Newest chapter: Tribute to the King and Queen, Conflict

Gift of a friend (Demi Lovato), On the Line

Laira

I shook my head and told him it was all right if he did not feel ready to go to the shrine.

He seemed depressed. I sought for a subject change but my mind was blank. Then the image of a sweet stuff popped up. It should do the trick!

"Oh want to have ice-cream?"

Nuada smiled faintly and patted my shoulder. "I said I feel fine. Thank you, how about going now Halfling?" The steadiness of his tone was truthful. I nodded.

"Sure." Did I need to change into something less bright? I searched for a black dress or cobalt color. Nuada had turned his back, selecting another sash and tying it. The document was in my pocket still. I walked to my bag and slid it in. Darting my eyes to the side, Elf had not noticed, giving me privacy to change. "Ionuin, I'm sorry but I don't have dark clothes. The only serious occasion blouse I have is this meridian one."

"Yes you are fine. In our culture, there is no need to wear black and mourning colours.

Are you ready?" He sported the simplest cobalt colored robe that reached the knees, with a red sash. Allowing me privacy for changing my clothes, he was not looking.

"Yep." I replied. The occasion was next week which meant I had ample time to break the news of Memorial Day gently. Nuada and I headed to the most silent wing of the BPRD. It had very few lighting and almost no sound except for his boots. Mine was shuffling of my sneakers. He stopped halfway. In embarrassment, Nuada told me he forgot to take flowers. We turned right. An exit opened at his touch, led to the outside. I had never come here before. Flowers bloomed in the millions, yellow, pink, fuschia and etc!

His pale face was illuminated by the sunlight. Nuada's smile was freer, as he gathered a bunch and said something to weave them together. In the end he held a ball of blossoms.

"Nice! Can you teach me that spell?" I asked my voice pitching.

He did, but I tripped over all the words. Aw. He remarked, "Not bad, soon you'll get there."

The shrine was beautiful! Portraits of their father and mother were placed on a normal height platform. Sylvia was her name I remember, she looked like them, amber eyes calm and flowers woven in her long hair. The king had a very long beard. They stood beside each other without chummy feeling- solemn expression. Another picture was of many young warriors and King and Queen in the middle. Wilted leaves and blossoms were scattered about. Some baskets of candles, multi colored, sat patiently for use to the right.

To reduce the possibility of fire, Nuada said they only lit them when people were present.

My friend had lit his candle, a white one and his gaze was locked wistfully on the main portrait. I bowed. "Ah hi, your Majesties! It's me Laira. I came to visit." It was a total fluke and I hoped to sound more solemn, but it was not wrong. My friend did not correct me.

I peered at Nuada, who looked fine. He was not in tears at all. I wondered if the rest of the Elves came to pay their respects? Some beeswax had melted and dripped to the floor. One stump remained. Males usually held back.

I understand, he internalized.

I did not, so I waited for the warrior to continue. He glanced at me and took my hand in his right one benign. Also his touch was cool. Was he… Nuada chan, are you ill? Come here, where it's warmer. I urged, tugging his hand. What's wrong?

Numbly the blond shook his head slowly, brows knit together, lips pursed.

It has been difficult for me, to deal with. I did not think. How could I be blinded by rage? What a terrible price- I was stupid and reckless! If my father were here, he would be glad to see you. Us. But now he can Never do that, because he is gone. And it is all my fault!

Prince's tears were coming in earnest now and he sobbed, closing his eyes. I was stunned into silence for a bit and squeezed his hand weakly.

Don't think like that. He can see us. I comforted him.

Nuada frowned, still crying. He covered his face, gasping. It was my fault. How else should I think? Then he dried the wet with a sleeve, teardrops glinting on the fair youthful skin. The faint scars were more marked today. I took out some tissue and offered. "Come use these." The elf accepted them.

"I mean, your dad- father would be able to see us now. I am sure right now he is watching us. I know. He won't want you so hurt and blaming yourself. And mother too." I took his arm, stroking up and down. Nuada shuddered in the sorrow. He embraced me so my cheek pressed to his breast. His heartbeat was rapid. I was worried he would faint.

It's all right, it's over. Dad and mum won't blame you, you're better now. I added. The elf rested his chin on my head, for I was chest high only. When I got taller, I could hug him properly.

The rapidity of his pulse returned to normal, while he took deeper breaths. Nuada sighed, and stood back from me. I guessed he was tired and weary. It was the first time his tears had flooded out from the heavy burdens. In a way Nuada had found release in a major way. (not the minor wailing and sobbing that some people did all the time) He took the chair from the corner.

I touched his cool cheek, warming up. Good, or I'd have to alert someone. He patted his lap for me to sit down too.

"I could tell you about Mother. She was demure. Father loved her immediately. They married in their youth, older than I am. (he counted on his fingers and nodded) She looked on the bright side of life, which drew many people. Everyone loved her. Then, Nuala and I were born in spring. Supposed to be a happy peaceful family story. I remember Mother bought us treats, on walks and picnics. I threw tantrums but she never shouted at me. Her soft voice….. I cannot recall exactly now. It was not too high, not too low…"

Anecdotes, I saw the images as a camera did from his point, they were walking in the meadows skipping, laughing, cherry picking, waving toys, Sylvia admonishing them in gaelic….. Nuada kept talking hypnotically like he was relating a bedtime story about other elves. I sensed that this pain was so tremendous and arduous that he kept a monotone. Yet he was more communicative and chattier than usual. I was so sorry, how hard it must be to lose someone so close. How can anyone ever empathize with those who lost it all in that moment of cruelty? I was quite mad at the gods- why did they not spare the suffering? My crucifix slipped out from my blouse, to my astonishment.

The elf glanced at it. His long fingers held the crucifix. "Who is it?"

"That is my god. In our belief, he sent his son Jesus who died on this cross. He took away all our sins. Sorry." I watched Nuada carefully, who seemed attentive and listening. The pointed tips had been revealed now.

"No I want to hear more of this God. He sounds different from the pagan gods." I talked in brief about the saving of mankind's sins thing. Maybe Nuada wanted to rest, he leaned back and nodded every now and then. I was astonished that he even thanked me for the story and smiled weakly.

"Does sister cry?" I said, at length.

Nuada's breath wisped up his fringe. The dark patterns seemed more pronounced. "Yes. She always cries, but I had never been able to. Suddenly the pain is too unbearable, Laira. My anger is gone, I cannot sustain the wall. Did I frighten you?" he ventured, holding me back at arm's length. I blinked at the surreal grace of the warrior, the unusual irises shimmering with some moisture, some dewdrops lingering, strands of pale hair brushing gently on his cheek to his black lips. The sharp nose, high cheekbones, forehead- the runemarks were crystal clear, now I was very near him. "Did I?"

"No. It's all right. You need to let it out. And it's time." Then I smiled. Elf managed a smile too and caressed my cheek. He was sorry I had to witness his weakness and utter breakdown. "Hey every man will be weak too and cry, or shout. It's not a perfect must that males should act tough." I said practically.

Nuada cupped my face. He dropped his gaze for a moment and whispered, "You are right about that."

"Huh?" I hung open my mouth.

"That my parents would not want me this upset and pained. How did elendil become this wise to console the adult elf hmm?"

Haha Nuada was cracking a joke. I took out some more tissue and dabbed his face. My friend had one eyebrow quirked but he did not decline my action. Then we enjoyed the candlelight some more, playing off his Tuatha de danaan heritage and profile. The atmosphere was warmer, although the light was very dim. I had my arm about his shoulders. He was both inaccessible and mine. "I am wise. Yes! I ought to offer some strength. You always want to assure me. And naturally seem fine, but it's really ok not to be the adult now. How long did you hold back, Argetlam?" Damn I was babbling.

Nuada chuckled. He winced when my finger snagged on his hair, so he batted my hand away. "Years of preserving my sanity with practice and training. I constantly wore a mask to the public. As royalty, we had to maintain the correct- attitude. Ranting and raving would shame the Bethmooran reputation. I remember clearly after Mother's fading, I refused to accept. I did not want to go for the ceremony. She was just a clay sandstone, not her soul. But I was forced to."

Nuada found the moment, stopped it and projected through our bond.

A person lying on a stretcher adorned with flowers paraded in public. Gardens. Little prince and princess looking very sad, little princess was sniffling, Nuada gritting his teeth and angry. They were much shorter than now. "When I had to go, I didn't want them to see me cry. It was not fair, how could they make me see that? And later I tried to cry, but the anger would not go. I just hated happy families, refusing kindness to be comforted.

For so long, that completeness eluded us time and again. People were good to me.

My world was so empty and hollow, tired.

"Father was proud and shed nary a tear. I took on that stoicism. After many wars, I think Alateir was reminded of grief and anguish when the enemies were dead. He was sickened. I said horrible things to him before the end, my friend. He was a pet of the humans, he was weak and all that. Instead of being filial I went on exile. And time after…. " The poor warrior who had almost recovered crumpled once more, regret looming. I did not want to press Nuada, since he was beyond words now. Drained, the elf trembled and seemed to ward off inner agonies.

I thought of my own mother so distant she was never there. So sorry the twins had this problem since youth. Actually they were very strong not to show the grief in public. Well thank you for showing this to me. I won't spill it. Are you better?

An ear peeked out from the wheat mane when he shifted. "Yes. Indeed keep it a secret or I will spank you. I am pleased to have a guardian." Nuada feigned a hand smacking me.

I laughed. So formal and prince-like. Elf was quizzical. I explained, "It's like the saviour thing, too big a title for me. I can't be a guardian. I mean, I'm your best friend. But way too young."

Argetlam got up, no longer the vulnerable sad teenager but in charge again. I was relieved and hoped he would gain access to the inner self more. Even if I was not there to see it. I prayed about it. I lit my own candle and came to stand near my ionuin, who was speaking in elven to them. When he finished, Nuada smiled and faced me. "Will you tell me if you dream of your aunt? Maybe she has seen my parents."

"Okay… wow you remember her." I adjusted the flowers.

"Of course. It was the time I had a nightmare and you said to feel it inside. Also music was playing." he rubbed his chest. "What is her name?" Elf cocked his head.

Blank. Aww, I knew her face only. "I think it slipped away. Let's call her Meryl now. Thank you, Nuada!" Three candles burning merrily, Balor Sylvia and my aunt temporarily Meryl. He hummed a song. Time came to a standstill, until I felt something.

Hungry! I tried to repress it, holding my tummy but the gastrics would hit me. "Noowa, I'm suddenly hungry." I whispered, apologetic. The ambers opened so suddenly I got startled. I told him it was fine that he could stay here longer. Nuada blew off the candles and bowed twice.

We went to the canteen where I bought snacks. Nuada gazed at me. He asked if I had gastric pain. "Hm just in time."

"That is good. Do not be shy to let me know of discomfort…. Here, drink this herbal tea. My friend has the same ailment and is better." He stirred the mug some more and gestured. I liked the taste, and it was cooling though warm, smelled like honey flavour. Yay! The elf showed me the packet and talked about the benefits of drinking this. Detail oriented and caring. I cherished my soulmate, inside.

I swore not to spill the beans what happened at the shrine. Right hand up. He laughed until tears came. "Full of nonsense!"

Two days later, I still had yet to break the news of Memorial day. Now Nuada seemed lighter and back to normal, I didn't want to rub more salt on his wounds once more!

"I…er, have."

Silence. Then he murmured "yes?" absorbed in a new fiction Uriel had given to him. Elf did not look up.

I said nothing. He looked at me. Gone was the chatty teenager mode. "How's Joe? Does he talk with you?"

"Yes. We are going to fix his new transformer toy." Nuada beamed and crossed his legs.

I had to get Salem to break the news. "Laira is something wrong? Come." The paper in my bag, would he notice it? He felt my forehead and neck. Even used the thermometer.

"No fever. Why not lie down?"

I laid down but could not feel relaxed. My brother was the perfect excuse, and I left to look for Salem. I found the effervescent guy outside, just leaving his own group. He shook my hand and kissed. "Salem, I need to talk to you. About this."

I showed him the document.

"It is Memorial Day. It will take place next Friday." I couldn't understand the language, so he translated.

"Oh no. I haven't told Noowa about this. He's- he's so sad." I stopped there, couldn't disclose the extent of Nuada's complete and utter exposure of his vulnerable self. Salem should know how he felt and the prince best. "Have you been his retainer since his youth."

The leaf irises shone brightly. He was also elendil like me. I looked at the scar over his right eye. "Not that young. The word is…. Adolescent right? At that age, I was one of the people assigned to my lord. What did my lord tell you?" he asked.

"He was… convinced you had all died. So that was the time! And Salem, you didn't," I beamed. "He told me about it in one letter they all died, nymphs, and other fae too. That's good, you can relate."

He smiled. Because of that minor deformity, he was roguish as a pirate. "Yes I think he was too distraught to realize that. Time passes us by many years. For centuries, I tracked him and lost him, so now I will not let the prince leave without a struggle." Salem's voice was husky at this moment. Touching his palm, I got a sense of the centuries shifting like sand. The other Sent- I'm glad he didn't perish! Nuada looked quite shocked at being confronted by a knife. The attacker was Salem. Yet they clashed swords. Then he dropped his own weapon to let Salem point his blade at his throat. 'Who are you? I cannot do this.' Nuada demanded, panting.

That memory took place when the prince was on a mercenary quest and was cornered. Salem had recognized him just in time with the sword pointing at his throat. I tasted the initial shock this elendil felt. Salem sheathed his weapon and bowed low. 'My lord, we are at your service.' Whole group of ninja guys unveiled their cloaks and genuflected.

The prince blinked in surprise. "We thought we could help Nuada, he hardly had enough to eat then and lost so much weight. Even though he was independent, a noble would not live well outside the palace. For awhile we stayed together but the prince eluded us and moved. I did not understand."

Ah. I replied, "Perhaps he did not want to trouble you all. Nuada had Wink, and they had lived alone. Thought the intro wouldn't work out. Does Nuala intend to go for the occasion?" I came back to the topic.

He folded up the paper. "I am not sure. If she wants to, then she will hope her brother will go too. They tend to decide separately, as is the case! When we eat, they both reach for different food." It was so cute! "Nuada will shake his head and pick out the dry food. Nuala will drench hers in gravy. The princess usually persuades him unless it doesn't help." I relaxed, that wouldn't be a bad idea. Abe had given me the document though! And I thought of the grimace, my friend's weeping.

"Should I?"

"I will tell him, myself. Don't worry, I am quite calm."

"But it's painful to see him break inside!" I protested. Salem paused.

"You're so kind, Laira. Only a soulmate can penetrate that hardened shell of Nuada's. he is not as- unstable. It is going to be fine. But keeping secrets from him is worse than stealing. It's, dishonor." We laughed.

The walk back was full of ice. Nuala was here already! I heard her voice, oh no. what if…

Nuala smiled. "Hello. Brother was sleepy. Why are you outside?"

Salem used a quick dialect. The girl said, "I did not mention it to him. I will be going. Good luck." Nuala hugged me.

My soulmate was snoring. He was on his side. Joe smiled and waved the transformer toy.

Salem took a chair, and we talked about movies till Nuada stirred. "Hello all… friend! When did you come?" he beamed and sat up.

The other handed him the document. I was worried. Nuada read it with his friend speaking. He nodded slowly. I sent- Will you say I kept it?

No I said I got it and somehow the paper didn't print enough copies. Salem replied indignantly with orange aura. Nuada smiled gently. "Oh I made that toy! What's its name?" Later he asked me to see which strand of hair had got tangled. I helped him to comb it through. The elf's external composure was cool, no signs of tearing up. Only I had witnessed Nuada without the public mask he wore.

Today Nuada accelerated quickly and midstep, rose into the air, with one slim saber drawn. He executed a few somersaults and landed on one knee, feline. He had been working up to the 5 hours and more record and intended to surpass that already excellent standard. We all applauded. Any person with athletic prowess couldn't be cooped up for months without moving.

The elf produced another companion sword and nodded to his sparring partner. That person was a female. She matched each thrust and parry equally well, jumping lightly on her feet. The addition was a long tail. Nuada passed the rack and changed to another saber. She hissed. Who was this person? I leaned to Red and whispered. "I dunno, she just up and said wanted a fight. Waif couldn't resist." Both elf and girl tripled the speed of their exchanges, at one point, the girl tossed her blade. It went up and Nuada caught it, while she also obtained a new one.

The session came to an end, with her losing only a hair and Nuada had a slight cut to his cheek. He shook her hand. They were both panting and drenched. "That was exciting, Ysir." She chuckled, swishing her tail.

At lunch, my friend was relaxed. I touched his foot with mine. He responded and winked. "What?" After he swallowed, commented, "Ysir is from the eastern region, a Feline warrior. We are in the middle of diplomatic sessions." His ambers blazed with a kindred thrill. I chuckled.

"I'm not jealous, Noowa. You'll be okay?" I was thinking of Memorial day coming up. The elf nodded still happy.

Salem spoke with me again, close to the actual day. He was quite introspective about the time Prince and his clan were together. Music from my cell. L, where r you?

Yes coming soon, dont wry! I texted back. "Salem I really want to understand my soulmate more. It takes a lot of effort not to weep and lose temper in public huh? How did they keep sane?"

He shrugged and confessed he'd have gone mad as well. "Do not raise the issue of the past." I promised with pinky fingers. Now I came to the conclusion I need not go for the M-day (short). It was an exclusive function for their fae people. A third party was best information. Prince had taken of a crocodilian. How fatal it might be, and earned the deep wounds crisscrossing his back.

I didn't wanna say I'm sorry, even though I knew I was wrong

I didn't wanna call you back

"What took you so long?" Nuada opened his door, chewing. His chest showed through a loosely worn pale robe.

"I was with, a friend. Sorry." I wanted to be patient, yet his annoyance irked me.

"What will you wear?" he queried as I took off my shoes.

Had I heard wrongly? "To what function?" Nuada said something in his own language and suggested some colors. I had brought clothes to hang on the spare rack. "Blue and black would be wonderful. What do you think?" he pressed on.

"Yes. Okay, when is it?" Genuinely I was lost. What, now we were going?

Nuada was definitely in a bad mood, his face taut and narrowed his eyes. He demanded hotly, "Were you not listening? We will be honoring our ancestors soon. I've mentioned it before."

I don't need to go, Abe said it's only for the fae…. Flashed through. "I didn't know I would be going too," I faltered regretfully.

Elf's frown remained. In slow motion, the bangle fell off from his grip and clanged to the floor. Emotion clouded our senses, I was assaulted by Nuada's hurt more intensively than in the shrine. I blurted, "I am sorry, I really didn't know. You won't be alone, sister'll attend. I don't have pure blood."

Nuada walked right up to me and laid his hands on my shoulders. I felt really small. His voice went dangerously leopard-soft, "I don't believe this. The elves are part of our life, our heritage. Why?"

His armor seemed to harden, a psychological one. My friend was not his avuncular self, now he had become a distant stranger. My hand came up to touch one arm. I said, "No, I thought I would spoil it, and shouldn't interrupt you guys. Isn't it private?"

He did not move for a long time. Actually some moisture appeared at his eyes. Wearily, prince sank on his throne, seeming to shrink into it. The robe was a pajamas. "No it is not private, Laira. Memorial Day is an open day… I thought you would be keen, and excited about our race, our culture," Nuada spoke gravely. He steepled his fingers and laid his forehead down.

I swallowed. So much turmoil and hurt coursed through him. And he was weighed down by it all. Yet I couldn't take back the words. For the first time, the gap between us was a steep cliff and I was rapidly falling into a void.

A really bad premonition…