51 Prince hates vampires, our true union

Inspired by 'Never Enough' video with celtic music (no title)

Bond-Viva


Nuada

Although I tried so many times, I failed to get a response from halfling. I came close to a full panic attack that day. After hours of futile worrying, I found her back at the original spot. Her calm expression remained even though I shouted at her. I did not want anything untoward happening to my friend. She is but a child. It was an immense relief nothing had happened.

The most horrific movie we had seen was called… Interview with the vampire. Most of the others slept. I was so nauseated that I could not!

"What was the title again?"

The Halfling patiently repeated. "It's in Louis' point of view. I like Lestat the blond one. He's the maker and has learnt many things. Louis doesn't want to kill. He deems it as innocent blood shed. But he will starve, Nuada."

I made a face. She attained the fangirls' glaze subtly. "Really. I didn't understand what the hell was going on, haha. So Lestat is handsome? I'm out of the picture already. Shallow," I replied drily.

"No! I like his charisma, the way he moves. And how he talks. I thought you were a vamp Nuada. It's the in thing, every girl wants a vampire for a bf! The white skin, fierce eyes, preternatural looks… Lestat is the most powerful one in the show." Laira was enthusiastically displaying the pictures she had collected. When my gaze went blank, her hand insisted I should look. I sighed.

"I am a vampire? What makes you think so?" I felt piquantly curious. Yes someone had mentioned that before too. Because I had pale skin? But the fey have similar appearance. No I don't want to be undead!

"Umhm all those things. All of the above. Only I didn't check your teeth."

I laughed. "I have no fangs or I will talk funny. They are undead, feel cold. I am warm." My hand covered her cheek. She chuckled holding it there. "I will be the last one to be a vampire. Drinking blood is disgusting. I don't think there is such a practice." For some stories they talk about our kind drinking blood. Nonsense.

"There is! Lemme see, aha! This is Vlad the impaler. He was a real life blood drinker." The old man looks like shit. She continued, "Airgetlam, didn't you like at least some of the movie? When Claudia was made? They were a family. She was high strung. But the Armand was too old. He was supposed to have red hair."

I took some time to recall what happened. When things are ugly I will have a mindblock. Haha. "I thought what they were doing. Biting a girl like that, then she turned. That's the term? They became her father and mother, it was perverted. For some scenes, I almost vomited my food out. It is sick and insane. In fact I want to go out and massacre them all."

She looked hurt. "No don't slay them please! Louis and Lestat aren't evil. Maybe Claudia was a bit, but she was sad she couldn't grow old. Love binds them together. Remember the hotel room, Louis hugs her."

"Which part? It was so long. I see, but what is the use? They got burned in the end… I thought yes finally some action! Actually from the angle they could not get the sunlight. How can they die? Makes no sense." I scratched my scar.

Laira explained the last sequence. They were homosexuals, because the author wanted it this way. It is the Anne Rice concept which differentiates the characters from other vampires. They would not die except by fire and sunlight. "Oh. Why does Lestat not burn then? He survived?"

"Yea he did. He had drunk of the oldest ancestors. More stories about them, called vampire chronicles. I have the whole set. I can lend!" Laira smiled, bouncing.

"No thanks. They are all mad. The hero sounds ladylike. But you can summarize the good parts." I leaned back to listen. This was only book one, the others will span other vamps looking for families, love, loss and so on. Not the type I like.

The real vampires out there are coldblooded and have no passion nor regret. I loath them. From my ancestors' tales our silver could kill them cleanly and mercifully. That was our prime duty. The undead should stay dead and in the realm. It is unnatural to condone it. While I spoke, the girl wrote down in her book.

"Is this an interview?" I smiled.

"Kind of. I want to remember all your experiences, Nuada. You guys have so much rich knowledge. This isn't in the book you gave me. Yay! See I respect you a lot."

I beamed. She makes me feel like a sage even when I am not. "Very well. Need to repeat? Also, we have been brought up in a culture where the dark arts are viewed skeptically. Our people have simple magic. I don't know that much. Is it called necromancy?"

"Yea. Vampires are made though, by a master. I'm fascinated by this love which ruins and unites them at the same time. Other vampire books are more gory and less religious….." Themes varied. She beamed.

I shook my head. "Then I don't want anything to do with those. Thank you. Let's comb your hair." I should return the favour. She has always offered to do it for me. The auburn locks were longer and curlier now. I teased out the tangles.

"I do not mind if you write what I say, just don't use a camera. I had a big shock when somebody recorded my training."

"Ooh tell me."

"I was going through regular moves, and a few flips. When I turned around, I saw a box thing aiming at me. The boy said sorry and it will make a nice movie. I said ' why didn't you ask me? I won't mind.' he said I wouldn't agree if I was conscious of a camera. Haha. Then on guys' night, they played it on the tv. When I walked by, they tried to hide it from me."

My friend nodded eagerly. She brushed my shirt. "How did you feel, Noowa? Proud?"

"It was expected of us to be good at whatever we did. No positive reinforcement. If you do badly you'll be eliminated…." We had a lengthy conversation about that.

Later, I remembered something. We had an argument before, but everything was all right once more. "We have not solemnized our union yet. I look forward to it. This is a sample." I showed her my friend's one. It is an exchange of jewellery- token pieces, bracelets- in the presence of two witnesses. "When do you want to do it?"

"Is it like a registration?" My friend was frowning, her emotions were unstable.

I had prepared all the things and I could not wait to put them on for her. Was she nervous?

I said, "Not exactly, it is a formal ceremony. You get to dress up. It won't be crowded."

Quiet for a long time. I fought my disappointment at her lackluster response.

"Oh. I need to mull over it. But, I don't have things to give you?"

I reassured her that would not be an issue. She looked surprised. "Huh you've already prepared them? So quickly. I don't know Nuada." Why didn't my friend agree with me about our relationship?

Laira

I truly wanted Nuada to like the vampire movie. But he expressed disinterest and boredom. Not a common point here, haha. The prince's comments made me laugh. He wanted the burning part. At least the elf listened to me even though he didn't like it, some rude people would interrupt vocally. That's a pro for my Elf! I let him know this. Nuada smiled. He had much introspective views about the dark arts. For other worlds, I am only partial to vampirism, excluding witchcraft, cults and spells, etc. People believing they are witches or seers are mad. The Fey and their customs are kind of pagan but I can accept that. Besides magical beings can't be the same as humans.

I got a panic attack when Nuada sprung the ceremony thing. His expression lit up so eagerly. I didn't want to hurt his feelings. We had made much progress. The Elf really treasured our time together. It was so sudden though… people would watch us, when would it be and so on?

He did not discuss the jewellery with me. I had to buy something back to exchange. It also sounded like Nuada wanted it to be this week and soon. Why the rush?

"What is the problem?" he asked, golden eyes clouded with concern, troubled.

"I need time, got to check my schedule. When is it? Anytime?"

Elf nodded. He waited without speaking at all for some time. I looked at my calendar. It has been a long time we are on familiar terms. You do not want this? Why not? Nuada looked away and Sent. So emotional.

No no I don't mind. I like you very much, Nuada. How many people will come?

Two. But his tone was forlorn, though I had agreed to it. The sudden switch in topics from movies to this? I could not see his face through the silver veil. "I said it's ok. Why are you sad?" I touched his arm.

"Very well. Friday morning? I am fine," he replied, looking at me once more. He sounded calm, holding my hand and focusing on me.

"I think it will be all right. Or Saturday if I can't make it. I'm not sure yet." Nuada kissed my forehead.

It turned out I had to postpone on Friday. I told him by message and telepathy. I'm so sorry. Something cropped up. How about tomorrow? Wearing Luthien could help make sure the connection held. No answer for some time. Nuada sent a text: all right. Tomorrow morning.

********

We agreed to meet at the park. The previous afternoon, I had tried to call the prince but could not get him. I was ten minutes early. On our pre agreed time, there was still no sign of the elf. He was never late. Had something cropped up?

A call. "Hello Laira. Has brother met you yet? He didn't come back." Nuala asked.

"Oh not yet. I'm waiting for him now. Did something happen?" I hoped not. I should have told him personally. Come to think of it, I should have spoken more tactfully. Could not forget the emotional tone- you do not want this? Why. Nuala did not hear any news.

"Brother's link with me is weak now. But no pain, I think he is all right. Take care." She said and hung up.

Salem turned up instead. I could see him in the glamour. "Salem! Where's Nuada?" He led me some distance away, waved a hand then told me to hold his other hand. We were transported to an enchanted grove, I hardly felt the shift but it looked and smelled different. A strong fragrance of pine and birch permeated the air. Salem had not given me an answer and was ahead of me. I rushed to catch up. My heart was cold.

The elf with the scarred eye paused to check a map. "He made me swear an oath. You can see him quite soon." We made a few turns through the lush forest. At times the aetheric fog was penetrable and every few steps scenery changed from autumn gold and brown to summer and spring. Arrow signs with faded words slanted on wooden stakes. Almost nobody, unlike in Bethmora town. Was this even Bethmora?

"Ok. Are we in Bethmora?" I pressed, finally catching up with my shorter strides.

"A neutral territory. Prince wants it quiet. You don't like crowds, I gather. Don't worry." Salem beamed. "Here you are." There was a small house. Fey women, I didn't know who they were, came forward. They indicated me and a dress. I Sent: I'm here. Where're you? Are you all right?

He waited outside. I allowed them to fuss over me. I shrugged on a sleeve. The material was silk blue with bird patterns at the skirt hemp. Looking at myself in the mirror, my hair was bundled with pins so I looked older. I had never made up much nor look like a Japanese girl. With deft strokes, the women had made me elfin. My face was whiter than normal. My phone buzzed. 'yes I am here, fine. See u soon.'

Normally elf would call me, he preferred a personal touch or talk telepathically. I could not get anything at all.

Salem praised me. "I will walk you there. Laira please don't be upset when you see His Highness." His blue eyes did not meet mine. I clasped him by the right hand and tugged.

"Is he ill?" The other did not allow me to Read his mind. I stared at him.

"I cannot tell you."

Nuada is unwell. Then we should not continue. Please! I cried out.

No he may be different. Yesterday was taxing. He did not seem outwardly affected. When you did not come. But inside he was frail. No we should not delay any more.

I stepped back, picking up my bag. Walking in the slippers they had provided would be quite an experience if I were not agitated. Frail? Nuada was far from that, he couldn't be.

I was grateful to lean on him for support. My skirt swished on the grass.

Salm urged me to walk in. Gigantic structure made of bamboo. A candle scent. It was a sheltered place, fairies zipped past, their voices chittering. Ornaments were laid out on the small table at the centre. Amethyst drop earrings, hairclips, several bracelets in gold rested on cushions. The hairclips must be for me, gilded with flowers. So pretty! A few chairs were provided. I took a seat.

Salem talked. Someone stepped out from the corner. I had not heard anything. His fair hair was white, a sure sign of seniority. His eyes were of an exotic color. Wrinkled forehead. The elf bowed. I stood up to respond likewise. My question repeated internally.

"Please wait a moment. The Prince wished to… ensure it is perfect first." English was not his language. And this guy had not introduced himself. I sat down. So long, I don't mind if it's not perfect. Salem remained. He gave me some food he had brought. The women misted us with something fragrant.

Can you tell me what happened? Why is he frail?

The other paused. Carefully he replied- Soulmates are bonded by an exchange of tokens, like Abraham and Nuala. Since Nuada does not want a big crowd, he had been planning for this. We were to keep it a secret. He truly desires for this occasion. He shook his head. "I have gone back on my word. As his bodyguard I should not. I've seen you both together. This occasion should not be held back or… "

Now I saw! A pang pierced me. Nuada had phrased this marriage differently. I had underestimated its importance. It's all right. He doesn't seem to feel us talking. I won't tell. I smiled and looked up at the bodyguard.

Salem's gaze cut to the left. I looked.

"Lirael! Sorry you had to wait," my dear elf's voice rang out. He was leaning heavily against the stranger elf, in meridian and a golden sash. I got up. His breathing seemed shallow.

"You're hurt?" I asked, searching his face.

He smiled. His hand was cool against my cheek. "I'm all right. Need to sit down." The prince drew in a sharp breath. I looked into the ambers. Still the same tough Nuada, albeit in pain. I wanted to ask him to lie down. But now Nuada was clasping a bracelet gilded with silver blue flowers around my wrist. "It looks so nice." That took three tries.

"Yes. I bought something for you." I replied with a beam. "I love you." I hugged him gently. His back felt damp. The other elf was directly behind him and I was treated to a stern glare (may I add more arrogant than Noowa) Not too hard please- the guy mouthed. So elf was also wounded in the back? What happened? Tears came, it had been unlucky to postpone! His hands stroked me. Nuada's love welled up in my heart. I swallowed hard to compose myself, then drew back.

Mine was an egg shaped container I found from a souvenir shop. Nuada smiled. "Thank you." He took it with both hands. Salem smiled. The stranger looked disapproving. Had I imagined it? Each of them took turns to speak in gaelic. I just nodded and said yes. They seemed to be affirmation questions. The stranger had a youthful voice. Nuada and I toasted and drank from small cups. I think it was wine.

I kept wanting to ask what happened, but encountered a mind block. I said, "Want me to wear the earrings? They look awesome." Because Nuada seemed to be in agony, the posture was straining for his countenance. His breathing was shallow and quick. A line creased his brow, where little droplets of sweat clung. One hand was pressed to his waist.

"Yes." He replied with a gasp.

"You can rest first." I urged.

"I have," the elf insisted, in a wavering voice. His friends admonished him in their tongue. He replied dismissively. I looked in the mirror and hooked on the earrings.

Nuada held out his arms. "Come let me see you. Do you like them?" His smile dismissed all notions of injuries. I could feel his hands on my shoulders, strong assuring. Numbly,

I inclined my head. His lips had not paled. Maybe it was not bad. I should not cry now.

"Fasten them on for His Highness. He'd like that," the stranger cut in. Salem shook his head. I focused on the task.

Nuada told me, "He is Karin. Do not take his rudeness to heart." The thin bracelets glinted on his wrists and coiled to fit. Nuada stroked my hair. Then he kissed me, dark lashes long against his pale face.

It is complete. His musical voice echoed in my head. Karin said something in gaelic. Nuada rose unsteadily with his aid.

"Nuada how did you get hurt?" I blurted. The elves retreated to the back of the hall. Salem held my arm firmly. If not for the other's support, Nuada would've fainted.

He spoke evenly, "Yes. Do not worry. See her home, Salem. Goodbye." He was doubled over.

You won't go without me. I started following them. Musical chanting, and then they had vanished. I faced a green wall. No! I glared at the other. "How do I follow them?"

"Don't. He will get better. Karin will do extensive healing for him. Just needs plenty of rest. It will be a week. Come, I will escort you." Salem held out his hand. After I changed back, I packed the clothes into my bag. I left the earrings and bracelet with flowers on.

I thanked him. "Afterwards I want to see Noowa. He is my mate. I cannot pretend nothing's wrong."

The other sighed. "I will be in trouble. But I agree, the prince can be really obstinate. We told him he shouldn't move in this state. He endures more pain than we do." Nuada with a group of the fey were attacked by bad trolls. The large ones had done so when we first arrived in Bethmora. Shit! Many were injured. "He could hold them off, but too many. Sustained injuries to his abdominal area and many blows. Nuada told us he was just slightly banged up, and we concentrated on our allies. Still Karin made him drink something to reduce the inflammation. Otherwise he wouldn't be able to get up."

Thorns of fury crowded my throat. How dare the small minded beasts hit Nuada! He had befriended them and on non official missions, the elves often went to their aid.

"Where will they be? In a hospital?" I asked.

"Yes. You want to go? Even if my friend is angry." I told him. Whistling, the other summoned a huge black horse. Riding upon its great back, the horse seemed tireless, time leapt forward. Not dizzy, I was treated to whizzing magical lights. Wow! Suddenly the location halted. Where were we? In front was a building with statues of people guarding. We walked in. Ascending long flights of circular stairs, Salem brought me through a whirl of hallways until moaning was very loud. "The sick bay. He is not here." He peeked into some rooms, then continued. Beds of all the sick, shouting, perspiring in their pallets. Healers made rounds. Some fainted. Women and men warded separately. Poor suffering things.

A large room lit by greenish flies. I wanted to rush in, feeling my friend's aura.

Salem said, "Wait stay here." On the large bed, a naked figure with long golden hair, lay on his stomach. Bandages were stained and being unraveled. Nuada! Karin made some signs, and pressed his back. The elf shouted in agony. He arced up. Lying down, Nuada panted.

"I am sorry. Now I will stitch your wound," his voice was unmistakable, heavily accented. Soon the adults blocked my view. Damn!

After a moment, Karin Spoke- you can come in when I am finished with the surgery. Some aides turned Nuada, sponged and tended to his wounds. He was asking questions in a faint voice. They were smiling. I was bursting with anticipation. Never mind if prince was mad at me, I was so close! Yet I still got stuck outside.

I paced outside. Thin women in yellow and white dresses drifted by. I thought they were ghosts, their feet didn't touch the ground. Dragonfly like wings propelled them. The healers ambled out. "You should not tire the patient," a foreign guy told me. Karin nodded curtly and waved a hand that I could enter. Again, they didn't introduce themselves! So rude. I caught one of their thoughts- a halfbreed human shouldn't be welcome here. She is an unlucky jinx.

I sighed. If only I had come yesterday, Nuada wouldn't get hurt. Salem laughed inside. "Aren't you happy I'm here to keep you company?"

"Why are you here? Has Laira gone home?" he demanded. I walked in slowly, not wanting to make noise. Salem closed the curtain and smiled. I swallowed. Sensing my depression, the other elf held me by the shoulders before I went to Nuada's bed. I am sorry. They don't usually get Halflings here. Don't be sad, not all of us think so, least of all His Highness. Do you know I am also like you?

What? But you look like a pure elf. I forgot my pain for awhile.

Salem did not answer. He left us alone. I continued the walk till I was finally touching my soulmate. The blond's eyes were closed in a deep sleep, right hand holding his bandaged chest. Breathing softly and peacefully, he was free of agony. My amber stone rested on his chest, glinting. Beside him, there were washcloths and a basin of water. I dipped it in the fragrant smelling water, wrung the cloth and applied over Nuada's brow. The two bracelets gleamed. Real gold. My egg stuck out of his robe pocket.

"How could you prevent me from coming?" I whispered. He did not stir. They might have induced a drug. Had he eaten? I gently pushed his hair from his lips.

A dark small woman entered holding a bowl of food. It smelled great. "For the prince when he wakes up."

I thanked her. "Um is he having a fever? Should I sponge him?" She touched his chest.

"Yes use this. It is kind of you Miss." I smiled. But I was reminded of the high-class healers. Except for Salem and Nuada they probably hated me. No I don't care. I won't let them get to me! With determination, I bathed Nuada's face and his arms. I didn't notice when he came to, so I was startled at his ambers staring.

"That is enough. I am all wet," he remarked in a weak voice.

"Sorry." Oh there was a dry cloth. I tucked hair behind his right pointy.

Nuada closed his eyes. I thought he had passed out so I got up. He shifted. Pain etched on his face but in a second, Nuada looked blank. "You were supposed to go home."

"I wanted to see you. I'm sorry I didn't do it yesterday or you won't be hurt. It's a bad omen to postpone it. They don't like me. They thought bad things about me and Halflings." I hadn't realized I repeated these stuff until my friend reached out. Compassion in his expression.

"Sit down, don't cry." Nuada looked around, then held up his blanket.

It made me smile. "No I am fine. Are you better?" He clasped my hand.

"Very much, or I wouldn't turn up. Salem the rascal told you? Such superstition they have. What else did they say?" Nuada seemed angry.

I shook my head and patted the pillows. He leaned back. I probed them. The healers had this superior smug look on their faces. Why? You shouldn't get up. It's all right, I'm all right now.

He was quiet, only his breathing was audible. Then he whispered, "I apologize for their ignorance. Nothing will change between us. I am ashamed of their biasness."

"I understand. There is food here, elf. Hungry?" I asked. He sniffed the air and smiled. I fed him, holding the bowl as there was no table. The patient finished everything and leaned back. He slept for a while. He does not mind, he will stand up for me. I shed tears of joy. Then I vowed not to feel down anymore and dried my face. It was a strange place to spend my weekend. Time dragged. How could I stay here? No bed or room.

At least Nuada was recovering. The same woman entered, Karin came once. He took his pulse, without acknowledging me. I made a monkey face. Salem chuckled. "What is it?" the imperious elf asked.

"Nothing. I saw a butterfly."

Karin glared. When had the cheeky guy come? He is like me! "Hey highness, don't sleep so much." Salem teased. The prince awoke.

"You cannot listen to instructions. Why are you still here, Laira? Go home. I didn't know you're not English speakers." Nuada continued in his own elven. We smiled.

I answered, "I couldn't leave without him. It's a strange place. Does it hurt?"

Nuada gingerly sat up. Sweat broke on his face. Salem and a magically- appearing person came to his aid. I walked beside them. Shit it must still ache. The privy was some distance away covered by a cloth.

When elf came back, he sat in a cushioned armchair beside me. He had changed his pants. The attendant dried his wet hair. "It is boring here nothing to do."

"It's ok. I want to see you more."

"Not like this. I am so weak and in pain. I didn't want you to see me like that," Nuada admitted with a pang. He motioned for us to explain ourselves. Salem provided dramatic story telling. The prince shook his head. "Next time I have to write an edict. On pain of death my friend. Please Laira, go home now. Your brother'll be worried. Promise me."

He squeezed my hand. We were still smiling at his little edict joke. Nuada's hand was damp. I said okay and kissed him once. Hey why didn't you use telepathy? I thought you are weak.

Haha I wanted to use the cell.

"Can I text you? There's a weak signal, cannot call you." Salem busied himself near the hole like window. Haha.

"Sure. I can reply. Thank you." Nuada hugged me and patted my back before I left with the other guy.

*my favorite movie but Nuada won't like it. Too draggy and mad people. Haha. The hallowmere says the unhallowed love blood but I don't agree with it. They will eat fey food and drink wine.