Sanctuary- The Council meeting
It's been awhile since I updated but I'm gonna continue. This is for Scarlet phoenix who supports my strong female characters, Peacefully crazy, Muyany (if u read this far hehhe) I'm not melancholic at all, laughing at the moment. A game won't let me load it. And this is to All elves who shld not die!
Excerpt from Nuada's letter,
I should never take anyone for granted. Do not worry that I will be in the foils of peril, but all the support rendered will be appreciated. Some people have a premonition of a serious accident…but perhaps I worry too much. How are you doing, friends?
I did not expect an onslaught of paranormal wars to overwhelm us.
5 months later
Laira
Salem led me into the ward where Nuada lay. They had been attacked by some powerful Dark demons and suffered serious injuries. The advantage was, they succeeded in driving them back to the netherrealms and sealed the rift. A few of the group like Thistlewind and the half elf were hurt too. I had been shocked and numbed that I didn't weep upon getting a letter about this.
I suppose nobody wanted to alarm me. "Is, is he okay? He seems weak." I watched the prince take every tiny breath, his chest bound. His lips were colorless, an indication of the depth of his injuries.
"He will be fine. We've given him all the healing herbs and energy to cure the internal wounds. It was an intense skirmish. Even Hellboy was injured and still sleeps. Nuada will awaken soon I believe," Salem said. His neck was bound, a faint stain of ichor.
I waved to the chair but he declined. "He woke once to ask for you guys. Sit. Psst, Highness, wake up."
With some effort, my soulmate returned to our side and cracked open amber eyes. I whispered his name and caressed his forehead. His skin was still feverish. His smile lighted up my heart. Swallowing, his fingers found mine. "How long has it been?"
"They told me you'd struggled with the deep wounds inflicted for weeks. I wish they had called me sooner. Joe and Simon are on their way." I said, blinking back tears. The elf turned to look at his surroundings. This room remained dim so the patients were able to rest. Abe waved and came to his bedside.
We smiled when the prince joked, "Stupid fishie didn't get hit at all. Slacker."
"Ah not a very good way to greet me." Abraham Sapien pretended to sulk in his highpitched tone and moved from side to side. "Need help?"
I poured a glass of water and Abe supported him to drink. I'm not as weak now as the first day. Lyra you're all right? Don't be too worried. Did the others, allies get injured, or die?
Abe answered him, nobody died. I agreed. Nuada frowned didn't look convinced. "Promise you will check on them and tell me."
"Red's still out. Okay then I'll come right back. Nothing will separate us again!" I replied firmly. I left. Visiting hours were up to allow all of them to sleep better. I went to our room to sleep. The next day, Nuada was eating some breakfast. I knocked. Dressed in a blue robe, he seemed less feeble than the day before.
"Come in." My elf kissed me and held me for a long while. Then he told me shocking news. Ah!
"I have a Council meeting in the central fae district, quite soon. I believe 3 days. In my condition it'll be almost impossible to attend. Nuala is not affected, but she is full with child. I cannot break a pact." He took both my hands, his grip was cooler than yesterday. What! I gasped and my knees gave.
Nuada wanted me to accompany him. "I can also trust my retainers, the problem is I will not be able to speak at normal volume. Retainers are not allowed to preside the meetings. I need your help, ionuin. Everything is prepared. We won't need to talk a lot." This made him tired and he leaned back, breathing hard.
A nurse came forward to touch his chest. I was concerned so I said it's alright, I will agree. Nuada smiled. They reminded him in their dialect, I supposed it was not to be too agitated. "I'm not excited at all. My chest hurts. I can show you what I've prepared. It's in my main drawer."
"How many people?" I swallowed. Public speaking! About twenty, they wouldn't look directly at us. He assured me he'd be at my side to guide. I knew the warrior wouldn't have said it if he could manage. I would do anything to help, overcome my fear.
To our chagrin, Nuada's temperature rose again, the day before the important event. He could return to his usual bedroom. The healers did some work. "Is it because of worrying too much?" I asked. He refused to lie down and marched about.
"Not really, tuirse * I have slept so much, I'm fedup. " Nuada scowled. I held his hand and soothingly sent a picture of a meadow. That calmed him down. People who are hot tempered will always react so rashly.
"Hey the battle went badly? I didn't know you'd be injured." I fluffed up the pillows.
Salem slipped in.
"Shit, everything became shit. Enemies on all sides. I only got scraped but the toxin made me collapse. It's all right now. I'm concerned how nervous you will be. I don't mind, if you don't wish to go. I will try to manage." he said kindly. His soft hair made him look angelic.
I had read his notes a couple of times, all I needed to do was to speak on Nuada's behalf if he could not. Telling him my positive outlook made him euphoric.
"Why not try to delay it?" Salem asked. He was rebinding the wound. Nuada watched him. "Postpone a few more…"
"No. We're already behind schedule. I am not as weak as I appear to be. The others told me the time will be postponed to the quarter of the sun. Thank you." He eased into a blue robe and sat down.
"When is that?" I frowned.
He tapped my watch 3pm. Ok. Another new elf came in and they both sent him a healing aura.
Before departure, Uriel called out, "Good luck. We'll be there too!" He was taking another carriage as they had to follow the medical clans. I smiled. Adrianel would be on duty. He was quite a handsome guy with shorter hair and constantly happy.
We wore matching blue and gold outfits. Nuada showed no agony as he climbed into the carriage and took my hand. Given his silence, I knew he must be in intense pain. We were on the move in a while. Suddenly the vehicle lurched forward. Our seats were well cushioned, pillows for sick and wounded to rest. Not good to bump about when one was hurt though!
"Are you alright?" I gasped, casting a glance at elf.
He had his eyes closed, left hand holding the side. "Um, I am. Are you hungry?"
I did feel hungry, our foodstuffs dried ones were inside the bagpack. I watched him intently, other than not feeling up to food, my companion was not paling or hurting.
I read the paper again for the millionth time.
Eventually we reached the venue, Town central. The building was a tower, so high! Nuada's hand in mine was freezing, which worried me. Also the temperature dipped further when we stepped into the chambers. Guards in brown were everywhere, stoic, silent. The longest flight of steps ever spiraled endlessly.
Darn. I started climbing, my muscles burned. Halfway, prince was out of breath and bent over. His people assisted him. I didn't look anymore, wishing they had some kind of lift or pulley system. I didn't want to be sad. Finally the third storey was in sight.
Some people bowed, they wore red and black.
Nuada came up beside me, showing no exhaustion. Maybe he took some painkillers. He patted my head. My nervousness peaked. Butterflies attacked my stomach.
Nuada
I could not believe my immune system had been damaged so seriously. During the times I fought the agony and floating sensation, people had tried hard to revive me. Uriel was very pleased I awoke one day and held my hand tightly. The grip hurt, anything soft also hurt when it rubbed my skin. "You were barely moving. Welcome home."
Finally after more than a month or so, I had recovered sufficiently to sit up. My body still trembled from fatigue. I concealed that from visitors and Abe. Lucky fellow had not suffered the toxins. We had taken the brunt of it. The council's meeting would be held, I realized on the 20th day. So I prepared for it, trying to eat a little more than I could. Laira was worried that she needed to speak on my behalf.
I did need her. My dear friend gave me strength, even though she had little confidence in herself, but I would find another solution if she refused. I didn't want the time of the Memorial day to repeat.
The stairs posed a threat to my health. I ached everywhere. Then I found the special painkillers, given by Karin earlier. The medicine was dosed by pressing the small needle into my stomach. The pain would abate for a few seconds.
I could not pass out. I ensured Laira did not see.
Now we were standing in the chambers, preparing for the meeting. The long table had an equal number of seats. I gestured. To her, I conveyed, I will say it to you, just repeat after me. Nobody has good eyesight, they tend to look past you.
Laira
Mostly we listened to the speeches. Some were unclear and garbled. I felt confused… the only other grand elf was some kind of baron. He wore another type of symbol of a hammer and rock. The baron barely glanced at Nuada and Salem. The huge table had all the seats, extra was allocated. The retainers and healers moved to the sides. Hence that was why they could not speak.
My hands went slippery. They were so big, tall and weird faces. One was elongated with long tipped ears. Another guy had three tails!
Then it was my turn, I had to stand up. Nuada's paper, I held it with shaking hands and smiled. The prince recited it telepathically and I just followed along, giving the illusion of speaking. "Due to recent injuries, I have requested Laira Severns my ionuin to be my voice. I am Prince Nuada… " Felt odd to say my own name. Basically I explained the efforts of charity helping the poor and so on. Also the animals being smuggled. Everybody nodded and there was some murmuring, applause.
I sat down. Phew! Nuada put his arm around me and said, "Thank you. Well done."
Beads of sweat shimmered on the wounded elf's brow. He shivered slightly. I exclaimed, Oh no, you're in pain again? Why don't we move to another place?
The steps- . No it is impolite to leave. I can endure this for a while longer. The prince folded both hands across his lap. I hoped the time would soon come so he could rest. His heartbeat was erratic. I signaled Salem with my mind. He nodded and whispered to friends.
"Look I need you to pass this to that person." Nuada said, drawing out a scroll. The markings were deeply scored and had a symbol of something weird. Oh shit a huge tall figure, in heavy cloaks and a grim face, his head had spikes. "Don't worry, he is not hostile. Tell him my name." His gaze held mine until I relaxed. Maybe Nuada's other talent is to instill power in us.
I pulled at the sleeve as the man did not hear me, and said, "Hello. Prince said to give this to you, Mr Savier." The tall guy's robe slurped the thing in. Eugh! I ran!
When I came back Nuada had fallen asleep. Nobody had noticed, some were waving to other people.
A break was called. The other members went for other private breaks or the sickbay. "Let's go," Salem said, appearing beside us. Nuada sighed.
We spotted some of the important people, should be elderly, resting too. In fact one was snoring. Nuada reluctantly lay down. I was eating a kind of fruit bar.
"Um want any?" I held it out. He smiled.
"Thank you. Later, I feel… sick now."
I stopped chewing. Salem said something in their gaelic and looked upset.
"It will pass. Beidh conas aghaidh a fhágáil leo? Calm down." Elf watched us.
Uriel came by. I swallowed my food. If only they could be more flexible.
I'd change plenty of things like having a lift, and the dates of postponing too. "Laira, what did he say?"
"Mr Savier, didn't say much. He just kept the scroll. With a… sound." I scowled. That cheered my friends up.
The second part of the meeting was so boring. They insisted on being foreign movie mode. I was so restless I kept counting heads, and patterns. A few times, Nuada whispered, "It won't be long." And I'd pleadingly beg to run to the table of food. Finally we could eat!
How long will it be? I'm sooo bored.
Probably another day or so. I am as well. He admitted. We smiled.I sampled the delicious fruits.
Meanings:
tuirse- so fatigued
Beidh conas aghaidh a fhágáil leo? -We cannot leave just yet.