Sanctuary

Chap 59 Eclipse- Lorelei songs

Chemicals react (Aly and AJ), Fantasista (Hitomi). For all you action junkies. haha Blocked is capital in front to show a mental attack.

Laira

"She was my best friend!" the elf was exclaiming in glee while he opened the oven. Delicious baking scent! Wow he had gotten up early to make me breakfast. It was really tough for me to feign that I didn't know this woman. While he described how she looked like, I already understood and knew her appearance! I wanted so much to spill on the prophetic dreams I had with the goddess. The elves were going to face great calamity. How could Iria make me bear this secret alone? I opened my mouth but could not. Iria, when can I come clean with it? It is so difficult for me! Reached out my hand to touch Nuada's shoulder but my tongue was glued. He did not notice.

Nuada had pulled away from me and isolated himself that night. In fact he had been hesitant to be kind and gentle to me because of his deep hurt from Cecilia's death. Nuala asked me not to mention that.

He thought he was boring me with the details and stopped. "No I'm not. I don't mind. Can I see the pictures while you tell me? Then it'll be very clear to me!" I said, touching his hand. Prince gazed at me intently and heatedly afterwards. Did he guess that I harbored a secret of Lady Iria? The intensity was akin to a forest fire.

"Nuada what's up?"

He murmured, "I wonder why you have little reaction, nin mellon. Cecilia was betrothed to me. Everything had been arranged. I understand if you're angry."

Yea that was weird, I ought to be green seething with jealousy that Nuada missed her, was going to have children with the wood nymph. The lovelorn look in her violet eyes had morphed to amber like the twins' as she told me. But my heart was more concerned with the imminent calamity, all of us Half-fey, not this matter. Moreover if I talked about my dream, Elf would not doubt me and worry incessantly. "Er… I don't mind. She's gone now and came to visit in your dreams. I don't feel angry. I want you to be happy, Nuada."

His fingers caressed my face and he leaned in to press his lips to mine. I put my arms about him, tugging his golden hair. His breath was hot. We kissed for a while, on the lips trailing to the throat. His euphoria was high. Me too. Did elves use protection? Then, I realized that I may relax my guard on the secret so after a moment, I gently signaled: Please stop. I had wound my fingers about the collar of elf's shirt, most of his fair skin showed.

Don't you like it? He whispered.

Yes. But I'm not ready yet for- I'm not ready to have kids, I confided shyly. Nuada nodded, holding my hands against his scar-ridden chest. His pulse was racing, pupils dilated. But my prince respected my decision. I laid my head against him. I don't know how to be a mother. Maybe we could adopt kids? Gradually the elf's pulse resumed its normal rate. I sat back.

"Did you…have intimacy, sex with her?"

He chuckled, pinching my cheek. "You rascal. I'm not going to say. I'm still hungry. Did you like the muffins? I bought this packet from my favorite Bethmoran store."

"Oh it's just ready-to-heat? I didn't know there's such a thing!" I beamed, chewing on another one. "Yummy."

"Yes, quite a number of flavours, about ten. I love chocolate chips. Next time I will buy more. Can see which flavours you want next time."

The elf licked his fingers from the chocolate smears. I laughed. He looked adorable. "Hey hey don't ridicule me. No photo taking allowed." Nuada glared at me, searching for any signs of that.

I held out my hands. He pretended to search vigilantly like his agent duty calls for. We had more of the muffins till I was sure I did not want to smell choc again. "Will you ever answer my question? I'm curious!"

Nuada beamed. "Lirael you just said you're not ready for children. No need to discuss. I think you're still not old enough. Watch the high rating movies for detail. She truly cared for me irregardless of our differences. I was fond of Cecilia. In the dream, Iria asked me to call her by her new name and she had watched over me. Guardian (we said simultaneously, haha), yes. My family did not mind who I chose, and Alateir was anxious I found any woman, so I won't be possessive of Nuala."

I dug into more bread dipped with peanut butter. Nuada shook his head. "Ionuin am I that controlling of my twin? Frankly speaking."

I almost coughed and downed a glass of Horlicks. Nuada waited with the air of patience.

Yea, lots and lots of examples. Since you were children, if she wanted to go out, you'd tail her like a shadow. When she wanted to meet friends you'll be there too to censor every guys. Sorry, I am critical of your behaviour, Airgetlam.

Elf waited silently without any feedback. He put more sugar into his tea and drank, savoring the taste. "So do you think these are bad? Nuala, was she angry when she told you?" he asked calmly. "It is all right to point them out. I feel calm."

"No you love her. Other people who aren't twins, and that's also for triplets and more bonded siblings (four or five same-brothers and sisters) can't understand your bond. I forgot if Sister Nuala was angry when she told me. I think not, she never stays mad for long. I hear pride in her voice, Nuada. Once, she said you refused to rest till you made sure everybody wounded was cared for. And she reminded you to lie down, her body also ached. I don't know, maybe you block the other guys, so Nuala can't really connect with them. But it's only my opinion."

Timidly I glanced at my soulmate. He continued chewing his bread, which I was astounded. Why, coz he never ate so much! He had stuffed it with lots of filling, peanut butter and lettuce. Thank you. Are you sure that is all? Don't omit anything.

Nope it is all. Aren't you hopping mad? You hate criticism. I don't want to hurt your feelings, elf. On the good side, you're really honorable which is rare in many people.

I am not angry. This shows my openness. See you're wrong about my inflexibility. I can be objective, patient and calm. Zen. Nuada's goldens slitted in a grin. But the comment about blocking her was unfair. I didn't want her to be molested, some men are lusty.

"She said it…" I pointed out.

"Fine. I will need to clarify that point with sister. Why so shocked? Haven't seen me gorge before? My appetite has improved recently. Everything tastes very good. I have a craving for snacks, sweet and savory."

"Great! I'm so glad for you." Nuada was finally full after a bottle of jasmine tea was emptied. He patted his stomach, smiling, the lines on his face easing. How could I ruin this almost perfect moment? Then elf and I looked over the collection of weapons in our house. Joe had put them in a glass cabinet for display. Nuada suggested special names for them. "Cool," I remarked agreeably.

A phonecall in the evening confirmed that Nuada could take a longer time off. He was taking a nap so I answered. It was Salem, he said that they could all manage the cases. "Don't let him worry. His sister said he feels really ecstatic now. Why?" he asked bluntly.

"Um, it was good dreams, and meals." When we had been intimate and close to removing our clothes from the heat… that must be it. Most of all, Iria's appearance seemed to have made a positive impact on him. I wish I could talk to Salem about my secret. Once more my tongue could not obey. "I won't worry him."

"Can I talk to Nuada?"

"Sorry, that'd have to be later. He's resting."

The other elf's voice deepened. "Is he in good health?"

"Yes, Salem. He wants to catch up on sleep before life's hectic again." Then we caught up, Salem told me about his progress with the shy deer shapeshifter, some news of the other towns and so on.

Nuada was partially awake when I hung up. He turned over to face me as I opened the door, huskily asking what was up. I summarized what took place. "All right, thank you. I will not worry, when I'm here I relax completely." Nuada gestured for me to sit beside him. He got up to wash his face, combing his hair flat. Then the elf settled down, leaning upright.

"Do you want to call him back now?" I asked.

Nuada smiled. "Later. I'm still foggy in the head. You don't take naps? It's good to refresh your senses."

I laughed at the choice of words. He was solemn. "Children are a mystery. I was easily infuriated by such laughing, but it's waste of effort."

"Foggy is a funny word, Noowa. Sometimes I need to but not today." I took his right arm and traced a series of long scars. "When did you get these?"

Nuada said, "Don't know. Quite long ago. I don't feel any more pain."

"And I will get these when I fight too, right?"

"Yes. I have warned you before, yet you persist. Lirael, promise me something. Do not be a heroine. I am the more experienced, allow me to protect you." The prince withdrew his hand and folded the sleeve down. His expression was no-negotiations.

I agreed with that, my skills were noob level. Yet, I sensed that events would not happen the way we mortals or elves wished. It was frustrating that all these were not in our control. I could not speak of the secrets, though I wanted to. Iria did not appear physically to me after that night, but her voice was always admonishing.

The prince made no indication he sensed my harboring of secrets. Many times, Nuada told me that I could trust him and he'd support me. Is something amiss? You look tense. He rested a hand on my cheek.

Nothing. I packed my things. Nuada escorted me to the exit. "Take care. Call me when you reach home." Today I liked this reminder, some days I didn't take it so well. We had a small argument, I said I was old enough not to report back. But elf stood firm. I need to make sure you're safe. I will call you when I come back too. It's mutual.

"Or send me a text message. Did you like the stamps?"

"Definitely. Thank you!" I replied. Nuada's mouth on mine.

As I took the transport, I could still spot the pale figure watching me, blond tresses flying in the breeze. He raised a hand. I waved.

Hellboy

Cases were getting entangled more and more with the Sidhe. Fancy name for the Fey or fairies. Man they will always be the little flying fries I swatted. Wild beasts, monsters and all that crap continued multiplying. They are not innocent smiling tales. Nuada was coldly pissed. Me too, we all had to forgo vacation time and were overworked!

Someone dumb remarked how could the fey go rogue like that, violent and un-united?

"Not all of us behave so. You shouldn't speak so openly here," the waif cut in from the back. That guy might have peed his pants, his face turned sallow. I smirked. Nuada glared at him, his scars exacerbating the menace. I didn't notice when the elf ninja snuck into the room. The human ran out.

"Agents, we need to protect the elves. You need not go, Prince. The situation is very dangerous," tinman ordered.

Nuada was going to erupt, he was already a coiled spring. He shook. But his sis held him by the arm speaking in elven. She tugged him. Nuada consented and they both left. So it was down to us regulars. I had found the fey poison did not hurt my roughly hewn body. They could pump all the venom at me but I could take it all. Liz protested, "Red you're not invincible. Be careful." I told her not to fret, I'd survived plenty of shit.

Liz as a pyro had no qualms. It is only when her fire burns out that she grows weak. I could catch her when that happened. My woman has Spartan courage! The humans hated and loved me, but remembering what Father said, always be kind to them, for they know nothing. It spurred me on. Father did talk to me in a day dream or night, I forgot.

Only problem was, would someone invoke my true name? Once it happened before, when Rasputin made me open some dark vortex. Wereattacks against humans, Spain revolts of peasants coz demons ate their crops and cattle, mutated beasts summoned by necros, even tooth fairies (small but real hassle to destroy) decimating towns here all the way to France.

Elves planned for many nights how to get rid of tootsies. (Naturally) Fairy-boy was assigned as part of that mission. A forsaken ghost of a small town, no survivors. I reminded him he initiated this idea of genocide.

"Haven't I told you, I was not myself. Why must you bring up the past?" Nuada grumbled haughtily, shining the torch up a wall. The little ones would hide till they scented blood. A goblin with tough hide was holding the bait, bloodied raw meat. Uriel gave us a horrible smelling cream to deter them from our scent. Liz was backup in case the plan did not work. We wore special armour.

"HB he's right. Don't go there."

Now why did my girl always side with prince. It annoyed me. "We're just making conversation. Don't need to get so touchy. I think it's the trend now, let go of tooth fairies to declare wars."

Liz groaned. Nuada muttered something irascible in his dialect. The foul smell, blood was left, and still the tiny ones didn't want to come out. We spread out, Nuada to the right, I would explore the corners, and my wife staying in the hallway. The goblin with the bait wheedled something. Nuada said, "Be alert. I hear them approaching."

Elven ears are something. I readied my equipment. It was a kind of high frequency bomb that would disable the fairies. I was all for slaughtering the useless insectoids, what else did they do but suck blood? However Nuada's friends were adamant they could use this plan to tame them and later release them back to elfland. I didn't hear his comment.

"Ok I'm done." We exited that building and had a few more to go. The fairies swarmed up but would not bite people. The other team would rush in after we exited, to round them up. Nuada walked ahead, head held high. Liz elbowed me.

"Why did you have to talk about that? Say sorry. If not I'm not speaking to you," she hissed.

"C'mon. I was just joking." I laughed. Nuada got into the truck first, taking off his main armour. Good, that meant we could stay out for a bit. Liz talked with him. He shook his head and glanced at me. I stared back.

Elf spoke, "I do not think it was my idea that started a trend. These are wild things, from the rural forests of the Aeir. Only specialized vendors have courage to capture them. My comrades will make certain they remain in their natural habitat."

I nodded. Nuada always sounds so pompous. Seriously Tinman and Nuada are the same, that's why they gang on me. Unless Tinman lectures us on our rash hot tempers.

"I'm really tired. Can we rest for a bit?" Liz said, yawning. She settled down on a seat.

I didn't want to look at the elf. He must be glaring at me, make me feel awful, so I kept my head angled outside. But I was right, he had set them on innocent humans. All for a stupid piece of crown. When I glanced at elf, he had his eyes closed. I remember the halfling's absolute loyalty to him, she threatened to hit me if I bullied the prince. Hey I'm the one being bullied, I would clarify it next time. He only smiled at her and a few select people. "Demon I do not wish to think of the past again. You still think I am the enemy?"

I told him, "I talk like that. Get used to it." Nuada looked at me without menace.

I continued, "But some humans weren't bad, yet they died. Not even bodies left. How will you feel if your people died like this?"

"I know. Nightmares come and go. " Nuada replied. I had to chew my lip to stop myself interrupting him how nonchalant and uncaring he was. What did he mean, I was making him have nightmares? I wanted to wake Liz up, so that elf would stop the guilt trip. Liz looked weary though and my hand stopped above her shoulder. "HB, I thought after so many missions, you will realize the fey and you have more in common, not the humans. I have seen their abuse and mockery, and you still care for them?" His voice had taken on a humble note, rather like when he was very ill. My memory flashed to Nuada commanding me not to die when he was healing my wound. I shook my head.

Then the remote interrupted, "Red, Nuada, Liz please come! Hurry… " Liz snapped awake and we rushed to the blinking coordinates. The voice stopped and went dead. Nuada asked them what happened in elven. An elf with his blond hair straggled had a sorrowful expression. He pointed into a large structure. The toothies had destroyed most of this building. So they no longer stuck to calcium, going for the walls. But without translations, we watched them speaking. That elf seemed frantic. Nuada patted his shoulder.

"What's wrong?" Liz glanced at the prince. He had his head down. I ambled over.

He said in a tired voice, "We have no choice but to extinguish them. Liz, set this place on fire."

"Huh?" I took out my gun. Nuada remained in silence, while his friends cleared out. Liz summoned her essence, the heat making most of them stay back. I walked in with her and shot a few of them into pulp before flames immolated the ruins. Afterwards, I noticed Nuada leaning against a stone pillar. Liz went up to him. "I'm sorry. I know you wanted them alive."

"It is all right." The elf listened to his friends speaking and nodded. "We are done here."

Liz turned to me and I knew she wanted me to make amends for what I said just now. Still how could I take back words? Nuada did not sleep in the truck, instead he was gripping a sword with clenched hands. His eyes burnt. That person died?

"Um, Nuada. You can rest, it will be some distance," I said. I wanted to prod what happened there and he changed his mind. Babe held out a bottle of water. He drank from it, listless. He is telepathic, so should have heard my question. Fairyboy took out another small object and studied it. I could not help my curiosity. "Yours?"

He held it for a moment longer and showed it to me. "No, it is something Laira gave to me." He looked youthful now, and a soft smile played on his lips. "Here you may see it."

I found a catch to make it open. "Um about what I said that you made the trend… don't have to get upset. I was just pissed. Don't brood about the past, it's over."

Nuada gazed at me. He looked- astonished, he narrowed his eyes and his mouth was open. I gave it back to him. "The other time, you had a good Christmas? How was it?"

After some silence, fairyboy actually told me about how he spent Christmas at the children's house. Abe was funny. Nuala was so happy too. I smiled at his vigour. The fey can tell good stories. "I can read your mind. I expect a tale in return, Red."

"Hey I dunno how to tell a story. But I could read to you if you want."

The elf leaned back, scratching his scar. It reminded me of his rash. Are the rashes gone? Does it itch?

Oh yes they are gone. It was terrible, I scratched till some bled. Sometimes my old wounds need rubbing over.

I was surprised that he replied me. Nuada nodded gently, then settled back to sleep. At the bumping that almost made him bounce off, I buckled on his seatbelt, so he wouldn't fall off. Then I relaxed. I think the egg thing was a wedding gift. He must cherish her gifts. Liz hardly bought me anything! That time, he was not himself. This time, Nuada had changed. I only hoped he would get my apology. It was not easy to say sorry.

Nuala asked to speak with me. "Red, will you be all right? I have a bad feeling. A crisis upon us. Evil abounds, entices and manipulates our people to the dark side."

She looked weak but could hold a couple of large encyclopedia in her arms. The elf set down the pile. She smiled. Brother and sister didn't have that much of a resemblance, except their scars and hair. "Ah don't you want to talk to Nuada about this?"

"Just you. I am sorry. You may be offended that I am suspecting you. But please put this on." She slid out a white chain of beads. "It is for protection, in case dark seers try to tempt you. My friends requested the Seers and holy people to bless this trinket."

I promised to. "Hey thanks princess." I hung it on my belt. Nuala helped to tie it on firmly.

"There it won't drop off now. Call me Nuala. Brother, he is glad you are fighting alongside him. He trusts you."

Hehe if Nuada said that, he was not taking offence anymore. I sought Abe out, he is the most positive of our bunch. He read me poetry and recommended songs. I guzzled beer. "Hey Red where's Elena the telepath? She wants to help us. I forgot her contact," Abe said.

"Nah I don't know. How does she look like? Ooh."

Abe said something about helping Joe and Laira upgrade their skills. Nuada came in, his face stoic. He banged down a huge red book.

"Yo what's the temper for?" I burped.

"Frustrating."

I lumbered to the table. Fairyboy glared at the book like he wanted to burn it with magic. Wait a minute did he have magic? Nuala said, "Abrateir, do not worry. He has found some information, Abe." Softly she whispered to him. Nuada fired off key points, making us confused. We were addled with alcohol. All I heard was some beasts sleeping in the day, attacking them. "I wish to go. I won't stand by doing nothing!" he declared, standing up.

Abe waited for his temper to simmer down. Elf said, "Now what else are you hinting at, Blue?"

I chuckled at this nickie. Worse was fishie. Abe said, "Elena. She wants in. She specializes on improving Gifts. We can discuss with her. Do you know her contact? Nuala?" The three spoke too rapidly for me to follow. So, my buddy didn't drink to this extent eh? I sat down. Whole room was swimming.

Seemed like someone kicked me on the arm. I looked closely at a booted foot. Nuada's voice was in snatches, "Beer, indulgence… tonight."

I asked huh? Next moment I saw him drinking! I peered at the can, my beer. "Why are you taking me beer?"

He smiled a bit. "I must not fail. Do you think we will fail?"

I hiccupped. Elf stared at me and burped too. I told him he'll be ok. "Hey I came back from the Dark beyond used my own horn."

"I have decided I will escort your children with the guards." Am I dreaming, waif wants to What? I keeled over.

"They are innocent. A family needs protecting. I will escort your children with the guards," he looked smug grinning at me.

"Oh. Then what about them yours?" I frowned.

He cocked his head. "They will be all right as long as they take leave. I urged them to come asap. People are on the way. Not all the Halflings can be found. Homes are destroyed." He said this with his signature blank amber look. He was worried for them all. I put my arm about his shoulders.

Nuada

Trudi and Josh were Hellboy's daughter and son. Easy to get it right. They thought I had come to play with them, the standard thinking of elf roles. Haha. Their mother smiled and hugged them.

"Guys remember this fierce warrior, Nuada?"

"Hello! Uncle elfie!" Trudi laughed and came near. She had brown eyes and her hair was in pleats. "Why must we go?" Liz was packing some bags, thinking- I will not let them be hurt! I assured her we would be all right.

The boy was a small version of demon, paler red with a tail. He sucked his thumb and took my hand. How were my family faring? I did not want them to panic, so I put conviction that they must believe me and come here immediately. Joe was laughing as if it was funny. Finally they did agree but had not come yet.

Josh said, "Where is daddy? You're an elf. I'm Josh, who are you?"

"Your father is busy. Yes my name is Nuada." I smiled. Josh had a tighter hold on my fingers. He must be afraid. The girl was more unaware and peppering more questions why were there so many people in black, where were they going next and so on. I was never patient, and never dreamt of escorting children. Still, a promise was a promise. Not wanting to stand idle under 'protection' I did not need, I wanted to come.

I stepped out of the house with them running ahead of me. Trudi turned around. Liz called her impatiently. "Wait my dollie! Must not forget her." She replied. The human agents could not hear much with their poor senses. This all depended on my vigilance. I felt some presence but could not pinpoint where. Their house was secluded from other houses in the distance. Up north the field looked barren, a bad sign. I did not want to make them panicked so I remained silent.

I kept my hand on Luin. Liz told the children we were in a quest game. The boy's toy dropped. The van was some distance away. A disturbance and a strange... scent in the air.

I told them, "I sense a presence. Walk quickly, keep to the path!" The young agents started perspiring. Damn, I had explicitly said not to be heroes. Adamant and foolish people. Suddenly, Josh fell to his knees, crying. He covered his ears. "Help! Help it's shouting at me."

Liz demanded who was shouting. I unsheathed my sword, Probing. Where are you? Don't hurt the children. Cowards.

Low frequency voices filled my mind on overload. High screeching. Covering my ears had no effect. My vision tunneled into a haze of colors. Shit! I took deep breaths, finding my centre. Once I had my centre, I could stand up. The humans were lying on the ground, noses bleeding.

I tried to rouse them. "Get up. Move." My head was foggy. I repeated.

Josh was beside me. It was a total assault on our minds and senses, wordless echoes and strains of chord. The songs made us weak. Lorelei. I was feeling better, Blocked out most of the impact. The unprepared would die.

"Come. Listen to me, Josh." The boy sniffled, tears gushing down his face. I hugged him. "I want you to hold on to this image. Whatever they sing, do not falter. Walk slowly with me all right? We need to find your mother and sister." I gave him a mental picture to focus on. The brave boy stood up and took my hand.

In my experience, Lorelei don't strike singly, they attack in groups. I gauged there were more than fifty of them. Power increases with them feeding off confusion and fear. Any sudden movements would agitate them. If people are to survive, they need to move very slowly. "Trust me. I will protect you,"I added.

The presence had lifted. How much time did we have left? I looked around. I couldn't strike what I couldn't see. I fortified my own mental shield, need to be calm.

Upwind, Liz and Trudi were hugging each other, on flames engulfing. Liz was furious.

"Where are they?" she demanded, standing up. Trudi was pale. Josh reached out and took her hand. Good, he would show her the picture I gave. Their father.

"Put out your flames. I cannot see where the Lorelei are. They're very dangerous in flocks." I said. My ears detected the start of eerie singing. The van was still a good distance away.

Liz said, "We can't leave them." She wanted to help the humans. I held her back. She cried. I shook my head.

"We need to protect them first. Is Trudi all right?" I replied. The girl fainted. Liz carried her in her arms.

I explained what I knew. "Singers, covering ears does not help. The power penetrates all senses. I have shown them an image to hold to, Liz. Keep walking to the van. Can you drive?"

The pyro nodded. I watched them go, backing slowly. I will be the bait. Then she stopped. "Nuada I'm not leaving you behind. They are…(her voice broke) gone."

I smiled. "I have a plan. Hurry."