Eternal Starlight: Celestial City

Chapter 17

Xander cradled Elowen tenderly as Tauriel and Thorin trailed closely behind them. Meanwhile, Raven and Riven remained with Liora, who firmly insisted that she had plenty of space for them. As they approached the House of Light, its welcoming glow illuminated their path, signaling their arrival. Xander descended gracefully onto the porch, and as he crossed the threshold with Elowen in his arms, the door swung open to reveal the warmth within, with Tauriel and Thorin following closely behind. The house, sensing Elowen's fragile condition, trembled with intensity, causing the stone walls to crack ominously.

"I understand," Xander reassured the house, attempting to soothe its anxious vibrations. "She will be all right." With determination, he ascended the stairs to Elowen's room, gently closing the door behind them while still holding her close. He carefully leaned down, pulling back her blankets and laying her down softly in her bed, tucking her in snugly up to her chin, allowing her to rest peacefully for the moment. As he gazed at her with deep affection, he recognized the challenging journey that lay ahead for her. He silently vowed to be her unwavering support, to remind her of her inner strength, and to instill in her the belief that he had complete faith in her resilience. The house, in a gesture of kindness, offered him a chair beside her.

"Thank you," Xander expressed gratefully to the house, which responded with a gentle rumble, acknowledging his appreciation.

Xander lowered himself to plant a gentle kiss on Elowen's forehead, softly assuring her that he would return shortly. He took a moment to gaze at her one last time before stepping out of her room, the dim light of her bedroom fading as the silver moonlight streamed through the window, casting a serene glow. As he closed the door behind him and made his way down the stairs, he spotted Thorin and Tauriel engaged in conversation; Tauriel glanced up while Thorin turned to face him, prompting a weary sigh from Xander. The burden of the moment weighed heavily on him as he sank into the couch, seeking solace in its familiarity.

"Are you alright?" Thorin inquired, concern etched on his face as he regarded his friend. "I will be," Xander replied, meeting their gazes with a hint of determination. "So, have you completed the mating bond." he asked knowingly, prompting wide-eyed reactions from both Tauriel and Thorin. "Xander, I—" Tauriel began, but he raised a hand to interrupt. "I understand what the mating bond entails, Tauriel," he clarified, his tone firm yet understanding. "But how did you know?" she pressed, her curiosity piqued. Xander shot her a look that conveyed his disbelief at her question.

"All right, all right," Tauriel relented, raising her hands in mock surrender, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "You have my blessing," Xander stated, a warm smile breaking through the tension. "Thank you, Xander," Thorin replied softly, gratitude evident in his voice.

"I'm sure the High Priestess will see you both if you go now," Xander suggested, encouraging them to take the next step. "Do you really think so?" Tauriel asked, her eyes brightening with hope. Xander nodded affirmatively, watching as Thorin and Tauriel left the house together.

As he stood there, he noticed a crack in the wall of the house and wondered if it could mend itself. Almost as if responding to his thoughts, the house began to repair the damage, leaving him impressed by its resilience. The house seemed to rumble in approval, as if expressing gratitude for his acknowledgment. Leaning back on the couch, he stared up at the ceiling, contemplating how to navigate the complexities of his current situation.

He stood up from the couch and made his way upstairs to Elowen's room, where she lay in a deep, tranquil slumber. Quietly, he removed his boots and settled into the chair nearby, remaining close by in case she required anything if she woke up.

Xander dozed off in the chair, and as dawn broke, the sunlight streamed through Elowen's curtains, casting a warm glow on his face.

"Xander?" Elowen's voice pierced the quiet morning air, calling out to him.

"I'm right here," he murmured, slowly waking up.

Elowen squinted, trying to make out his features in the soft light. "I had no idea you snored," she teased, a playful smile dancing on her lips.

"I snore?" Xander replied, feigning shock.

Elowen's smile widened. "Yes, you do."

"Please don’t tell Tauriel; she’ll never let me live it down," he joked, his tone lighthearted.

"Thank you for staying with me," Elowen said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Anytime, kitten," Xander responded warmly.

"Could you help me to the bathroom?" Elowen asked, a hint of shyness in her voice.

"Of course," Xander replied, gently pulling back the covers to assist her. He guided her carefully to the bathroom, waiting patiently until she was finished.

Once she was back in bed, Xander noticed the bloodstains on her sheets and immediately took charge. "You need to sit here for a moment; we need to change your sheets," he instructed, leading her to a chair beside the bed.

He swiftly removed the soiled sheets, and to his surprise, the house provided fresh linens, a blanket, and new pillowcases as if anticipating his needs.

As he dressed the bed with the new sheets and arranged the pillows, he glanced at Elowen. "You might want to change your clothes, but Tauriel isn’t here," he said, uncertainly scratching the back of his neck.

Elowen furrowed her brow, puzzled. "Where did she go?" she asked.

"Thorin and Tauriel have completed their mating bond and eloped," Xander explained, trying to keep the mood light.

"Oh," Elowen replied softly, absorbing the news.

Xander felt a wave of awkwardness wash over him, unsure of how to proceed.

"Will you help me change into something else?" Elowen asked, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

"Is... is that what you want?" he stammered, taken aback.

Elowen nodded

Out of nowhere, the house provided her with pajamas, a T-shirt, fresh underwear, and a feminine hygiene product. True to his word, Xander focused solely on her face as he assisted her in putting on the shirt that had been offered, helping her into the new undergarments and pajamas while the dress and previous undergarments vanished without a trace.

"Thank you," she murmured, a hint of embarrassment coloring her cheeks.

"You're welcome. I kept my promise; my eyes stayed right where they should be," Xander reassured her gently.

"I know," Elowen replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Are you feeling hungry?" he inquired, his tone warm and inviting.

Elowen nodded, confirming her hunger.

"What would you like to eat?" he asked, genuinely interested in her preferences.

"Waffles and pancakes, with strawberries and orange juice, please," she requested politely.

"Sure, I can make that for you. Would you prefer to sit up and eat, or would you rather lie back down?" Xander asked, wanting to accommodate her comfort.

"I'd like to eat in the sunroom," Elowen paused thoughtfully. "It brings me peace when my mind is troubled," she explained, her eyes reflecting a deep yearning for tranquility.

"Absolutely, I can arrange that," Xander replied softly, his voice filled with understanding.

He assisted her in rising from the chair, noting her slight groan as she moved, but recognizing the importance of her getting some activity.

Leading her down the hallway toward the stairs, he encouraged her, "Just one more step, and you'll be free of the stairs."

Elowen nodded silently, her determination evident.

Xander guided her into the sunroom, a sanctuary where she could find solace and enjoy her meal. He helped her settle into a chair, and as she listened to the soothing sound of ocean waves crashing against the rocks and felt the warm sunlight caressing her skin, she closed her eyes, but memories of Wraithkin looming over her haunted her mind.

Observing her, Xander noticed the tears streaming down her cheeks, understanding the painful recollections flooding her thoughts.

"Xander?" Elowen's voice quivered, breaking the silence.

"I'm here, kitten," he responded softly, his presence a comforting anchor.

“Every time I shut my eyes, I still see him on top of me. Even in sleep, he invades my dreams, a constant reminder that I cannot escape.” Elowen's voice trembled as she spoke, revealing the depth of her turmoil.

Xander took a seat beside her, his presence a comforting anchor in the storm of her emotions. "What you went through, Elowen, was truly horrific. You don’t have to worry about him anymore. He is gone for good. No one will ever treat you that way again, not when I am here." His words were filled with conviction. "I protect you with my life, Elowen, not just because you hold the title of High Lady, but because you’re my.."

Just then, Tauriel and Thorin entered the living room, their footsteps breaking the tension in the air as they spotted Elowen in the sunroom.

Elowen tilted her head in curiosity, trying to discern the identity of the newcomer who had just entered the house, though her vision remained obscured.

"It's Thorin and Tauriel," Xander clarified, providing the information she sought.

She nodded in acknowledgment, her heart lifting slightly at their arrival. As they approached, she mustered a smile, managing a soft "Hey" despite the pain she felt.

Tauriel settled into a chair next to her; concern etched on her face. "Hey Elowen, how are you feeling?" she asked, offering a gentle smile that barely masked her worry.

"Considering I have broken ribs and can’t see for the moment, I'm doing all right," Elowen replied, her curiosity piqued. "I heard you two completed the mate bond and eloped?"

"Yes, we did," Tauriel beamed, pride shining in her eyes.

"I'm so happy for you both; you have my blessings. I always hoped Thorin would find someone as beautiful as you," Elowen managed a small smile.

Thank you, Elowen," Tauriel expressed with heartfelt appreciation for her newfound companion. "After we eloped, we returned here, uncertain of Xander's whereabouts. When I entered your room to keep an eye on you, I found him dozing in the chair next to your bed. This morning, Thorin and I set out early to gather some essentials for you, and we brought these back." Tauriel gestured as she presented a vibrant bouquet of flowers. Elowen delicately brushed her fingers over the petals, inhaling their sweet fragrance. "Tulips," she identified with a smile.

"Exactly! How did you know?" Tauriel inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"When I was human, my grandmother and I would plant tulips every spring. I loved to feel the petals as they bloomed," Elowen reminisced. "Are these pink?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with recognition.

"Yes! How did you guess?" Tauriel responded, equally surprised.

"I can almost sense the color on my fingertips. Pink has always been my favorite; thank you," Elowen replied gratefully. "By the way, are you all hungry? I think Xander mentioned making waffles and pancakes with strawberries and orange juice."

"Absolutely, we are!" both Tauriel and Thorin chimed in unison.

"But I’ll help Xander with breakfast; he tends to burn things," Tauriel added with a teasing grin.

"I do not!" Xander protested, feigning indignation.

"Xander, you’ve burned breakfast, lunch, and dinner when we were kids and even now," Tauriel stated matter-of-factly.

"Oh, come on, that was only ten times!" Xander retorted, rolling his eyes as Tauriel playfully nudged him toward the kitchen.

Elowen chuckled softly, even amidst the turmoil swirling in her mind.

Thorin, observing her, leaned in with concern. "Elowen?" he asked gently.

"Yes, Thorin?" she replied, her voice soft and inviting.

"What’s on your mind? I know you well enough to see that you’re not actually all right.” Thorin said, his tone filled with understanding.

Elowen let out a heavy sigh, her heart weighed down by the trauma she had endured. "I was brutally r***d, and now I feel utterly repulsive; shame, embarrassment, and humiliation cling to me like a second skin, leaving me feeling shattered. Sleep eludes me, and even the soothing sounds of the ocean waves crashing against the rocks are tainted by memories of Wraithkin's violation. He took my innocence, Thorin, and the thought of allowing another man into my life or even letting anyone touch me again fills me with dread. How can I explain this to someone new, especially if I ever find my mate? What if I end up pregnant? How would I face the world with a child in my arms, knowing that no one would want me—damaged as I am? The echoes of his actions haunt me, replaying in my mind like a relentless nightmare." Tears streamed down her cheeks as she spoke, her pain palpable.

"You must remember to take it one day at a time; healing is not an overnight process, and it’s unrealistic to expect it to be. Just as the courts and Eldoria were not built in a day, your recovery will take time. If your mate turns away from you because of what happened, then he is the one missing out on knowing a truly remarkable, strong, and caring woman. You are not damaged goods, Elowen of Bramblewood; never let yourself believe that. I may not be your blood relative, but I consider you my sister, not just my High Lady. You have nothing to feel ashamed of; you did nothing wrong. It was that pathetic excuse for a man who r***d you, forcing his will upon you. If you find yourself pregnant, know that we will all help you raise the child, if you decide not to give it up for someone else to raise. We will stand by you and help you navigate this difficult obstacle." Thorin spoke softly, his words a comforting balm to her wounded spirit.

“Thank you, Thorin; and it warms my heart to know you see me as your sister,” Elowen said, her smile barely touching her lips.

Thorin responded with a gentle squeeze of her hand, a gesture filled with reassurance. As he settled back into his chair, a sense of certainty washed over him; he knew that Xander was her mate, and there was no doubt that Xander would always stand by her side, no matter the circumstances. His gaze drifted toward the kitchen entrance, where Tauriel and Xander appeared, their presence brightening the atmosphere. Tauriel's smile radiated warmth, while Xander offered a respectful nod to Thorin.

"Breakfast is served," Tauriel declared, placing a platter of waffles and fresh strawberries on the table, followed by Xander, who added a stack of pancakes and a pitcher of orange juice. With a flourish, Xander piled pancakes, waffles, and strawberries onto Elowen's plate, drenching them in rich maple syrup, and presented her with a glass of orange juice. "This smells incredible!" Elowen exclaimed, her enthusiasm evident.

"Thank you, Elowen; I honed my culinary skills back home," Tauriel replied, her pride shining through.

Xander rolled his eyes playfully, "Sure, whatever you say," eliciting a soft laugh from Elowen.

As Elowen attempted to maneuver her fork around the plate, she felt the cool surface beneath her fingers, eagerly searching for the delicious morsels that awaited her.

Xander thoughtfully placed a drop cloth on Elowen's lap as he settled beside her for breakfast, eager to assist her with her meal. "I can manage," Elowen replied gently, her voice barely above a whisper. "All right," Xander conceded, a hint of concern in his tone. Elowen expressed her gratitude with a soft "Thank you," her voice reflecting her appreciation. The atmosphere was serene, punctuated only by the soothing sound of ocean waves lapping against the rocks as they enjoyed their breakfast in comfortable silence. After finishing, Elowen leaned back in her chair, a satisfied smile on her face. "Are you done?" Xander inquired, his eyes searching hers.

"Yes, I’m quite full. I might waddle back to my room now," she replied with small smile. "Thanks for the delicious breakfast," she added, turning to both Tauriel and Xander. "You're welcome," Tauriel responded warmly. "I'll prepare lunch for you; just let me know what you need."

Elowen's heart swelled with gratitude as she replied, "Thank you, Tauriel, that means a lot." As she attempted to rise, Xander quickly stood to assist her, offering his arm for support. Together, they navigated the stairs, Elowen groaning softly as she reached for the railing to steady herself. With careful steps, she went to her bedroom, where Xander helped her into bed, tucking the blankets snugly around her chin. "I really appreciate your help, Xander," she said sincerely. "Anytime, kitten," he replied warmly, settling into a chair beside her.

"Do you need anything?" he asked softly. "No, I just want to rest for a bit," Elowen whispered, her eyelids growing heavy. "All right, I’ll grab my clothes from Thorin's and shower. I’ll be back shortly; Tauriel and Thorin will be here in case you need anything," Xander explained before quietly leaving the room, the door closing gently behind him. Downstairs, he found Thorin and Tauriel deep in conversation and interrupted with a casual, "What's up?" pulling them from their discussion.

Thorin regarded Xander with a contemplative expression, his voice soft yet firm as he conveyed, "Tauriel has important news to share with you."

Taking a moment to gather her thoughts, Tauriel exhaled slowly before revealing, "Elowen is expecting a child."

Xander, overwhelmed by the revelation, shut his eyes tightly and rubbed the bridge of his nose in disbelief. "What makes you so sure?" he pressed, skepticism lacing his tone.

"Liora informed me," Tauriel replied quietly, her gaze steady. "As your mate, it's crucial that you are aware of this."

With a heavy sigh, Xander processed the information, his frustration palpable.

"But, Xander," Tauriel continued, noticing the weight of defeat in her brother's demeanor, "you must understand."

Xander's eyes flickered with irritation as he met her gaze.

"The child will inherit more from Elowen than from Wraithkin," Tauriel concluded, her voice filled with a mix of hope and reassurance.

"Do you really believe that will make things any easier, Tauriel?" Xander snapped, his frustration evident in his tone.

Thorin shot a fierce glare at Xander, his protective instincts flaring. "You have no right to speak to my mate in that manner," he asserted firmly.

Xander's anger flared further as he retorted, "And YOUR mate isn't carrying another man's child, is she, Thorin?"

Tauriel attempted to interject, her voice trembling with emotion. "Xander, you act like it’s her fa..." But before she could finish, Xander's voice erupted with raw intensity. "IT IS MY FAULT!" he shouted, the weight of his emotions crashing down on him. He took a deep breath, his tone softening as he repeated, "It is my fault."

Tauriel's heart ached as she gazed at her brother, her voice barely above a whisper. "How can it be your fault?" she asked, searching for understanding. Xander's expression turned somber as he recounted the painful memories. "I wanted to return to save her, but she insisted I leave, and I obeyed her orders," he explained, a heavy sigh escaping his lips as he grappled with the burden of his decisions.

"I can't shake the feeling that this is all my fault," Xander admitted, his voice heavy with regret. "I should have insisted she stay here instead of joining us on that mission," he continued, his tone laced with defeat.

Tauriel gazed up at her brother as she approached, her arms instinctively wrapping around his waist in a comforting embrace. Xander reciprocated, drawing her close, finding solace in her presence.

"I understand how difficult this is for you, Xander," Tauriel murmured softly. "But it isn’t your fault. She has a job to do for our people.".

The intensity of Xander's anger took aback Tauriel; she recognized that it was not aimed at her but rather at the dire circumstances surrounding Elowen's plight.

Elowen had never anticipated being captured or r***d by the Wraithkin. Her role as the leader and protector of Celestial City compelled her to undertake the mission to uncover the dark intentions of the shadow-fae.

"I need to swing by your place to grab my things, if that's all right?" Xander finally said, processing Tauriel's words.

"Absolutely, go ahead," Thorin responded without hesitation.

With a nod, Xander stepped out of the house, unfurling his wings and soaring into the sky with urgency, eager to return in case Elowen needed him.

He quickly gathered his belongings and returned to the House of Light.

Upon arrival, Xander heard the sound of running water, likely coming from Elowen's room. He dashed up the stairs, only to find her absent from bed. Peering into the bathroom, he saw Tauriel assisting Elowen into the tub, prompting him to turn on his heel and exit the room.

Setting his clothes down on the bed, Xander decided to take a quick rinse in the bathroom. The remnants of Elowen's blood clung to his attire from the previous night. He took off his clothes, and as he stepped away, his clothes vanished, replaced by a more comfortable outfit provided by the house. "Thanks," he murmured, grateful for the small gesture.