50: Working with the Ghost, Missing the point

Mordred's lullaby, Take me away- Avril Lavigne. Sorry this was slower. have fun! next one will be on my favorite vampire movie.


Laira

Second meeting with my mother. We decided not to bring in Abe yet. She had just accepted the twin elves as our family. Abe, being an ichytosapien, would give her a rude shock.

"Hi prince with blond hair," Mom greeted them. Hadn't I reminded her? She smiled broadly at Nuala. "And this is your sister? You complement each other."

The she elf shook hands with mom.

Nuada chuckled and shook her hand. "Yes my name is Nuada and she is Nuala." She asked them to call her Sharon and sorry she might forget their names again as they sounded exotic. "What language is it may I know?"

Nuala said, "We speak Gaelic. There are many dialects." Then she spoke with her about this in depth. Nuada listened contentedly.

"Actually you don't look exactly alike. Nuada, your hair has more silver than hers," mom remarked candidly. I laid my hand on her shoulder. The elves laughed, agreeing so.

I went to prepare snacks. It was cool that Nuala was okay with Sharon's frank comments. My boyfriend's demeanour was also relaxed and composed. I think she might just remember your names today.

Indeed. They can get along well. Sister's a great diplomat.

When I returned with the tray and served them, I caught mother's last sentence. "… treat you both like my children. Can we be on equal status?"

Nuala answered, "Please do. It will be less awkward. Brother what do you think?"

"Of course. There is no need for formalities. We don't mind."

Mom brought out a bag and gave it to the she- elf. Nuala smiled. It was a beautiful set of pearl necklace and earrings. For Nuada she gave a bottle of high grade wine. My friend thought- you need not have.

"Oh thank you. It's so thoughtful of you." Nuala tried them. The sparkles played off her elfin feminine features. That day was wonderful. Mom did not reiterate to me that they are elves and her suspicions towards them. Had she let go of that? During a private moment, she confided, "Laira seems like you are mature enough to choose for yourself who can be your close friends."

"Haha. I'm happy you accept and like Nuada and Nuala! They are very genuine and sincere. Don't worry." I hugged her. She beamed.

"Nuada seems more cordial and open this time. I made him shy last time we talked. Hello Nuada. Sorry I made you shy." The elf took a seat beside me and grasped my hand.

He smiled brightly. "I take some time to warm up. No problem." The day went exquisitely. She stayed for two days till Joe got home. It was such a nice time. I only did not tell her about my plans to be a diplomat should the elves need my help, or my treks in the forests with them. She would forbid me from those stuff. Joe and I sent her to the main street. She said, "Does the boy treat you with respect? You can marry with my blessings."

I flushed. Joe guffawed. "Nuada is honorable. He's always considerate to us."

She nodded. "But after marriage may be a different story."

I frowned at her. "Mom! I love him. Every case is different. Didn't you promise me you will give him a chance?" She turned her back and flagged a cab. Did she hear me? Mentally Sharon said- I promised. But I'm your mother.

Dear Laira and Joe

It was fun to meet your mother! I really like her. She is so concerned for us. I love the set of jewellery. And the wine tastes exquisite.

Your sister

I would treasure this card. When I got to the library, I said, "Did you know she has telepathy? My father opened it for her…. (brief story)" Nuala said she was not surprised.

Now the warrior came in. He looked up at us. We were on the higher storey where the references on history were. "Come down. Can you help me with the computer? I don't know how to use it."

He meant the search index. I tweaked the settings. Funny supposed to make the search easier yet it proved harder. Especially to non techie lovers. "Don't fret. It will be okay."

Nuada groaned at the number 1057000 results of the subject 'demons'. He frowned. "So many. Can you help me?"

We checked out the section pulling several thick volumes. In an hour of fruitlessness, the prince's prickliness worsened. He cursed in his head and muttered. More time taken to read through each tome, review them. Hours later, the number was narrowed down to three. "Here you go… Noowa you read them, why?" I asked.

He shook his head. "Thank you. Krauss wants to know more about a certain demon. It is elusive, little is known about it. He wants so much detail."

"You're on a demon hunt? Be careful, friend." I was worried and followed him some distance out. Nuada Sent No not me. I'm opting for the research department. I will have to investigate other things.

Smart! Okay, see ya. He loaded the books under one arm and waved.

My sister gazed after her twin. Admiration? "Isn't he charismatic?"

"Yep! I am surprised he wants research not the action." Later Nuada was free to have lunch with me. Wearing a lighter blue shift and smelling of leaves, the elf took my hands. "Hungry? What do you feel like having?"

He wanted to eat pasta with some special food. "I tried once. It's addictive." Halfway through, he posed Weren't you annoyed by my behaviour just now?

No. Should I be?

Really. I was rude and impatient. Nuada's brow furrowed. He didn't look like he believed me. Are you certain?

I changed the subject. "So did you guys find anything? Research got somewhere I hope."

The prince scooped some soup to taste it. He observed the pale color. "Not much progress. It is boring and repetitive. I had to move away from the room. Don't like to read facts, unless they're about living things."

I wondered about Tinman/gasbag. I had not spoken to the guy before, only heard of his stern and stoic disposition. "You're ok with him? Is he really a ghost?"

Nuada blinked. After a brief pause, he said, "I am neutral. Sometimes it borders on irritation. Yes he is a ghost." I looked around. No sign of the guy. He didn't have to rest or eat. The elf was still a long way from being done.

Got a story about Tinman? Can't wait!

Depends. Haha afraid to be caught gossiping? After I finish.

****

The lithe tall blond fey strolled beside me. As the leaves were curled and spun past with the gentle wind, his silver gold locks swirled too. My untidy brown hair became tangled. Nuada absently pushed wild strands from dark lips. In annoyance I took out some clips to hold back my fringe. Elf hair will become neat even if the paleness makes it dirty easily. My friend looked amused, finger on one of my clips. It tickled.

Nuada stopped by a log and took a seat. "What do you want to know? Tinman's relationship with me? Nothing much." he mocked. A smirk creased his lips.

"His life story. Your friendship."

"No no pick one. I don't feel like getting another sore throat."

I implored him to tell me more. Elf covered his ears, expression of pain. I smiled. "Sorry. Ok second one. You like him?"

"Krauss follows rules strictly. He has published many volumes of papers, science, alchemy. He only allowed Liz, demon and Blue to break the rule once when they hijacked a plane. I think it was urgent. Now he is back to the no nonsense self. I don't feel anything. I do my duty, he recommends actions to take. He exerts command over the others, but not me."

I felt the material of his pants, a soft but durable fibre. "Not friendlies?"

Nuada had a concentrated look focused at a spot in the distance.

"I am not the sociable happy kind of Elf. Neutral is better to summarize. His accent is hard to decipher. When he is angry it's worse. Why don't you interview him since you're so curious, little Halfling?"

"Shy. You are friendly, Nuada! I think he won't want to be interrupted in his stuff."

Nuada smiled. "No I need to correct you. It was funny when you listed that as my good quality." He flashed to the first time he used the phone and I had consoled him. We shared some mirth. "I think the ghost is reserved. He does not talk a lot about his past. I saw a pouch before on his desk. Occasionally he will hold it. Abraham thinks it contains history. Silence is welcome to me."

I thanked him for the story. Quiet descended. The prince is not very talkative, neither am I unless I'm onto something big. It is moments like these where we simply enjoy each other's company. I admired his supple form, almost immortal, the sheen of his hair and skin against the sunlight. Listening to the soft twitters, beat of our hearts in tandem. Then Nuada inserted, "One day Krauss asked if I felt better. I had just recovered my voice. His tone was hard to read though. Since he is or was male, he will know it is difficult to show emotions."

"I see." I studied Nuada's expression, softened somewhat at the admission. Then he looked his stoic self once more, closed. I watched him drop off to sleep. "A bit sleepy. Had to train extra last night," he murmured.

I was taken aback. "Huh, why? You do it in the morning I thought."

"Last night I had more energy, so I trained. Today was busy, had to do many things. I think I did not concentrate well." Nuada leaned on the rock behind. I decided to leave him alone and busied myself honing my power to appreciate the life around me. I identified the various types of plants and animals. But I couldn't call the little squirrels and bunnies to me. now I splayed my fingers on the centre of a trunk. Ah yes Nuada had asked if Nuala and I could hear its voice. A whisper of song. Peering at the warrior, I noticed he wanted to slumber.

Unwittingly, I left the usual area we stayed and continued exploring. I had brought the crystal torch Uriel had given me so when it got darker, I pulled it from my slingbag and wore the torch. Illuminated, the forest was alive with a mysterious aura. Cool! Hours had passed by the time I traced back (got a little lost) the main path. Saw a broken rock jutting out. Nuada had helped us over. When I returned to the spot, the elf had vanished. Should I go look for him? It's not customary he will leave without informing me. I sat down to wait. My cellphone had no messages nor calls.

Then Nuada shouted into my head- Halfling! Where did you go? A fierce protectiveness resonated.

I'm back here.

Wait there. Don't move. He commanded me. I winced at the volume. The bushes to my left parted, revealing the elf with his hair tangled and rumpled clothing. He ran to me, gasping for breath. "Laira where did you go? I called but you did not answer."

His fingers touched my face, shoulders, ambers checking me for injuries.

"I'm fine, Noowa. I didn't hear. I was listening to the trees and nymphs, over there." There was no distinctive street name, so I pointed. Nuada frowned at me. His fair skin was sheen with perspiration.

His ambers ignited. "I don't want you to wander off alone again! You'll wake me if you wish to go somewhere. I couldn't find you." He grasped me tightly by the shoulders. First thought was why not, we had a bond. Maybe I had been too busy to listen. The elf was breathing hard.

"All right. Nuada I'm sorry." He was so stressed and worried for me. My throat caught. I added, I won't do it again. Stay calm, it's all right now. I promise, word of honour ok.

Nuada gradually relaxed. This forest was familiar to us, we had walked around many times. Yea usually I was not alone. Why did he get so tense? Nuala Sent: brother is upset. You had an argument? He thought you'd left.

I updated her. She replied: I see. Let him cool down. The prince was quiet. I asked if he felt fine. He just seemed pensive, so different from the daytime. "Are you angry? I can take care of myself. You need not panic," I said softly. Nothing, not even a grunt.

When we reached his room, Nuada stayed in the shower for a long time. I told him I was hungry and needed to get food. This Silence had never happened before.

Order in. I am hungry too. He said at last.

I was relieved. But Nuada did not speak until we finished dinner. I told him about the mushrooms and discoveries I made. "See, I found this leaf. What is it?" I peeled it off my pants where it adhered. He nodded.

"It's Clovis a type of small shrub. Halfling, why couldn't you hear me?" he asked, suddenly staring at me. I blinked.

"I… I don't know. I touched the trunks. Could that be the cause?"

Elf's stare did not let up. I took his cool hand and turned it palm up, tried to warm with mine. "Yes. I understand you are mature enough, but I felt cold when you left. I was frantic. Memories of Nuada running and crying out silently, but the people veering further away. Then he stopped gasping, eyes wide, lips pale. Dead bodies strewn over the land. Hardening into sandstone. He knelt by someone and tried to tell him or her something. Then a statue of a woman elf on the bed… "I don't know how much you understand from my point of view, but I've lost too many. I don't wish, can't afford to have…"

I nodded, pressing his hand tightly. "Oh Nuada I do. But we trek here all the time. Next time, I will wait till you wake up, or leave you an sms."

He sighed. "You should. I must bring the phone when I meet you."

I wanted to say that I would never leave him nor die that early. Yet who was I to decide that sort of thing? I felt miles apart from him when Nuada opened a foreign language book to read. Maybe he was afraid I would be taken away, as had people in his other lifetimes. After that, we did not mention this incident anymore, except for one paragraph in a letter. I opened it when I was home. We had not spoken for some time.

Dearest Halflings,

How are you doing? I tried to give you short messages, did you see them? Yes I am trying hard. Think it's improving. Haha.

It's been so long since we saw a new movie. Shall we watch one together? I like anything but romance, which seems to be tragedy. Yuck. There's one film, with many girls crying over small problems. It's so sickening. Are there lighthearted comedies this month? I apologize for not being able to attend to you when you come over, there is research and also day cases. I am in high spirits though. My nightmares have reduced much.

Laira, are you angry with me? Usually you will call me. Perhaps I missed your calls sometimes. I was very worried when you didn't return that day, for we should be connected and able to Hear each other. It has not been a problem before, unless the distance is great. I do know that you are capable of taking care of yourself, but it is instinctive in every elf to show external concern. I thought you might be trapped. It happens sometimes. Not all of my people are warm and receiving and it is dangerous to wander alone. When I am present, they will show respect. I want to protect you. It sounds chauvinist, but let me explain. The reason is not due to your gender, nor your weakness. Your grandfather has asked me to be your guardian. Sister agrees too. It is our duty to look out for you.

When you read this, please do not be angry. I was thinking a lot that day and finally this is the product. I know that verbally, I sound harsh and unforgiving. In written form, advice seems less commanding. What's your point of view? Enclosed is a set of stickers. Hope you like them. They look very cute.

Have to go now. See you soon!

Your friend, Nuada chan

I did understand. He was right, of course they want to take care of us naturally being older and wiser. I smiled broadly at the animal stickers.

The glimmer in his golden eyes matched the sunlight when we had the time to meet up. He wanted to watch a light comedy. "Up was disgusting. His wife died. So don't recommend it," I said as opening.

Nuada chuckled. "I saw the ad. Quite well recommended by people. You're biased. So what should we see?"

We chose a romantic comedy. Unlike Jennifer Aniston's shows, this one didn't end sadly. Some movies would show the couples breaking up and then they had problems. I like those with loose ends tied up. Nuada covered my hand at one point halfway as they were fighting. Halfling, did you receive my letter?

Yes. It's nice of you. I peeked at him. The colors of the film changed, reflected off his pale skin. He did not notice until I leaned on his shoulder. Joe was on the right side. He thought he was a third wheel sometimes, but Nuada always reassured him. I think he ever told him not to feel that way. Family is an important foundation for the twins. Hmm do you guys fight over romance like this?

Not really. I think it is foolish and hollow. After we eat, can we choose another one? My treat.

Two new movies in one day! Awesome! Joe wanted to waste breath asking the prince to let us pay our own. "You don't have to. Let me. Next time you can, all right?" Nuada said gently. I beamed. Oh yes he was positive and generous. I could not stay mad at him. This one was G-force. He likes animation better. Initially I didn't think highly of it, but it was so cute. Animal movies are really adorable.

On another day, Nuada gave his take on Interview with the vampire, a classic Anne Rice show. I was an ardent fan of Lestat. Apparently he didn't agree with me, he totally vilified them.