Chap 81 Rainy day woes
Song: After Forever Energize me!
We watched the raindrops slide down the window glass. It was surreal and beautiful, but our trip outside had to be postponed. And nobody was online! "Argh, everybody isn't online. Sucks!" I complained, hitting the close button.
Nuada came to see what I meant by that. "Why not? What happened?"
I opened the window again and pointed to zero online. The icons were grey. "Orange means idle when the person has turned on the comp but is now not there. Not as bad as people signing out on me! It's like when we talk halfway I cut off the call."
I wanted to fume. He finished sweeping the floor and picked up an urn. There used to be marbles in the urns around his bed. "I see. Then don't wait anymore."
I wondered where all the other urns had been kept. When I passed my hand over them, the marbles would shift as if I caused magnetic waves. I asked the prince where they went. He didn't remember.
"Sometimes if I wait, someone may come. Then I'm so happy. It's free of charge to talk online. Have you tried before?" I stood up and toed one of the socks. He said not really.
"These tech things are a foreign concept. Once someone gave me a message, and a window came open. But I accidentally closed everything. So if I do, you may be angry. Like the other day." He replied, sorting out the old and new clothes. Yea that was referring to my annoyance at being cut off although I could see their status online.
Nothing would get tossed out, the elves sorted out their old clothes to be mended.
"Also, it has to be the same time… I doubt I can. Have you heard news from sister?"
Today his hair was tied and he wore a striped blue shirt with silver patterns. This fabric was much thicker since there was chill. I was in a red top and black skirt.
"Nope. Don't be sad. At least your friends didn't disappear from your sight. How will you feel, elfie, if people canceled something that was supposed to be?"
The twins had to be separate until their sickness symptoms subsided. I knew he badly wanted to see her. His tone was a little stronger than his calm tone. This week, they had some phonecalls occasionally. But the older races want face to face, personal touch type of contact. I felt sorry for them. Last time I also felt this way when he had been dangerously afflicted and I could not come quickly.
Nuada quirked a brow. "I will demand why the hell he or she forgot to come. That's so rude and I will be angry, but.. it is possible something, emergency cropped up. I won't let the whole day be ruined." He smiled, the picture of training and walking out alone..
Haha. I guess you will do those things. It really is shit when people neglect to meet me. Online is so simple.. and yet when I go out sometimes that happens too. Sudden cancellation! I never forgave the person for the entire day.
Hm so serious. What about the forgive and forget? All gone huh. Nuada smirked, his point proven right, he sounded triumphant. I am now trying to do it yet you weaken my resolve. I'll start wiping out more humans from tomorrow onwards.
I was in stitches. Elf blinked in astonishment. When I got breath back, I replied, "Nah won't be happening. I love you no matter what you do, ok? I'm sure they deserve death. I got some nice messages of my art. This is the good point of being online. Want a look?"
He nodded and agreed.
"Yes indeed. I am happy too. If it's not too heavy tonight, we can still go to the bookstore." Nuada planned how to get there, with his special map. When he decided on the place, it would glow with an x, and the trail would light up. Sadly it won't answer my questions though. I didn't want him to walk in the rain, because he wouldn't take an umbrella but cover a hood over his head. Usually he pressed the issue of his health. Tonight he felt tired and wanted to clean up.
Nuada didn't seem like a spoilt angry prince figure at all in private. I liked it that he avoided the really heavy stuff like politics. He continued, "I try not to worry, Abe is a capable husband. Doesn't it make anyone uncomfortable to see a blue man naked with my people? I wake up with his image, that is- when our Link is strong. I feel like vomiting when I see it."
I smiled. Nuada glared at a picture of a cartoon fish.
So is the Link a good or bad thing? The twins I know cannot connect like that.
The elf pondered this while writing down something. "It is not good in this case, we have to be far away so it will stop. I can't hold the link for long, my head hurts. I guess, in an emergency messages could be faster than internet. (he recalled the time we were escaping and Nuala was at another place). What, going to document my words? It is going to be anonymous." He shifted to peep at my pen going on the paper.
"Yea it is. I promised. Can you repeat the last part again?"
He didn't want to repeat. I pouted, the best was to make it into a direct quote. "Why not? It's lovely to see your speech there."
He held out his hand. I gave him the book. It was now divided into Twin studies (fraternal) and Elven traits. I had luckily left some pages in between, fast filling up. He stretched across the bed and gestured. Silverlance wanted to see every page, his face was serious throughout the browsing. I leaned on his shoulder.
"Hm. This is dangerous material. I can't allow you to show others." Nuada shook his head incredulously.
Why was it dangerous? But it's not got your names there. Hehe.
Oh Laira. Then the public will know our secrets and exploit our innate gifts. Such as animal taming, telepathy and so on. I know you won't. Because I will feel very letdown if my name is in there. Though it won't be so bad as to have power over me… He picked up my pen and wrote: this is all imaginary and all people and places are not related to the real events.
I was annoyed. But his smile was coaxing. Moreover his calligraphy was so beautiful that I wanted to promote their culture. From our past chats, Nuada was unhappy about his friends hiding from humans... Didn't he want the fae to live in the light?
Picking up on this line, he said dreamily,
"Yes, that should be the case. We always seem to go into these debacles. I mean if our people live openly, without glamour, I don't wish to see them being exploited. Take the endangered animals made to perform tricks, kept as pets, harvested.. not like that!" Nuada's ambers narrowed into slits and he scowled. The scars across his nose and cheeks intensified. I spread both my hands in a 'chill' manner.
"I agree it's bad. Ok let's not talk about that. Are the cost of books there expensive?"
Elf's pointies twitched slightly. I waited. He may be annoyed that I avoided the intense topic again. Of course I haven't figured out why his ears move sometimes. But he accepted. "No what is the word… secondhand. There's both fiction and nonfiction. What are you looking for? I can help."
That was more like it, the eager friendly side of the prince. "Not yet, I've not decided. Oh you went there a few times, know the layout of the place?"
"We do the searching on our own. I roughly know where to look. Ha, that's the shopping style you have. Then let me know on the way." I drew a smiley face on the sentence. Then we were quiet, his hand making ticklish circles on my back. I giggled.
The rain stopped. It was quite late in the evening. "If you got a mission later, then it's fine. We can go another time." He was pleased there would be none. Our mode of transport was riding on an Elm treebeard! Awesome, I loved to do it. The venue was a fifteen minute smooth hike into an isolated forest.
"Yea! This is so nice. Thank you!"
Nuada chuckled, accepting my hug. We sat in the middle of the huge walking tree guardian's hand. As long as people didn't go off the edge, it was quite safe. I wasn't scared of standing on top too. The sensation was like a ship bobbing up and down. I will be shocked if he suddenly comes to me. So I planned in advance. Decided what kind of books yet?
Hmm, I think self help. I said.
What's that? Oh oh, the anger management type. I'm going to shop for children's books. He sighed.
Wow he was keen to be an uncle to Nuala's child already? I asked him. He shook his head. "No, for Hellboy's children…. He wouldn't let me refuse and now I am their, godfather. I said I have no religion how can I be a godfather? Isn't it?" He made a grimace. Secretly he was happy.
I laughed. "I think it's great! They love you. It's ok, godparents also give gifts. No need to be highly relgious, Noowa, congrats! Come shake me hand!" I grinned.
"I was hoping you'd help me get out of this duty. I'm not religious, just teach them good and bad I suppose. Later, words will fall on deaf ears." He rolled his eyes.
The bookstore was soon in sight, a spiral tower without leaves but the shape was of a tree. The Elm lowered us down to the ground. Nuada gave it something to eat. There was no aircon, but quite well ventilated. The lights were natural. The friend was dozing off at the front.
"That part is nonfiction. Let me know if it's too high," he whispered. His index finger pointed me in the direction. I nodded and began to touch the bookspines. The shelves were so tall you had to crane your neck up! I doubt we could reach without help. My friend told me self service, so did that mean had to lug the ladder around on our own? Luckily my book was on the fourth row, I could just tap it on my toes.
I took the book on skin allergies and yea the price was two bucks. I could afford it. Nuada I'm done. Where're you?
No signboards to explain which section was which. He directed me a few turns until I saw his striped shirt and blond hair. He seemed to levitate off the ground. Cool! The elf climbed down the makeshift stool and with a pat, it became a normal height stool again. "Hello. Today you're so fast. I haven't found anything yet." The prince wondered which other shelf had stuff. "This one's content is not suitable for kids. Maybe this one. Mind waiting for me?" I nodded. He headed to a pink shelf in front.
Nuada had a few volumes when he had finished the search. There were many pictures. He decided on three and placed the rest on a trolley. Oh how meticulous my soulmate is! To go to such lengths to buy things. The guy was a bearded fellow and still snoring. Elf knocked the table and called him Mollin. "How much?"
I put my two dollars on the counter. Mollin awoke and talked to him awhile. Nuada smiled. "Old friend, having a laidback life as usual. Yes these please." I was happy the prince also included my money without offering to pay for me.
Mollin chuckled. "Yep that's me. I don't like adventure. Are you still fighting wars?"
I waved hi and he got me a candy jar. I refused politely. So he gave a free bookmark.
"Nope, I'm a detective now." Nuada was casual. They didn't use plastic bags, everything was wrapped in cloth. Good thing they were light. Mollin asked us to please visit again. Haha how wonderful to sleep the day off. But it'd be easy to shoplift.
On a bench, Nuada slotted everything into his pack.
"I can carry my own."
"Oh never mind. I don't want to reopen my bag. Come, this way." He was walking in the opposite direction to our entrance, deeper into the woods. Soon I got why, we would take a cab back. These were the magical trams with feydrivers. Nuada was worn out, he stifled yawns.
Didn't sleep enough? Well later you can go to sleep early. I said, holding his hand.
Four hours should be it. Maybe because it's cool, I feel so groggy. When we got on, he gave crisp directions how to go back, not showing his fatigue to the driver. Then he leaned back. I assured him I was alright. The elf smiled.
I know, I can't sleep well in a strange place. Best is a still bed. Enjoyed the trip? Is it better than the other one? I began comparing both places and got no reply, he was sleeping. The cab was smooth and in no time, the back exit of BPRD was in sight.
"Here." I told him. The stop threw us back. He was awake and dropped tokens into a red coinbox.
I loved the tram ride too. He was pleased. Before sleeping, Nuada attempted to wrap up the presents with colored paper. I helped him with that. Elf pulled on a sweater I gave him and flopped down. I loved him so much my heart was full. I smiled at the cards labeled with the names on each book.
The third one was a blank. Perhaps it was for his journal writing? The temptation to peek at the pages was strong. I struggled. Nuada was a light sleeper. It was not in sight, must be hidden under some other volumes. Aw. A knock startled me. It was insistent. Who was it? Usually he kept the door locked at night when there was nothing on.
Who is it? I Sent a message, frowning.
I need to speak to Prince, Urgent. Open up.
Go away! I hissed, making a wave motion. There was a thud sound. What had happened? The bed creaked a little as the elf shifted. The person was still knocking. "Wait." Nuada pressed the button to let him in. A very short man with horns trotted, rubbing his head. He glared at me.
"Your Highness, sorry to disturb you. I have an important clue to show. Please lighten the sentence on my brother!" he beseeched, prostrating before the bed.
Nuada asked in their language something and took the scroll. Symbols and letters formed a strange runic circle. "Gilbert, how did you get in? Our location is private." The elf rubbed his face.
This time goatguy bleated in coarse tongue. I was so annoyed that he was disturbing us that the word 'out out' blocked out everything and I snapped my fingers. He was rising into the air and went upside down. What?
"Quit playing with magic, Gilbert! Who the hell is your brother? I'm not in charge of this case." Nuada shouted.
"But, but not me- her!" goatguy pointed at me while revolving round and round. "But they said I can find an elf royalty here! No one can help me if you won't!"
His ambers cut to me. "Laira what is going on?"
I shrugged. "I can't stop. Seems like I lifted him up." Nuada stifled a yawn and put the scroll on the desk. He closed on my wrist and said 'let him down now' It worked and goatguy plopped unceremoniously on the floor.
Then he explained, his brother was Gilvun and was going to be executed. They had known some secrets but didn't dare to reveal them at the moment of hearing. Nuada made the gesture to stop. "I don't have any idea who he is. There's been a mistake. I have to sleep. I will ask someone in the morning. Go."
Gilbert grumbled something and shuffled out. Nuada collapsed back. I climbed into bed too. His finger poked me. Didn't know you can lift people up. It's funny. Mirth was in his voice.
Hahah, glad to. I can't control it. Elena can make many things move. I didn't even think. Let's sleep, don't bother.
A pen dropping. A few curses fully alerted me that morning. Nuada was in customary black, his hair damp, picking some pens up. I rolled over. "Morning. Why the rush?"
"Damn! It won't roll up." He gritted his teeth, holding down one end and it was fighting, so pens dropped again. I got up to help. "Can you get someone here? I have to make sure it doesn't move." Nuada stood, pressing with all his strength upon the shaking parchment.
I ran to Johann's place. My heart was skipping, I had not called the guy before. I shouted his name. The containment suit like a spaceman bobbed into view. I blurted out what was happening. I led the way. "Nuada we're here!" I said.
Elf looked relieved and stepped back, telling the ghostman about what happened last night. And now the paper was not cooperating. Johann let go of some air and managed to imprison it. "And where is zhe goat now?"
"I sent him out. He should be still here, mistook me for the one who ordered execution." Nuada glanced at me. No need to tell he was flying about.
Yea agreed. Where could Gilbert be?
He was having breakfast calmly. Someone had given him free food. He was slurping. When he saw us, he began blubbering that Gilvun was going to die because no one could help him. Johann and Nuada made it clear that they had not been there.
I was starving, it was 7.30am and the guys weren't back yet. I was concerned that elf didn't fill his empty stomach. I began eating cereal. The lady asked me where was my boyfriend. She usually served us both food. I told her, not here.
Later he ambled over. "Dainin." Nuada smiled weakly, his dark rings darker than usual. He sat down and covered his face.
"Eat something. You must be weak." I gave him a packet of unopened crackers.
He nodded, sitting up. "Okay. Yes I cannot feel a thing. Who's open?" The same lady came to ask what he wanted. In ten minutes, Nuada was eating omelettes with black sauce. "Stupid fella insisted I should help him. I didn't see anyone before like this. Hope to pass to someone else."
"Yea, don't worry. I'm sorry sleep was interrupted." I touched his hand.
"It's shit. (so cute now he took to this modern curse) I missed training for several days and now too sleepy. But I have to make sure the fella goes to the right place first."
What happened to the scroll? Johann had it contained and was deciphering it. The elf was glad he could help, he didn't have the energy to do this alone. "Red went away last night, don't know when he'll be back. How about you, going home?"
"I'm not going home. Bro will pick me up. At least you can lie down first right?" I stroked his long fringe. He said he might as well not lie down because the time would be upon them. Nuada went to the meeting room. If I'm late don't wait for me. It could take hours to settle this. He told me.
Indeed they didn't get back till four in the evening. I saw Johann and Abe! "Hey Blue! I didn't see ya for so long!" I ran up to him. He had been called back. Nuala was better. Where's prince, they asked me.
"Um, Nuada should be with you, Dr Krauss?" I remembered his title in time, and stared at him. The ghostman said he didn't have any idea. Oh shit!