Chap 62: Courage for the elven
Lyriel- Fairyland, Sonata Arctica- Wolf and raven
Bold is in elven, thank u for supporting this fic, pple!
Laira
A questioning rune appeared in my mind. I willed the light to win. Then it was snuffed out. I continued pursuing the path, entangling with my own uncertainty and confusion. Nuada said I could lead them out. But how? Northwards, a faint destination appeared but faded away quickly. Thanks! I settled down beside my brother and the others and fell asleep.
When the company was awake, I waited till Nuada was done discussing matters with the sentries. Then we ate something light which friends had brought in, roasted fish and buns. Joe could eat, to our relief. He muttered that he wanted to avenge himself!
"Nice that you are active, my friend," Nuada remarked, checking his wound. When we were alone, I whispered what I had seen. My voice was not loud enough to carry over to the group and I felt shy. The elf was pleased. Orders were given to follow me.
Nuada, I lead? But I don't know… My palms were clammy. Odd colored eyes cut to me.
Those steadfast golden eyes emanated warmth, and firmness. His hand on my shoulder. Not alone, Laira. We had another guide to help us search for your party. I'm here. Show us the way.
He walked by my side, swords out. Joe was in the centre of a group slightly behind. He could walk slowly. For me, the direction changed when the light weakened. It was only something I could see. "Guys over there! Come." Hellboy said he felt really blind. Nuada answered that it was still the same.
It widened its arc. A clover shaped key revolving in the air, long tapered end. I could use this? "Nuada I see a key. Should I stick it in this door?" I felt him beside me. He said yes, and voice was so faraway. I glanced up but could not see them. A white light in the shape of a portal presented itself. My hand went right through. But the key was not inside.
Then a pale hand grasped the key, making it solid. I smiled. I guided the hand forward to the shape of the keyhole in the door and it clicked. My ears popped.
People were talking at once. "Don't know how long this will hold! Guys let's move!" Trina was yelling. Our party streamed in slowly. Prince held me against him protectively.
I explained what I saw. Nuada smiled and said, "I do not know who that was. Did you hear my voice?"
I nodded. He kissed my forehead. "Suddenly it was very difficult to move and speak. We had to hold onto each other. I didn't like the sweaty hand gripping mine."
I laughed. Whose? Nuada rolled his eyes. He bade me to sit down for a rest. Yes, I felt kind of sleepy. But soon, I recovered my strength and we continued on our way. The shadow was tinted at the edge of this forest. No sounds of animals or birds.
I am not sure if we are safe. This may just be the start of our journey. Imen, a boy about my age, pointed ears and the characteristic fair hair waited patiently for his turn. Trina and Nuada were speaking to their allies. Imen said, "I have found some lodgings. It is safe. They will give us shelter now." Junos affirmed this, bouncing his tail. The boy smiled at me. I instinctively trusted him. He was one of my people. Something was amiss though.
Nuada praised him in their language. His eyes, Imen's eyes were blank, didn't have a light. "Yo I'm hungry." HB grumbled. Like the demon son he was.
"Yes. I'm starving. Come we shall eat and get some needed rest." Nuada was rational. I gaped, Joe smirked. Inside the tavern was warm and cozy, the light was okay. The folk shimmered as they served us food and drinks. Imen ate normally. I shook my head, looking at my own bread. I suppressed my urge to say it aloud, as was my habit.
How does Imen see?
Nuada turned to me, amused. Oh he is able to feel the invisible forces. His hearing is good, he offered to come here first. My friends trained him to be a trekker. He drank some kind of brown coke. HB dug into big pieces of roast unknown meat. Later we checked my brother's wound again. He slept earlier than us. The beds were comfortable.
Imen confirmed it was safe to rest here for a while.
Nuada applied the salve gently, covering him with the blanket. Joe snuffled. I was touched that the same healer said he'd keep vigil. The elf seemed younger than Nuada because his face wasn't scarred and his blue eyes were similarly intense. "Uriel misses you." The high timbre confirmed his age. Definitely a junior.
"I too," Nuada answered. A twist of pain to his features, as he sat beside him. The healer sighed. I was about to leave, to give them privacy. "Laira, stay with us. This is Kayfas."
Kayfas touched his chest. I nodded. "Hello friend. What happened?"
The healer's lips trembled. Nuada patted his shoulder. "He will be all right. Don't think otherwise."
Kayfas wiped his tears. "Uriel was hurt badly. He is like a brother to me. Yet, we could not help…"
Nuada in contrast was furious. "I avenged his wounds. The damned traitors had broken into medical facility and killed the sick. He will be fine. We won't let any more deaths happen."
Damn! Uriel was injured! I recalled his hospitality the last time we spoke and had dinner at his home. What about his family? I said I wanted to see him, if it was possible. Kayfas nodded. "Thank you. Elena will show you."
The woman had the same impassive glare. She never smiled or joked with me though we had telepathic lessons together. That was why I asked Abe to accompany me. Elena's motto in life was do not feel too happy or life will bring one down. She had mirror eyes, blond hair covering her ears. "What is it?" she said curtly.
Prince replied, "Let us see Uriel. The vision pool." He already knew the process, judging from the tone, they were strangers, not friends. Airgetlam did not care what anyone sounded like.
"As you wish." Elena waved her hands over a pool of water. Uriel lay on a pallet, breathing shallow. His skin gleamed with unnatural perspiration, as a sleeping person shouldn't be so delirious. His leg was bandaged with a stain. I called his name.
"Can you hear? Uriel, hang on. Don't give up." I began to cry. Nuada murmured something. The water shimmered. Elena added, it won't stay for long. Keep it brief.
In the reflection, the stricken elf blinked open his eyes. He smiled weakly and reached out a trembling hand. He was skinny. "Are you all safe?"
His regard for us broke my heart. I hugged Nuada and sobbed. Nuada told him to rest well. I longed to go to the place and take care of him. I sniffled. "Don't worry. The gods will care for you. You're so kind to us."
The patient coughed, gasping like asthma. The image dissolved. Nuada demanded heatedly, "Not a minute more? We haven't seen him for five seconds!"
"I am sorry, your Highness. It was the best I could do," Elena was unperturbed. She did not want us to be affected I guessed. Nuada stiffened. I shook my head, and bowed, thanking her. He remained silent. I tugged his hand and we went back to Joe and Kayfas.
The room was large enough for four of us. The healer was dozing off. He still seemed sad but had stopped crying.
Nuada whispered, "He is ill. The fever came at the wrong time." He swallowed. It was hurting his morale too. But Nuada had to show a brave front to the rest. I don't want him to die.
I took his hand. "Nuada we'll see him soon." I faced the pale elf and murmured the prayers I knew by heart. Listening to my voice, we had to entrust our friend to the winds who carried our words up to heavens. The warrior also repeated after me, though he is not Christian.
*********
Princess Nuala
Location: Bethmoora elf hospice, 2300
Abraham and I helped with the wounded and sick. I had to come, they needed my help. Brother would be angry with me later, but I had to take action now. I nursed the sick, held their hands to console them.
My turn to visit Uriel, who had asked for me. I recognized the symptoms of Fever. He was wracked by much pain, almost delirious from its effects. Lips cracked, muscles must be hurting. Uriel's leg was hurt by a boulder. "Hi Nuala," he greeted, still positive. I replied, taking his cold damp hand.
The wearing down was terrible to watch. The wound was slow in its closing, despite the blankets piled on top, my kin was shivering as if it was winter. Looking outside there was no sunlight. Uriel said he was thirsty. I wet his lips and propped him up so he could sip from the cup. Then I sponged him. His brow burned.
"I'm here. Sleep, it won't be as painful," I advised. However the healer fought to keep breathing and while he was exhausted, would not surrender. He mouthed something. What was wrong? I leaned closer straining to hear what he said. The gist was were his wife and family safe? I got up to check, but Uriel's grip was strong for a patient. I told him, "How can I find out news of them if I don't go?"
"Let them be all right," he gasped, moaning. His perspiration intensified and the gasping worsened. The bed shook. It was easy for me to hold him down on the pillows as he struggled with convulsions. A healer in agony, often he brought kindness and love to us… now he needed our support. I bit my lip. The patient whimpered, gripping my hand tightly. I did not know what to talk about except depressing poems. I doubt he would feel better.
Abraham could relieve the heat. He had been an asset during Brother's worst days. I used our Link to call to him. After a moment, Abe replied, Yes my love. I'm coming. Just got to make sure the others are safe. Is he still fighting? Give him the painkillers, Freyman said it's safe for elves.
I glanced at the bottle of syrup. Pills would choke a person in convulsions. I shook the bottle and measured the quantity. Uriel had fainted, a hot flush to his cheeks. Our people do not blush. I put the spoon to his lips and roused him to swallow the medicine. Uriel refused to take it. "It is all right. Helps the pain. Be good. I won't wake you anymore."
His blue eyes were glazed. I made sure he kept it down then asked for attendants to change the bedclothes. The pillows were drenched, his whiteblond locks were darkened with moisture. They changed fresh robes for him, unbuttoned for easier monitoring of lungs. Unlike my twin, he seemed much worse. There was rattling in his lungs. Could it be due to the dampness of this hospice? Many people were hurt. I watched the nurse apply a salve to his chest.
For a moment, his respiration improved. I took the bed beside him, so he was not alone. No light outside. Without warmth, my thoughts turned to pessimism. Why this tribulation, Dagda? Where was God? Were Nuada and my friends safe where they were wandering? The scanners had not picked up anything.
I tried to contact Nuada again. Brother, please answer. Where are you now? I'm afraid.
No response. But he was all right, somewhere inside I understood that. Abe bustled in, checking that I slept. I heard him speak softly to Uriel in gaelic. He had offered to come with me to help with the medical side. But Liz's children flashed in my mind, bringing a smile to me. They were so cute. I played action figures with Josh and Trudi made a doll lookalike of us. Liz was taking care of them.
It was so terrible. No one expected corrupted fey and demons of the Third order to attack the sick. Some of us perished upon contact with the corrosive poisons. Others driven mad and violent. My kind were able to combat, but the numbers were too great for victory. On Abe's and brother's insistence, I was equipped with a new dagger, blest with maejic by the seers. I didn't need to wield it unless they came within striking range. I also wore an amulet. Then a tickling sensation came.
Sister! Are you well?
Abrateir! Yes. I got through. I chuckled at the sulky face he projected. How are things over there?
We are all right. I just fell asleep when I heard you shouting. What is wrong? Though sulky, my brother was instantly concerned. I felt so relieved that I conveyed in picture images, then bade him to sleep more. He did not appreciate being woken. I updated about Uriel, saying we were keeping him under control.
A pause. The patient stirred, smiling in contentment. I brushed back his damp hair. He called their names, Laira Nuada. He seemed lucid, though I kept one hand on his chest that he did not make sudden movement. His right hand was in the air to feel them. Brother's telepathy was fading. Nuala I cannot keep this up. Tell Uriel not to die before we see each other. Give my regards to Blue….
I promised, wondering if he could hear me. Then a series of terrible coughs broke into the silence. Abraham was rubbing his chest. "Nuala take the oxygen mask. Does it hurt? I am so sorry."
The elf was not able to speak. His lips were bluish but he managed to hold the mask in place as I strapped it for him. Uriel looked calm. While his breath misted, he clasped our hands. Abe made it possible for me to hear the faint projection. Are Riselle, the children safe? Please let me see them.
We could not get in touch with them. And he was in no condition for visitors. Uriel repeated this in a childlike tone.
Yes they are, Abe lied. What? I frowned at him. "They are not here, but in a safe place. Once Riselle comes, we will inform you. Get some rest, your health is more important."
I added Nuada's message. The coolness of my spouse lulled the sick elf. He drifted off, going limp. I glared at the fish, angry that he was lying. How could we account to him if it was not the case? Our people do not lie. I scolded.
Nuala he won't rest until he hears it. His heartbeat is weaker than yesterday.
No! I clasped Uriel's hand in both of mine and shook my head. "Don't die! Be strong. Nuada is waiting. He is coming, soon. All of them need you their father. Don't die."
Abe patted my shoulder. The main doctor came in to examine him. I made a suggestion that the atmosphere was too humid, could we bring him to another ward?
"I am afraid those are contaminated with germs. He is much too critical to be moved. It is best to hydrate with more fluids." We took down instructions. He had not eaten for days and his body was birdlike now, frail and cold. Gently, another elf medic inserted a drip to his upper arm. Abe pressed the wound close but the golden lifeblood seeped out. It cut my heart. A plaster covered the tube.
Outside I enquired how the wards were holding up. These wards protected us from the dark while Hellboy and the paranormal forces fought them. Brother too. The wolves had offered allegiance. Other than helping here, I had no abilities. Why could I not do more?
I must have fallen asleep on a desk. There was a soft insistent voice calling to me. I turned around. Don't cry princess. You have a kind hand.
I blinked in disbelief. It was Chrystal, one of the old nursemaids! She had died. Am I dreaming? You died many years ago, Chrystal, I said. She nodded, her fingers resting on my head. I smiled back. She was young now, blond hair loose but wore her favorite blue gown.
Is Nuada here? The rascal.
I laughed. No he is fighting. Her remark was that Nuada always wanted violence. She spoke of it like child's play. I said no, this time he was on the good side. Our nanny listened as if she had all the time in this world. In her hands, she produced a delicate bloom of Amaranth.' Give this to the sick. They will be well. Once the warriors regain strength, they need to assist. Don't let the shadow ones prevail.'
The blossom looked real, its petals fresh with dew. I took it. Impossible that we had found no trace of this plant nearby.
'For all of them?' I looked at the flower doubtfully. Chrystal nodded and winked.
'Uriel he is very ill. And it is much worse today. Don't take him said he wants to see him again.'
'Ah the gifted healer. It is an arduous time for him now. But yes, he will get better, his is an inner battle we cannot interfere. Place this rock under his pillows. It is a Blessing stone.' It looked ordinary and felt soft. There were runemarks all over. I thanked her. We embraced until she vanished. Amaranth permeated the room, I opened my eyes surrounded by the blossoms. I slept without nightmares for a moment more, then gave them to the other patients. Within hours, most were up and eager to join the battlefield.
The pebble helped. Uriel smiled and woke up when I withdrew my hand. "Nuala, where am I?" he whispered.
I beamed and hugged him though he was more of my twin's friend. I was just so happy!
"You're all right!" I cried and cupped his face.
He inhaled. "My chest does not hurt anymore. It is gone now." He still had the fever. I wet the cloth once more and applied to his forehead. Uriel was awake for much longer and listened to us speaking. Abe danced around. I laughed. It was so good to let it out.
Still, the leg wound was the same. I told him softly what transpired between the spirit and I.
Uriel was accepting. "She is a messenger of the gods. The others are well now? Good." He was able to talk, with some effort. I rubbed his chest.
I argued, "Aren't you angst for suffering it? It is unfair." My resentment shocked me. but it was true, I could not hold it back.
"I knew I would suffer… the fortune seeker said, when I was eight. He foretold that I will follow you and Nuada on adventure, yet I suffer greatly. But I do not regret. Is he coming back?" His light tone dispelled my annoyance.
I was concerned that he had expended too much effort. Sweat trickled down to wet the cloth. "Shh don't talk anymore. I know."
Uriel gestured. I propped him up so he could see his leg wound. "The aching is there. Is there pus, Nuala?" he was steady.
"No. There is antiseptic, let me wash it for you." I didn't allow him to protest and gently dabbed it. Uriel said I had to do one more thing. "But it's too risky. It will take too much energy. Don't leave us!" I refused.
He stared at me until I relented. Lend me your support. I want to get out of bed soon. He closed his eyes to concentrate on the spell, and I sat down feeling light headed. My left hand was holding his, and the other over his wound. When I came to, Abe said there was no trace of blood. "Amazing." I anxiously looked at Uriel, had it been too much? My name means Light, he echoed. I will make it.
It had not occurred to me before. I kissed the pale cheek and covered the blanket.
Laira
Imen could See in the dark so he was in front of me. We coordinated the direction properly. Nuada was cranky because sister woke him up to talk. But I didn't believe he would be so angry. Halfway those with guns opened fire. Blue blood spurted, eugh. Nuada's blades also had them. He cursed and cleaned them off the dead.
HB kept up some banter. Trina was the same, dark humour. Nuada tugged me down. Blackbirds filled the sky. Trina shot at them with green flame. The medusa woman swept them aside. "What are those?" we asked.
Elf sheathed his weapons, taking out a yellow package. A bomb? "Red take this." He glanced at some friends beginning to sing in a strange language. Beautiful but scary. I trembled. Imen was reassuring, he held my hand. The devices glowed brightly. Clean sweep across the forest. Nothing left when they were done. Half of our party was on the ground, mostly elves. I turned to my prince, who looked sick and pressed his head.
Junos sniffed at him in disdain. I touched his shoulder.
Nuada covered his mouth and then threw up. I was shocked, what happened. Junos meowed. Aftereffects of magic. This is very exertive. My elf was still sick, had to kneel down. I prayed for him. He wiped his mouth panting. Red gave him water.
"Thanks," he said. "We cannot stay long."
I said how could they stand? Most were on the ground, feeling similarly nauseous. "Here lean your head back." I offered. He complied. I controlled the urge to vomit too. Why didn't it affect us? Imen watched calmly. Nuada asked me to find the next path. He did not seem better. "I want to stay." I stroked his hair.
He kept his eyes closed. "Junos, are they here? The Reapers?" My cat replied something I didn't get. Nuada whispered, "Do not turn back. Red. Call him."
Red did a monologue. "Hey, how long we idling? Don't worry I'll tell 'em, fairyboy. Feel like shit eh?" Joe glanced at me while I searched for the way out of this forest. Suddenly it was so silent. Trina stood with us and regarded me. "Where now, lass?"
It was evil! I was really frightened. They could not recover and the next wave was coming. I ran back to HB. Nuada was awake. "The reapers are the flying things?" I asked.
Trina nodded. "Yes we need to hurry. But the elves need time." I said, looking at those moaning.