Eternal Starlight: Celestial City

Chapter 7

Elowen arrived at the house, which welcomed her by gently swinging its door open. A radiant smile spread across her face as she exclaimed, "Guess what? We're going to have a guest staying with us!"

Just then, a knock echoed through the air, prompting her to turn and find Xander standing on the threshold, his gaze sweeping over the house with a mix of curiosity and admiration. She opened the door, looking up at him as he looked down at her, and invited him in with a calm, "Come in." He looked around the house in amazement and awe, taking everything in as he followed her and led him to the sunroom, where they could see the ocean waves crashing against the rocks.

Once seated across from each other, the atmosphere shifted as Xander, visibly annoyed, asked, "You said you wanted to speak privately with me about something; what is it?" The house, sensing his irritation, offered him a glass of scotch, which he regarded with a puzzled expression, prompting a smirk from Elowen. "The house wants you to relax," she said, gathering her thoughts. "Yes, I do want to speak with you about something."

"Okay..." he replied, his curiosity piqued. "I forgive you, Xander," she stated sincerely. "If you wish to stay in Celestial City, you can." His eyes widened in disbelief at her unexpected forgiveness while the house rumbled softly, reflecting the shift in the emotional atmosphere. Xander pressed his lips together, frustration evident as he questioned, "What game are you trying to play, Elowen?" She shot back, "Game? You think I’m playing a game with you, Xander? Listen douchebag, I know what it feels like to be used. I know how it feels to be used. Blaise tried to use me, to bear his heirs and use me as a power trip. Don't accuse me of trying to play you."

The house vibrated with a sense of unity in response to Elowen's revelation.

Xander reclined, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "Thorin shared some details about Rowan with me," he said, his demeanor softening.

"Was he..." Xander hesitated, searching for the right words.

"My mate?" Elowen interjected, her voice steady yet tinged with emotion.

Xander took a deep breath and nodded, the weight of the moment palpable.

"No, he wasn't," Elowen replied, with a sadness lacing her voice.

Xander felt an irresistible urge to dig deeper into the conversation. "Did you love him?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

Elowen's expression tightened with annoyance as she spoke, her brows knitting together in a clear display of her displeasure. "Your inquiries are irrelevant," she asserted firmly. "What truly matters is that I have chosen to forgive you, and you are welcome to remain here in Celestial City." Her tone was resolute, leaving no room for further discussion.

Xander raised his hands in a gesture of submission, his voice soft yet sincere as he spoke. "I appreciate your kindness in forgiving me and allowing me to remain in Celestial City. I will take my leave now."

Elowen, overwhelmed by her emotions, simply nodded in response. Xander moved through the house, pausing momentarily to glance back at her before stepping outside. She remained oblivious to his presence, her attention captured by the mesmerizing sight of the waves crashing against the rocks through the sunroom windows. A deep sigh escaped Xander as he observed her; her beauty was so striking that it left him breathless, yet he was acutely aware that his inquiry about Rowan had crossed a line. With a heavy heart, he redirected his focus to the door, gently pulling it open and ensuring it closed quietly behind him. As he stepped into the open air, he unfurled his magnificent wings, stretching them wide before taking flight, soaring into the sky.

Elowen dedicated herself to preparing Tauriel's room, ensuring it was a perfect sanctuary with a stunning ocean view and a private bathroom, just as she had promised. A sense of accomplishment washed over her, but a lingering concern remained—she was unsure of Tauriel's favorite colors. To resolve this, Elowen thoughtfully arranged an array of bed comforters, sheets, and curtains in various hues, allowing Tauriel the opportunity to choose her preferred palette. To add a personal touch, she placed a vibrant bouquet of flowers on the nightstand, enhancing the room's charm. Just as she completed her preparations, a gentle knock echoed through the house. Opening the door, Elowen was greeted by the sight of Tauriel, Thorin, and Xander standing expectantly outside. With a warm smile directed at both Tauriel and Thorin, she invited them in, her voice brimming with enthusiasm as she said, "Come in, and I will show you to your room."

Xander Thorin and Tauriel stepped into the house, their luggage in hand, as Elowen led them upstairs and down the corridor to Tauriel's new room. As they entered, Tauriel was taken aback by the spaciousness of the room, which featured a generous walk-in closet designed for her wardrobe. Her eyes sparkled with astonishment, and her jaw dropped in wonder as she surveyed the surroundings.

Elowen beamed with warmth, inquiring, "Do you like it?" Tauriel, momentarily speechless, finally managed to exclaim, "I love it!" Elowen's face lit up with joy at the response, "Great, I am glad that you do." The trio set down Tauriel's bags, taking a moment to appreciate the room's charm. "I wasn't sure what your favorite colors were, so I took the liberty of preparing a variety of shades for your bed and curtains," Elowen explained. Tauriel's face brightened with gratitude as she replied, "Thank you, Elowen." She examined the colorful fabrics and decided, "I believe I will choose the yellow." Elowen nodded approvingly, and to their amazement, the house responded with a gentle rumble, making the remaining fabrics vanish. Tauriel's eyes widened in astonishment as she exclaimed, "That is so cool."

Elowen laughed softly, reflecting on her initial experiences, "When I first stepped into this place, I was completely unaware that a house could possess such qualities. It honestly made me feel a bit uneasy at first."

The house vibrated with a deep, resonant sound, almost as if it were sharing in her joy, playfully echoing her laughter.

Thorin cast a glance at Elowen, his expression a mix of disbelief and admiration. "I don't think I'll ever acclimate to that," he admitted, shaking his head slightly. Meanwhile, Xander leaned against the pristine white stone wall, lost in thought as he observed Elowen's infectious energy. The sound of laughter erupted from Tauriel and Elowen, their joy directed at Thorin's bemusement. "Over there is your private bathroom," Elowen chimed in cheerfully, gesturing with enthusiasm. "Every room has its own, but only two boast an ocean view. Come, let me show you around!" With that, she led the group down the staircase, her voice brightening the atmosphere. "This is the living room," she announced before guiding them into the sunroom, where the breathtaking ocean view captivated everyone. "I love to come here for tea or even dinner," she shared, her eyes sparkling. They continued their exploration, with Elowen proudly presenting the dining room next and then leading them to the kitchen. "And just down that hallway at the entrance is the library," she concluded, her excitement palpable as she unveiled the charm of her home.