Eternal Starlight: Celestial City

Chapter 19

That evening, the group gathered in the sunroom, enveloped by the soothing sound of waves crashing against the rocks outside. For Elowen, this serene backdrop was more than just a comforting noise; it was a sanctuary where she could escape the burdens of her day and find solace in the ocean's embrace. As she listened to Thorin's animated stories, punctuated by Tauriel's laughter and Xander's recounting of his daring escapades at Warhaven, she felt a spark of inspiration ignite within her. It was during this moment of camaraderie that Elowen resolved to establish a training camp for Illyrian soldiers, both male and female, aimed at equipping them for any challenges they might face.

Noticing Elowen's contemplative silence, Xander gently inquired about her well-being, prompting her to share her thoughts. She expressed her desire to create a camp that would serve as a local training ground, eliminating the need for recruits to travel all the way to Warhaven. Elowen envisioned this new facility, which she would name Lighthaven, as a place where new recruits could learn the fundamentals of combat before advancing to the more rigorous training at Warhaven. Tauriel and Thorin quickly voiced their support for her idea, and Xander joined in with enthusiasm, recognizing the potential impact of such a venture. Elowen further proposed an alliance with the Valkyries, suggesting that their expertise could enhance the training program. Her vision was clear: she wanted every individual aged eighteen and older to have access to essential skills and the opportunity for advancement, ensuring that they were well-prepared for whatever lay ahead.

Elowen's voice was resolute as she declared, "It's settled then." With determination in her eyes, she continued, "Once the iron is purged from my system, we will set our course for the Valkyrie Islands to establish a vital alliance. In times of peril, we will stand ready to assist them, and in return, they will lend us their strength when we find ourselves in need."

Tauriel's enthusiasm was palpable as she responded, "That sounds wonderful!" Elowen's smile radiated warmth, but soon she felt the weight of fatigue pressing down on her. "I appreciate the dinner and the company in the sunroom, but I must admit, I'm feeling quite tired," she whispered softly.

Xander's voice was gentle as he offered, "Let me escort you back to your room." Elowen reached out, her hand seeking his, and he grasped it firmly, helping her rise from her chair. A grunt escaped her lips, a mix of frustration and vulnerability at needing assistance. "Thank you," she murmured, her gratitude evident.

As Xander guided her to her bedroom and helped her settle into bed, Elowen's embarrassment surfaced. "I'm sorry you have to do this, Xander. I despise feeling so dependent," she confessed. "You’re not helpless, kitten," he reassured her, "and I genuinely don’t mind helping." He took a seat in the chair beside her bed, creating a comforting presence.

With a knowing smile, Elowen remarked, "I've noticed something about you." Intrigued, Xander asked, "What is it?" "You shuffle your feet when you walk," she observed playfully, "and your scent is a delightful mix of cedar and sandalwood." She paused, her voice softening, "It brings me comfort." With that, she surrendered to sleep, leaving Xander with a smile. He felt a sense of pride; she was beginning to notice the little things about him.

Xander settled into the chair beside Elowen, mirroring his actions from the previous night. As Tauriel stepped into the dimly lit room, she found Xander vigilantly watching over Elowen, the soft glow of the moonlight filtering through the windows, casting a serene ambiance.

"Xander," she whispered, catching his attention.

He turned to her, his voice barely above a murmur, "Yes?"

"Please, go get some rest. I can keep watch over her," Tauriel urged softly.

Xander shook his head, his resolve firm. "No, I’ll stay. You should rest," he insisted quietly.

"Are you certain?" Tauriel inquired, her tone gentle and concerned.

With a nod of affirmation, Xander reassured her.

Tauriel accepted his decision, giving a small nod before exiting Elowen's room and quietly closing the door behind her.

Elowen stirred awake, her voice barely a whisper, "Xander?"

"I'm right here, kitten," he replied, his voice soothing.

"Will you lay with me?" she asked, her words soft and inviting.

Xander's heart raced, and he hesitated, "Are... Are you sure?"

Elowen nodded, shifting slightly to make space, and with a gentle grunt, Xander assisted her, settling beside her. As she leaned into him, the warmth of his presence enveloped her, and he unfurled his wings protectively over her. The delicate touch of her fingertips brushing against his wings sent a shiver of delight through him. In that tranquil moment, she drifted back into a peaceful slumber, comforted by his closeness.

A week has passed since that pivotal encounter with Wraithkin, and the remnants of the iron shackles have finally left Elowen's body. She has fully recovered, just as Evander assured her he would monitor her progress during her healing. Despite her restored health, Elowen ventured into the town, blissfully unaware of the dark whispers surrounding her past. As she descended from the heavens into the Celestial City, she was met with scornful glances and disdainful murmurs from the townsfolk, who seemed to judge her without knowing the truth of her ordeal.

Suddenly, a voice pierced the air, hurling accusations at her: "Wraithkin's w***e!" shouted a man as her feet touched the ground. The crowd quickly rallied, echoing the same cruel chant, "Wraithkin's w***e! Wraithkin's w***e!" The words stung like daggers, and Elowen's heart sank as she scanned the faces around her, grappling with the confusion and pain of their rejection. "Why are they saying this?" she thought, her spirit crushed by their hostility. A woman in the crowd shouted, "You do not deserve to be our High Lady!"

In a moment of desperation, Elowen unfurled her wings and soared back into the sky, seeking solace in the solitude of her home. Upon landing, she spotted Xander waiting at the front door, and as she wiped away her tears, she felt a flicker of hope in his presence, a reminder that not all were quick to judge her for the shadows of her past.

Xander observed Elowen with a mix of concern and disappointment, his heart heavy as he silently reprimanded her for taking to the skies when she should have been resting and recuperating from her injuries. "Elowen?" he called out, his voice laced with worry as he noticed the tears streaming down her face, prompting a shift in his demeanor to one of gentle compassion. Yet, to his dismay, she seemed to glide past him, her form ethereal and distant, as if he were merely a shadow in her path. "Elowen?" he repeated, desperation creeping into his tone. "What’s wrong?" he pressed, sensing the weight of her sorrow. "I was called Wraithkin's w***e," she replied, her voice tinged with bitterness that cut through the air like a knife. Anger surged within Xander as he lowered his gaze to the ground, grappling with the injustice of her words. "They said I don’t deserve to be High Lady," Elowen continued, her voice barely above a whisper. Xander's eyes narrowed, a fierce protectiveness igniting within him. "Who said this?" he demanded, his voice thick with indignation. "The townspeople, I was flying," she mumbled, her spirit visibly crushed. With a heavy sigh, Xander proposed, "Let’s convene a meeting; the elders must address this misunderstanding." Elowen nodded, a flicker of hope igniting in her eyes as they prepared to confront the council.

In the grand hall of the Celestial City, Elowen sat before the Elders, flanked by Xander and Thorin, her heart pounding with trepidation. Liora, one of the Elders, regarded her with a knowing gaze, understanding the turmoil that had brought Elowen to this moment, yet remaining silent amidst the disapproving frowns of the others. "Elders of Celestial City, I have summoned you here to address the dark rumors circulating throughout our city," Elowen began, her voice steady despite the tremor of her heart. "And what rumors might those be?" one Elder inquired, his tone dismissive. "Wraithkin's w***e," Elowen replied, bitterness lacing her words as she met the gaze of the Elder who had spoken. "Do you know why the townspeople would dare to utter such slander against their High Lady?" she challenged, her eyes blazing.

The Elder spoke with a tone of undeniable authority, asserting, "The truth is undeniable, my Lady. It has been reported that you were discovered naked when the other Courts arrived to support The General and Lieutenant General. You will always be seen as his mistress, unworthy of the title of our High Lady." A chorus of murmurs erupted among the Elders, their voices rising in agreement with the Elder's harsh words, save for Liora, who could only lower her eyes.

With a fierce intensity, Elowen's voice cut through the tension like a blade, commanding silence as the very ground trembled beneath them, a physical manifestation of her fury.

Xander and Thorin seethed with rage, yet they managed to maintain their composure in the tense atmosphere. Liora attempted to defend Elowen, asserting, "She was not his mistress, Etro; she was captured and raped." However, Etro swiftly interrupted her, dismissing her words with a condescending glare.

"Elder Liora, your opinion does not mean anything to us. To spare you from further embarrassment in this meeting, My Lady, I suggest you resign from your position," he stated with a patronizing tone. Elowen, rising defiantly, retorted, "I refuse to step down as High Lady of this Court. You have no idea what I faced. Before you interrupt Liora, let me explain—I was gathering intelligence on the shadow fae to protect our city, and in the process, I was captured and r***d by that monster, all in the name of safeguarding this Court."

Etro, unfazed, replied, "You possess the gift of foresight, Elowen. Surely, you should have anticipated this outcome. Why would you place yourself in such danger? Perhaps you concocted this tale to avoid being labeled a w***e in front of your warriors and the Courts that came to your aid. You claim it was for the safety of this Court, but my dear girl, you are merely his mistress, secretly wanting to be his w***e. Who knows, you probably trade secrets with each other and put yourself underneath him," he concluded with a mocking chuckle. Elowen's fury surged uncontrollably, shadows swirling around her as they whispered dark temptations.

"Do you think I fear you, Elowen?" Etro taunted, his expression unwavering. Xander placed a calming hand on Elowen's shoulder, prompting her to rein in her shadows. With newfound resolve, Elowen declared, "I understand your true intentions, Elder Etro. You covet the title of High Lord, don’t you?" Etro responded with a sense of entitlement, "I know the people, Elowen; I understand their needs, and I was born and raised in this city." Meanwhile, Xander's anger radiated from him like a storm, and Etro turned to him with a sinister grin. "Lieutenant General, do you have something to contribute?" Xander met his gaze with contempt, warning, "You are making a grave mistake, Elder Etro. I suspect you are the source of those rumors, right?" Etro feigned shock, gasping dramatically, Etro's eyes widened in shock as she took a sharp breath, her voice trembling with disbelief. "Lieutenant General, I am utterly astonished that you would level such accusations against me.”

Liora stood up, her voice steady and resolute as she declared, "I must express my thoughts." She continued, "I firmly believe that Lieutenant General's perspective holds merit; it would be unwise to dismiss Elowen from her position. I do not support her removal as High Lady of this Court."

Vanya shot back, "Your judgment is clouded, Elder Liora, simply because of your friendship with her. Your views are irrelevant to us. The decision has been made. Elowen of Bramblewood, you are hereby stripped of your title as High Lady of Celestial City. You are to vacate The House of Light immediately, as Elder Etro will take your place." Vanya's tone was filled with triumph as she delivered the news.

Etro rose from his seat, a smug expression on his face. "I appreciate this incredible honor," he said, basking in the moment.

Elowen glared at him, her anger palpable as she stood up. "Congratulations," she said, her voice laced with resentment.

"Thank you, Elowen," he replied, a sinister smile creeping across his face.

"Listen closely, everyone," Elowen declared, her voice steady yet filled with urgency. "You must understand that he will not protect you as I have done over the past year. Under his watch, you will be betrayed, left vulnerable and exposed. Your well-being and that of the townspeople will mean nothing to him." With that, Elowen turned and walked away, Thorin and Xander following closely behind her.

As Elowen inhaled the crisp air, a sense of relief washed over her, momentarily lifting the heavy burden of her role as High Lady. Standing by her side, Thorin asked gently, "Are you all right?" She met his gaze, a hint of determination in her eyes as she replied, "I will be." With a thoughtful nod, she added, "Wishing you both the best of luck, Thorin and Xander."

Thorin and Xander exchanged glances, both puzzled by the weight of her words. "That felt like a farewell for good," Thorin remarked, his gaze fixed on Xander as they watched her ascend into the sky, leaving them behind. Xander let out a heavy sigh, his resolve firm. "It certainly sounds that way, but I refuse to remain under Etro's shadow any longer. I'm done with this." With determination, he pivoted and strode back into the grand hall where the Elders convened, with Thorin following closely behind, declaring his own resignation as well.

Meanwhile, Elowen gracefully descended to her home, making her way upstairs to gather her belongings. The thought of returning to Bramblewood filled her mind, but as she paused to pack, she found herself seated on the edge of her bed, contemplating the finality of her departure. The house seemed to tremble with the knowledge that it would soon be devoid of her presence. "I will miss you too," she whispered softly, a bittersweet smile gracing her lips. "Make sure to give Elder Etro a run for his money," she added with a light chuckle, trying to mask her sadness. Just then, a gentle knock interrupted her thoughts, and she looked up to see Xander, Thorin, and Tauriel standing at her bedroom door.

"Come in," she invited quietly, her heart swelling with affection for her friends. Tauriel settled beside her, wrapping an arm around Elowen in a comforting embrace. "Are you okay?" Tauriel inquired softly, concern etched on her face. "Yes, I’m alright," Elowen replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "It feels as though the burdens of my title have been lifted, and I no longer carry that weight." Thorin, curious, asked, "What will you do now?" Meeting his gaze, Elowen explained, "I’m returning home to the human world, to Bramblewood. But please know that you will always be in my thoughts." A faint smile appeared on her lips, though it was tinged with sadness. Xander stepped forward, seeking clarity. "Is that truly your plan?" Elowen nodded, "It’s where I grew up, Xander. It’s the only world I know, and I feel I’m no longer needed here." Xander acknowledged her words with a nod, and Elowen added cheerfully, "But you all can visit me anytime!"

Thorin exchanged a meaningful glance with Xander, who returned the look with equal intensity. Breaking the silence, Thorin declared, "Elowen, we stand with you. Tauriel, Xander, and I have made it clear to the Elders that we will not serve Etro. We’ve made our choice, and if Bramblewood is where you wish to settle, then we will follow you there without hesitation."

Elowen's expression shifted to one of shock as she processed their words. "I can't ask you to make such a sacrifice, Thorin. You would be unhappy there."

Xander interjected with unwavering conviction, "That’s not true. I made a promise to you, and I intend to keep it. I will always be by your side, no matter the circumstances."

Elowen searched their faces, her voice trembling slightly as she asked, "Is this truly what you all desire?"

In perfect harmony, they nodded, affirming their commitment. "Have you already packed and are ready to go?”

With bright smiles, Xander, Thorin, and Tauriel replied, "Yes, we are ready."

The house seemed to sigh, enveloped in a palpable sense of sorrow.

"I know," Elowen murmured softly to the dwelling that had sheltered them. "Thank you for everything."