Chap 74: The Underlying Secrets of the past…..

Emilie Autumn by the sword!

Laira

I wanted to change the subject of their incest. So I elbowed him. "So rich can use a card to pay for stuff eh?" I slanted my eyes.

Nuada's brows were angled down. "Hey that was rude. I had to test the card, dainin. I don't have that much cash."

I smiled. He pouted for a while but later shrugged. "Shouldn't have raised the topic of incest. I forget your age sometimes. Please do not mind me."

I told him no problem, I loved to share. And I wanted to ensure that he still was a feisty young elf not an aged repeating and Fading one! I pressed him on the hand and leaned. Don't fade before me. I want us to grow together. It's taken me so long to find my bestest buddy in the world! Nuada was very quiet. He replied non verbally that yes he absolutely agreed with me. I gaped.

"Stop it. Not funny," he grumbled. "Want to be like that, I won't agree anymore."

I apologized. Then it occurred to me he might kill the person who said elves will always be more bitter. Oh no will she die? Don't kill okay!

"Hmm no. Why would I, she is right. At least should leave her alive to speak to."

Nuada was perfectly calm. He gazed at a blossoming shrub, a little smile on his lips.

We sat together admiring the view. Then I felt restless. I wanted to walk again and check out the music store. I jumped up. "Want to go too? It's ok if you don't want to. I'm fine on my own."

Nuada rose. "Fine." I asked him if he was sure. He looked impatient, like the time I rejected his gift of being too expensive for me. "I am fine. Do I look like I can wait aside for long hours? Come."

The escalator took us to the HMV floor. I turned to my friend who was wincing and nauseous by the loud volume. I couldn't be heard. I will be alright. It's very loud. You look ill my friend.

How long will it take? The elf took out something white from a pocket. He put them to his ears. Then he was beaming. Solved.

What an awesome idea! Since he had the plugs in, the volume problem was solved. I guided Nuada around. We talked mentally as we both could not hear. Telepathy was very useful! He went into the classical music section. Soft, so elf removed them.

"I'll come back later. Going to the anime and movie part, there," I told him, pointing.

He didn't let go. "Stay with me. Surely it's not so bad here." Gentle ambers of dependence. He reminded me of a hurt wolf. Nuada picked up a headset.

"Ok. That is for sampling. Flip it on and select the music you want to hear." He was soon adjusting and pressing the buttons. Haha! I thumbed be right back. Nuada made an ok sign.

I browsed that section outside and spent time there. But I almost forgot the real world! Someone tapped me. Huh? He also wanted to listen to my machine. I stepped aside. I had a big pile darn, which should I buy? Checking my wallet, ought to be enough.

I walked back to Classical. Nuada had finished. When he glanced up he saw me and smiled.

Going to buy anything? I gestured.

No. I have listened to them before. The Unfinished works of Mozart is great. Still Abe has it.

Why not buy something? I feel- bad if you accompany me only to pay, I said. Elf went back in and selected one Cd. Bond. Finally he had shopped! I asked if he enjoyed the experience. We hardly came to the malls. "I know department stores aren't so customized but isn't it fun to look around for ideas?" I enquired.

This was the tenth or so store of men's clothing. He wrinkled his nose. "Alright. But I feel… overwhelmed. Too many choices." Nuada touched his forehead. Oh dear. I led him to a seat. "There are many. Still I want to narrow down the choices. I don't want anything else." He drank water.

The realization hit me that the prince was out of league here… "Oh I am sorry." I touched his shoulder.

He blinked. "Why?"

"I feel sorry for how much energy I've cost. You have been so patient to wait for me. Even if this is no natural environment." I took out my box of sweets. My friend accepted.

He replied that he had been prepared, I was always like this. "Actually, I like finding new things. Reminds me of old times and I feel relaxed. I do not plan to buy anything except to pay." He closed his bag. "Window shopping is- quite a science."

I laughed. Normally we said doing something was an art. "Thank you! How can I repay your kindness?"

He chuckled. "Do not say you will leave me to wait. That is not my forte. I am restless and need action."

We ate again, a midday snack. The cold made his metabolism increase. I didn't have to do anything, just be myself. Spontaneously, Nuada wanted to watch a film. We chose Salt. During the talking parts, he nodded off. So I poked him. Don't. Leave me alone, imp.

No you will miss out. Wake up.

I won't miss anything. Do not be silly. Stop disturbing me. His ambers were dozey but open. He jabbed me. Aww. No poking of unpredictable elves. Then he nudged me a packet of crisps. It was nice! When had he bought it? A friend gave me a lot. At least it is much nicer than popcorn.

Some time ago, I had written this letter but not given to him:

Dear Nuada chan,

Hmm I don't see you as spoilt. I like the phrase of 'this elf lapses into spoilt royalty behaviour' hmm, I don't see you as spoilt, you are more disciplined and responsible than the princes shown on tv. Ok, equals sounds good.

Yup I meant the equality of expectations. If I am not wrong, secrets have hurt you a lot. Which is why you request that I say it directly. I will try. It's ok to be inflexible at times, sure I'll let you know, no problems. Except don't hit me.

Haha no result of action? Well, I get the point. That refers to the indecisive people who're not firm on anything. Love is like that indeed. Passion is what I meant too. Still, sometimes I feel unreciprocated. I appreciate any gestures that friends have for me. But they don't always like me back as much as I do. Sad…

There's a comedy of a fey king who doesn't admit he is one. It's a comedy. He tries to make his addled absent minded son marry a wise half fairy. Your people are intriguing to me! It's a dream come true, real fortunate to know the fey. I will cherish and protect them, when I am older! For now, I can't fight.

Sometimes I dream about elves. Hey did you know Uriel can play the flute? He is so talented. I received his card. Didn't do much, I am puzzled he was happy. Wondering what does a pooka eat?

Write back soon! Thanks for being a great listener and also responder. I was letdown when my friends forgot me or didn't reply. Always punctual! That is a rare trait.

Lots and lots of hugs

Laira

Things were more or less normal. The corrupt were either wiped out or escaped. For the moment, situation was not fucked up. So we could move back to our home. (oh no had the plants wilted?)

I would miss living here at the action packed place, but we could visit! Nuada didn't show that he was hurt but he didn't let go of my hand. He always held on to dear people, remembering who were his bodyguards and sometimes found it tough to forgive. I researched that most of their Kind don't forgive easily due to long memories. I understood that.

People who can't forgive are those who hold on to precious little left. Personally, I cared for both past and present. I did not have much, and will cling on to those I have in remainder. In the end I didn't talk to Nuala about the incest thing. Nuada came with us to help. His allies were able to move our stuff for free. We didn't have to carry anything! The guys chatted amicably. Joe had been M IA for a really long while. He wouldn't say what he was up to.

Prince nodded attentively, smiling broadly. I hoped we could still be together as a family even if we had to move back. "I will like to see your… apartment when it's less messy." He remarked.

In addition to our own belongings, we also had some house gifts like rice cooker, dried foods and so on. Thankfully the plants didn't wilt completely. I guess they were resilient, despite not being cared for while we were quarantined.

I missed my familiar halls and our secret library. Nuada touched the handle with a smile. The door slid open. "I still remember how to open this." Our books according to sets and genre were laid out. I took out my dino books and placed on the table. The dust poofed. I coughed. Nuada sneezed. I apologized. His ambers were narrowed, a hand covered his mouth and he asked muffled, "Can I wear a mask?"

I went in search of the disposable masks. He looked cute with his nose and mouth covered. We read together in amiable silence. Later, I noticed Elf's book was the unicorn legends book. It must be his favorite. I made a note to give it to him when he did not notice, like leave it inside his cupboard. Haha!

We did want Nuada to stay for longer. But duty called! His usual stoicness was affected by moisture at his lashes and he squeezed our hands hard. Joe offered to escort him to a bus stand or take a cab, but his colleagues turned up. They looked quite human. "Keep in touch. I hope to have free time soon!" Nuada said as he left with them.

After a few days, his letter came in a blue envelope! He had pasted a sticker of a smiley at the back and a return address. I noticed that the mailbox number was different.

Noroc Dearest Laira-chan,

Haha I am not chan. I forgot the formal title, darn it. Please do not forget our age span.

Yes I guessed the equality of expectations bit. It's nice we can understand each other. You are right on all counts, I try to be more patient to indecisive people- haven't I been so kind and caring as we strolled aimlessly for the entire day? It was a pleasurable trip, I enjoyed the food and exploring the shops. I don't feel the thrill of the 'hunt' for new things.

Shall we visit my homeland when we're free? I miss the food! I just found out the mailboxes have been reshuffled because of new people coming in. So I have written the new address behind. I am sorry that friends are not replying consistently to your letters, by mail and by the net? Strange because by net, the access of communicating should be easy and instant. The teacher was extolling the speed of receiving instant messages.

Perhaps they forgot or are busy? Maybe the computers broke down too. Try not to think negatively, I will always respond okay? Sometimes I may be delayed but I will.

The next day brings a new surprise. Is that comforting?

Actually, I have very few friends too. Sometimes they don't remember me. Thinking all elves look the same. (angry face) I do feel annoyed, but not sad. If people closer to me don't trust or forget me, the hurt would go deeper than the casual acquaintances. As I am male, I will not brood about it. Is that why you feel hurt, elendil? Hmm, would you like to know my solutions? I won't lecture at this moment.

Usually we want to be cared for by others, yet they are not mature enough to agree and do accordingly. I would share how I manage not to become too depressed over broken promises, if you wish? I believe there is a new series of fairytales stamps and sticker collection. Here is the flyer. Let me know if it is in your collection? I will be free to go to the post office on the 20th.

I love your house! Anticipating the next time I can stay for longer. It is weird when I wake up and you're not beside me. Tell me, was I a bad room mate? I can be unbearable right? Mostly we cooperated and compromised.

There is a phrase- familiarity breeds contempt. I would be sad if we ever have conflict because of living together. Don't want it to be true. (stick out tongue face)

As usual be honest and honorable in answering my questions. I won't be able to hit or shout at anybody on the paper, haha! So many compliments, I am too thrilled to sleep well. Hellboy and the gang as they label themselves are getting along well. I am neutral, just do not provoke me…. We have some people visiting. A Doctor Corrigan- Red has known her for many years. She was fascinated by our language that she listened to us talking in various types of gaelic for a conference! It was more than half a day. Her patience must be durable. I learnt that she has been a consultant for paranormal activity, like Krauss but much less pompous. The other members were males. I think I made friends. Don't know if they felt my warmth.

I laughed at this point! Nuada did not radiate warmth unless you knew him for at least a year to two. We'd been roomies for the whole time but he was okay. When Nuada realized I needed to get my pads out, he allocated a space for it on the shelf though it was very small. He was not oldfashioned and angry at female messes. I had to take out the trash, yea I did miss waking up beside him.

I await a swift reply. Now, the hours have changed… we are out for shorter periods and come back. Good! You can call me about lunchtime 12 to 1 or later in the evening. My mobile is also able to get messages/

Lots of love

Uber elf