Song of the chapter – If I Lose Myself by One Republic

The community was buzzing with activity when Eliana and Zolen returned from training. Each person was involved in some task to prepare for the holiday.

"How have I missed that all of this was going on?" Eliana wondered.

"You've been otherwise occupied," he said with an upturned mouth.

"Is that a smirk I see?" Eliana asked, shocked at his miniature display of humor.

"What do you mean?" Zolen replied, in all seriousness. "What did I do?"

Eliana just laughed. "It appears that Harper is rubbing off on you." She shook her head as she said it.

"She hasn't rubbed me at all. I'm not sure what you are referring to. Has she said something to you?" His face gave evidence to his confusion, with his features forced together in a scowl.

"No, nothing. Never mind." It was obviously a useless conversation.

They continued to walk through the main path of the Fae community, watching as the scurry and flutter of decorating took place. Each house was lined with a shiny strip of some type of ribbon, all tied in knots along a rope and strung up like Christmas lights. The slight seasonal breeze blew the bits of silver just enough to catch sparkles from the sun as they moved.

"These won't be as pretty at night without the sunlight for them to catch," she remarked sadly. She felt she had missed the best part.

"Oh, no it will be much better at night. You'll see." Zolen assured her as he kept to the path toward her small quarters. As they approached the door, it opened and Harper stepped out to greet them, still looking as though she had spent yet another day playing with the young Fae.

"Well, looks like you got another early send off from Mr. Stick up his-"

"Harper!" Eliana interrupted.

"What? I just call it like I see it." She shrugged. "Anyway, we have tons to do, and it appears that you are Her Majesties special guest."

Eliana's eyebrows shot up, "What do you mean?" She looked back at Zolen for some type of explanation, but he just shook his head. Eliana turned back to Harper and found her friend with a knowing look.

"Come on." She grabbed Eliana by the elbow and led her back into the main room of their guest quarters, which had fast become their own little home. Eliana didn't bother to protest as Zolen called out his goodbyes, saying he'd see them at the celebration.

"But I thought it wasn't until tomorrow?" Eliana asked as he walked away.

"True," Harper interjected, "But it seems that preparing for Finding Night is a pretty big deal, and since we don't have the proper attire, the Queen sent her personal caretaker to make some for us." Harper gestured over to a young Fae, looking no more than sixteen Earth years old.

Eliana still didn't understand the differences in the marking of time. It was another mystery of the Ferlands that she wanted to solve.

The Fae female bowed her head, which made Eliana very uncomfortable, and turned to gather her supplies. As she measured both Harper and Eliana for size, Harper made small talk about her day with the children playing and reading stories to them.

"There is such a thirst for knowledge in these kids! If the kids back home were this motivated to learn, well I don't even know what would happen." She laughed.

"Sounds like you found your calling here," Eliana said.

Harper snorted a laugh, "Ha! What would that be?"

"A teacher, duh." Eliana teased. "You're a natural, it seems." She added with a wink.

A huff sounded from her friend. "Sure, that's what I'm a natural at."

After a while of measuring and pinning different materials across their bodies, the caretaker, whom Eliana had come to know as Lari, took her supplies and promised to return the next morning for a fitting. The rest of the evening was spent relaxing, which was also part of the celebration it seemed. Fae were giving a respite from their regular duties and responsibilities the night before Finding Night.

"I'm bored." Harper drawled as they sat in the front area of their quarters. "Sheesh, this is a dull holiday."

"There will probably be much more to do tomorrow. It seems like a big deal, lots of time to prepare and special clothing. I have a feeling they rest now because they party later."

"They better! I mean, it's a cool place, this whole Ferlands. And the Fae are fun to be around. I like the community thing. But I miss music." Harper shook her head.

"Same. Hopefully tomorrow there will be some," Eliana said.

Bright and early the next morning, Lari returned as promised with the beginnings of two Finding Night dresses in tow. Eliana was speechless at the clothing, never having seen anything like it before.

"What even is this?" asked Harper as her hands ran over the light fabric. A silver sheen seemed to permeate the layers of smooth blue touching her fingers. "It's practically electric!"

"There may be a hint of Starlight infused with the threads." Lari explained, keeping a tone of mystery. "You will find most everything tonight will be similar. Even the food."

"Starlight in the food?" Harper gaped, "Is that safe?"

Lari laughed, "Of course! It's not poison, its energy. After all, that's what the land consists of anyway."

"So strange, but also...beautiful." Eliana remarked as she touched the fabric of her chosen garment. Lari instructed them to put the gowns on so she could make sure of the fit. Harper and Eliana did as requested, finding that they were not only beautiful, and already a perfect fit, but also gave them a sense of strength.

"It's like a strong cup of coffee," joked Harper. But in a sense she was right. Eliana felt an enhanced awareness and even a jolt of energy while wearing the dress.

Lari quickly pinned up the hems and adjusted the shoulders. Both dresses were similar, with drapes of fabric gathered at a high waist then pulling up and over their shoulders in a halter style. Some of the length trailed behind them, making Eliana feel almost regal. She realized her necklace would be the perfect compliment to the gown, but without the other two StarStones, its energy had not yet balanced. The Galabra leaves were still a requirement.

"Now that the fitting is completed," Lari spoke after the girls had removed the dresses, "it is time to learn the dance."

"So there will be music!" Harper called out as she clapped her hands together in excitement.

"Oh yes. For the entire length of the Starlight, Finding Night doesn't end until Starfall. Her Majesty has asked me to teach the steps to you."

"Yes! Lets do it!" Harper shouted, causing Lari to jump in surprise.

"Don't worry, you get used to it." Eliana explained.

Lari proceeded to show them a series of steps and turns, which reminded Eliana of a folk dance. It was simple, but there was an understated elegance as well. It seemed to be a mixture of several styles, in fact, as she noticed a motion that seemed like a waltz, and a pose which reminded her of ballet. All in all, the girls learned quickly and practiced several times before Lari left them to ready for the night.

"Will you be celebrating as well?" Eliana asked as Lari was leaving.

"Yes, the entire Fae community comes together for Finding Night. It is not as ceremonial as a Seer celebration, or as formal as a Watcher observance. We like to celebrate with a bit of...flare." Lari replied, again adding a cryptic hint at the night to come.

Getting ready for the evening took a while as well. Both girls washed up, but then Harper insisted on braiding Eliana's hair in her most elaborate style yet. Multiple strands were woven across and around, twisting together, and then ending at the back of her head. In their time within the lands, Eliana's hair had grown longer than she realized, usually keeping it pulled up and away from her face. Seeing it braided that way, pulled to the back, surprised her.

It must have surprised Harper as well. When Eliana turned to face her friend, Harper audibly gasped, covering her mouth.

"What?" Eliana demanded. Did she look that different?

"Its just, you look..." Harper shook her head from side to side. "amazing. I done good!" She gave herself a little hug and winked at Eliana.

"A certain Watcher is not going to know what to do with himself."

Mentioning that certain Watcher gave Eliana instant nerves, not wanting to have to deal with him at a celebration, but also deeply wanting to deal with him there. Her feelings had been so conflicted for so long, she was no longer able to handle it.

"That isn't what I'd like to know. He can...do whatever he wants. But he should just stay away from me."

"Spoken like a woman in love."

"Speak for yourself, Harper. And a certain Fae warrior who will be equally shaken up."

"Ha!" was all Harper said as she turned back to the mirror to begin her own braiding. Eliana left her alone and put the final touches on her cream colored gown. She had little golden slippers and a small comb to add to her hairstyle. A simple gold powder, which included flecks that caught the light, creating a lovely sparkle, was brushed on her cheeks and eyelids. That was the extent of any makeup used in the Ferlands.

Feeling as ready as she could be, Eliana stepped back into the main room, finding Harper also ready to begin the trek to the celebration. Suddenly, she wondered where in the world of the Fae they would be going.

"Do you know how to get to this festival?" she asked her friend, standing in front of Harper as she wore  the light pink gown created by Lari, and a golden comb pulling her intricate blonde braids back from her delicate face. Harper had a golden powder brushed across her cheek bones as well, and even a little on her lips. Eliana wondered if she should add some as well, then thought better of it, not wanting to draw attention to her mouth.

"Zolen told me to follow the starlight." She shrugged.

The two friends walked out of their quarters and noticed that the pathway was lined with firelight, set up on platforms and creating a glow along the trail. The light from the flames caught on the silver materials that lined each home, causing the most beautiful reflections. The continued breeze allowed the captured light to bounce from tree to tree.

Zolen was right... Eliana thought to herself, not wanting Harper to hear her compliment the warrior, this is the best part.

"It looks like Tiki Torches!" Harper laughed as they followed the firelight trail. The silver shimmer led the way and soon they found the trail turning away from the homes and into the forest. The firelights lined the path through the trees, with more of the silver decorations added to the Fae branches. It was a festive feeling, bringing Eliana's heart up in her throat due to the beauty. She was missing traditions from home, finally feeling a sense of longing that had been missing until then.

"That must be it, up ahead," Eliana stated as they approached an opening in the trees. Festive music could be heard in the distance, reminding Eliana of Irish folk songs, as well as the chatter of voices filled with merriment.

"Sheesh! It looks like a hundred disco balls all sparkling at once!" Harper remarked in awe.

The light of the party certainly was reflective and sparkled from tree to tree as Fae and Watchers, all dressed in their finest, mingled or danced with each other all throughout the clearing. The silver ribbons were not only strung across the opening of the clearing, criss-crossed in random patterns overhead, they were also tied into the trees themselves, creating waving reflections everywhere the eye fell. If felt as though they were dancing among the stars, come down from the heavens to celebrate. No one failed to attend the celebration, it seemed. The females all had similar attire to Eliana and Harper's, although not as elaborate, or infused with Starlight. The males seemed to be in Fae formal attire as well. Their tunics were looser, flowing over their torsos and tucked into linen pants. Each male had a sash or vest, some type of additional garment, which added to the formality of the outfit. But they were quite attractive on the men, conforming to their muscled arms and legs.

One male stood out to Eliana, of course, regardless of the fact that she had planned to avoid him as much as possible during the relaxed atmosphere of a party. It was one thing to train with him daily, becoming more attuned to the ways of battle. It was another matter altogether to be in a social environment when walls were lowered, emotions ran free. The moment she and Harper had stepped into the clearing, his presence drew her attention.

Blaike stood leaning against a tree on the opposite side of where Eliana had entered. His arms were crossed, covering the leather sash, which had taken the place of his sheathed sword. It was an odd sight, Blaike seeming so casual and unguarded. He was speaking with a few Watchers and Fae warriors in an animated conversation, actually laughing at something another male had said. Eliana hadn't seen him laugh in a while, she couldn't say how long. It made her heart ache, wondering if the heaviness she felt about the current situation between the two of them was also felt strongly by him.

It was something she wished she had the courage to speak to him about, but knew that opening the door to that part of her heart might just be her undoing.

Her eyes moved past Blaike and onto the rest of the celebration. Food was abounding, as it normally would be in the Fae community. This food, however, was unlike any she had seen thus far. The decadence of the display would rival any Paris bakery, not that Eliana had ever been to one to compare. Her mouth watered at the sight, suddenly missing the flavors of cakes and sweets from home.

"Why so sad? This is a celebration, is it not? You should be joyful." A warm and familiar voice asked. It had been weeks since he had sounded so gentle. Before answering, she glanced around for Harper to rescue her, but found that her best friend had scurried away without warning. Some friend. Eliana turned and offered him a side-glance, not wanting to face him fully.

"Just missing things from home." She confessed without planning to.

Blaike didn't respond immediately, instead watching her, gaging her emotions. She could feel his eyes on her, knowing he was waiting for more, but not able to give him what he sought.

"You look lovely tonight. Entirely Ferlish." He remarked quietly. "But I've always thought you belonged here."

There was a sense of sadness in his voice, so much so that Eliana couldn't help but reply, "Why so sad, now? As you said, this is a celebration." Her question mirrored his own, but purposely challenged him, now that he had hinted at an emotion other than frustration.

"So it is. In which case we should enjoy ourselves tonight." Blaike's voice was void of his previous melancholy. Instead, he bowed slightly, reaching a hand out towards her. "May I have this dance?"

Her heart raced at the thought of having Blaike hold her as they danced, picturing his arms around her waist and his face close to hers. Did she dare put herself through the pain? In a moment of weakness and longing, Eliana accepted, only to have her hand captured in his own and whisked to the center of the clearing where the dancing took place.

As they gathered with other revelers, it became clear that she would not have much pain to endure. She had pictured dancing as they had done back in high school, back home. Eliana had forgotten that the Fae danced individually, a folk-like dance where hands and arms merely brushed one another. Again, her mixed emotions warred through her mind. Relieved at not having to be held in this man's arms, but strongly desiring to do so. When would she overcome these feelings!

The dance had become second nature to Eliana already, having practiced with Lari and Harper for several hours that day. Groups of four would turn simple circles about each other, reaching hands out into the center of their little cluster. As Eliana made the turns and twists required by the dance, keeping her arms outstretched towards both Blaike and the other two fae that had joined them, she realized that the formations created little starbursts all across the dance floor. They were creating a starfall of their own, stepping in closely, then stepping back out, stretching away.

Several turns later, she found that she once again faced Blaike during the dance. Couples had paired off to complete the dance by pressing flat hands together, then spinning away from each other, only to return to the beginning position once again. As the music faded out and dancers returned to their friends and family, Blaike simply gave a deep bow, reaching for Eliana's hand and placing a chaste kiss just above her knuckles. Then, silently, he turned and walked away.

"Well, that was very Pride and Prejudice," Harper said from behind Eliana, startling her out of her thoughts. "Where did he go?"

"No idea. But speaking of leaving without word, where did you go? And thanks for that, by the way. I could have used some back up." Eliana chastised.

"This isn't a club, Eli. It's just Blaike, not some greaser that you need to be rescued from."

"That doesn't answer the question, Harper."

"I had something to do." She said, trying to sound innocent, and failing miserably.

"Or someone..." Eliana suggested, very unlike her to do. But irritation usually brought out the innuendo as well.

"Ha! No way! Hard pass on that." Harper denied. "If you must know, Lari asked me to meet her when we got here. She wanted to introduce me to her, um, boyfriend I guess? I mean, if that's what they call them here."

"Oh. Some warning would have been nice," Eliana said.

"You were too busy daydreaming. I couldn't get your attention." Harper shrugged it off. "But anyway, I'm back now, so let's get some of that grub, it looks good." She added, drawing out the vowel sound in the last word.

"Fine, I am pretty hungry and I've literally never seen a display like this. It's amazing!"

The women walked over to the food tables and begin piling a plate with Fae delicacies. Nothing was passed by, it all looked appetizing to their rumbling stomachs. A long night was ahead of them, it appeared, knowing that the party continued until the last star of the night sky was no longer visible. They would need to keep their strength up for that amount of partying!

"Pleasant Finding Night, to you." Zolen said as he approached the table where Harper and Eliana had sat to enjoy their food.

"And to you, may the Stars be seen." They replied the traditional greeting Lari had taught them.

"Having fun?" Harper asked Zolen as he took an empty seat at the table.

"Of course. It is Finding Night, everyone enjoys themselves tonight." He replied. "And how are you experiencing this first celebration? Is it all you imagined it would be?" he asked both girls.

"Yeah, it's cool. The food is out of this world. Or out of my world, I guess. It's pretty in your world, haha." Harper stumbled all over herself while speaking. If Eliana didn't know better, she would say Harper was nervous.

"And you?" He turned and addressed Eliana directly.

"Well, I had no idea what to expect, so there was nothing to imagine before. I can say that it is more beautiful than anything I've ever seen. It rivals Christmas, I think, in terms of joy."

"I wouldn't go that far, girl." Harper interjected. "Christmas is the bomb. But this is pretty off the hook, so it's cool."

"Bomb?" Zolen started to ask but then seemed to realize it was a figure of speech. "You still make no sense to me, Harper."

"That's what they all say." She shrugged. It was true, most people didn't really understand her. Eliana didn't even understand her completely.

Zolen stood, reaching a hand out to Harper, "Regardless, would you care to dance?"

"Oh, sorry. I only learned the one dance." She shrugged again, a sheepish look on her still sparkling face.

"Then you have learned all you need to know. Come, it is quite simple." He took her by the hand, not taking no for an answer, and pulled her to the dancing area. Eliana looked on while he showed the few movements of the current dance, all similar to the main Finding Night routine, and then they were dancing.

"Excuse me, Miss." A voice from behind her called. Eliana turned to see a young Fae warrior standing just a foot from her. "Her Majesty has requested your presence at her table."

"Oh, of course." Eliana replied, standing and gathering her plate and cup.

"Allow me," the Warrior said, taking her things and leading the way through the maze of people mingling in the clearing.  They walked toward a set apart area of the party, still within the celebration, but just enough separation to make it seem regal. There was a long table set up, the same look and feel, but just more. More starlight reflecting from the fires, more ribbon waving in the breeze, more trees just at the edge of the clearing. Just more.

Eliana's escort placed her food and drink on the table right beside the Queen, who sat observing the community's joy and revelry. Although she had been in the presence of the Fae royal previously, she still felt nervous as she took her seat.

"Welome, dear!" The queen remarked. "Are you finding the celebration enjoyable?"

"Yes, it's lovely, more then I could have imagined." Eliana replied.

"It is quite a tradition, one that I am sad to say has been missed for many generations. There have been dark times, quite dark indeed. But, now that the Starlight has shifted, those days are coming to a close. Tonight is evidence of that." Her majesty explained.

"I don't completely understand the shift, or what that exactly means. But I am glad to see the joy of the people. I can see that growing each day." Although hard to experience when she'd spent most of her days on the training fields.

"Do you not feel the energy coursing through you? Has it not deepened the longer you have been among us?" She asked, leaning in closely to Eliana and speaking in a hushed tone, as if she was trying to avoid others from listening in.

Eliana contemplated her question. The first inklings of energy she felt had been back home, touching the necklace, and then the StarStone. It was stronger in the cave, and then when she awoke in the Forgotten lands, after hearing Blaike call her by name and fainting, it had been undeniable.

Each step of the way, each change of landscape, had seemed to strengthen that energy, to the point where it had become a part of her, something she no longer questioned. It just was.

"Yes," she responded finally, "it has."

Continuing to speak quietly, the queen added, "And that is why we celebrate. The shift has come to us. You."

〰🖤〰

Every fantasy needs a celebration! I hope you enjoyed Finding Night. Think of it as the calm before the storm, something else that every Fantasy has!

Thank you so much for reading along! The next chapter introduces some new characters.
I wasn't planning on all of them, but when they showed up I couldn't say no...

This chapter had a few different songs before I settled on If I Lose Myself, which is a nod to Eliana's continued emotional struggle with Blaike.

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