Eternal Starlight: Celestial City

Chapter 8

Tauriel's gaze softened as she expressed her gratitude, "I can't thank you enough for this, Elowen. It truly means a lot to me." A warm smile spread across her face.

Elowen gently grasped Tauriel's hands, her eyes sparkling with kindness, "It’s my pleasure. My hope is for you to feel completely at home and at ease here." She returned the smile, embracing the bond of their newfound friendship.

At that moment, the house seemed to resonate with their shared warmth, echoing its approval in a gentle rumble.

"Is everyone feeling a bit hungry?" Elowen beamed with enthusiasm, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

In unison, the group nodded, their appetites piqued. "Shall we venture out or keep it cozy here?" Elowen inquired, her tone inviting.

"Let’s head out," Thorin declared confidently. "I know just the spot for some mouthwatering ribs."

"Sounds perfect," Xander replied, a mischievous glint lighting up his expression.

With a shared sense of excitement, Tauriel and Elowen agreed, and together they stepped outside, unfurling their magnificent wings to soar into the sky, following Thorin to their chosen destination.

They soon touched down in the bustling town, landing gracefully in front of a restaurant named Burks Steak and Ribs.

As they entered, Thorin affectionately wrapped his arm around Tauriel, planting a gentle kiss on her head that made her giggle, while Xander and Elowen trailed closely behind.

A stunning waitress greeted them with a warm smile. "Table for four?" she asked cheerfully, her gaze lingering on Xander, who responded with a charming smile and a playful wink, causing her to fan herself in delight.

Elowen felt a twinge of irritation at the scene unfolding before her.

"Yes, just the four of us," Thorin confirmed, though the waitress seemed entranced by Xander. "Right this way," she said, turning with an exaggerated sway of her hips, leading them to a cozy booth.

Tauriel and Thorin settled in together while Xander and Elowen took their seats across from them. The waitress first handed menus to Tauriel and Thorin, Elowen, and Xander, for whom she offered an extra sweet smile.

Elowen rolled her eyes, a hint of jealousy creeping in. "Are you all set to order, or do you need a moment?"

"Just a few minutes, doll," Xander replied, flashing another wink at the waitress.

"My name is Brienne. Just let me know when you're ready," she said, her voice dripping with charm.

"Thanks for the heads-up," Elowen muttered under her breath, her annoyance simmering just below the surface.

Xander listened to Elowen's words, a chuckle escaping his lips as a smile spread across his face. Tauriel, curious about her brother's amusement, inquired, "What’s so funny?"

"Just a little something," he replied, offering an innocent grin that deepened Tauriel's skepticism.

With a playful hum of disbelief, Tauriel pressed on, but Elowen skillfully redirected the conversation to a lighter topic. "So, how long have you and Thorin known each other?" she asked, her tone brightening the atmosphere. Tauriel's face lit up with a smile as she reminisced, "We’ve known each other since our days at Warhaven camp. Xander met Thorin first, and when I was finally old enough to join, that’s when I got to meet him. I remember having the biggest crush on him! But then Blaise became King and appointed Thorin as his third in command, and just like that, I never saw him again." Her eyes sparkled with nostalgia as she recounted those cherished memories.

Elowen beamed at Tauriel, her curiosity piqued. "Did you ever imagine Thorin would become your mate?" she inquired, her tone light yet probing. Tauriel returned the smile, her eyes sparkling with a hint of revelation. "I always felt a connection to him, but it was only the other night that everything clicked into place, and I embraced the mating bond with joy." Elowen's expression shifted to one of astonishment, but before she could delve deeper into the implications of Tauriel's words, a stunning waitress approached their table, breaking the moment. "Are you ready to order?" she asked, directing her gaze first at Xander. He flashed a charming smile that made Elowen cringe internally. "I'll have the three stacked ribs with mashed potatoes, sour kraut topped with onions, fries on the side, and cole slaw," he declared, his stomach audibly rumbling in agreement. The waitress jotted down his order before turning to Thorin, who simply replied, "I'll have the same." She then turned to Tauriel, who confidently ordered, "I'll have the steak, please, with coleslaw and topped with onions and mushrooms." Finally, the waitress approached Elowen, "I'll have what she’s having," Elowen said, trying to mask her envy of the beautiful waitress. "What are you all drinking?" the waitress asked, and in unison, they replied with a chorus of "beer." With their orders taken, the waitress whisked away the menus, leaving Tauriel and Elowen to share quiet laughter while Xander discreetly observed Elowen from the corner of his eye. When their dinner arrived, accompanied by frosty beers, they all dove into their meals, the table enveloped in a comfortable silence as they savored the food before them.

As the last bites of dinner were savored, the atmosphere was filled with the sound of laughter and lively conversation shared between Tauriel and Elowen. Thorin, with a cheerful demeanor, announced, "I'll be right back; I’ll take care of the bill." Elowen, however, quickly interjected, her bright smile radiating warmth, "No, I’ve got this; it’s on me." Thorin, taken aback, insisted, "I can’t let you do that, Elowen." Yet, with a firm resolve, she replied, "I can and I will," her smile unwavering. Seizing the moment, Xander added, "Well, if you’re treating, I suppose I’ll indulge in an apple pie with extra whipped topping." Elowen rolled her eyes in mock exasperation, "Fine. But if you’ll excuse me, I need to get through." Xander stood to let her pass, watching as she made her way to the cashier. Tauriel turned to her brother, a hint of reproach in her voice, "Why do you have to do that?" Xander feigned innocence, "Do what?"

Tauriel shot him a knowing look, recognizing his playful antics. "I’m not doing anything; I’m just a grown man with a craving for dessert," he replied, maintaining his facade. Just then, the waitress approached, inquiring if they needed anything else. With a charming smile, Xander requested, "Yes, an apple pie with extra whipped topping, please." As the waitress brought his dessert, the waitress, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, hesitated for a moment before asking, "I hope you don’t mind me being a bit direct, but do you have a mate?" Her inquiry caught Xander completely off guard, especially as he noticed Elowen approaching their booth with a confident stride. " I do have a mate," Xander replied hastily, hoping to clarify the situation before Elowen reached their table. Tauriel's eyes widened in astonishment, and Thorin mirrored her surprise, both taken aback by the unexpected turn of events.