58: Fire of warmth, Signs!

Ghost riders in the sky, Indestructible (Disturbed)


Nuada

My phone time was usually therapeutic. This time, I needed to vent my emotions. I like this technology. Although I like face to face contact with friends, hearing the voice is comforting too.

"Cool, elf! You are a very awe inspiring prince. Is it better to talk to other people?"

"Hmm a little bit. I prefer to take useful action though," I replied enthusiastically. "I see some benefit. You like N'lan my cousin? From what I told you."

"Ah that's how to say his name, cool. Nah he was handsome, past tense. I should thank you too for all the kind things you wrote."

"What, can you mention them?" I basked in the compliments, really needed them this night.

"Like complimenting me, confiding in me as an equal, that kind of thing. I wish I could help you more physically, Nuada. I could use telepathy to… "

I frowned. "Don't mention it. I am glad you can use your gift but save it for more urgent times. Not now."

A long silence. I sighed. "Halfling you are angry? Do not be. I meant well."

"Um no. I'm checking my other hp for texts too. Haha sorry. I ought to concentrate on you."

I placed hp in the context of mobile phones and said curtly, "That is correct. When we live together, I expect you to pay attention to what I say, and not do the multiple tasking, child. Won't you be hurt when I do that?"

"Sorry, Airgetlam. Right I'm focusing strongly now. Can we re- negotiate the rules in our future life? Will it be a big house? A castle is what I picture, lots of room to run and servants. I would like to decorate the place too, with sprigs and wallpaper the thing. What do you think?"

Funny. My annoyance left. "All right! I consent. What else? (on the computer plugging and electricity) Not possible. I do not know how to plug things, or the wiring. As I have suggested life will be more fruitful than computer or the internet. Maybe when you go to your apartment. "

Laira said brightly, "You mean we're not living there fulltime? Like summer vacation sorta- (I acquiesced) hmm I see I see. In my ideas, it's going to be fulltime. I don't mind that. Tv and stuff can be once a week or every fortnight. What about you elf? You can endure not watching anime?"

I scoffed, "Of course. An Elf does not need electricity in the forest. I never had issues of boredom. One can find entertainment." Secretly, I would have to struggle to re-adapt to the rustic life when we returned to Bethmora as citizens. I like to watch movies. Plays just are not the same, typically drag longer than the two hours! Shrek is on the round disc thing and I would like to see it again. "Yes, I am quite sure of that."

She chortled. I shook my head and said, "You have no respect. Where's your honor? Huh?"

Gasping the imp joked, "You waited so Long to answer. Nuada you like movies and tv a lot."

"Not so," I grumbled. We had a somewhat childish exchange of not so, you do, etc. "That is final, no wiring. We can explore the forest, see new animals. I bet you've not seen kelpies, mermaids, echaks. I will educate you on our customs, much more than what tales inform."

"Haha, yes yes Mister. I mean, Your Highness."

"Why do you revert to my title again? We're friends!" I groaned in exasperation. "Stop the formalities."

"Coz that was an order I thought. You order me not to think about luxury items of humans with the tone."

Really? I felt shy, they are my friends and family. I corrected, "No that was not an order, Laira. I apologize for the proud and distant tone."

She replied calmly, "Good. We can totally chill and be same status right?"

I nodded. "Right, pal." We laughed at my odd usage. "Actually I want to watch the Shrek again. You said there're other stories coming out?"

"Yea, 4 and 5 will be the final sequel. Sure, you'll be able to see it. I could give them to you, Nuada. Then you can watch more often. I don't play it much."

I was touched. She talked more about what developments they were making for the part four and five. I could not accept the offer. "It is fine. I just want to see it one more time. I prefer a loan, but not take as a gift."

"Like the lavender candles and the presents. (she exhaled) Something I don't get, do elves always talk like this? Don't need to get all somber about favor exchange. It's just a guideline," she suggested. "I want to give you stuff. And it's ok to keep."

I shrugged. "Hmm, yes most normal fey talk like this. Especially princes. I have bought some candles to return to you. And I should pay you back too. All favours must be accounted for. Every single detail."

She moaned. "Aww, don't be somber serious. You're not the zombie. Lighten up."

"Now see here, I am not a zombie. What does that mean, lighten up? I can't get lighter."

Cracked a joke. "It means to cheer up, don't be heavy. Heavy meaning, depressed, not high. Noowa, that was a killer! You should try to act."

A constant proposal from jokers. They think I am good enough to act in some role. I don't think anyone will come to my movie, I have no acting talent whatsoever. I don't move unless I am practicing or training. The boy who filmed me said he wanted me to consider. What! The actors remain in our lands, the Borderlands; and even so, nobody is supposed to expose his or her identity as a fey to the human world. Humans pry so much. I told her this.

"But I thought you hate being lost people. Many want to see you guys. Exotic and legendaries."

"I understand. It has been this way for centuries, hard to make a change now. It'll be havoc to have the privacy gone. Most of us are afraid of exposure…." The direction of this was more uncomfortable for me, and I changed the subject. "I felt discouraged when a dryad fought with my comrade. Both were injured seriously and she was adamant we had stolen from her. The matter is far from solved…"

Laira was quietly listening and made sympathetic sounds. I asked, "What do you think? Have we done wrong?"

"You can rely on me to believe in you always. They're obviously anti-elves, and imbeciles. Don't need to waste effort to help them anymore. It must be taking such a toll on you all."

"Thank you. Not all of the folk think so. Happened on a few nights only. Yes, my sister said almost the same thing. I really want to amend for my past, and help them. I think for the time I was asleep (for the 5 year coma), the fey have changed. For the meantime, I will take a holiday from difficulties. But I read so many facts that I shall need to wear glasses soon." I laughed.

"Yea, lemme take photo when you wear glasses ok! Noowa in glasses. Heehee, promise! HB, Liz? How're they?"

I smiled. "Demon shouted at me two days ago. That was the final straw, I did something rash. Cannot remember what happened. But this morning, he put some of my favorite food on the table. It's a bribe, he wanted me to read him a story. Ack. I told him, look it's not easy to appease me. But in the end, we became neutral again."

I could not hold a grudge against the impulsive agent who had much in common with me. My heart had softened, listening to Professor Broom's kindness. Hellboy had no parents, like me. He would be depressed. Of course that did not mean I would let the boy, he was a youngling compared to any of feyfolk, lord it over me. Haha.

"So cute. I made a painting of little HB and Nuada. Will show you this weekend. Hey you will be free right?"

I patted the latest fat volume of facts Common Enemies of War. Research department's advantage was I didn't have to go for the arduous and dangerous tasks. Now those were left to Krauss training and leading another batch. So I should be free. "Yes, I think so. You miss me?"

"Not much, we usually meet a lot. What's important is, do you miss me, uberElfin? I feel like saying elfin." Laira was crafty now.

I did miss the Halflings, being under duress had such effects. However I don't like to admit it. "Ha, I don't either. You ask so many irrelevant stuff and give me a migraine. But I'm joking, it's nice to talk like this. Really." I chuckled.

"Man that's really below the belt. You cut me deep. Elves, especially this one, make people sad and talk like zombies. It is dee- whole truth. No liezzz."

We chortled. I said, "What liezzz you utter. You mean I sound like a zombie? Why not a vampire? I am sure they have melodious voices and attract weak girls to them. Reminds me of this Twilight thing. I've seen the book."

She snorted. "It sucks! Vampires not wanting to face reality and the stupid Bella is so emo. Nuada you read it? Don't you think it sucks? The style is fine, but I was so sick of them whining."

"Liz bought it for her niece. Oh it is that bad. I did not really read much, nowadays all my time is devoted to research of the paranormal. Fiction is a good escape. So you only like the- Louis from your favorite movie? Interview something."

She thought my duties were very cool. At this point, I really wished I could hug her tightly and never let go. Instead I closed my eyes to visualize her face, hair, the way she looked at me. "Hello? Are you there elf? So quiet. Yea! Anne Rice is the best vamp author. I also like other junior authors. Nonfiction can be dry. But I love it!"

"I am. Yuck I want to give you my list to read. If I need an assistant, can I outsource?"

"No prob. But I want to be paid ok. Not free labour."

I pretended to growl. "Hollow dainin-elendil. I want to hit you all the way to kingdom come. You should be glad to stay with me! My room and food have always been free. Wait till I find my record book. Then you are finished."

"Bwahahahah."

*******

Laira

I made good on my promise to cheer up the sad elf. His pain was evident that they did not appreciate their efforts on rebuilding. I knew all his jests were a cover, a mask for the unfairness of the situation. Well, he may need to wear glasses all right, doing a lot of reading. But at least that was the most, and danger was not so much. It will be quite a sight for us to laugh! Outfield, agents are always in jeopardy. Nuada did not have time to relax. I suggested he ought to listen to classical music.

"Yes I do have some Mozart and Chopin. They are very good," he replied.

The zombie joke was meant to show that I wished he would lighten up on manners and favours. I wanted to give the Shrek package to Nuada! Yet he won't accept. "Just want to see it one more time. I prefer a loan, but not take as a gift." How I disagreed with this old fashioned idea that a male cannot accept presents from girls. But if I told him, he would feel wounded. Sometimes the prince misunderstood what we meant.

Never mind, I plan to give it to him anyway then not take it back. Nuada will eventually understand my intentions. Shrek is a really good mood enhancer. We talked about Twilight, vampires, zombies and so much. At one point as I wondered if Nuada missed me, the small hitch in his voice quickly evened out to a jubilant bass. Not certain.

I thought he would order me not to miss civilization. Haha. But I was not taken in by his pretence that an elf does not need to watch tv and stuff. Now that you have been exposed, it's really hard not to enjoy such luxuries. I'm sure you agree with me, people.

Nuada hugged me so tightly I almost suffocated with his grip. He does miss me, yay! I patted his back. "You're my beloved too, ok. Can you please let go now?"

He eased back, golden eyes hazed with a film. His smile was wide. His fingers lingered on my shoulder. I held his other hand, callused and scarred, and put to my lips. Nuada frowned. "I should do that not you."

"Why it's not proper? I don't mind."

Nuada opened his mouth to protest then closed it. It isn't usual. Can I watch Shrek 3? It is the latest one?

Midway through, I said gently that in addition, I truly wanted to give the whole set to him. Elf focused on me for a long while. At first, he said, "No I cannot take it like this. What would you like in return?"

I let it pass, the show was absorbing. We had almost forgotten about our little debate. "This time is sufficient. Until the next time, I will loan again."

Nuada smiled and leaned back, stretching his lithe form.

I said ok but not really commiting it. There was so much I truly wanted to help elf! Why won't he let me? It is not wrong for me to console you, friend. I am willing to, I Sent strongly.

Not wrong. Thank you so much. Yet when we are close and not arguing fervently, I am truly overjoyed. He returned with passion. The elf unpacked his things out on the bed and was occupied. A new robe of skyblue was among his clothing.

"Oh I forgot to tell you, it's fine if you want to have some clothes here in the cupboard."

"Sure. How did you like the new dress? I want to see it."

I changed into the golden dress with a small ribbon. This was optional to tie back. And I let my hair down. Nuada nodded with approval, and his smile became impish. What? I did a pirouette.

Once I dreamt of a strange creature with wings. They were barely visible but I could see them shimmering. Her face was illuminated. Violet eyes. "Are you an angel?" Being lucid I could speak and control what I do.

She swept her hand across the space. Her language was foreign. I could understand it after a while, there was automatic translation to English. "Elendil the future is going to be fraught with peril and tribulations for all of you."

Oh no. Was something going to happen to Nuala, Nuada, Uriel and their friends? The goddess figure lifted my chin, her fingers light as cottontips. I gasped. Feathers rushed inside. I could not gauge her emotion. "Yes for the Elvenkind. I will grant you Gifts of the unseal. A Guardian will come to your aid during the danger. But not all halfblooded will choose to crossover. For you will have to embrace the Full Sidhe Transformation.|

I nodded. "I will be ready, Mdm. May I know if I can tell my friends?"

"No, you cannot," her voice turned harsh. Suddenly I was standing in the darkness. Rainbow spheres, glowflies, myriads of creatures appaeared around me. Some were floating beings. Halflings! I did not know how I identified them! Undergoing some kind of process like developing embryos, the figures were blinking. Auras reeled at higher and higher speed. It was exhilarating but also hard for me to look at these embryos.

"No you Cannot tell anyone about this! No one understands. Look!" Hissing, the woman pointed to a bubbling window. It was the vision of a person pleading for something but the people would not hear. The goddess told me that he had told them about the foreboding he felt many years ago of a plague. But it was all in vain. Closeup, her legs were that of fur, her hair was seaweed like tangling each other, teeth jutted with sharp canines.

I promised. I was sure the elves would not mock me or doubt my words. She seemed to approve. "Hmm you are brave. Even now as we speak, other Elendil fear the Moment. Your soulmate is…" Her eyebrows rose and she gasped. "Son of Balor? Silverlance."

"That's him, Nuada."

The woman relaxed her tense body language, strolling instead of pacing just now. Her furred legs became skin, and a shimmering turquoise blouse covered her naked body. I suddenly felt a rush of unspoken affinity between us! "You… know him, angel?"I dared to utter.

She sighed. "I was betrothed to the Prince. But I died before I was able to fulfil that oath. Silverlance, he is well now? He was very ill and has come close to Death. I begged the others to save him. I could not let his Lifethread be cut before… "

I nodded pitying her. Yes she must have been some princess and should be a perfect match. Yet, Nuada didn't remember any woman he fancied. He only knew those who slapped him. Lifethread? Others wanted to kill him. No! A swirl of pain and anguish made me cry out.

Calm descended. But they failed to. I do not have to worry. To my astonishment, the woman beamed and kissed me. "Thank you. You are made for each other. The prince I knew back then has returned. Full of hatred, no that was not Silverlance, the spear stained with blood of the lower races. It was a Spirit. My brothers and sisters test him, break him. He will not be defeated. I won."

How could the gods toy with us? I was angry. But her face became almost elf like now. "I used to be a wood nymph. We were blissful. But our lives are so short, shorter than the Elves. My name is Lady Iria, once Cecilia. I am the Weaver. Will you let me do one thing?"

She bent down to whisper to me. I gave my consent. Cecilia! Nuada had been very upset and pulled away from me. This was his best friend. And she had become a goddess?

It was quite dark. Nuada was snoring beside me, his breath tickling my ear. A smile graced his black lips and remained. He spoke in a whisper. I held his hand. Nuada passed his trial, why must there be more? Perhaps he was seeing Iria right now.

Nuada was awake first. He was spreading bread on the table and bade me to eat. I tucked in. "I felt fresh when I got up. It was very interesting. I talked to Cecilia, she was my best friend. I think I loved her so long ago, but although she is apart from me, I don't feel sad."

I could not tell him so I just listened. Nuada's elation was even more than when he won something. His ambers almost glittered like real gold. "Why not? What is your take?" he murmured.

"Great! I think you grasped that your lives are apart but you'll not forget the happy memories you shared. How long was the dream? Flashbacks?"

He nodded, stroking his hair. "It went way back to the first time I found her playing by the stream. But soon the present Cecilia appeared. And the words we had were simply not enough. You look bored. Sorry."

I shook my head. "No it's ok! I want to hear a good story." But Nuada said that was all, the memory of it was fading. Would Iria come to him again?