Chap 48 Caring for my sister

Reflections- Christina Aguilera

Laira

Today Nuala's letter came in earlier than her brother's.

Dear kids,

I love your letters. I think that Brother won't disclose his childhood self. He will not want to let you know how embarrassing and awkward he used to be. Haha! Nuada had many bumps, falls, flaws and so on before becoming his outstanding self today. He is so serious on improving each time. These are secrets to be sworn all right? As for children, I want to have as many of them as possible. But I feel worried about the pain because mother succumbed to childbirth complications. Did Brother mention this? I barely remember that terrible Black day. I think two would be all right, or just one elf baby to pamper.

You are welcome. Please do not hold back. The youths have many ideas and reinvigorate us. The older tend to become set in their ways, I know. Hope we don't become too rigid.

Nuada can be inflexible. Yet, he has a soft spot for your ideas. Sometimes he will mention what you both think. I met some half elves in Bethmora last week. They were cheerful and friendly. Elves are naturally predisposed to happiness too. It will be much better now everybody is on good terms. Abraham, Brother and Red gather to share stories, and even though my twin is quiet, he does smile. It is their special time. They tease him so, yet he does not become angry.

I have not forgotten the prophecy do you remember? Someone told me that the balance will be restored with your help. I think it also includes other Halflings. Fascinating. If I am not wrong, Nuada also had the same dreams simultaneously. We had a long talk about them. My aunt gave me the necklace, but I think its free- spiritedness suits you more, Laira. Attending Ms Johanna's sessions feels beneficial. I don't wish to offend people with what I think. It is a good place to give vent to my real emotions.

I wish for her to stay longer. We are planning to celebrate her birthday. It is Uriel's idea, he always likes to make things lively. What will we do without such positive elves? It makes her a Libra. He is sorry that he's too busy to write to you and he sends his regards. Oh I have read your emails, thank you. But handwritten letters are always something our people look forward to. I am struggling to use computer, haha.

Aries is a star for brother! He is rash, headstrong, individualist, and a leader. He has the kind of aura which makes people obey. I'm not as fiery when provoked but to a certain extent, we both don't back down from our opinions and stand. When I want to do something, not even a disaster will change my mind. Yet, Pisces may also be true, for I am emotional. What about both Pisces and Aries? Another trait is the love for drama and arts. I'm going to watch a play in town at the borderlands with Abe soon. You don't like Pisces, why not?

Scorpio. So is it all true, you're family centred, stable, passionate? Scorpio is the sign of beginnings and ends. Then are you possessive? Haha brother thinks he has to hide if you're on a rampage. Abraham is my soulmate. It's incredible how much we share. No he has no temper, but I shout at him when I have a bad day. Poor husband.

Next time let's talk more. I hardly have time alone with you. Thank you for remembering me. Nuada sleeps better now, he says not to worry and he'll be fine.

Take care! Lots of love,

Sister Nuala

I was really touched by her words and planned to visit her quite soon. Yes I did feel quite shy with her, while waiting for the prince, I only talked with her for awhile. I should reciprocate her eagerness to be my sister. I don't have one! Their room was a section of the library. As with habit I probed with telepathy to 'See' if my friends were there.

Nuala hey it's me. Where're you?

No reply. But I felt her here. I leaned on the doors. They did not budge. Abe why is the door to the library locked? She's inside. Can I go in?

He replied, no it's not. There is a code number. She needs some rest. He told me the code to key in. But it bugged me why she did not answer. This was very unusual. I called louder. I knocked on the closed door (this one is a normal wooden door, not sliding). Her signal seemed weaker. My heart raced. I pushed it open.

Nuala was in the bed, her face deathly pale, to her lips. A sheen of perspiration covered her skin. She had some problem breathing. I called the elf, patting her cheek. Her hands were clammy. I took the blankets and covered her. After a while, Nuala opened her eyes with a struggle. "Hello," a feeble voice.

"Are you sick? You didn't hear me?" I said, holding her upright. She was so frail and light. It was not difficult for me to support her.

"I need rest." Nuala coughed into her fist and collapsed back on the pillows. Breathing fitfully, the elf didn't awaken again. I stayed. Nuada was away with the others on assignment in another country. Hours passed. I had called the healers who came in some times to check on her. I asked them how she was. One was Dr Hardy (who did the bloodtests last time). He decided not to take a sample yet, since she was so feeble. The elves who did turn up to examine her were strangers and didn't speak to me. I was frantic. Nurses helped her out of her sodden dress and put on a pajamas for her. My friend looked pallid in that outfit. Then they wheeled her to the ICU.

Nuala stirred, her fingers brushing my hand. I patted her forehead with a cloth. She pleaded with me not to tell Nuada she was sick. I nodded. "Ok. I'm not. My telepathy won't reach. How long have you been sick?"

Making to sit up, she gasped for breath. I held her hand. "Not long. A few days."

Her golden eyes reflected more pain than I could imagine. She was terrified with what was happening. "Sister, I got your letter. Don't worry. You just rest now. I'll be here."

I kept my voice soft. She relaxed.

It was not the first treatment, I found out. On Sunday, she had felt giddy so their friends had urged her to rest. Perhaps it was a common cold. Elves don't fall ill, Nuada would jest about that. They put her to bed with rosemary tea. It was the fifth day now. Nuala moaned when some people came to help her out of bed. After the changing, she was settled in. "Laira."

I held her hand, and she ceased trembling. Elf women had come to attend to her fever. They unbuttoned her blouse, rubbing her body with cool water. She was in discomfort.

I struggled, should I tell him? She is his twin.

Uriel was reassuring. I told him what happened. He nodded gravely. "Jasmine, Hilary where did you go?" They named the usual places. He thought about this. "All right, now recall what Nuala ate. It may be unpalatable."

Seemed like no. Suddenly she stood up shakily. Her eyes were wild. She murmured,"I'm so hot and tired, sister. Where's brother? I want to see him." I took her arm and led her back. Nuala was burning up.

"Nuala lie down. He is away in another country. I've missed you too." My words soothed her, for she obeyed. Uriel brushed her hair and said something. The white light shone in her face, but the patient remained awake.

Talk to her more. Don't let her get up. She needs to sleep.

I nodded. I read to her my letter of reply. Nuala listened. At the end of it, tears dripped down her cheeks. "Why are you crying? Does it hurt?"

She smiled and rubbed her eyes. I touched her hair, unkempt and tangled. It seemed like she would not sleep. When they fed her tea, and turned to get a bowl of food, Nuala passed out. No amount of coaxing could get her to eat. She slept through from evening to the next midday. I left only for breaks. Since I had nothing on, it was fine. Nuada would want me to take care of her.

When she was resting, I asked a lot of questions outside the ward. "What happened? She had lots of energy one week ago. Why is she so ill?" Uriel patiently listened until I ran out of worry.

"I fear it is the rare genetic illness that elves have succumbed to in the past. There was no cure. Many passed. My healers and I are still trying to find a formula. Meanwhile, keep her warm and talk to her. Thank you." He rushed off.

Oh no. I read the documents. It was a deadly type of genetic illness occurring exclusively to royalty and certain villages. Nuala cried out and stiffened. It took four people to hold her down. Her fever rose again. I told her not to give up. I believe you can defeat it. Don't leave us. Wait for your twin to return. The princess gasped for oxygen, and sweat poured off her skin. I wrung the rag and wiped her face. She frowned and her fingers dug into the mattress. Help me, she cried out. I could only cool down her fever and console her. Sometimes, I prayed or projected her strong healthy self to Nuala's mind.

Day by day, Nuala seemed more dimunitive beside the mount of pillows. She was awake, but her golden eyes were not bright. Her mind was filled with pain only. Only one person was allowed in at a time. Worse of all she couldn't recognize Abe! He came in today separately from the rest who were now in Europe.

"Who are you?" Nuala asked blankly. Heat rolled off her in waves.

"That's Abe your husband," I informed her. What was wrong? I shook my head at him.

"You don't know me? I'm your husband, Nuala," Abe said, holding out his webbed hand. The princess tensed. Then she coughed. I patted her back. Abe reached out to hold her.

Her energy was drained away. She closed her eyes and said feebly, "Go away. Can't be…no no."

Abraham Sapien could not believe this. She pushed him away and turned to face me. "Make him go away, please."

It was hard. But I persuaded him to leave. Nuala was terrified, her breathing was getting raspy now and worsened her coughing. That day she needed a mask over her face to respire. And the fever continued raging. Nuala only recognized me vaguely. She was too weak to do much but smile. Her lips were dry. Sister, hello. I'm not in pain today, she said.

"I'll read you a story. Here, drink some water." I placed a straw in the glass. Dehydration was common in the illness. I laid my hand on her chest, Recalling the active cheerful Nuala. I hadn't tried this visualization technique before. But wouldn't hurt to try now.

I hoped that Nuada would come back soon, their connection could help her. He would be so angry that we did not inform him. Was he ok? Maybe they would have told him by now. Tears did not come to me.

One day, Nuala whispered, "Are you going home?"

I yawned. "No, can't." She smiled and told me to leave. Her first lucid moment. I left after she ate something. But in truth I slept in Nuada's room so she would think I went home. After that I watched the healers preparing medicine. Overhearing their murmurs reassured me. It seemed that the princess' immune system was fighting back the illness by itself. I smiled. It was the equivalent of chicken pox for humans.

"Hello Nuala," I said softly. She slept, her color almost golden now. It was good! I began to read a short story about a clockwork puppet. A nice fairy tale for an elf. Halfway Nuala rested her fingers on my hand. There were spots, rashes on her upper arms and throat.

"I'm much better, Laira. How long has it been?"

"Almost two weeks." I answered. She scratched a little at the rashes. An elf came in to spread medicine on the rash and instructed her to keep scratching to a minimum. After taking a bath with a special formula, the she elf was dressing in her own clothes, a crimson dress. Two human aides helped her.

Abe spoke into the intercom. "It's me, Abe. Can I come in?"

Nuala beamed. Yes she does know him now. I opened the door. "Abraham you're here again."

"Does it hurt darling?" he helped her to lie down. Nuala told him it was only the rashes but the pain was mostly gone. Her coughing was still imminent but soothed easily.

*****

Nuada returned today. He was extremely angry, agitated and shocked, I could hear his voice demanding for answers all the way from the lobby. Several men were explaining to him. I peeped out from a corner.

Back at her room, I told her what happened. Nuala cocked her head. "Brother. He's so agitated."

I swallowed. "Yea. We kind of failed to tell him early."

Let me reassure him, she said. "He is too angry to hear my thoughts." Nuala confided, opening her eyes. In what seemed like seconds, Nuada was outside the ward, elven spilling from his lips at a raised volume. Uriel and friends answered in quick succession.

"Be calm. She is all right now," someone said. "You will stress her out."

I stepped outside the ward. The blond elf still had his swords strapped to his back, clad in black. He turned to face me.

Uriel protested, "Not yet. She is still asleep, Your highness."

But the ambers burnt like flames, lightening to topaz.

"Why didn't anyone tell me early? She is my sister. I would have come back sooner!" he snapped. "If anything happens to her I will never forgive you."

His companions answered in various tones. A few shook their heads vexed.

"I'm sorry," I said softly. Try to calm down. I know you are tense. Don't worry, Nuada.

A small part of me was indignant that my best friend was so headstrong and angry, also at me.

"Let me in, are you going to stop me too?" Nuada glared down at me.

"Wait a moment. I'll check with her ok," I slipped in. The door shut on his protests. Actually his sister was awake. I was scared. Nuala told me it would be all right. He's always so agitated and protective of me. He ought to come in, or the rest will get it again.

Laira I want to see her! Even if she's resting. Now it was brotherly concern, not anger. Still I winced at the volume of his telepathy.

Nuada burst in, scooping her into his arms. Nuala chuckled. They conversed in quick elven. His features eased. "You've suffered? Have you been eating? I sensed nothing."

He stood up, hand still holding hers tightly.

"I know. I told them to keep it a secret. You shouldn't be so rash. I was just sleepy and tired. See now I only have rashes. Does not hurt…"

Nuada's heartbeat relaxed to normal. He sighed deeply. She bade him to get some rest. I left.

*****

I was at one of the exits when my phone buzzed. A text from Nuada? Wait for me. talk- Nuada. It's so rare that he short-messages me. More time and I would have left.

Why did he want to look for me now? He was not in the mood and would shout at me. I should've told him earlier. I was gloomy. I replied ok and where I was.

The elf came into view, wearing a blue shift. He had kept his weapons. Nuada gasped, "Why're you in a hurry to leave?"

"I'm here. You text me." I said, smiling. Nuada had run all the way. "You both wanted to bond."

Elf sighed. He spoke in a low voice, "I did not mean to frighten you, Halfling. I was so blinded by rage."

I led him to a bench. "Nuada you just got back. It's ok. I figure that's the norm for you. So, Nuala is much better right? I found her very ill last week Tuesday."

"I couldn't feel her pain. Otherwise I'd not have stayed there. It was a grave illness. How could they not tell me? Nuala too." His jaw clenched. He leaned against the wall, eyes closed briefly.

"You would panic them. So it is better you stayed there and concentrated. Hmm, she could not recognize anyone except me. Not even Abe. It wouldn't have helped." We were both silent for a moment. Nuada pondered. "So how are her memories now?" I watched the fabric shift ever slightly on his skin.

"Yes. Mostly she remembers. She said she felt tired and went to sleep again. Still weak. I wish I can do something more for Nuala." He cupped his hands together, looking down. I touched his hair.

"Hey you could nag her to eat. Later we'll visit again." I leaned against his warm muscled body. The elf chuckled.

"All right. I don't nag, merely remind. Thank you."

Why?

Nuala said you were always close by. So you heard my tone? Not angry.

Haha! Nuada meant an indirect sorry. Also he was remorseful and guilty that he had erupted into pure fury before finding out properly.

"Welcome. She is my sister, asked me to treat her so. Anyway how was Miami? Nice?"

From there, they had flown to Europe and it was transition for coming back.

Nuada smiled. "The sea coast was great. I love the water sparkling. The air was fresher than this city. Scenery was not bad, and the welcome heat. I preferred Miami to the colder regions. Europe was freezing, we had to be covered by thick jackets. Our breath came out in clouds. I could not sleep well at first, not used to the hard bed. I broke my vow not to drink alcohol. It kept us warm."

I laughed. He scowled briefly. I continued, "Did you get pictures?"

He nodded, taking out his phone. "I found out how to use the camera. Let's see, ah here." Mostly elf had photographed the trees, the view from above the sea. One of a girl in a bikini. Teasingly I elbowed him.

"Who is this? Your new gf."

He looked surprised. "No! Such little faith. The house behind her, she was blocking the way. Yuck I don't like humans." Nuada pinched my nose gently. It was accompanied by a lopsided elvish smile: he gets my joke. "I told her to move away. But she popped out, rather annoying. Ah this one is a nice pattern. It looked familiar."

The pattern had a red and green stripes. He said it was on a wall. "It looks familiar but I forgot why. I want our house to have it, so I took pictures."

Our house? "You and me only?" I think my bro would have to stay alone or find a mate by then.

"We can invite a few more people as guests. Sometimes I may have a quarrel with you and they distract. Yes mostly just together." He spread his hands. An elvish visionary dream. I agreed.

"Somehow even if I am very sad or angry you cheer me up. Are you, do you know how optimistic you are, Laira?" I shrugged, eyes on his chest pale and scarred. No he looked less white, more tanned now. I pressed Nuada's bicep. "Hello. Not talking to the air here."

He bade me to return with him to his room. I stretched. "I guess it's 50- 50. There's a book* explaining it. Optimism and pessimism are two different scales… " More comfortable, we lay on our beds. Nuada opened the book and scanned.

"Wow it's nice. Can lend it? Surely it's fine." He did not seem to be caring what my opinion was!

"It's not mine. Due next Friday. Can you finish it soon?"

"Ok ok patience. I'm starving. Later, let's see Nuala at dinnertime all right?" He picked up the phone to call room delivery.

Over the next week or so we accompanied the she elf more. She was bored confined to her room. The great thing was Nuala looked healthier, her hair combed and she used perfume again. Today she was writing something. Abraham kissed her cheek. "Don't stay up too much. I'm going now. Hi guys. Nuada."

Nuada inclined his head and spoke with him a while.

She smiled at us. "Laira sit with me. I'm almost done with your letter." He felt her forehead.

"Sister have you eaten yet?'

"No. Now I'm a bit puckish. Are you pestering me to eat? I'm fine."

Nuada frowned in disapproval, his ambers becoming just like hers. I chuckled. "He is very concerned sis. You should eat regularly."

The princess agreed to once she had finished and placed it in my hands. Nuada made her lie back and he spooned her. Nuala thought- really, I'm not that ill. Could you please distract brother?

I tried to, but the elf simply grunted. Their hair had the same blend in the sunlight. My soulmate's hair, however, would become the color of fallen snow in little light or darkness. I took out my book to add this observation. Without looking at me, Nuada cleared his throat. "What are you doing?"

"I had- a sudden inspiration. Haha."

Never let a prince know what you are hiding with vague notions like that. Especially since the fey by nature are inquisitive. Last time I watched some feyfolk bartering goods. One of them refused to trade since the other would not show him what was in the bag. Nuada had been restless and tried to tug me off but I stayed to watch. They didn't trade! Crap.

I showed him my notebook. He smiled. "Really. You cannot hide secrets from your best friends. Haven't I reminded you all? It is a matter of honour. What is it?"

The she elf was standing up. He supported her to the cupboard and desk. Nuala searched for something. Halfling, coax her to rest. "Don't move. Let me help. What is it?"

No she's stubborn. You're both like that.

Oi not helping! Nuada shot back. She found the bottle of salve and bade her brother apply it for her. "My stomach hurts. The rash is still there."

I added, "We will do the things for you. It's fine." Nuada opened the bottle, spread his fingers and applied it for her.

She answered, "I feel fine. Too many things there… girl can you help me with something?" I listened to her description, finished some documents and research but the file was lost or misplaced. I said no problem. "Brother, did you apologize to the others for yelling at them?"

He murmured something. He would have reddened if it was biological. Haha. "That's the only favour I need you to do brother. And you can help me apply creams. I've slept a lot." Nuala still had a lingering cough. The herbal drinks would alleviate that until it stopped. I guess elves don't take modern cough syrups. There are no instructions how much to take, normally it is taken by the whole vial and refilled by the healers. She drank a pink one and lay down. Before we left, she said, Please stay a few minutes.

"Oh Noowa you can go first. I saw something." I motioned see you. Her brother glanced at her quizzically. She gazed back with innocence. But he closed the door. I noticed her cheekbones were more prominent and her eyes were wider, with a pang. Nuala took my hand.

Did the doctors say anything? Am I completely well?

No. Don't think so much. You won't have… anything happen to you sister. I won't allow it. I squeezed her hand. She nodded with a bright smile. "Thank you. Don't call me princess all right? I don't wish for a barrier between us, we're family Halfling." I assured her of course. She fell asleep. I whispered goodbye and laid her hand on her chest. The nurses came in to examine her.

Other healers met with the elves here to check up on Nuala's recuperation. Her immune system was doing well. The rashes were a good sign, they always blossomed on the recovering patients. Nuada passed her some of the supplements Mom bought, and they helped, for they were natural and boosted immunity. In two months, Nuala regained her vigour. We bonded more.

"So we did not realize you were sad when we meet in private," he commented once. She said she wanted to share Joe and me as well.

"Where is Joe? He is a nice boy."

"He will come later. I made you a card." Nuala was touched and held it for a long time. The prince pointed out a dog. "I drew it. Nice?"

She shook her head and he looked sad. I pointed at him and laughed. "All right, enough. What's funny?"

"Your face!" I gasped. Nuada adamantly told me to stop laughing but it got worse.

Later I noticed something when the elf gingerly took off his tunic. Long sleeves concealed any scars, usually he wears those. His upper arm near the elbow was bandaged. "Are you wounded? Oh you're still bleeding."

"A light scratch. It is healing."

"Tell me. How did you get wounded? It's not honorable to keep secrets."

"A trap, I avoided the spikes but one scratched. Really it is nothing. I felt itching so I scratched the part. Don't quote the law back at me," he replied. Nuada touched his wound. That was final, I said we should visit the infirmary. While walking there, he thought of my theory that they were two different coins. "Why is that? Twins are the same coin I thought…"

Other than a few commonalities, they were quite independent. "So does it hurt?"

"Not at all. Have to change the dressing. Wait here." I wanted to follow him anyway. Uriel was at the entrance like a shadow when he walked there. Nuada gasped. "Damn can you make more sound?"

"Haha I scared you. Come in." He smiled blue eyes glittering. "And miss do you wish to as well?"

I nodded. Nuada repeated that I ought to wait outside in annoyance. I replied, "I want to watch. Please. I haven't seen real elf action yet." Nuada took a seat. Uriel peeled off the bandage and dabbed antiseptic. The cut looked deep but had healed. Nuada was quiet. The doctor asked a woman something. She looked very wiry and had sharp pointed ears. Tattoos on her face. She took a bag of fluid, honey colored.

"Who's the donor?"

"We have a supply. Elf dna is basically the same though there are many bloodgroups. We contribute to the supply. Your highness, relax." Nuada leaned back.

"Are you sure you want to see this? It is bloody."

"Yep. Hey can I see the bloodgroups and stuff?" Uriel consented that he would show me when he finished helping the prince attach the IV. A hiss and sharp intake of breath. Soon Nuada fell asleep. He was tired from the blood loss, only he did not show it.

"Is transfusion sleep inducing?"

The doctor explained that usually it did not but perhaps Nuada had not slept well. He had opened his wound again with exertion and originally was supposed to come a few more times before today. What a naughty bad elf! I berated him. No response, only Nuada sighed. "But it is fine, this time I will heal him. The wound is smaller to handle now. Watch, magic." Uriel waved his hand and whispered some musical words. The scar was closed with a faint line only. It would take half an hour for the blood to complete its course.

"Why did you choose this calling?"

The mild mannered extrovert laughed.

"Because I think we have too few healers. When people were wounded, and seriously, I had the instinct to help them. I like it when they recover. It is not so much looking for a return but a sense of pride and humility that I can make them well. I'm not as strong a warrior. My sisters were all healers, and it is in the family. Why, you're interested, Laira?"

He pulled me a chair and took one opposite the prince. Nuada was still not waking up.

I shook my head. "Hmm yeah. But I think I don't like it if people don't listen to me. I will hit them if they don't. Are patients difficult? How do you handle them?"

"I talk nicely to them. Headstrong ones are difficult to manage." He looked serious for once. "They would not let their bodies heal, nor their minds. It is sometimes internal conflict or giving up of hope."

"I am sorry. Don't mean to probe so deep… but you're a great healer. Nuala got well! No casualties here," I piped up. He smiled.

"Thank you. So want to be in the medical field? I'm open to help. It makes me intrigued to learn western medicine as well." Uriel showed me his books. Tomes and tomes of knowledge, alchemy and white magic. I was so boggled that I did not try to understand.

I casually reached into his mind. "Ah what are you up to? Dear girl." I came up to a wall.

I blushed. Found out! You're not…as open as them. Nuada opens his mind to me and he does not shield. I thought I could--

He did not take offence. Because they trust and love you. Normally the fey keep their minds guarded. It was more dangerous in the old times. We were taught to shield against mind probes.

Oh. Still my friend here is not strong in that area. He couldn't keep some parts away. (I didn't mention)

Uriel was surprised. I smiled. "That is indeed an accomplishment. You have a gift. Like feeling an object and understanding it instantly?" He meant the time I used the sealing amulet. "Also you're together. It's natural for soulmates to be honest and honorable with each other. He would not want you to invade his memories. Try not to." He said this gently.

I said ok. At this moment, Nuada stirred. "Why the hell am I so groggy? I should be alive and kicking." He tried to rise, eyes small and narrow. He had to sit back. Uriel spoke to him not to get up suddenly. "Had a good chat?" He smiled at me. I hugged him. Nuada looked at the scar. More than he ever imagined. Uriel winked.

I have a secret. Don't betray me or I will tell.

Haha. I know.


*the book is called Hard Optimism showing a glass of liquid. It's groundbreaking research that optimists and pessimists are measured on two different scales. It's nice! I may be only a little optimistic. haha ^ ^