Chap 56 Dreams of the ice

These Dreams- Heart. Some angst but will be all right. Based on my dengue fever woes. Thank you Libbindy, Mommys little nightmare, Blaze phoenix, Misplaced soul and other new pple! your support is appreciated.


Nuada

Liz's worried face was the last awareness I had. The world darkened. Why couldn't I hear or see? Only a little light filtered through. I sank in. Pure pain and fire consumed everything. If only I could sleep in the snow… so hot. Was I in the desert? People called my name, their hands poking prodding and pulling.

I wanted to respond but could not. I told them to make the hurt go away, please. My sister shouted in our bond. Where is this place? Nuada can you see me? Nuada! She held my hands. It was a deep hole, looked very far up there. Some light shone on me. Flames danced, sprites of fire leapt to and fro. Damn!

Don't be scared. I told her as her face pinched in panic. I won't leave you.

Then a glass wall came between us. 'Nuala! Come back, I won't leave you, I promise. Come back now!' Nuala had disappeared. I kicked and punched with all my might, but it did not break. Impossible, I need to get out of here.

'Stop! Stop brother.' Sister had a deeper woman's voice now. 'You need rest, you are sick. Lie down.' I jumped until the light opened on me.

Coughing. Aching. Lights in my eyes glaring. A blurry figure was beside me. "Hi prince, I am a nurse. Does it hurt?"

Yes. What's wrong with my eyes? Heartbeat. I clutched for someone, anything. A cup to my lips. I drank it all, thirsted more. People murmured, why didn't they speak louder? "… fever… high.. vision…"

"You are lying," I said. How could I be blind? I tried to move, incredibly weak. Who coughed? Strong arms pinned me down. Gentle touches. I was afraid. I don't want to be blind. My voice was tiny. I said something.

My name. A man? Familiar… feeling for something, wet. Abraham! Blue why is it like this? What's wrong with me?

Why was I pleading? I needed some answers then I could leave the desert of punishment. I could not endure any longer. Cloth on my head, cooling. Webbed hand was relief on the burns. I did not want to let go of the fish.

His voice was clearer. "More ice. Brother in law, don't make sudden movements. It is the illness. Nuala got it last year. It's the same. We are here. We'll take care, look after you." Care for me. I don't need help. Just temporary drowsiness….

A sensation of floating, though I lay on the bed. It hurt so much. Joe had hugged me. The Halflings, where were they? I longed to see them.

Once, I turned my head and whispered for someone to come. No strength to cry out. Heavy bricks on my chest. I coughed. A fragrance wafted, familiar spice. "Do you want anything? I can make food," Sister's tone pricked my head like needles. Too loud. I swallowed the drink offered.

No. softer please. I want Joe, Laira. Ask them to come. She was whispering something. Now I could not hear. But we had contact with our fingers. I gasped, needed air. My eyes streamed through closed lids. Help me! Water and ice, I am thirsty.

Don't worry. Sleep. Elven language, songs.I liked the tune.

Nuala

Brother could not find the energy to sit up. He lay ravaged by the illness, wan and ashen. His fever was consuming him, it was dangerous to the brain. We used all the healing spells and cold cloths. Using our link, I found then lost my twin in the flames. The elders told me when the wall came up, a sibling was close to death. I knocked into the glass. He could not see me and was crying.

He lay still after thrashing for hours. His lips were dry. Constantly brother asked for water. We gave him sips, he could not drink too much. It was good when he perspired. Later we decided not to help him into a shirt, just piled the blankets. The bedclothes were soaked daily and needed regular changing. His grip ranged from bonecrushing to weak and damp. I wanted to endure the pain, so I could support my twin.

He awoke briefly. "Why can't I see?" Denying that he was blind. We had to push him down. It broke my heart. I was so useless! Nuada loved me, and would do anything for me. All I could do was watch, I couldn't enter his mind anymore. The senior healer warned me I might agitate him further. What did they know? Temperature fluctuated. The healers were regular attendants. Uriel consoled me that Nuada was not a weakling. Once, Nuada shed tears from his closed lids. The agony must be unbearable. I wished I had lied they came. I had tried multiple times but the lines did not work.

Tenderly, I wiped his face. "Brother I will try again later. I promise, all right. Sleep."

"No. Fine, don't worry them," he murmured. Brother he's replied me. It was the same, I couldn't see people then. It was progress! "Uriel he answered me! Is it good? Better?" I stood up and grabbed the other elf. He smiled and sang to Nuada. I sang too, imitating the words. They were the ancient songs of power. Of heroes, triumph, victory to the soul. Halfway my voice choked up. I kissed my brother's lips. I am here waiting.

*******

Few days. Nuada could not see clearly, could tell from the narrowed stares he leveled at the right direction but did not follow movement. At least he felt hungry. Chewing food, he said urgently in front, "Sister. What day is it? Laira asked me - for something. I promised to go. What day?"

I patted his shoulder. "You are sick. It is Wednesday, four days. Don't worry." The light in his expression crumpled and he started to sit up. Coughing racked his thin body. I held him until the spasm passed. I said not to worry. Nuada's energy left him. I lay him down.

Finally I got through to the girl. "It's Nuala. Nuada is ill. Very sick from the fever. Please come soon. When?"

"Nuala! Oh no, let me talk to him. How is he?"

I nodded. "Yes later. It'll be very nice. I am sorry. He was worried he can't go out." My voice wavered. I took a deep breath. I came into the room again. My twin had awoken and said happily, "Where is Laira? I miss them. And Joe." Touching his face confirmed he was delirious again. Nuada frowned. "Stop crying. I'm fine."

I smiled, drying my face. "All right. You impatient elf, they will come soon." He had plain forgotten about not worrying them. After a while, my twin repeated his questions. I remained silent, sleepy and drained. Abe pressed his hands. Nuada always calmed down so much in his presence. The coolness relieved his agony. Thank you, Abraham. My husband asked me to get rest, and he would stay. We sponged him.

Before I left, Nuada asked for the phone in a petulant voice. I let him hold the receiver. Abe promised that he would let him use it after he rested. Obediently, my brother lay down. "Make sure I get to talk to them. Myself."

"Of course," Abe said cheerily, with longtime patience "You must be tired."

Nuada protested feebly, then coughed again. He was in good hands.

Laira

My soulmate! If only we had come within range earlier. I waited impatiently for the receiver to go to him. Abe had said he would not sound normal. Yes, he was right. Nuada's voice was all breathy soft and ghostly. The sickness had weakened him a lot. "Hello… Halfling. Where are you?"

"I'm here. Don't be scared. Are you tired now? Sleep." I said.

Coughing. "I'm not. Why …don't you come?"

"Far away." I guess explaining would not help. Abe told him to rest now. Yet the elf did not want to, though he could barely speak.

Unexpectedly Nuada pleaded for me to come see him. Each word was forced and got softer, "I will wait… you busy? Sorry. Wake me, when you come."

Don't apologize, Nuada. It's not your fault. In reply I conveyed, "Really I will come. Believe me. Now remember your inner will, Nuada. Love you." It was painful to hear his wheezing, too much to say a word. No! I had to go immediately! But our flight was still hours away! He had said, I will not let illness defeat me. The diamond flowers. Nuada was a diamond, he was very strong. This was just temporary.

Hold on till I get there! I love you. No answer. His sister Sent, yes he hears you. Please hurry.

The journey was agonizing. Snail! Replaying our time together, Nuada had been active. He showed me how to use the staff and gently hit my head when I didn't listen. Then the Ardina freaked him out. He recovered in no time. Over the weekend, he had slept enough. Nuada had confided he enjoyed our company. He promised to come for my awards ceremony. Then we cuddled together to count the stars. These weeks, we were posted all the way south. I had no more mood for any prize, hearing how weak and tired Nuada sounded. Then I got a note that it was postponed due to venue mixups.

Joe was silent and blackfaced. We wanted to be there! Was there no way to make it faster? I looked out the plane and prayed. Please Nuada, don't let go. Your sister recovered. Although I had not spoken to his elven parents before, I knew their names and invoked them. Watch over him, King Balor, Queen Sylvia! Please hear me.

Touch down at the airport. I called Liz. She told me that thankfully the elf's fever had receded and remained stable. He was only weak and had no appetite. "I was with him. He collapsed. I'm sorry."

"Thank you. When was that?" I nodded making affirmative sounds as Liz told me what happened that night. It was so sudden that they were unprepared. She tried her best to keep him cool before they reached the medical team. The elves were vigilant constantly, and Nuada would recover soon.

I entered the dimly lit ward. Nuala confided- if it's bright, he says it's hurting him. His fever is gone. Finally.

My elf was sleeping. The dark rings seemed deeper than before. He was stationery, except for the faint rise and fall of his chest through the thin pale shirt. One hand had a plaster over the IV drip. It's me. Don't wake up yet. I patted his hand.

Nuala told me she'd get something to eat, touched his shoulder and kissed him. I watched him at first. Gently, my fingers went to his pale chest. Rashes, unlike his twin's rose colored spots, his were blue markings. Also on his lower arms. He moved his hand to scratch his chest. I held him still. The doctor applied some cream and slid out again. Like some ghost. His vision is not clear yet. Don't be alarmed.

Nuada exhaled and his yellow eyes, less brilliant now, blinked open small. I smiled. "Hello friend. It's me. Feel better?"

He reached out to me. I wondered why. "Dainin, come closer. I held on." Nuada lifted his head from the pillows, straining to see. I grasped his hand. He squeezed. Releasing me, the elf felt the contours of my face, but did not poke my eyes out. It was ticklish at my ear and throat. Nuada beamed and leaned back.

"Sorry I got here so late. Do I look totally dark?"

"No. A blurry object. What matters is you're here." I was delighted, he sounded more like his warrior self. The pleading note was gone. My vision was tinted by flakes, no I will not cry. I composed myself.

"You'll be well soon. It's not permanent." For a need to say something encouraging, I chose that. Elf smiled.

"Are you crying? Lots of people cried. I felt… bad." He leaned in close to study me. I said no I was not. Then Nuada moved my right hand to his heart. I felt his pulse and swallowed. I reached my other hand to touch his pointy ear that had shown itself.

"Don't. It's itchy. Let me hold you."

"Ok." My face was in his baby soft hair, Nuada's odor of the forest and sweat. Inside he was ecstatic that I was here, but had no energy to hug the daylights out of me. Haha. Same sentiments! You're silly. Did you bathe? I teased, pressing my nose.

Nuada's lips pursed. Maybe. I forgot, it matters even now? Please stay awhile. He tweaked my ear. "Nope, I don't mean that. Thanks for the hot welcome."

Then the elf nestled into the pillows. The nurse adjusted the ramp down. He had been propped up but now must be tired. Periodically I walked to stretch but came back to see him.

For some reason my bro had become silent throughout. At home he would not talk to me either, something was up. After the first visit, I gushed about Nuada's gladness and he was completely recovered. "Hey why don't you say something?" Joe nodded but had a distant look on his features. Never had I been more infuriated. "You're so cold. Prince will be hurt by your indifference."

Today, Nuada wanted to eat his meal with us. Joe had no expression. The patient wanted to eat on his own, though his hands were shivering. "Is it nice? It tastes like premium quality fish," Nuada commented, tapping on the plate. He glanced at my brother. Joe muttered something.

"Yes. So you can eat lunch and dinner already?" I filled in.

"Umhm. The fever burns much energy. I was so hungry after you left, dainin. Never felt like this before." Nuada chewed on the peas. A lot of gravy but he did not mind this time.

I smiled. "What is wrong, you're not eating well?"

"I'm ok." The person who shared my blood eventually forced a smile. Prince tilted his head, but did not reply. He laid his free hand on Joe's, a concentrated look on his normally stern features.

"Thank you. I want the ice-cream." My brother took the cup for him. I tried to give him the glare of: don't be like this! Stop being so selfish. I motioned for Elf to lie back, we'd feed him. Nuada was obedient. He liked the egg.

Afterwards he wanted to change so I was supposed to leave. I turned my back. "Outside friend." But I could hear him speaking to Joe. "I just feel tired. No more pain." His voice was husky. A fit of coughing overwhelmed him. I came back in, Joe was patting his back. "The vial…" he whispered. I held out the vial of pink syrup. It was like cough mixture. He drank all of it. Nuada coughed a little more then inhaled.

Do not be angry. It is a rite we go through. Nuada said bravely.

My brother stiffened. "Rest. Don't speak anymore. I'll be outside."

"Soon will be back to normal. Laira give me your hand." He had his eyes closed, seated on the chair. Images of wolf unicorns, birds, blue flowers, creeper plants, olden trees, carousel of time passing.

"Why?" I wondered. Nuada seemed to have fallen asleep. I rubbed his chest with a fragrant oil. "He has no right to be angry at you. I'm sorry."

Nuada shook his head. "I will talk with him later. He is very upset, not angry. Do you remember the day I showed you the flowers?"

"You told me you won't let illness defeat you. But it's not fair. You have suffered enough." Nuada's ambers were now open. I held him close. I want to relieve your pain. Tell me what to do. Do not bear it alone.

Yes. Can you show me what you are thinking? Give me a nice vision.

Ok, ionuin. Let's see. All the times he trained with his weapons, the vigour and prowess, Hellboy's mischief, his first movie, surprise at the cherries on the blackforrest cake, giving me the bracelet, my sketch of him in meridian, his arguing with Nuala, going to the lair…. Every snap shot moment. I opened my eyes. "There. Hope you're all better now. My Airgetlam."

He breathed peacefully, fingers loose about my hand. Oh I should have got him to lie down on the bed. He was warm, so I wet a cloth and lay on his forehead. The chair was cushioned. Maybe it would not be so uncomfortable. He might be stiff later. The door opened and some attendants came to take his discarded clothing. Laid out new bedsheets and folded the fresh pajamas. Nuada wore a tunic which was short sleeved and loose pants of the pale color too.

"Psst may I know why?" I asked a guy going out.

"Ah, his rash itches. The usual clothing made him scratch a lot. This material is not what Nuada likes but will do for now."

"Thank you. Should I make sure he doesn't bleed?" I had noted scars on some of the rashes. The man produced a big tub of cream for application anytime.

An hour later, ionuin rubbed his eyes and yawned. He stood up. "You're still here?" The elf rolled his head. He lay down on the bed and smiled.

"Yes." Nuada said he was bored, could he listen to music? I plugged my mp3 to his ear set to classical music.

"Will sleep more. See you." I kissed his cheek.

Then Joe stood at the door sobbing. What the? I pulled him into the toilet and closed the door. He gave vent to the full emotional outburst. "You silly dope. He will be ok. Why're you crying?" I hissed.

I can't- help myself. Don't want, Nuada is in pain. When he coughed- it's horrible.

Don't hold back then. Your telepathy is louder now. Ouch. I replied, smirking. Joe cried for a while, then washed his face. Elf called my name. Bro shook his head don't tell him I'm here. We smiled in conspiracy.

"Laira! Are you there? Come."

I came out to his bed. "What?"

"Where did you go? I heard- a sound." He looked alert.

"Yea the bathroom had a toilet problem. What do you need?" I stood in his view of the door and grinned. Nuada scratched his rashes, rubbed his soles on the edge of the bed.

"I need help on my back. It's unbearable! Lower please. Yes, just right." I smiled. "I cannot stop it unless I sleep. Ack."

"What if it bleeds? No don't do too hard." I disagreed when Nuada demanded that I exert more nail pressure.

"Won't. I can heal. The cream's useless." I was coating between his fingers which felt acutely itchy. Nuada scowled at me but I ignored his demands. He sounded like a petulant little elf. When I said so, he leveled me the ultimate Glare of 'adult elf'. Those glowing ambers were akin to molten lava- Watch the tone. You're being disrespectful. "I am not petulant, it is your duty to care. Don't be a shallow being. Damn." I laughed as he poked me.

Joe couldn't stay in there forever. Soon prince would need to use the toilet too. Nuada remarked, "Is the problem of the bathroom okay?"

"Yes. Here let me turn on music. A nice one for you." To drown out any sounds.

He leaned back as I played These dreams. You better come out soon. He won't sleep for long.

I cannot! Stall longer. My eyes are swollen.

You're so vain. Argh! Nuada can't see that well, never mind. Hurry up! I shouted blocking this. The elf shifted to face me and asked me to read to him. As I was telling him the new revised version of King Arthur, being a celtic myth with fey instead of humans, Nuada placed a finger on the pages. "Can I see the words?"

I Sent that brother could try to creep out now, and since the book was big enough to block the patient's view (I sat the book up and Nuada peered at the pages) should be an easy trick to manage. "Yes I can see if I strain a little. The wizard said I will get a horse….." I held the book up and Nuada read aloud slowly.

"If you're tired, don't strain anymore." I added. A motion to the left, near the door. Oh yea, Joe was sneaking out woohoo when another voice exclaimed, "Hello! I thought no more than two visitors at a time."

My brother cursed. Nuada looked up and smiled. "It is fine. Why did you hide in there for so long? I hope the toilet is all right, soon I have to use it." The elven healer laughed, offering to help him.

*******

He took a hot shower with the medicinal herbs so smelled funny. I sneezed at the scent. Nuada looked sad. "What is it?"

"Allergic. Never mind." I sniffled, blowing my nose. Elf languidly sat down on a cushioned chair.

"Why did you hide? I could hear sounds. It is uneasy for me when people cry." The elf said calmly. I tugged his hair. He knocked my head.

Of course my brother declared he did not do so. "I dropped something in the sink. Had to dig it out and wash. You must have hallucinated."

Nuada nodded at the reply solemnly. Can you come tomorrow as well? I'm so bored.

I felt a little better standing some distance away. Nuada bathed in that foam to reduce the itch and the healers said it would fade after some time. I should bring air freshener next time. "I could ask Red to come. He misses you lots."

"Not him!" Nuada groaned.

"Hey he wrote you a card. See." Ok just two words Get well Waif. I illustrated the card myself, as Hellboy wouldn't do that. He only added some whiskers to the cat. Nuada laughed.

"I don't want to collapse from rough handling."

********

Over the next week or so, we visited Nuada. It was no joke: the one person rule. He told us it was all right, but the healer said he would get tired. His fever had sapped much energy away and was going to take time to replenish. Abe said Nuada especially warned him to be quiet for his turn. 'he will pay close attention to us, that's why not too many people should be talking'. Nuala came when we were out. Red excited the prince, in a good way. It was comical to hear him arguing with the demon about something. "… not a waif for the millionth time!"

Disinfection was important before entering the ward. The elf complained of boredom, according to his healer friends. He wanted to hear music, which was fine. Haha, I thought he hated tv.

I stayed home when I had flu.

"Hello, it's me. I heard you're ill. Are you better?" Nuada called me. He was upbeat.

"Yes sore throat. Crap. Yay you sound positive."

He chuckled. "Stronger. Can I see you tomorrow?"

"I'll wait till I make a complete recovery. Can't risk infecting you Noowa."

"Hmm only that small a bug… I am well. My cough is gone. Oh yes I take vitamins too."

I smiled. "Great. One more day, I will come all right?" Looking at my table was paper. "And shall bring my letter. Can you read now? How's your eyesight?"

"I can. No problem!"

I walked into an empty ward two days later, bringing some movies and two letters. Oh had he left already? This was the right place. "Halfling."

I gasped and jumped. Nuada laughed, he had appeared behind like a shadow! I sighed. "You gave me a heart attack."

"I was over there, near the door." Despite his positive tone, Nuada's brow was sheen with sweat and he panted slightly. He had done some exercise? Someone clucked at him. Nuada meekly took a seat. The nurse nagged him not to be a hero. "You're not yet well recovered, that illness was very long. Lie back down."

Prince murmured that he was ok. I marveled that he was able to be stealthy. "She's right. I brought letters. Can you go back to your room?" I opened my bag.

"I have to wait for permission. Thank you." Nuada hugged me when I turned to him. So cute. "I haven't lost my skill as a tracker." I beamed.

Liz wheeled elf to his room. He said for the umpteenth time "I can walk. It is not far. A short distance."

"Shush let me play this game. I've always wanted to wheel people." She remarked. On his lap were our gifts, while I held baskets of flowers and fruits from fans. Nuada took my hand.

"Is it nice? I had fun rolling around, in hospital once…." I told them the story when I got dengue fever. Nuada made a face and insisted he was not as feeble as we thought. "Still we want to take care of you. Please relax." I pressed the button to the lift. Liz patted his head. He growled, shaking his fist.

"Don't! I am not a young boy."

Nuada lay down on his bed, bouncing on it. "Yes! At last! You know demon made me laugh so much. We watch this drama every night. He will interprete in such twisted ways."

I bade him to tell me. "Dunno the title, it is every night at ten. He had recorded the episodes when I was unwell. Then the doctors said I had to sleep at least two hours. I cannot wait to watch some more."

"Ok! I'm happy. How long will this take?" I gestured to him resting.

Confidently, Nuada reckoned it would be next week. He scratched at his ankle. The blue rashes had stopped growing. Some of the patches were less deep in color, going to heal. I should add that he was in shorts and a nonsensitive tunic. Trousers would rub on his skin and he could not endure the sensation. More of his scars were visible. I brushed his fringe and observed the runemarks. This was fun. Nuada blew at me. I moved back.

A lingering smile on his dark lips. "I am not on display."

Nuada

I have missed having a normal time. Restrictions don't agree with my way of life, even though I needed some aid. Exertions no matter the slightness would make me sleepy. I lay down on my fragrant bed. No more horrible smells. The big leaves of the nonni seemed to wave merrily from the left corner. Ferns hanging by the windows, they all looked fresh. An addition to my collection was a dwarf orange shrub. Someone had helped me care for them. Checking them, I found the fronds succulent and healthy.

"Did you water my plants?" I enquired.

"Sometimes. Not daily." She began to arrange my clothes into piles and the bottles of cream, vitamins and supplements. "Hmm why?"

"I want to thank them, come here. Give your hand. Please."

"Wait." In a tone of patience. Laira has that virtue of not gratifying my needs immediately. My foot nudged her. "Hey! These are washed. Don't."

I laughed. Until today, my feet undersoles and in between were horrors of rash! It had been very hard not to maniacally tear out skin. I didn't care what they said, itching needs instant relief! You'll be scarred more. Stop. Don't. Karin was dismayed. I said never mind, already had most of my body covered. He was not happy. Herbs and spices should give more power. I had some scabs.

"Why didn't you put the cream?"

"I did. What is chicken pox? Someone mentioned the symptoms are like that."

"Rash spots, fevers aching. You were delirious, elf. Had us worried."

I could not recognize people, only Abraham. He was very kind. That was some kind of battle. "I've slept a lot, will be all right now. My memory is intact. My muscles ached. Horrible nightmare. " Laira adjusted my blankets and held my hand. I said I wanted to venture outside.

I should probably mention what I could wear. My feet were sensitive to the usual boots and shoes, so I wore sandals. I did not like it, having my skin exposed is not very common. Unless we run on the beach. I tried to wear boots again today and could not endure the feeling. "I like your toes. Haven't seen them closely before."

I smiled. "Thank you. Afterwards you come along, I can stroll with people."

"No way, Airgetlam. I will ask permission if you can. You were panting just now, don't move."

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