Eternal Starlight: Celestial City

Chapter 2

As Thorin guided the group from the hidden city, Elowen soared gracefully overhead, her keen eyes scanning the crowd to ensure that no one was left behind. The echo of Thorin's words resonated in her mind, a haunting reminder: "This won't change the fact that Rowan is gone."

While she understood the truth of his statement, a sense of solace washed over her as she demolished Blaise's palace, finding a flicker of satisfaction in dismantling something that once was Blaise’s.

As they stepped into the radiant expanse of Celestial City, she gracefully descended before the gathered crowd, her voice resonating with warmth and assurance. "Welcome to Celestial City," she declared, her presence illuminating the surroundings.

"This is now your sanctuary, where you will find safety and care, surrounded by a community that will cherish you." Her promise hung in the air, a beacon of hope and belonging for all who had arrived.

“Tonight, I will be hosting a grand ball. On this splendid occasion, where you can find your mates under the enchanting glow of the full moon during the spring equinox, alongside the vibrant community of Celestial City. She proclaimed with enthusiasm. "However, if you are interested in joining the ranks of my warriors, I encourage you to seek out General Thorin; he can show you where you need to go to enlist."

"Is it open for everyone?" a young man inquired, stepping forward as the crowd parted to reveal him.

"What is your name?" Elowen asked, her gaze fixed on him.

"My Lady, my name is Ben," he said, bowing his head in a gesture of respect.

"Ben, may I ask if you are at least eight-teen years old?" she continued, her tone both curious and authoritative.

"Yes, My Lady," he responded, maintaining his respectful demeanor.

"Then you are welcome to join my ground forces. Anyone, regardless of gender, who is eight-teen or older, is invited to enlist."

"I look forward to seeing all of you tonight," she concluded before gracefully taking flight, leaving Thorin to watch her ascend into the sky.

Upon her arrival back at the House of Light, she reveled in the soothing sounds of the ocean waves crashing nearby. A deep sigh escaped her lips, a release of the pent-up emotions swirling within her. The house, attuned to her needs, recognized her desire for comfort and provided her with Rowan's shirt, a tangible reminder of solace amidst her turmoil.

A warm smile spread across her face at the thoughtful gesture from the house, a silent companion in her journey. "Thank you," she called out, her voice filled with gratitude, acknowledging the bond she shared with this sanctuary that understood her so well.

"Is it wrong for me to have brought down the castle?" she inquired of the House. In response, the House emitted a gentle tremor, almost as if to convey that her actions were justified.

"I felt the same way," she murmured softly. A wave of grief washed over her as she recalled the day they laid Rowan to rest, a day when she had taken the time to collect his belongings and bring them back with her, ensuring that a piece of him would always remain close.

A gentle knock resonated throughout the home, prompting Elowen to set aside the shirt that had been gifted to her by the house. As she approached the door, she caught sight of Thorin waiting patiently on the other side. She swung the door open inviting him inside.

Thorin stepped into the house, where Elowen welcomed and guided him to the living room, the soothing sounds of ocean waves creating a serene backdrop that enveloped them in tranquility. The rhythmic ebb and flow of the water harmonize with the inviting atmosphere, making the space feel like a peaceful retreat from the outside world.

"Thorin, how can I assist you?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued by his unexpected visit.

The house seemed to intuitively understand Thorin's desires, promptly presenting him with a glass of scotch. Thorin cast a puzzled glance at Elowen, his expression a mix of surprise and disbelief. "I don't think I'll ever get used to this," he finally remarked, still trying to wrap his mind around the uncanny responsiveness of the house.

"Elowen, we must discuss the events of today," Thorin said, his tone serious.

"What’s done is done, Thorin," she replied, her frustration evident in her voice.

"You cannot allow your pain to manifest in such destructive ways. I know you are grieving for Rowan, and I empathize with your sorrow, but lashing out and wreaking havoc on the castle is not the answer. It won't change the past or bring him back," Thorin urged, his concern for her well-being palpable.

Elowen pressed her fingers against the bridge of her nose, a gesture of exasperation washing over her. "Thorin, I get that you're worried, and I truly value your concern, but I don’t need you dictating my actions or telling me how to cope with my feelings," she retorted sharply.

"Elowen, I'm your friend, and I'm only trying to help you through this," Thorin attempted to explain, but she cut him off.

"Then be a friend in the way I need you to be, Thorin. Stop insisting that he won't return; I am painfully aware of that reality. I’m asking you to cease the reminders because they only serve to deepen the wound of my loss, a loss that feels so fresh. I know he’s gone, and when he died, a part of me died too. He may not have been my mate, but I would've chosen him as my chosen mate." Elowen confessed, her voice trembling as tears threatened to spill over.

Thorin gazed at her, sensing the weight of her sorrow. He rose from his seat and moved beside her, wrapping his arms around her in a comforting embrace, pressing a gentle kiss on the crown of her head. "There are moments..." she hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper. "There are moments when you remind me of him. The way you act, the way you say things, sometimes. Some days, its hard for me to look at you.”

Thorin chuckled, a playful glint in his eye as he remarked, "With my striking charm and undeniable goodlooks, he genuinely attempted to mirror my style." Elowen couldn't help but giggle, fully aware that he was trying to coax a smile from her.

She straightened herself, her voice barely above a whisper as she replied, "Thank you." Thorin's demeanor softened at her words, and he responded gently, "You're welcome." Curiosity piqued, he continued, "I realized your birthday was last week; why didn’t you mention it to me?" Elowen exhaled sharply, surprised by his knowledge. "How did you find out it was my birthday last week?" she asked. Then she realized who told it, in perfect harmony, they both answered, "Liora."

“The significance of the moment had eluded me, especially with my grandmother's passing and now Rowan's absence. Yet, the house surprised me with a cake adorned with twenty-seven flickering candles, a bittersweet gesture that brought a faint smile to my lips, tinged with sorrow.” Elowen said sadly.

"You could have mentioned it; I would have joined you in celebrating, along with the..." He hesitated, glancing around the room. "House."

A low rumble echoed through the walls, almost as if the house itself was chuckling at his discomfort, sensing Thorin's unease in the atmosphere.

"I have a feeling the house enjoys your unease," she laughed lightly.

"Absolutely, no question about it. But I really must be on my way; I have to prepare for the ball," he said, taking a moment to gather his thoughts.

"Am I on the guest list?" he asked, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

Elowen laughed again, her eyes sparkling. "Without a doubt, you are." However, her expression shifted to one of concern. "Have you managed to track down Blaine yet?"

"Not yet. We suspect he may have escaped Eldoria," he replied, a frown creasing his brow.

"Please inform me if you come across him. After all, he fought against his own people and turned his back on us..." Her voice trailed off, heavy with unspoken thoughts.

"Elowen, I truly believe he was unaware of Blaise's intentions. If he had known, I doubt he would have taken up arms against us, especially considering what Blaise might have done to him," Thorin reflected, his tone contemplative.

"Perhaps," she responded, her mind clearly weighing Thorin's words with care.

Thorin leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek, murmuring softly, "I'll be seeing you later tonight."

Elowen gave a slight nod, her expression turning serious. "Thorin, there's something I need to ask you," she said, gathering her thoughts.

"Of course," Thorin replied, his gaze steady and encouraging.

"Would you be willing to accompany me to the ball? I tend to feel a bit anxious in these situations, and this will be only my second time attending one," she confessed, her vulnerability evident.

Thorin's face broke into a warm smile. "Absolutely, I'd be honored."

She expressed her gratitude with a warm smile, saying, "I truly appreciate it."

Thorin acknowledged her sentiment with a subtle nod.