you can relax. I'm not going to force you. Would you like less light? Looking tired.' Brother sat down but didn't speak. She prompted, 'So shall I call you Your highness, Mr Silverlance? Your title is…'

'Yes. Or Nuada.' She curtained the window. He took a seat and fell asleep. The end.

Nuada laughed merrily. "I had a good time. Did you talk about us?"

"Only what was not too private."

"Like?" he insisted, holding my hand before I walked off.

"Food." Then music lulled Nuada to the player. He stood near it and cocked his head. His ears twitched. He tapped his fingers on it. Thank goodness!

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