Chapter 68 A Frog mutant in, Growing closer

* Nuada has been more prominent, but let's see L's side now. Vanilla Ninja I Know, if u find it too repetitive Liar or Metal queen is also great.

Laira

When I came to his ward, the doctor and prince were conversing softly outside. The moment I came within audient range, they switched to fluent elven. Aw! I came to stand beside Nuada and smiled. Uriel held up a hand.

No translation. "Guys, please. What's going on?" I asked.

Uriel bowed. This gesture always made me shy. "I told him I was ready to jump out of bed to exercise. And I want to go home to my house… feeling homesick. Nuada, your part?"

My elf's golden pupils scintillated. "I don't have to tell, it's a secret. Not much importance." He did not touch me. His tone implied that he was in the mood for 'give me space'. The prince touched his chest once and started leaving.

"Please!" I injected pain in my voice.

Stopping, Nuada pursed his dark lips. "The Christmas wishes that you won't reveal. So I am not obliged to." The merry elf caught up with us, brushing his long robes. He gave me an envelope and said something in gaelic. I saw my name in neat caps, blue ink. For you. Then he joined other friends. Nuada glanced at them, no indication of bothering about me.

What was wrong? We had been ok yesterday, he had been clearing space for my clothes. Oh yea, I didn't want to talk about what I had wished but that was really long ago. I offered to tell him. "A fair trade eh? Ok ok, let's see, I wished for our wedding to go smoothly and our relationship to have less rockiness."

Some friends waved. Nuada replied a few queries, his smile reserved. I waited.

He took me aside, made me repeat again. "We went through the marriage rites." He deadpanned.

"I meant the food part. To invite people, we haven't discussed yet. 'okay, one day we need to come up with a guestlist, not too many' You promised!" I jumped.

"Hmm, the festivities are not necessary. I gave you my word?"

I shot him an annoyed glare, to be honourable we must keep promises. Hey! Nuada smiled faintly. "Then yes, I concede. Who and how many people are included?"

My list

All the elves we know who came for Nuala's wedding

Liz and Hellboy,Kids

Abe and Nuala

Friendly agents like Manning

Tailorshop woman who made our stuff

My mother/brother plus our cousins (who else did I miss?)

My friend gasped, stepping back. He inhaled faster. "That many?"

"Not that many," I scanned the list. "See they're all very very important. I'm sure Sister's friends want to see us together. We can't possibly exclude these people, Nuada."

He sank down on a bench, dismayed. Rather cute. I was ok with a compromise, for now I truly enjoyed seeing his reaction. He was shy, didn't want a crowd.

He cleared his throat. "Yes they are. It is too many… some people don't have to come. All the elves we know, that'd be hundreds. Don't need to include them." He leaned over and crossed out the first option and wrote: about 6 will do

"Is it because the budget is tight?" I wondered. "Bro won't mind. Oh I forgot granddad too."

Nuada pressed the remote so the door slid close. "No, money is not a problem. I- don't want a crowd, I picture a simple family gathering. On a smaller scale from sister's. Special feel." He held my right hand and squeezed, meeting my gaze sincerely. This was his don't do this friend look.

I blew out my breath. "Yea I get it, quiet atmosphere. Can tell me what's the secret? I told mine. I couldn't tell right away, or the wish will spoil."

No it's not a secret. I turned down his offer of an extravagant feast and that I'm very happy he is well. In the name of… brotherhood. He insists and I changed the subject.

Then Nuada peeked at my letter curiously. He made no comment. Haha.

"I'll show it after I've read. No secrets between a couple." I linked my arm with his.

Nuada scoffed. "Six of your buddies, and the others are fine right?" I ticked the names happily.

The prince rubbed his chin. "No need for agents. I'm not close to them. Our union should be private, friends only. For the venue, want to keep it the same? I will see to the caterers, but need to think through this first." We moved on to other casual topics. Nuada clipped up my paper. At one point, I beamed and whispered- Too many scares you?

He smiled, tweaking my nose. "I will disappear from view. But I am not shy. It is a hassle to make small talk. (grunt) What music shall be played? And I prefer our hair to be loose. Braiding is tedious. " Flash to the time he had to wake up damn early.

I decided on classical or celtic. Nuada wrote that down. Musicians would be ok, or Abe and me had enough of that music for looping. As I opened my letter, Nuada reiterated, "I don't need to know about the content. Enjoy, I will take a shower now."

The elf closed the bathroom door, scent of daffodil permeating.

Dear Laira,

You are a very special girl. I know you can help us in this challenging times. For myself, I am not sure if my trials are over yet. Thank you for your company. I am surprised you didn't want to play outside and leave me alone. I wouldn't have minded, because I was old and boring.

All this time, I worried that I couldn't see my family again, nor Nuada my dearest brother. I have brothers, who haven't come to see me for years. I must hurry to leave the ward and arrange for some gathering. For Nuada I love to serve him, having travelled for many years in search of both twins. When I heard he went into a coma, I was heartbroken. We were not from the same camp, but I've always revered his good qualities. Other than the bad temper which I cringe at, haha.

In a prophecy someone spoke of this moment, telling my father and mother I would suffer much for choosing the path less taken. The lighted or dark one, I've always walked in the light. However my doubts lingered as corrupted fae, the enemies besieged us. I have no regrets, yet a part of me is powerless and fearful…

Today I am better, so I am continuing the letter. Sorry for not writing to you, but I have kept your notes and cards. Well written and nice art! Was wondering, Laira will you like to help me with tasks? I am not quite up to carrying heavy items, straining too much so soon after the fever. In return, we can spend time together. The assistants have their own duties and some would return to their homes. If not, it's okay.

Yes, I am sorry for the rudeness of the 'pure thinking' of our race. It's not honourable to discriminate against Halflings. They should respect all life, and ironically some are doctors. Nuada and I will correct their attitude. I am so glad to be your friend. It is my sincere wish to maintain these ties as long as possible. Feel free to approach me if you have problems. I want to learn from the young generation too.

I await for some time with Joe and you when not too busy with the Ns? (my nickname)

Regards,

Uriel

His calligraphy was a tad more untidy than the prince's. Most parts were legible. I liked the scent of the papers or was it the ink? Nuada didn't bother to glance once at it, though I had it in the open. Keeping my promise not to harbour secrets.

"Hey look at the last part, two Ns? It's alright to read too," I remarked.

He combed his wet hair that had become deep blond. Some droplets splashed on my face. "It's not to me. I won't read. Keep that nicely. You may use the drawer on the right." Since we were living in Nuada's room and my bro was nextdoor, he had to make space for me. It did affect our personal proxemics. I still had some belongings inside my bag, for it was not polite to unpack everything. My feminine stuff- napkins- were still inside. Some of our things had been lost in our journey through the alternate realm. The Bureau would have escorts for people to return for their other belongings once security didn't have to be high.

"Silverlance?" I murmured, fitting the paper back into its envelope.

Ah why the formality? Don't be hesitant. "Yes, speak." He was wetting the plants' roots.

"Is there a spare room I can move to? I don't wish to impose on your space."

A pause. Nuada finished the task, then took out a thingie from corner of his desk. It was kind of oily. "No spare rooms at the moment. We had many refugees coming in. someone is moving into Joe's room as well. We're together. No problem… I am willing to make space. Don't like to be close to me?"

I couldn't tell his emotion from that. A mix of amusement and hurt? I shook my head and replied gently that I loved to spend time with him. Nuada took out tools from his toolbag to play with this thingie. After observing closely, I made out a few slots, plus a thin wafer- key sticking out. He was engrossed by this hobby. At least he was not upset.

After some time of concentrating, Nuada sat back. His hands, recently washed,had turned greasy black. I balked at the smell. He showed me the dirt grinning. I moaned.

Becoming serious, he said, "You were very brave. Is there anything you wish to know? Today I have more time to listen." He sounded benevolent and kind like when he gave us free treats.

"I suppose I have to confess," I replied. "Iria your friend made me keep it secret, Nuada. Her anger was terrifying. Her body looked like an animal's. Do you mind my description? Did she appear to you?"

Nuada stared at me quizzically and said, softly, "Yes she did. Cecilia didn't give me many details, except that I had to summon the wolves and go to Hellboy's aid. Only Salem knows, I passed out in the shrine room where I saw the past. My ancestors' battle with the Darkones. Here." He clasped my hand and focused to show me through our bond.

Luckily Nuada hadn't hit his head when he passed out. I understood little. Now we both know. I am also puzzled why these things happened. Some people suffer stress and after-effects. I am sorry for their loss. One ear twitched, and he tilted his head in reflex. I did the same. Nuada demanded why I copied him.

I chuckled. "No I ain't. I'm stretching my neck. Why did they get corrupted?"

"We are still gathering reasons and evidence. Most shadows have been driven back. But that's related to night shifts again, nights will be longer than days. The bad news is we have to be alert. Bad for health." He scowled and rubbed his nose bridge.

"Aw. Sleep more."

Now the prince turned some dials on a rectangular brown box thing. Something like music came out of it. It was a radio, with colourful dials. A fairy radio, I chuckled. It got a classical channel. Nuada nodded with satisfaction. "I will cherish people around me more… I realize I almost didn't get to see both you and sister or Uriel again. I took the time we connected, for granted." He remarked.

Much much later, while he was fixing the thing, Nuada grumbled. How little faith, you greenhorn… noob. Yes that word. I will not fade or fail. Argh.

Normally he couldn't multitask with too much noise, but Nuada made conversation as he did the repairs. I showed interest in the radio, which he was leaning close and tweaking a few more. "Listen if the sound is balanced."

"Yup."

Nuada shook his head. "No it isn't. Needs some adjustments. Meanwhile, I have something here. Guess." He unwrapped the brown paper off an ornate squarish object which had engravings all over.

"Err a container? A music box? (after Nuada tried not to laugh aloud at my answers) ok I give up. What?" I beckoned. Nuada touched the side lever of the object.

"A jewellery container. I salvaged it from a thrift shop. It's perfect for your earrings." Nuada had an accomplished- I'm great look.

Although it had been a stressful time, we definitely grew closer. It seemed imminent we'd argue like Liz and HB but we didn't do that. Nuada gave in to me and I didn't disturb him when he was exhausted after missions. Getting along was all a matter of timing. Reading Allan and Barbara pease's men- women books helped. You should give space to the spouse when he comes in tired. Fixing and playing games are purely leisure and distressing. The male won't talk much typically, but when he does, be prepared to listen.

Occasionally, the prince would hit things when he was furious. Knowing I couldn't solve my best friend's huge problems, I could only remain silent. Nuada would approach me for applying creams or bandages. Nevertheless, spats occurred. I was still looking for either a spare room or moving back home. I helped Uriel to take bottles and vials of medicine and drinks. The healer was quite even tempered.

I didn't mind being the assistant. He had regained his health, more active but had to refrain from strenuous tasks. He was wobbly after a few sessions with injured people.

Once I recognized that, I would remind him to take breaks.

I was allowed to smell some chemicals that were given out and learnt the scientific names. They were really long! Uriel also taught his juniors. I enjoyed these lessons.

"How is Nuada? Haven't heard you mention him," he was concerned during lunch one day. This was a small area outside the infirmary.

"Usually when he comes back, he won't talk. Just falls into bed to sleep. If he's in a good mood, he'll make stuff for me. Last week, Nuada gave me this locket." I took it out to show.

Uriel examined it, smiling. "Gifted with his hands."

"Oh but he won't make delicate beads, haha. Prince was angry last night, his face was stern. He rushed in, changed then stormed out. I asked what was wrong. No answer…. It's kind of difficult for me. What can I do?"

Uriel nodded and he was so quiet that I thought he had lapsed into a daydream. At long last, he observed, "Once Nuada is over the fury, he won't go over it again. Has he ever shouted at you?"

I winced. Yes sometimes he would. If I disagreed, during a stressful period, Nuada would be easily provoked and raise his voice. In fairness, he would not shout unless he was agitated and worried about us. The other elf listened to what I explained.

"… Like when I don't come back as promised, he would raise his voice. I tell him I am old enough to take care of myself and it is safe here. He left me alone. Now, I leave notes and text messages where I am. When I do those, Nuada is less worried. I'm scared when his lips become pale. It's very unhealthy for elf to be so worked up."

Uriel patted my hand about to console me. Halfway, people rushed in. They called to him for help with a severe bleeding case. "Stay here. It is gross." He followed them, pulling the curtain close. Moaning and crying.

I wanted to find out if the patient survived. All the golden haired figures looked the same. Three of them stared at me with boredom, or weariness. Not Uriel. Oh no! Did he collapse?

One more identical blond person stepped out, rubbing his face. I grabbed a chair as his friend supported 's eyes closed, sheen with perspiration. His breath was in short pants. "Don't over-exert yourself anymore!" I implored, holding his arm.

Right. I won't. Speaking in elven, he gave instructions to them and leaned back. Thank you, Laira. You are so kind. When I'm rested, I will go to my room. Come with me.

I accompanied the tired guy to his bedroom in the BPRD. That wing was one storey up, painted green. I had never come here before. His bedroom was occupied by another creature! It was greyish, had warts all over, naked and wet. This thing hobbled to the elf and latched onto his hand, warbling. It turned to glance at me. I shuddered, the person had only one brown eye and its mouth was twisted.

"Shh, I'm fine. Don't worry friends, cara. imní, imní. Laira, this is Jubi. He moved in quite recently."

Frogman Jubi, I thought. He was a hunched over giant frog. Jubi croaked and pushed the elf to his bed and chair. Uriel took the bed. Timidly, I smiled. I stood on the opposite side of it.

Softly, I asked, "How can you understand him? But he listens? An accident?" I touched my mouth.

Uriel was very calm. "Yes he fell into a pit, got tortured by captors. But Jubi is not evil. He is a kind Murtag, the name of his race. Like Abraham Sapien, he is the only surviving member of his kind. He likes me and won't leave my side."

Yea that explained why the Murtag didn't go with Abe. I liked reptiles and insects but still felt repulsed. He kept moistening Uriel's hand and making baby sounds. But the smell was not as foul as I thought.

"Where were we? About prince?" he asked, stretching his legs. Ash white color of his skin had been revived, though his breathing was still labored.

"Where Nuada yells at me in a bad mood. What can I do? He doesn't do personal attack which is good. More of why I don't support him or my silence." I flashed back to an argument when the irate elf demanded why I didn't support him. "Do you know why he is angry, Uriel?"

"I see. You don't shout back or remain silent." He looked compassionate. His blue eyes were placid. "Good response. Shouting back will further escalate tensions, like the other agents. Maybe he is stressed or angry with other things. Nuada didn't talk to me either. I'm sure it's not permanent."

I sighed, sitting on the chair. Uriel lay down. His presence consoled me. "I do support him, but I cannot help. Unless he is calm and explains properly… then we can work it out. Right?"

He rested for a while, drifting off to sleep. Jubi hopped to my side and stuck out a limb. I smiled. He sniffed at me. I put out my hand, excited. The frogman purred, then nudged the elf's fingers so that they were on him. I repeated the word 'friend' to assure him.

An hour later, the elf awoke refreshed. He had a theory. "Perhaps it is due to the difference in age, and living environment. You're from different generations. Elves have a traditional mindset. Don't tell him I labelled us that, haha. (I chuckled)

Nuada treasures everyone he loves, and I understand his temperament. He will be most angry about the people whom he cares for. The princess would have borne this similar brunt. Nuada has a headstrong, very traditional singleminded ego. This is actually unique for our kind, we're more reserved and diplomatic. Isn't that what makes him attractive, special?"

He made me blush at this point. I laughed.

"Yes yes. And we've known each other for longer. I'm scared though."

"I am too, I admit. Few remain unaffected at his bellowing.I think it's also because the twins lost the Queen at a tender age. In my experience, elves with one parent only are very emotional. A life bond can withstand conflicts like these, I believe. Riselle my wife argues with me too. Nuada appreciates your patience. I know he does. Usually he makes and repairs things to get through the unsolved issues. Incompetence and dishonourable acts irk and provoke His highness. Nuala can handle him, can go to her. She will tame him for us."

That made me sorry for Nuada, it was tough. Yea, sister could tame him alright. Nuada looked shy recounting the times sister didn't let up. He actually felt meek. The ther times he felt remorse for being loud at me, when he spoke softly, combing my hair, giving me gifts…. It was just Nuada. Uriel gave such an incredible analysis and insight. The frogman held one of his locks. The elf called him a good boy that made him hop vigorously and pant.

"Is he happy?" I enquired.

"Wary of strangers. I'm teaching him the words for 'friend'and 'good'." Uriel is SO kind! He's not afraid of ugly things but embraces them.

Nuada had spoken of the dangers of the dark realms. His ancestors fought them driving them back. He said they had to research how to permanently destroy this force. Nuada was back. I greeted him. Joe had his shirt off and Nuada asked, "Is it healed? Let me see."

His hands were gentle while he unfolded them.

'A cool adventure! Woohoo."

"One I didn't wish you to participate in." Prince ruffled my hair. "It's a relief we're all safe. Don't get into danger." His features were stoic but his note of warmth was evident. I hugged him.

But you're also at risk. He patted me.

After a brief lapse, the chaos erupted again. On the off days, Nuada was irritable. It is not a good idea to confine an outdoors person in a bunker. "Not going out huh?" I sat down glumly. The purists bowed mockingly to me when we passed them. I didn't like it. Nuada spoke sternly to them.

Johanna was back and Nuada got me to come together once. "Don't need to be jealous."

Of course when I was present, they didn't talk about nightmares. Nuada would interprete diagrams and I laughed about our common points. The elf would draw or talk about the stuff and pass to me. She marvelled at our compatibility and harmony though we were so different! I glanced at the warrior, long fringe falling forward and revealing his pointed tip. Johanna was curious since she didn't know his age. Nuada stopped reading the paper and his gaze caught mine. He conveyed- keep it a mystery.

So I censored my answer to, "Quite a gap. I try to cheer him up, avoid his anger and survive. He has many honourable good points."

He laughed, ambers wide with innocence. The woman asked him what he liked about me. Elf considered this and mused lightly, "Honestly, I love her for everything. I am puzzled why she'd choose me over all the handsome youths out there. I'm quite unbearable. I think it's a mystery, which is hard to explain. We do our best to get along."

She thought it was worthy of an essay's answer. I blinked, he sounded like a scholar or, a priest! The warrior listened to something we couldn't catch and began to doodle again. Haha what a long answer. Do you tell her about our fights?

Not sure, don't remember. I think we're fine again today. Forgiven? He replied slowly, and our fingertips touched.

Nuala mentioned the appearance of their old nurse's spirit in a letter. But she didn't want to let her brother know directly. .. He will be agitated. Sorry Abrateir. Nuada had walked past and stopped behind me. He just smiled and shook his head.

"Like ghost whisperer." I exclaimed.

"I wanted to see her too. She was a wonderful elf. The patients needed her more." Nuada sighed and closed his eyes. I replied he would, in a dream someday.

One day, I suggested an excursion within the BPRD. I had not seen the shrine yet, just heard it was here in an isolated wing. "Can I go there too? I promise to be quiet and let you pray. Or commune with them." I gushed.

My friend's reaction turned out to be emotional. He turned away and rubbed his tool on the table. His breathing was quicker. My hand froze an inch from his back. "I- I'm sorry. I don't mean to…" he lowered his head focussing on his latest project, a toy car. Where did he obtain it?

"No. I do not mind. When do you want to go?" Nuada's voice was low, and he didn't glance at me.

I touched his hair. His shoulders trembled, he was crying! But there was little sound. Before I could console Nuada, the door slid open and Abe opened his mouth to say something. I vehemently shook my head and mouthed- no no alone time!

We stayed outside.

"Laira why is he- did someone pass?" he blurted out, webbed hand spread.

'Shh, no no. I mentioned the shrine and he… you'd better not point it out. What?" I noticed he was holding a scroll of some kind.

"This is an invitation. If Nuada would like to attend. I wanted to tell him that it's fine to cry, these days Nuala has been down too. But never mind."

He risked being chopped fish. He continued seeming happy, "A kind of Memorial day for the ancestors. Nuala will be going, and I offered to go. A new event! But it's more of an Elven-exclusive. Pass this to him." Abe blinked at me with compassion.

"Sure I'll let him know." Abe caught my hand and asked if we were having bad days. Such a busybody, but yet he was my relative now. "At times yes. He's ok now."

Even when he cut himself, I had to hold back for his body language was don't touch him. Then I witnessed him pushing people away. No smile.

Joe was able to connect. Through fixing stuff! Two guys fixing stuff just what we needed. At the mention of Memorial day, elf would feel triggered and cry more. I took the document and put it in my jacket.

"What did he want?" Nuada enquired, normal now. Crumpled tissues on the desk and some wetness at his eyes. I bluffed the reason. I watched him pick up things.

"It's ok if you're not ready to. Let me go there."

Nuada smiled and kissed my forehead. "I said it's fine. Want to go now Halfling?"