Chap 83 Aftermath
I watched as my soulmate drifted off, high cheekbones more prominent than before, bones showing. I was infuriated that how dare they torture my friend! I will make sure ten thousand people escort you next time dear elf.
But no one would say who did this to Nuada. He could fight so well, something serious must have happened. Then in the evening he regained some of his strength and moved from the bed. "No don't get up." I pointed at the transfusion stuff. He leaned back. Instead of water, a cup of drink was provided.
He clasped my hand and swallowed hard. I waited. "He was… an elf too. But a vampiric kind of elf, my ancestors failed to eliminate them completely." Nuada said, holding the big mug of restorative brew. The bandage on his shoulder and throat were the only injuries. I blew out breath. He drank some more.
"That sucks. I'm inclined not to let you go anywhere again," I replied. It was horrible, even though the ordeal was past. Had he been drained much?
He frowned. Hm as if you can stop me… I will be careful. If I have barely enough sleep then I won't push myself on missions. Sorry to cause worry. Have you been sleepless?
No. I tried to keep awake, but I couldn't. Nuada… I didn't know what else to say. A lump was formed in my voicebox. The prince smiled, not lifting his hands from mine. His pale fingernails were untrimmed and dirty, so I offered to help. I was gentle enough. Nuada did not mind. To any visitors, he replied quietly or simply listened.
Days passed. Physically my friend was recovering and ate meals again.
"Will he be all right?" I caught one of the healers.
"Yes, but it will be some time before he recovers from being underground. We expect him to be anxious in darkness and have some nightmares. Bloodcount and other aspects are improving everyday." I sighed, yea I guessed as much. Occasionally in his sleep, Nuada writhed and perspired. Anyone by his bedside would coax and sooth him to relax. Salem would visit every night, told me this.
One night, I saw him in the throes of anguish and called his name.
Breathing hard, the elf didn't wake up. "Don't be scared, you're safe. Safe in the Bprd, not there now," I said into his ear.
"Not there?" he murmured, seeming dazed. I repeated my words.
In the day, Nuada had no indication of remembering what transpired before. I mentioned, "At night you have nightmares." And I laid my head on his uninjured part.
He was astonished. "I do? Oh." That was all he said. When I turned my head, Nuada looked stoic. I yearned to help, I wanted to ask him to admit it was true. But something in his expression stopped me. "How are you doing? Tell me about homework." The elf sat up, gesturing. I showed him my homework projects. Nuada focused on me, which was flattering. It could also mean Nuada didn't want to talk about it. Vampire attack, final. No more elaboration. Nobody could force an elf to admit what he didn't wish to.
I'm here always. If you are in need to talk, I'll be here, so will everyone. Okay? I added.
He did not acknowledge my words, engrossed in reading my presentation. I sighed, oh yea had to practice. Nuada gave me feedback which I needed. "I like all of the graphs. Hm, maybe for this one, it's confusing. A few less, yes. I don't mind if you need more practice." It was a final project on public persuasion on how to make animal shelters. I should not be feeling awkward to speak to my friend, but I was. My face went hot. He was amused.
Maybe some of us tend to be shy in front of people we know. I needed to improve!
Abe had been there before Nuada was knocked out. "Yea he didn't let me follow. So he is back to normal right? He's strong, don't worry unduly. I'm glad my child is safe. It's a girl!"
Actually I was not certain if silence to questions meant that the elf was normal. Nightmares were frequent. Abe changed the subject. I beamed. Cool! The baby would be a wonderful event in their life. When I broke the news, Silverlance was overjoyed. He was speechless and rubbed his eyes. "Wow I cannot wait to see her. I want to get out of bed. Hey, can I leave my room?" This was the outer wards, he had been resting here for two weeks. No he couldn't, not till more checkups were done.
"Laira, elendil keep me updated." He hugged me once.
"Ok. She's a daughter. Will you like it?"
We found out by scans, but of course we said it was by sense not machine. Nuada had not approved. He chuckled. "How can I not? Any child is welcome to Bethmoora. I have to be prepared for how she'll look though." We brainstormed some names.
As I continued my rehearsal, less stammering and with more people the healers and some strangers in the room too, I was worried about how Nuada would fare. So when I was done by the fifth time, I shut the door and pulled the curtain for privacy.
Nuada cocked his head. "Yes what happened?"
I rubbed my hands. "Nothing. I just… want to talk in private. Can we?"
Nuada stroked the blankets and his gaze was directed to his knees, the fabric a pale shade of green. "How's it going? Have some nightmares, is there anything we can do?" I sat close to his feet.
His mind was blank. I was being shutout. I knew why, this was terrible. He must be brimming with terror when it got dark. He did not make a sound. Finally in a quiet voice,
"I will get well, no one can help. I heard people asking, but I cannot express it. I am okay now. Thank you."
I blinked. He was usually defensive about his ego. Nuada lay down and held my hand tightly. "I'd like it if we talked about everyday happenings. It's more interesting. So are you ready to speak to more than 100 people?"
I moaned and took out my cue cards. "Err, no! I get shy talking to people I know. Can I pretend you're not alive? How can you not feel nervous?" He agreed, pretending to look at people but focusing above them was enough. There was another subtle change, Nuada was much subdued, he humbly spoke to people without his air of arrogance. I said I would like to donate more blood. Earlier, I helped to hold up the drip which was detached temporarily so he wore clothes.
"I think it's ok to. We're same bloodtype P."
"Huh? I've enough blood now. See, here it says I'm good. Stop worrying." He showed me a very detailed report. I got all cross eyed, he browsed and pointed to the remarks: bloodcount back to optimum. That meant he could leave, though he was still in bed. I smiled. He was in no hurry to leave, it was a sick leave day still. "I can have a longer time off. Yes!" Nuada only left occasionally to do some paperwork. I was glad he felt normal enough inside.
Abe said he was exempted from the vampire type of cases, they'd be more careful about agents doing solo stuff. Nuada just watched him talk about it without comment. I went to visit Nuala twice, she had not felt the effects. Frankly I said I was concerned because he did not want to talk about it.
"Oh, Brother also didn't say anything when he came to see me yesterday. We were so happy, we had not seen each other for so long! I just let him touch my stomach and listen, he read some stories. Was it very serious?" the female elf frowned.
"Um I shouldn't worry you too much. Physically he had some blood drained and was easily tired. We talked about everything else… he said he's going to recover soon." I listened to her tummy too but heard nothing. Nuala accepted this and asked me about names. She wanted to give a traditional elf name like Essaerae or Jhiilsraa, including Sylvia. To commemorate the Queen. "I agree! I haven't thought of names yet. From experience, brother will get better on his own? When he's gone through something serious?" I felt like he was like my abrateir now and wanted to protect him. She nodded. All right then I would not keep asking how he was feeling.
He must be angry. Afterwards, I spent more time with my soulmate. I heard he had little nightmares by now. We walked back to his room, passing by a window it was getting dark outside. I observed his reaction. "Hm it is late out."
"Yes it is." The elf was about to speak more but he steered me to the right direction. Oh haha I had veered to the wrong section. Testing if I'm sane? Argh didn't I tell you I'm already recovered?
No no don't be mad. I'm just concerned. His ambers were narrowed but he shook his head. I lay down and fell asleep early. I heard some noise and came to. Spoken and rushed dialects, it was Uriel and another friend. They were leaning over Nuada! He was panting for breath.
"Calm down. It'll be alright." The other measured out a vial. Nuada cried out something, his eyes were dilated and he was sweating. I talked to him, while the needle was pushed into his arm. He didn't notice the pain.
Too many drugs, don't want them! Elf didn't say our names and clenched the bedsheets. It intimidated me that he was so helpless and ill. Then he went limp. I wiped his forehead. "What happened?"
"It was the niece kicking, it made him have a relapse. Sorry for the noise, we woke you up. You weren't to know." I sniffled and my eyes felt hot. Everytime there was birthpain, the prince would go into a panicked state. Usually his gaze was blank and unseeing. About the drug, "A natural sleep inducer made from plants. He'll sleep for a good two hours at least."
"It's alright. I.. I understand, he wants to be normal. Let's not say a word. Um, and Noowa forgets the next time (the nightmares)" Indeed the doctors said it was true, in fact forgetting was good. During counseling with some specialists, the prince was calm and quiet as well. Faren took first watch.
I slept as long as I could. Faren touched me to wake. "Don't worry, His Highness won't go into shock always. See?" I lay my head on his moving stomach. Please don't get like that again, I'm so worried. You didn't look at me, didn't recognize us. Hey niece, don't make him suffer ok. A deep breath was inhaled and then Nuada whispered, "Where am I?"
I answered, and waved to his room. He smiled. "Ah yes I slept very deeply. I'm a bit hungry. Any food?" Elf's stomach growled, he straightened up. It was quite late, 3am not likely any stall would be open. I went to the vending machine and got him a soupdrink. Nuada devoured it all. I checked for extra food in my bag, aw there was nothing.
"Aw still not full yet?"
He smiled. "Don't mind. Go to sleep." I lay down. Some speaking, but I couldn't hear clearly and then the waft of hot food. Nuada was eating! Liz had brought instant noodles. "Thank you. I didn't have anything to eat just now. Oh. I don't recall why."
I had witnessed his going into shock. But I did not want to mention it, since it was meant to be forgotten. They chatted for awhile, it was sweet that they got along very well and then Liz pulled up the blanket. "Get better soon, waif, or I'll hit ya." Nuada grumbled something.
Um nggggg- I probed his mind. Nuada chuckled and his long fingers tickled me. I held him still.
Amin ile na, dear child. I've slept a lot. My head is all fuzzy. Accompany me. I climbed to lie down beside him and listened to his melodious voice speaking. "Did I have pain just now? I thought I heard some people calling me."
I nodded. He sighed, told me he did not have those attacks often, sometimes it was bearable. "I am not lying to you." Ah I read the undertone of his words, was he telling a white lie? No he didn't seem to be, it was so sincere. So I sat up to confirm with body language. Nuada frowned at me skeptically.
All right I believed him. Nuada motioned for me to lie down.
"The drug was made by natural herbs, Uriel said. An elf won't be poisoned. Relax."
"I know. But I prefer not to be injected."
After that, Nuada was summoned for a special meeting. When he returned, he held a huge sheaf of papers. I was gaping and shot him a curious look. "Damn, I have to read these. Stupid gasbag is worried about how I'm faring and wants to give a long speech on his papers."
I tried not to grin but he looked so adorable, ears almost red and the fair brows angled downward. "Hehe sorry but I think he's right. He did give a speech? How was it?"
He smiled cheekily, one eye closed. "I promised to give them a go- through so I'm free. You're so bad. Mocking at my misery." The elf glared. I laughed even more. "Since we're in this together, help me to read half."
Oh no! Nuada opened the file and looked for the middle page. I was going to fake my illness and swooned on the floor. His foot nudged me. "Dainin this is inexcusable. Get up, or it's stinking liquid from the toilet. Hey! I just need help to complete them, then I can write the report. "
I rolled over and smiled, sitting up. Nuada's hand was offered to me. I grabbed on, and before I fell again, the elf supported my back. "Um I'm too sick." He switched tactics and gazed at me humbly and piercingly. Elves had that knack to utilize their large pupils and ageless features to full impact. How could one's heart not soften from this sincere plea? The prince appeared world-weary. "All right! I'll help, but can't guarantee to succeed ok!"
"Never mind, the report won't need to be perfect. I just have to prove I've absorbed some of this. Look there're graphics. Nice!" He started reading page one. We were both groggy by the quarter of our pile. The report was a compilation of Johann's award winning thesis that people have phobia of darkness. Nuada asked me if mine had solutions.
Hehe, typical he would like solutions. I checked the subtitles. "Nope. Haha." He got a paper and wrote down some points. "Whoa so hardworking! I envy that trait. I'm too lazy." My friend heaved a big sigh.
"Not really, I want to make sure I get it done right that's all. What sort of paper if there's no solution?" He grimaced. For a moment, I didn't take my stare off. I hoped for Nuada to get over his phobia, even if he did not mention it. Such a traumatic experience… I would do anything for him. Would Elena help? They didn't care for each other much. I wrote her an email.
Many nights later, Nuada didn't sleep. He paced about as a caged animal would, pale and not wearing his shirt. I would say, "Are you alright?" But he only smiled and sat beside me till I slept once more. In the newest letter, he had already left when I got up one morning, he told me, I am going to conquer this obstacle, it's nothing less than what I should. Meanwhile, I will not back down from night creatures, it was because I was a prisoner… we don't take well to being confined.
I folded the letter and slipped it in my file. Elena will she reply me? I set up my computer, and then went to my inbox. She had replied me!
'Takes time to recover. I cannot perform miracles. But, if the prince consents, I am able to enter his mind. But I do warn you that there are some side effects when this therapy is introduced. I don't know if you would risk it, pupil.'