Chapter 10
1043 Words
Elowen soared into the sky, her thoughts swirling with indignation as she muttered to herself, "Who does he think he is, trying to tell me what to do? I am the High Lady of this court, it is my responsibility to uncover the truth behind this attack and confront those responsible." In an instant, she found herself back at her home.
The house, attuned to her emotional state, opened its door with a gentle creak, welcoming her inside. As she entered, the flickering flames in the fireplace enveloped her in a comforting warmth, akin to a long-awaited embrace. With a heavy sigh, Elowen made her way to the living room, collapsing onto the couch and burying her face in her hands, frustration bubbling within her. "If only Rowan were here, he would have faith in me," she lamented silently, acutely aware of his absence. Just then, the house presented her with a steaming cup of hot chocolate, adorned with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles, resting invitingly on the coffee table. A smile crept across her face at the thoughtful gesture, and she whispered a heartfelt, "Thank you."
The house responded with a soft rumble, as if to acknowledge her gratitude. In that moment, Tauriel, Xander, and Thorin entered the house. Elowen's gaze hardened as she fixed her eyes on Xander, her voice laced with anger as she demanded, "What are YOU doing here?" As she stood up. Tauriel and Thorin exchanged glances, sensing the tension, and Tauriel quickly suggested, "We will be in the kitchen," but Elowen's focus remained solely on Xander, dismissing their words entirely.
Xander's expression darkened, his nostrils flaring as he approached her, towering over her with an intensity that made her pulse quicken. She stood her ground, ready to confront him. "Listen to me carefully, Elowen," he warned, his tone dangerously low. "I've fought in wars and witnessed my comrades fall in battle. Just because you possess abilities doesn't make you invincible. I've seen the mightiest warriors perish. Just because you are a woman means nothing to the enemy; if they see a chance to capture you, they will seize it without a second thought, and they will sever your wings, mantle them and displaying them as trophies."
Elowen let out an exasperated sigh, her eyes narrowing in frustration. "Not this again," she said, her voice dropping to a menacing whisper. "You have little faith in me. If Rowan were..."
Xander cut her off sharply, his tone laced with irritation. "If Rowan were what, Elowen? Here? Guess what? HE ISN'T HERE! If he told you that you could walk on water, you'd likely take him at his word!"
Fury surged through Elowen, and in a swift motion, she struck Xander across the face.
Xander's gaze shifted sharply to the right just as Elowen's hand connected with his cheek, the sting of the slap echoing in the tense air. Elowen, her breath coming in ragged gasps, fought back tears that threatened to spill down her cheeks, a mixture of anger and hurt swirling within her. Xander shifted his attention once more to Elowen, his eyes locking onto her. "Don't be naive, Elowen," Xander snapped, his voice laced with frustration. In a moment of heated impulse, Elowen raised her hand again, but Xander swiftly caught her wrist, pulling her closer until their faces were mere inches apart. "Don't ever do that again," he warned, his tone fierce and unyielding. With a forceful shove, Elowen broke free from his grip and stormed upstairs, leaving Xander to watch her retreat, a heavy sigh escaping his lips as he grappled with the turmoil of emotions swirling inside him. Meanwhile, Tauriel and Thorin peered from the kitchen, their eyes wide as they absorbed the unfolding drama, every word and action etched into their minds.
Taking a seat on the couch, Xander felt the chill of the house as it provided him with a damp rag to soothe his stinging face. Thorin and Tauriel soon joined him; confusion flickered across Xander's brow as he muttered a hesitant "Thanks?" to the house, which responded with a gentle tremor, and acknowledged his gratitude. Tauriel, sensing the weight of his worries, spoke softly, "I know you're worried, Xander. You're afraid of losing her." He lowered his gaze to the sturdy wooden floor, nodding slowly. "I worry about you too, Tauriel. I don’t want anything to happen to you either. But this worry about her... it feels different," he admitted, his voice trailing off as he struggled to articulate the depth of his feelings. Thorin leaned in, whispering with understanding, "It's because of the mate bond. You must have faith in her, just as I have faith in Tauriel. I share your fears for my mate.”
Xander let out another deep sigh, realizing the necessity of their situation. "It seems we must remain here for the night, as all four of us are set to depart at dawn."
Tauriel agreed with a nod, her expression resolute. "Indeed, that appears to be the wisest choice. Let us get some rest. "
Xander and Thorin trailed behind Tauriel, with Thorin choosing a room directly across from hers while Xander opted for the one facing Elowen’s. As he stepped inside, Xander was taken aback by the generous space of the room, his gaze immediately drawn to the bathroom, which promised a refreshing shower. However, as he peeled off his Illyrian fighter leathers, he was astonished to see his clothes vanish into thin air. "Oh gods," he whispered, disbelief washing over him. In response, the house quivered gently, offering reassurance as it provided a towel and a pair of comfortable sweatpants. "Oh..." he finally managed to say, feeling a surge of gratitude for the unexpected kindness.
After a brisk shower, Xander slipped into the clothes bestowed upon him by the house, which also thoughtfully supplied a thick blanket for his bed. A smile broke across his face as he reveled in the warmth and comfort of this welcoming home. As he pulled back the covers and settled into the bed, lying on his back with his hand cradling his head, he surrendered to the soothing embrace of sleep, feeling as if he were enveloped in a gentle hug that promised rest and peace.
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