Chap 91 While I mature, what about having children?

(update Dec-2012) I capitalized the rest of the story title, my manager said doing this will give more impact to words! so i'm applying what i found out to fics too yeay!

*ionuin means loved one. It's amazing to be gifted in many languages, will i have that privilege too? I have a Gemini moon, hence my restlessness and constant need to have time to dream. Still will continue just haven't decided on what kind of ending for them. I'm really proud of how this story turned out! it got me through hard times.

Soundtrack: Bond's Winter

The council went on for more than two days I estimated. Nuada did not have to exert himself too much as the atmosphere remained neutral, we only needed to listen. He only interjected during some of the dialogues calmly. Thus we were all assured he was lucid and alert. The medical clans got their own dialogue too which I passed by. Uriel was looking determined to request for something or someone. Many took down notes.

During our stay, we had our own room to relax in, with a queen sized bed. The window was large, making the room airy and had nice night scenery of the town life. The guards would be stationed round the clock. We got ready for bed, washing our faces with the gold basin and changing into burgundy silk robes with short sashes for bedtime. We had brought along our own clothing, but more for the functions. At first I doubted these borrowed clothing was clean. Then I wore, but kept another of my own vests inside. I did not get hives so seemed alright.

Today was the final night and tomorrow we would be able to leave. Yahoooo! I cheered. Nuada watched me bouncing on the mattress with a slight grin. He fluffed up the small pillows. "How's the body?" I watched him carefully lean back.

"I am well. Always like to do that to the beds. Did you take pictures of the place?" he waved to the room. I shook my head. Other than the outer building, everything else looked shabby. "Too boring?"

I winced. Hm it would hurt his feelings that I was not impressed by his homeland of the fae. "Sorry, I like the outer structure only. The rooms are quite dark. I did get some of the foodie! Here check it out." I thumbed to the section for my friend to peek, and he did, his hair wisping over his shoulders.

"Oh that is indeed a beautiful ornament. The cornacupia, a symbol of prosperity," he said merrily. Then he added, "I understand, no need to be sorry. I am happy that we got to attend this meeting together. In future I hope that Joe will be present too…." Prince enthusiastically elaborated, not that he would be sick or injured everytime the occasion rose, but we would gain valuable insight on how Bethmoora and politics would be run. The extended royal elves would assist Nuala and him on the more complex matters, and he was keen on the social issues such as orphans and animals in captivity, illegal wildlife.

Impressive!

Well tomorrow will be freedom. I am speaking in tongues? He Sent as he used a pillow to cover my tummy.

Huh? No no I'm so sleepy. I'm sated by all those delicious foods. What? Come again, what tongues, Ionuin? I asked, frowning.

Careful, being too full will make you have more nightmares, Lirael. I said we can be honest with each other. I accept that you feel restless. Young people are.

Hehehhe. Glad you know my heart. Can't there be some, entertainment? Our fingers intertwined. He spoke a soft word and the glowlamps became .

For awhile, Elf did not respond. I thought he had fallen asleep. His breathing was deeper. Then he wiggled his fingers. Switching to speech aloud, "Oh such as what? Rock music."

"Yea, though we wouldn't be able to listen to it properly without headaches. But I didn't notice any radio or player around. Or a rainbow lighting thingie to liven things up. and an elevator," I murmured. I turned to my elf. His eyes were closed, ah he must be too tired.

Soon the melodic flutes of musicians at a stage outside lulled me to sleep too.

Then I felt something kick me in the arm. Oof! I cursed and faced my back. What the- I rubbed my eyes. Where was I? Who was kicking me? Then the small green room, which was now illuminated by some light, triggered my foggy memory. Nuada's leg was over mine but he had his back to me. I nudged him. "Hey hey stop kicking me. It hurts! Oi!" I grumbled. Nothing much, except for another weaker kick.

This was the second time I got assaulted. Normally he wouldn't hurt me.

As a result, I woke up first. My elf did not rouse till much later. I was propped up and tried to nod off. Nuada stretched almost hitting my face. I dodged and held his arm. "I got hit, man. Had nightmares?"

Elf blinked his golden gaze innocently. "Good morning, my love. No I don't know if I did."

I could not be mad at him but I still had to talk about it. "You hit me a few times. I got a shock. I think you had nightmares."

Prince tried to look upset and remorseful, but he was still smiling as he rubbed my sore points. He said, "I did not intend to. People have mentioned they don't like sleeping near me at campsites."

I held out my hand, wanted to show him how much I had suffered but he had slept through it all. The elf's calloused hand matched my palm. Nuada combed back my fringe and hugged me. "My deepest apology, it was my fault. I will make it up to you. Name a price."

"Not sure what I want to punish you with. Want to sleep more." I lay down again. Not gonna move till very late.

He replied, "There is a fixed time the carriage will come. Never mind, sleep in. I will get some food." I dozed off, until I heard his voice in my ear and shaking me. "Laira, wake up. They are here." Not enough time! I protested. I leaned against my soulmate while he helped me to the transport. Salem was talking animatedly but I didn't catch the words.

Prince Nuada

I had kicked Laira. Such a bad habit, I had conquered that part of myself hadn't I? Now she was catching up on slumber on our ride back. "Does your wound pain you?" Salem enquired. Laira wanted to lie down on my lap so he was at the other window.

I had forgotten. The rest had healed me nicely. The only setback was that stupid long stairway.

"No longer. Thank you, friend." I replied. Salem beamed and soon he also slept.

I looked outside at the trees, clouds zooming past at a leisurely pace. My sleep had been free of dreams. It was sweet, and should have been deep enough not to involve my limbs striking others. Hmm….

The function had gone smoothly. Of course decisions would take a long time to come to a head, but I did not mind. Uriel would catch up later as he wanted to propose the construction of a central clinic. The girl yawned and sat up slowly. I supported her.

"Where's bed?"

"We're travelling back. No bed, you can lean against me. Want a cushion?" I reminded.

She moved so she was seated beside me again, gazed at Salem and then closed her eyes . I felt bored doing nothing. Then I had an idea, the music player was inside my bag. In our packing, she had dropped it and I picked it up. I turned it on. The name of the song playing was not English but I liked it. Playing with the buttons whiled the time away.

Sometimes the volume was too deafening. Altogether there were 680 songs, such a small device could contain so much! I had tried to read on a moving car before and developed a headache. I spend the idle time looking outside, sleeping. Even looking at the cellphone made my stomach churn. I suppose music is not bad too.

She awoke fully when the sun was lower in the sky. "Noowa, hehe, like it?"

"Umhm." I let her take the other earpiece. The song was a classical piece called Contradenza. "Who is it?"

"Vanessa Mae. I only like the fast type, like hers. Normally I have the artiste beside the title. Weird."

I beamed. "Never mind. This is good enough. Is it hard to buy this… player device?"

"Nope mine is mp3. New model is mp4, you can even play videos on it. Sure, we'll buy one for a present. Black color eh?" she joked.

"Of course I don't want a pink, or red one. Blue is fine." I made a face. "Don't need to, a casual remark. If I wish to buy, I will seek advice. Thanks."

Laira

Monopoly fun! "I think it's so nice you want to bond with me today, on my off-time," Nuada confided. He beamed, not expecting my visit today. It was about one week after the meetings.

"Yea of course I wanna come. I don't have that many friends." I hugged him tightly. His fingers stroked my head. "Let's play monopoly!"

"I also have few friends. Quality is what matters. Sure." I had it stashed in his bedroom here so we could play it more often. Nuada took out the box from under the dresser.

He placed his dog seed on the Free parking zone. "I want to start here."

"I plan to give more money than 200. Need to be at Go," I remarked.

He shook his head. "No I like to be here." Elf was not serious yet he seldom budged when he decided. So we began on there instead and starting pay was 400. Rich tycoons. Once he tossed the dice until one flew off the table. He looked sorry but grinned when I had to crawl and retrieve it. Solution, I found a container dish to shake it in.

"Chill. Don't be angry. I just bought one railway," I said in jest. He laughed.

"I am happy. Good, I got the water supply now! Later I want to do the bank."

"No problem." Although prince claimed not to like studies much, he could calculate note money rather fast and efficiently. "Oh no. Ahh! "

He smirked. Other than the owner at home rule, which meant if one of us was there don't need to pay the fine, we invented other rules. Elf wished to change seeds every few rounds which got confusing for me. Then I made the corner jail to have a lucky draw so if a player landed there could still have money. The accumulated set aside pile.

"I checked up your name on wiki."

"And?" my friend was observing one of the seeds in fascination. He had lined up the property cards neatly while mine was in a stack together.

"Nuada with A is anglicized. The original spelling is N- u- a -d- u which is strange."

"Hm what is a wiki? On the internet I suppose."

"Oh sorry I forgot to explain,yes. It's a free dictionary, quite handy to look for fun stuff. Is it true?" Elf shrugged. He didn't like that, his own spelling would suffice.

I held out my hand for payment. He sighed and began using one dollar notes. "Hey hey, supposed to be fifty dollars."

"Hm but I don't want to use the big change. I have them." Casually Nuada reached into the bank to take some money too. I guffawed.

So corrupt, stealing bank money too. Dishonest.

"I'm the banker I have the right to take that." He smirked complacently at me.

It was a killer to listen to elf proclaiming this as if it was some grand task. He laughed.

I folded my arms and looked vexed. He raised his brows.

Abe stuck his head in and said hi. Nuada glanced up at the knock and gestured 'come in'.

Hm Elf never allowed the Open-door policy. I asked him internally.

Abe watched us playing. Not everyday this happens. I have moods.

"Come. Join us. Money is less now," Nuada invited, giving him the dice. I smiled.

"Oh alright. I have not played it before." I told him what was what. Yay, Abe had been accepted! The process had been bumpy and Nuada still yelled and vented anger at him if he was mad. So far, nobody had to restrain him from drawing a weapon on the fishie.

Has he been smashed into pulp yet?

Nuada heard that and nudged me. Hey! I never hit him and of course he's accepted. You break my heart.

Because you have no smile. Checking.

My friend attempted a smile. I tried not to burst out in mirth. Abe got a couple of properties in the yellow zone. "Abe, mum wants to meet you one day. She didn't seem shocked at the photos," I remarked.

"Hmm, I do not mind. I could wear a coat to hide my body. Nuala said she doesn't get shocked too easily," he replied.

"Yea. She just made a hmm sound."

Nuada added, "Perhaps she meant interesting. I hope you don't mind, I took the photograph." Abe looked at him, if he had eyebrows he would raise them. His moist eyes blinked quickly.

Four hours later, I had only 60 dollars! No! Nuada pressed the calculator. "Yay I have 12 million." So cute! He beamed, tilting his head once as if to see us in a new light.

Abe declared it was quite entertaining and his gills moved.

We paused for some teatime..

"Nuada brother, I came to, discuss about our decision. We will live at a settlement. Nuala and I think it will be healthier for Elodia to grow up in a natural fae environment."

I poised for protest. The twins wanted to stay together, didn't they? Especially my ionuin.

A heartbeat of silence. Abraham Sapien stood up and moved slightly back. He seemed nervous. Nuada looked at him, very seriously. "I see. Is there a picture, visual?" His tone was concerned but not brimming intensely. Good sign.

Prince had reduced his tendency to overprotect his twin and let them make their own decisions. Either he would write a lot about his feelings on being an uncle or he talked extensively about babies. His euphoria eased my jealousy. In the latest letter, he had written: Don't be angry. All of you are important to me. Elodia needs more care and attention now, of course I'm not the father. I had a dream that Mother watches over us and she is so bright. The pain is not so great now. The dreams are vivid without voice. I'm really glad the Morrigan did not stop me again.

Nuala our sister had returned briefly last week. They had met up, but Joe and I were on assignment.

Abe showed him and said, "It is about an hour away. You can visit us. I am still needed. We'll keep in touch, there are phones too. The Clans have some of the elite Frias and Miring to assist. It is very very safe there."

"Wow!" I remarked. Nuada waited, stoic and absorbing this. I patted his back. Hey Abe, we should reward Noowa for his patience. I Sent making sure elf heard too.

Elf glared at me and said he did not mind. "I will want to see them and my niece anytime. So, what kind of reward will it be?" He sounded arrogant. Abraham Sapien felt befuddled.

Then he excused himself thanked us and rushed off.

Nuada went into a quiet silence "I will miss sister being nearby to speak to. She will be living away from us." He sighed deeply.

I took his hand and rubbed the calluses. "You can always use the phone or the Link to talk. Phones are easier, won't get headache. Or write letters! She replied me, c'mon I'll read it out."

"Hm? But isn't it personal?"

I took out the open envelope. "Nah she also says she can't wait to see us all. Dear Laira and all at Bureau, also you brother…" I read out the letter. It reminded me of the Morrigan topic. Elf listened intently. "Oh how's my tone? Does it go up and down?"

"Good, I think you can sound louder than that."

I picked up some of the cards. "We can play again tomorrow. I have to do something. Is it okay?" He said softly.

I shook my head. Nuada had three days off. Elf helped me to keep everything and then hugged me. After taking a shower, he left.

At dinner, I sent a text. Will we eat dinner tog?

He did not answer for a long time. About 8pm, Nuada sent back: yes sorry didn't notice phone. Others talking too much, coming back now where r u?

We ate a simple meal, sharing a bowl of meat stew. Then Nuada suggested going to the library. He had a private issue to talk about but didn't want to go back to the bedroom.

"I hope to have a baby." He told me candidly. His ears moved forward, in a concentrated effort.

We had been reading books. To be more precise, he had simply held the tome and then launched the topic of childbearing.

I was worried. "Er, you mean soon? I was thinking.. along the lines of adoption, Nuada. It hurts, I don't wish to have pain." Letting my gaze walk from the fireplace, to the neat shelves, and the statue of Bprd, then I rested back on Nuada. Would he blow up? His expression was gentle.

His right hand made a circular continue motion.

Because so many Halflings and orphans like me are on the streets. Uriel told me. My friends said their kids from orphanages are more filial than those naturally born. Not sure if it's true for all cases. I'm, not ready.

He inclined his head. We were seated facing each other, and the distance was not vast. Nuada took both my hands. He leaned his forehead on mine. Silly I am not upset or hurt. Don't want you to suffer the pain like sister did. When I experienced that excruciation, I thought nightmare would never end! I just could not move. If it is your will, I shall accept it.

Ok, I'm pleased. Let's read now, have peace time!

Nuada

Of course I am happy that sister and Abe will live outside of this place! It was no environment for our fae people to grow up. I would miss them being just a few steps away. Nuala had chosen to have Abe tell me instead of speaking to me personally. She could have raised the topic when we met briefly. Had she been concerned I would disapprove? But I could shelve aside my selfish desire and trust the fish to do his duties. I simply wanted assurance that my kin will be safe in the clans.

One day I visited with some escort. The forest glamour was excellent camouflage, even I almost did not detect the doorway. No humans would penetrate this. I interviewed the guards. They gave a tour of the preparations, safety measures and the clean history. Nobody had ever be killed or maimed under their vigilance. Excellent healers too. Nidias was the Chieftain of the sanctuary. Then I met up with my twin and her child. The elf child would blossom fast for her first few years. She said I exuded a different aura.

"Brother, you are- at peace. Try to eat more, don't lose weight." Sister's happiness was mixed with motherly vibes.

I chuckled and kissed her cheek. "I'm all right, didn't skip meals. Maybe I look slimmer in black colors. Laira reminds me."

Her deeper amber eyes sparkled with mischief. Our Link had not been very strong. So we fused together hands touching. Time did not move, until we both came to consciousness once more. Nuala said- Nothing will change between us. What kind of help will you offer us? We walked to the cot and watched Elodia playing with her toys. She laughed. I carried her and she pulled at my hair.