Chap 73 Bribing people!
But we realized Abraham Sapien would get sick in the desert conditions. So my elf pressed his forehead, angst. I rubbed his back. "Good idea still. We need to make more arrangements. There was no lake or river there." He scribbled on the paper.
I pondered. "I think you can write them a letter, Nuada…. The translator and the leader. Maybe consider bribes? (he was very serious) yea I know it's not honorable, but it rests on him translating correctly. Once he puts in good words for you, it will be better. But this is just my opinion. Don't need to take it." I shrugged.
To my astonishment, Nuada had noted down what I suggested and mused that he wanted to try the plan. Anything to improve relationships. He came close and hugged me. This intimacy was not very often, same for anyone close. Body contact meant he was exuberant and very touched that he could not speak in words.
I continued, "For now don't worry. Ignore all the bad news, take a longer break. Since you're off today. Ooh Manning is more flexible when it comes to princes right?Haha." I laughed.
The elf quirked an eyebrow. No he is not. We are… colleagues. I think he is all right, and do not wish to agitate him further. I am supposed to be responsible, as I am given money and benefits. Don't be like that. Ack! He meant I was tempting that he should abuse his privileges. It was not honorable. Elf closed his eyes, breathing deeply from his stomach.
He needed more time off, how deep his eyerings were. With adequate sleep, the gauntness would not show so much. The hard bed must be horrible. I was pissed with the way they treated my friend. If I went there, I would hit them with my best skill. Nuada sighed, spreading his arms wide. Fingers dangled off the bed. I carefully perched beside the slumbering prince.
He did not even stir or wake. Respiration was deep and slow. His snores began.
Oh I should refrain from thinking or Nuada might wake up. I slipped away and returned with a blanket. It was not cold now, so I laid it over his stomach. Then I hung some of his dry clothes on the indoor rack. Where was his jacket? It was pristine clean, a meridian green one that Liz had bought. She wanted to thank him for babysitting her kids. I placed the jacket on the chair beside the bed.
I went to the computer lab. Since I was friends with the guys I was allowed the number of hours. Nuada didn't use his time much, and said I could if I ran out. Afterwards, I went to the garden area to look at the scenery. I told the guards and one of them said which area was safe. I ate dinner on my own, being very hungry. Very few of them were about today. Uriel passed by. "Lonely? Come join me." He gestured to his table with his friends. I hesitated.
They were not bad, women elves. His neighbors. Uriel was kind to me. I checked in on snoring Noowa about 7pm. But he was still fast, the blanket was rumpled over his lower torso. He only came to when I was filling the detergent. I balanced the bottle on top.
He shifted. "Hello. What's the time?"
"Seven forty."
His bare feet came beside me, I was seated and filling the stuff. "Thank you. Oh, I've not had food yet. Want to eat together?"
"Err. I did. But okay no problem. I'll have dessert." I screwed the bottle cap shut. Nuada observed his folded clothes and straightened the vests on the hangers. "How's the fatigue?"
"Mere thought of repeating my journey there causes a blackout to my memory. I'm barely standing," he replied. I felt his stomach, at standing height my friend was much taller. His temperature was cool.
"Abe will help…. I'm sure when he has his tank, everything will improve."
Nuada smiled, fist into his other palm. Yes! I will ask him when the time coincides. After dinner.
Already? I was crestfallen. Elf tousled my hair, cocking his head. Why?
But I don't want you to go. Not really.
Silly. It won't be immediate. There're still matters to settle. And I need more sleep. Tell me what you've done, friend.
Persuading Abe was faster than expected! Teeth white in a wide grin, rare was this occasion, Nuada returned. "He actually said yes! He is thrilled to accompany me. First, I will draft a letter to the translator." He prepared the paper and pens.
When the task was complete, Nuada folded the envelope. "To reward you for the input, let's see if I have any gifts here…" searching inside, he shook his head. "Nope. Sorry, next time. Promise."
We watched some drama and I browsed a comic. I still needed to make sure of when he would leave. "When will it be? I will be pining."
The prince checked the calendar for a long moment. He was quite unused to the format of this method. "Next month's end. But that is just tentative, to confirm, we would have to arrange with the rest of the agents. This is not a Bureau assignment. I was requested by the council here to be a diplomat."
He opened the window and inhaled the fresh night air. Nuada hummed. Randomly, he said, "Do not worry unduly. I am independent, shall have to take care of fishie. He is not."
Turned out it was a compromise. The meetings would take place at a land between Bethmoora and Rockhurren. Because of the extra letter writing and exchange of 'stuff' bribes, the politics paid off. Abe was fluent, and coached Elf to do some basic greetings.
They practiced a few times. People checked to ensure no cracks were in Abe's tank.
I saw them off, and was more positive that morning. Instead of the customary black, Nuada wore a loose pale robe, almost white. His hair was cut shorter, to collar length.
"So early? I didn't wake you." He said, held my shoulders. I nodded.
"Goodbye. Please call me." I smiled and swallowed a lump. He promised.
About every two days I was updated on their progress via cellphone. Yay! Nuada sounded quite happy. In the daytime, temperature skyrocketed so Abe and him slept or did minimal activity. Once he sent a text: SO HOT! How do they manage?
I replied: aww, drink more h20 ok? Rest. How's everything?
Good. Low batt, maybe won't last. What sh I do? Nuada texted.
Ok. Call me, Abe got his hp rite?
Yes, u well L? dun worry.
This sentence touched me deep in the core. I rubbed my eyes. Nuala touched my shoulder. "He is very tough, living alone for years. They will cope." I asked when the mission would finish. Abe called this time.
"Hello Nuada is still entertaining them. Quite alright, and he will use my phone to call. Didn't ask me how I am?" the fish was hurt.
"How are you?" I said, laughing.
Abe told me plaintively, "Not fine, this is positively dreadful. My god I made suggestions how they can improve, make a lake! Lifeforms cannot continue like that. (more unruly curses)" Abe didn't sound like an adult at all! I laughed more and he told me to stop. "I think it will take a little bit more… time." He finally got back on track.
"How long? Don't bully Noowa. He's tough but emotional." I sulked. Abe passed the phone over.
My dear elf! "Night. Not asleep yet?" his melodious voice answered.
"No. at first I was worried but Abe sounds so funny. Getting along well with him?"
Nuada chuckled. "What choice do we have? He made them happy and easier to communicate. Ah…. At last I can be alone."
"Okay. So, what time is bed?"
"Not so early," he said. "We are now- nocturnal- people They enjoy the festivities in the night well into dawn. I don't like to eat that much, when it gets damn hot, it is natural to doze off. It's impossible to walk or try any exercise. Anything else?"
"Oh. Drink more water. Don't get sick."
"Umhm. That is a must. I am adapting to this climate. Any updates?"
I told him some tidbits and gossip. "Fine. That is funny, about Hellboy. I do feel a little, homesick. I hate wearing this color."
"Yea me too. Can we spend time more when you get back, ionuin?"
"I will be excited. Yes, let us do so. I saw some nice souvenirs. Will buy a few back."
"Don't waste money," I told him.
"No it's not. Handmade crafts, but anyway I won't bother your opinion, Lai. (I imagined him making a vexed face) okay, I am going to take my tenth or so bath now. Goodbye."
"Ok. Bye, Nuada. Love you!"
He was back on a weekday, Friday I think. I was walking around in the garden to check out all the plants, when I noticed a new truck. It looked familiar. So I ran all the way yelling, "Hey! Guys!" But nobody heard me. An agent smiled.
"Looking for prince and fish? They are going in that way."
I rushed into the quarters. Only Abe. My heart fell. I slowed. Where was my elf?
I walked to the usual places. Finally I spotted him because of the blue sash. I waited till he finished giving the documents to the people. Then he turned and walked in the opposite direction. I ran after him. Nuada! I called to him, because aloud he'd be embarrassed.
Dainin! Nuada smiled and waited. He looked sleepy and worn out. I helped him to the medical room. Uriel did a checkup for him. "Everything is good. Now catch up on sleep. Oi." Prince was already snoozing on the chair. He sighed. "Let him rest. Waiting?"
I nodded. We chatted, until Nuada held his head and stirred. I supported him. "Don't fall over. It's not a bed."
"Thanks. Sorry did I make you wait very long?" We left the place. I didn't mind, I was bursting with excitement to hold him. "I got some souvenirs… at the front." Nuada was murmuring. There were some pigeonholes for bags. He paused, and found his bag, a sandy colored one.
"I'm not looking for the prezzies! Prince, I'm just thrilled you're back! Yay!" I replied, squeezing his hand.
"As I am. Hold that for me. Yes?" Someone had to speak with him. That took a while.
Nuada and I went to his room. He bade me to open the bag. "The waterjug I used. See? And these are yours." The small jug was metallic, not breakable. They used it to drink and it could withstand high temperature. My stuff was the handicrafts, a stitched cloth of patterns, trinkets, shells and a purse.
"Wow they're so adorable! You did not need to."
He yawned and didn't strip. I pestered him to change or he'd catch cold. Nuada faced his back and ignored me. "Please change."
No, sleepy…. Won't be sick. Changed before… back. After a while, the elf tugged off one sleeve, so the shirt was almost off. Have you changed like that before, lying down? He did not bother to budge. I sniffed at him. He poked me until I stopped. Ow.
Following that, Nuada was very free! We went out together. So I told him I wanted to shop in Fraser's Mall, a spanking new shopping area. I observed him if he was angry. He used to be mad at the humans for expanding and infiltrating on the faeworld. Nuada did not mind.
The elf used the partial glamour, aided by a rune on his necklace. This hid the scars, reducing his luminous paleness. Moreover, he was wearing modern clothing- jacket and a plain top, with trousers. Nuada still disliked jeans. I wore my hair up, dangling purple earrings, a plaid skirt with my blue top.
I peeked in at a cool unnamed jewellery shop. I support newly opened businesses!
"Can we go in?" I pointed.
"Yea. They look pretty. The watches are unusual." He remarked. The label said handmade watches, woven with beaded straps of semi-precious gems. Nuada was fascinated by watches, although he did not wear them. I grinned, leaning against my beau. Looking up, I could not see his eartips hidden in the voluminous hair. His ambers were a gentler hue of brown, glamour hiding his true preternatural qualities.
I tested each bracelet against my wrist, colored rainbow designs, some with one color of azure blue, emerald, diamond…. Nuada frowned in deep contemplation. "It is up to you. All of them look the same to me." The salesgirl grinned, recommending other types. I preferred the longer trailing chain.
"What a sweet father and daughter," she remarked, besotted with the elf.
Damn! Do I look so old? Humans. Nuada Sent to me in disbelief. But he shook his head without reply. "He is actually my stead," I replied confidently. She apologized.
I placed down the stuff. "Hey, surely that's not gonna spoil our mood."
"Which would look suitable? I want a charm for Nuala. I promised to buy some gifts," he asked me, gesturing to a glass display of animal charms, anklets.
"Ooh, all are beautiful."
"Can you choose? When I pick a gift, she never accepts. Once I gave her a dress but she said it was ugly." The twin brother was downcast at the memory. I was astonished. Nuala did not say such things. It happened? But the fey don't lie.
I requested a row to be taken out. He paused. Such choices were tough for males.
Nuada asked her directly, "For a middle aged lady, which are better?" I gaped. In human environment, the elf never talked to the 'scum'. He was always quiet. I stood beside him. She suggested a swan, fishes in a pisces sign, horoscope elements. I gave my opinion. I also selected a green emerald chain that'd match Nuala's new dress.
His hand was cold. While waiting, I asked need to eat? Is it too cold?
"Did not expect the aircon to be low. It's alright, I can hold on for a while. She is taking some of them out." He was shivering. Poor guy. I shrugged. "No problem, we'll come right back. Miss, we're gonna eat first. Bye!" Elf was astonished, wide ambers. He didn't want to look awkward. "C'mon."
I rushed to survey which cafes or fast food to eat. Nothing oily or too crowded. He was reassuring me it was fine, not to worry, he wouldn't collapse. In fact, the prince seemed confused. When blood sugar plunges due to hunger, we tend to get confused. "Okay with sandwiches? Or pasta?" I suggested.
He smiled. "Pasta sounds good." There was a table, awesome! "What'll you have, Laira?" I chose a drink since I wanted to decide later. He tucked in fast as soon as the plate touched the tabletop. Surveying our atmosphere, soft music playing, couples eating slowly, I leaned back.
"Not ordering? This one looks good, black pepper and spaghetti. I don't know what's this, panata." Nuada indicated the menu. I thought for a while and selected that. It was cool! Later we also had a huge glass helping of raspberry, peanut berries ice cream!
After a while, he mused, "I don't have gastric pain. We didn't have to leave."
"I needed to eat, never mind. Let's go back there again." I smiled, licking my spoon.
He nodded slowly. Of course he would talk like that. Haha.
Hmm I asked her to take out everything. She may be angry.
Nah. It's her duty to, I've seen her before. She's nice. Why, when did both of you argue about the dress? Nuala shouldn't have said that, I'll tell her not to reject gifts. I was determined and reached for my cellphone.
He made a stop gesture. "Don't, happened a long time ago. When she didn't want me to… she felt my eagerness was close to incest." He continued, brothers and sisters can be together in our society. Never mind.
I was sorry. I didn't know the extent, maybe they argued like this within. He concluded, "Don't tell her. I wish to forget about it."
"Why?" I didn't want my friend to be saddened. This poignant expression was rare, when he broke down before…He dreamt but did not reply.
We went back to the store. The woman was delighted.
I selected four bracelets. Nuada said he would pay for them, haha. Traditional indeed. "Anything sir? Perhaps new shoes, a briefcase?"
He regarded her coolly. Elves versus human sort of stare. "No. Just count them." He held out his card. I wore the yellow sparkling beaded one and the others went into a soft looking box. Yay!
I asked him to buy something since he worked so hard. Ought to reward with something nice. Elf said he was okay, no problem. There loomed a little pathos in his expression. I tugged his hand. Nuada blinked. "Yes?"
"Come this way. So noble. Would it be correct if I said this: elves are more bitter than short lived beings?" I pushed open the door. The rush of air and sunlight. This was a Garden greenzone. Nuada's energy seemed to rekindle.
He didn't answer. At random, he said softly, "It is correct. Having lived for longer than most we will experience more pain, bitterness and stress. Some ancestors faded because they did not die in battle. Instead they died from fading. A kind of giving up."
I pressed my forehead. Darn why did he sound so gloomy! "Hey hey don't fade. I won't let you! Nobody's going to become like that."
He hugged me a little and raised his head. "Giving me pressure, imp. It was not easy to live. What Drizzt discussed, something like cherish the present. That is what it means to be an Elf race. I know you need me. Right?" Nuada smiled mischievously.
I stroked his long hair. The glamour was off. I nudged him. The necklace rune was blinking. "How?"
He rubbed it for a bit. "I think it's weak. Haha I shall freak them out." So much better.