Song of the chapter – Nancy Mulligan by Ed Sheeran

The music continued playing throughout the evening, and long into the Starlit night.  Ferlish and Fae danced and sang, drank and cheered together, content to have been unified under the leadership of the Queen. Not one member of the land had protested her coronation, testifying to her strong character and the quality of her reign as the Fae Queen for generations.

The candle and Fae lights continued to burn, although Eliana felt that once the crown had been placed on L'Oran's head that the lights had burned brighter. Either that or more had been added. Perhaps both, because the entire courtyard, in every corner and along every wall and window, the glow of the lights filled the atmosphere. It was peaceful, serene, and yet also the most beautiful sight she had ever laid eyes upon. Each gown on the females in attendance came alive under the glow of the lights, sparkling as it's owner moved, in a way so different from mere glitter or beads. This light had soul, depth beyond any other. The males as well had Starlight stitched into their tunics and coats. Blaike and Zolen were no exception.

Eliana could hardly tear her gaze from the man who had claimed her heart. As she had told him earlier in the day, his Finding Night finery never ceased to create a stir within her. He stood on the other side of the courtyard, talking animatedly with Zolen, who had on similar finery, hands waving this way and that. Eliana couldn't remember a time when she had seen Blaike so passionate about a topic of conversation. Her curiosity was getting the best of her, and she decided to cross the courtyard to them and boldly join the conversation.

Just as she was taking her first step, Zorn blocked her path, Zed by his side. It took every ounce of her energy not to roll her eyes merely at the sight of the two raucous guards. Although they had begun as thorns in her side, their dedication to defeating Claec had softened her frustrations about their demeanor. Both of the Fae guards before her, while cleaned up and presentable, had chosen to remain in their fighting gear. They seemed only to identify with their inner warrior, and did not have the ability to relax even for a celebration such as this.

"Well, well, you look..." Zorn paused and allowed his gazed to run up and down her entire body before once again looking directly into her eyes, "glowing tonight." His words sounded innocent, but the gaze and the tone he used caused Eliana to rethink her impression, once again.

Zed gave him an elbow to the ribs. "Ouch! What was that for?" Zorn asked while rubbing his side, and sounding a bit like a child to Eliana.

"Leave her be. You don't want that Watcher catching you acting like an ass towards his female." Zorn had attempted to speak discreetly, pursing his mouth to the side. However, his words were clearly heard by Eliana, standing not even a foot from them.

"And why should you worry about Blaike when I am standing right in front of you? My wrath is most likely much worse than his." Eliana raised one eyebrow in challenge, attempting to remind Zorn of the power she could wield, power he had seen first hand on more than once occasion. The bob of his throat and his suddenly pale complexion reassured Eliana that Zorn did indeed remember. He brushed a nervous hand through his shoulder length hair, not having bothered to tie it back, and mumbled an apology.

"What was that? I'm sorry, with the din of the music I couldn't hear you." Eliana wasn't going to let him off the hook.

"My apologies. I did not mean any offence." Zorn gave a curt bow then began to turn to walk away, but it was Zed who grabbed his arm, stopping his hasty retreat.

"We came to speak with you about another matter," he began, then turned his attention to Zorn. "And we mean to stay until we've discussed it." Zed's pointed words were directed at his still nervous companion.

"Fine," Zorn replied in defeat. "Being that you have close ties with our Queen, we were wondering if you had heard any stirrings of which Fae guard would be given the title of General, now that Zolen will be stepping down from his role."

Eliana stood shocked at their words, but attempted to appear unaffected. She had heard no such thing, in any regard, of Zolen leaving his role as General, something she knew firsthand how proud he was to do. She straightened her back, showing poise even in this unsettling situation, and responded with a steady voice.

"I am not at liberty to say. However, boys, I'm sure you'll be informed soon enough." With a slight nod of her head, and a gentle bow from both guards in her presence, Eliana continued on her original path towards Blaike and the General in question. Now with more on her mind than just seconds before, she took determined steps in their direction.

As she reached the opposite side of the courtyard, and into the presence of the two men she sought, Eliana allowed the mask to fall, her concern and surprise now plain on her face. "Why didn't you tell me?" she asked pointedly, directly to Zolen, interrupting whatever animated conversation the two had been engaged in. Eliana suddenly wondered if Zolen's latest decision had been the topic.

"I have not had the opportunity, as this was a recent decision." He answered her vague question, clearly knowing what she was upset by.  "I had only been able to inform her Majesty, and then Blaike as soon as the ceremony concluded." Zolen's dark green tunic and matching jacket sparkled with glints of the Starlight stitched into the fabric. What should have been a joyus celebration had become somber, indeed.

"Well, you have plenty of time now, so start explaining." Her hands came up to her chest, crossing her arms in front of her. Eliana's demand was met with a wince from Zolen and a deep breath from Blaike. The latter wrapped his arm around her waist, drawing Eliana close to him in an attempt to calm her frustration.

"Harper told him of her plans to depart at Starfall." Blaike explained, still not giving Eliana a reason that Zolen would step down from the post he had been honored to hold. "He plans to go with her."

"Take her to the passage?" Eliana asked in surprise, then turned to Zolen for confirmation. The former Fae general seemed to blush at her question.

"No," he answered. "I'm taking her through the passage, returning her to her home. Then staying with her...indefinetly."

Eliana's surprise at Zolen's confession kept her still for a moment, taking in his words. Then, as the weight of his statement sunk in, Eliana lept for him, wrapping her arms around Zolen's neck and squealing.

"Finally!" She kissed his cheek. "I thought you two would never figure it out!"

Zolen let loose a nervous laugh, as Eliana felt Blaike release his hand from her waist, convinced she wasn't about to attack his friend. Eliana stepped back after a moment, back into Blaike's embrace. Zolen ran his hand through his tussled hair, the threads of his coat catching the glow of the many candles surrounding them. He shook his head, but didn't say much more. Eliana wondered how their conversation had gone.

Blaike took over for him. "They spoke earlier today, Harper is still...hesitant." Eliana shot her gaze at Blaike, taken back by his words.

"What? Why would she have hesitations? She's been hiding feelings for..." Eliana cut off her own words, seeing the shock on Zolen's face. Had she not confessed her feelings? Eliana shook her head in confusion.

"It is obvious that before either of you go anywhere, a more thorough conversation needs to take place," she said firmly. "I'm going to find her and sit you two down to hash these feelings out. Enough is enough."

Eliana made a move to step away, but Blaike grabbed her arm, keeping her in place. "Not so fast, matchmaker. I think they need to handle this themselves." He winked at Eliana, then turned to Zolen and pushed him towards the opposite side of the courtyard, where Harper was indeed standing next to Nura, having what looked like an equally animated conversation. "Go," Blaike simply said.

Zolen took a steeling breath and squared his shoulders, readying himself for the inevitable face off that only the two of them would have on the topic of their undying love for one another. Blaike and Eliana stood together, watching as he crossed the open grounds. She felt Blaike pull her closer, than lean in to whisper in her ear, sending pleasant shivers down her neck.

"I am glad you finally crossed to us. I thought he would never allow me to find you, and I have something that needs to be done tonight."

Eliana looked up at him, wondering what he meant. Before she could ask, he continued, leaning once again to whisper his words to her.

"I mean to wisk you away for a surprise. It has already been arranged with her Majesty, among others who may need the information. But for you, I will not tell you until we arrive at our destination."

Not wanting to protest, even though she had not yet had a chance to dance with her handsome Watcher, Eliana linked her hand with his. "Lead the way," she said with a smile, which was met with an equal smile on Blaike's face. If she wasn't mistaken, his smile had more joy than she had yet seen in his eyes. The knowledge of how happy Blaike was gave her stomach a twist of anticipation. Whatever his surprise was, it was going to be good.

***

The horse they rode came to a stop in the middle of the trees. Their ride had been longer than Eliana had expected when Blaike helped her up to sit astride one of the Queen's white steeds, borrowed with her permission as Blaike had assured her. When he told her of his plans to steal her away from the party, he promised that there would be plenty of fun yet to come when they returned. Ferlish parties lasted throughout the Starlight, it seemed. So the long quiet ride through the ancient forest, which bordered Travor's outskirts, was unexpected.

"I thought this was a quick excursion, but you've had me on this horse for a while now, Blaike." Eliana commented as he helped her down. "Why have we come here?"

With his hand still firmly gripping hers, he stepped closer, placing a chaste kiss upon her lips. As he pulled away, lips still touching hers gently, he whispered, "Let me show you." Blaike led her through the trees, keeping his destination and his purpose a secret.

As they walked, Eliana began to recognize a few of the trees, their formation and size along with the placement of the rocks and shrubs. Similarly, the sense of pull and energy was also familiar, that strange draw of the Starlight that the Ancient Fae forest had. "We've been here," Eliana said quietly.

Blaike turned his attention back to her as he continued moving forward at the same pace. "Yes, we have."

"That night. The night we met with the Ancients and they explained the prophesy. This is where I found you, after. Alone." Eliana was certain of it.

Blaike answered, "You remembered." His voice was touched with emotion, similar to what Eliana was feeling. That was the night things had finally changed between them. Mere seconds after her realization, they were upon the small clearing where Blaike had been kneeling that night, scratching in the dirt with his daggar and murmuring quiet words in his solitude. Eliana stopped suddenly when she spied what awaited her within that clearing.

More lights, both fae and candles, lined the small clearing. It was not nearly the display that had been created back at the castle, but it was much more meaningful to Eliana. This was an intimate setting, quiet and peaceful, away from the chatter and revelry. This was just for the two of them, Eliana realized, and she couldn't have been more pleased.

"Blaike..." her voice trailed off in awe of what he had done. Her eyes darted around the clearing, taking it all in.

Blaike turned to face her fully, "Before we go any further, I want you to understand. I mean for us to make our promises. Here, tonight, if you are willing."

Their promises. Eliana remembered what Aine had said about a Ferlish exchange of promises being something like a wedding back home. She had never been the kind of girl to daydream about weddings and white dresses. If she were honest with herself, Eliana had never imagined herself falling in love with someone deeply enough to want to spend her life with them. And yet, as she stood next to Blaike at the opening to the clearing, feeling more at home than she ever had before, Eliana was sure that she loved Blaike deeply enough to promise him her life. Although she was unsure how an exchange of promises was done, and feeling a bit nervous at the prospect of making that leap, Eliana felt that she was ready and most willing.

Looking up into his eyes, "I am," she spoke while placing both of her hands within his. She watched as the most peaceful smile played across his face, Blaike's eyes sparkling with love and relief.  This must be the Ferlish way, she thought to herself, without the need to plan a big do, a proposal and the exchange happened on the same night.

Blaike then allowed the two of them to enter the clearing. Eliana realized that her dark blue dress was perfect for the occasion. The Starlight threads caught the light just enough to create a glow, and the blue of the fabric mirrored that of the night sky at its deepest. Her very dress was the picture of the Stars that had destined their love. As she ran her hand down the side of her gown in satisfaction, Blaike watched her closely.

"I may have mentioned to Lara what I wanted your gown to look like. I had an image in my mind of you dressed as the night standing amongst the trees." He took her entire form in appreciatively. "Perfect. Remind me to compliment her design later."

They walked hand in hand to the very center of the small opening within the trees. Directly above, the stars glistened. Blaike stopped short, pausing to put an arm in front of Eliana to keep her from taking another step forward. She gave him a questioning gaze, which he answered immediately. "I don't want you to smudge it." Blaike gestured to the ground. There, where they stood, was a still visible quote scratched into the dirt.

Blessed by the Stars

He had written that just after the Ancients had told them, after he had left to collect his thoughts. Eliana had first thought that he was upset by their revelation, then she wondered if he would accept it only out of duty. But seeing his words from that night still in the dirt, the light of the Stars shining down on his declaration, Eliana was once again filled with love for this man.

"I still have not found the right words to tell you what it did to me to hear that we were in fact destined to be together. The relief, but also the fear, was so strong I needed time to gather myself, to be able to come to you unburdened with all that I had done. I asked the stars to bless us, and I felt their energy surge within me just as I heard your voice."

Blaike's confession brought tears to Eliana's eyes. She had been looking deeply into his as he spoke, and realized he had started making his promises to her. No fanfair, no formal speech, just words directly from his heart to hers. It was more meaningful to Eliana than any ceremony could have been.

"Eliana, you are the woman I will cling to in times of trouble, seek always for your wisdom, and hold closely throughout my life. I long to be the man you tell all of your joys and fears to, the one to support you in all you do and put the light of love within your eyes. I promise these things with all of my heart and with the strength of the StarLight may it be so."

His hand came up to cup her chin, gently caressing her face in his grasp. Blaike looked at Eliana with love, peace and contentment, knowing that they would now be bound together by their promises. Her nerves had long since faded away, but Eliana paused a moment before speaking from her heart.

"That night I heard that our pull towards one another had been fortold was the beginning for us. I was unsure of your heart, your intentions. But I was so relieved to know you were feeling the same. Blaike, you have my heart, all of me, and I promise to be the one to never leave your side. You are the man I want to share my dreams with, the one I want to watch grow and change with time. I want to be there for you on the good days, and the bad, through every struggle and challenge life will send our way. Together we will be stronger, better. I, too, promise these things with all of my heart and know that the strength of the StarLight will make it so."

Blaike's hand still lovingly caressing the side of her face, he leaned forward to kiss her, sealing their promises. His lips felt the same as always, warm and strong. And yet, as they touched hers, a new sensation flowed through Eliana. Their bond was stronger, their kiss reflected that. It was deeper, and contained all of the words they had shared, all of the love they felt. Her arms came up to encircle his shoulders, drawing him close, just as he also ran his hands up her back in a warm embrace. They stayed there, in their private moment, savoring the feel of one another. The party would wait, the celebration continuing long into the night. This time was theirs, and Eliana was in no rush for it to end.  With all of the changes happening within the land, and within their circle, this change was the most precious. This change had been written in the stars.

〰🖤〰

I wasn't sure I could complete this chapter by today, but I did it! What did you think of their promises? I wanted them to have a romantic exchange, and I also wanted to answer that question of what Blaike had been scratching in the dirt when Eliana found him. I hope you liked it!

That being said, there is one more part, and it's more of an Epilogue although it happens very soon after this chapter. It will compliment The Finding and The Fall, being titled The Future. So rather than a "years from now" look at their lives, it will paint the picture of what will happen next.

I chose Nancy Mulligan because it sounds like a celebration, and it matches the Ferlish vibe I get in my head when I think of their world and culture.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]