Song of the chapter- Til the Day I Die by tobymac 

"You two certainly have been spending quite a bit of time together," Eliana commented to her blushing friend. Harper had just entered Eliana's chambers after spending the morning with Zolen.

"There has been a lot to prepare for today's ceremony. He needed a hand," she said.

"All business then." Eliana teased Harper.

It had become routine, the teasing and blushing happening almost daily. After the final battle, the leaders and warriors returned to the castle from the clearing to find waiting villagers cheering for their triumph. Out of the crowd, Harper burst running directly at them, and leapt into Zolen's waiting arms. There was no other display of affection, and neither had made any declarations of their feelings to the rest, keeping everyone in the dark about their relationship. Eliana had her hunches though. Every chance she got, Eliana gave Harper a hard time, and Blaike did the same with Zolen. But neither of them would crack.

"Yup. We've got tons to do. And everything is almost ready for her Majesty." Harper had her back to Eliana, refusing to face the accusations.

"Queen L'Oran is arriving soon. Tonight should be a fun party." Eliana decided to let Harper off the hook and take the subject change bait that had been thrown out. "This day has been a long time coming."

"Honestly though, I still can't figure out why she has never been crowned Queen of the entire land. She's too cool to just be queen of the Fae." Harper had liked the queen the moment she had outfitted them in the dresses for Finding Night. Anyone with taste like that was bound to have a fan in Harper.

"Well, that is all changing today. By tonight, her Majesty will rule over the Ferlands, uniting everyone. As it should be."

"You got that right. Now, try this on, Lari will be here to make sure the fit is correct. You're practically royalty too, so this needs to be perfect." Harper handed a dark blue gown to Eliana, its fabric shimmering in the light of her chamber. She recognized the glow in the threads immediately to be Starlight, as their Finding Night dresses had been made with. Eliana slipped the smooth gown on, fitting almost perfectly already. Lari would not have much to alter. While the Finding Night dresses had been bold, sweeping gowns, this dress was much more understated. It's straight sleeves and slim skirt were minimal in design. Simple, by Ferlish standards, Eliana thought to herself.

"Where is your dress?" Eliana asked her friend, already laying across the bed in a lazy manner.

"Its' done. I have more time on my hands than you do, so Lari finished it yesterday."

"Ah, yes. I have been running in many directions at once, haven't I?" Eliana felt a pang of guilt, knowing she hadn't spent much time with Harper.

"Eli, this is where you belong, what you've been meant to do. Hanging with me is not on the top of the list, girl. You've got a land to settle and reform. Laws, or whatever they call them here, to write. Girl talk is secondary."

Eliana made quick strides over to the bed, sitting on the edge near Harper. "True, but without friendship none of this matters. You need me as much as I need you. That should come first, so I'm sorry I haven't made the effort I should have to do that."

Harper winked at Eliana, never one for hugs or outward displays of affection. "Well, tonight we party. Let's have a blast before you have more work to do and I have preparations to make."

Eliana turned her head at Harper's words in curiosity. "What preparations?"

Harper gave Eliana a long, silent look. "To go home. This is where you belong, but it's not my home, Eli."

Eliana felt a sudden pang of sadness, and guilt. "Oh, Harper! I...you..." She had no words. Harper had come to the Ferlands under a strange set of circumstances, accidentally. Eliana had forgotten that she may not want to stay. "What will you do? We've been here, who knows how long..."

Harper nodded, quietly explaining, "I've been speaking with Cloyd. He's aware of many passages, and says that some of them lead to different times. He's taking me to one that will put me back on the same day we left. My parents won't even need to know, not that they would believe me anyway."

Her parents. Eliana had been so wrapped up in the goings on of the land since their arrival, and her own circumstances of not really having anyone in her life who would be looking for her, she hadn't thought about Harper's situation.

"When will he take you?" Eliana felt nervous about Harper's departure, not wanting to loose her friend but suddenly realizing it was necessary.

"Tomorrow. After the ceremony and celebration tonight. I didn't want to miss one last Ferlish party."

Both girls sat in silence, feeling melancholy about their impending separation. The emotions were strong, thick between them. Eliana didn't want Harper to feel guilty for leaving her in the new land, but a rogue tear made its way down her cheek and she couldn't help but give in to the sadness.

"I'm going to miss you so much. In every circumstance I could hear in my mind the whisper of your voice and your snarky thoughts." Without further hesitation, Eliana leaned forward, throwing her arms around Harper in a tight hug. "What am I going to do without you?"

Harper let out a tight laugh, "Oh I think you'll be just fine. Your Watcher will see to that, considering he won't let you out of his sight for ten minutes."

True that Blaike had been a constant presence, always by her side. It seemed mutual, however, because Eliana felt that she wasn't able to breath as easily unless he was close by. There was something about the trauma of the battles they had endured, the time spent apart during those beginning days, that had created a need stronger than any she had ever experienced to have another person by her side. Blaike quite obviously felt the same way.

"What can I say, other than we have no desire to offend the Starlight?" Eliana shrugged, laughing through her tears. "And what of the Fae warrior who watches your every move? How has he taken this news?"

Harper shrunk away from Eliana, not making eye contact as she answered. "I haven't told him."

"What?"

"Well!" Harpers arms flew up, as her volume also increased. The topic of Zolen had touched a nerve. "What am I supposed to do! He hasn't made any moves. I can't stay here forever. It's time I left. There isn't really a place for me here anyway. I can't just keep things like this indefinitely!"

As her gaze softened, Eliana regarded her friend's frustration, and the sadness in her eyes. "You love him, don't you?"

Harper just shook her head. "It doesn't matter what I feel. It's time for me to go, so I'm going. I don't owe him an explanation."

"I disagree. I think an honest conversation with him is long overdue. Harper, don't live with regrets. Don't walk away if there is more to say."

Harper fiddled with the fabric in her hands, looking down and away from Eliana's thoughtful gaze. "I'll think about it," she said, quietly. Then, without more words on the topic, stated with renewed purpose, "Time to get you all dolled up!"

Eliana allowed Harper to leave the topic alone, and began preparing for the night to come.

***

The entire castle was vibrating with excitement and energy. There hadn't been a celebration of this magnitude in ages, according to some of the castle servants. Claec had kept things somber, and dark. This new peace and light had brought joy to everyone, a joy they hadn't ever known, even before the dark reign.

There were sparks of light in every room, every hallway. A mixture of liquid starlight, captured in glass lanterns with etched glass that resembled cut diamonds, as well as candles and firelight similar to what had been used on Finding Night, created a majestic glow. Every room was washed with the mixture of lights, colorful Fae flowers and greens. It felt like the beginnings of spring after a long, cold winter, so bright and happy.

As the sun set, and the stars rose, the finery and glow was even more impressive. Eliana was dressed in her gown, dark blue and fitted to her every curve, with hair braided in an intricate Fae pattern perfected by Harper. Small flowers were tucked in here and there, giving Eliana the sense of a true celebration of nature. Blaike entered their chamber with his now familiar Finding Night suit. The black jacket wrapped around his torso in a way that set Eliana's heart racing.

"How can you always have that affect on me, and with this suit that I've now seen three times?" Eliana mused as she reached up to straighten Blaike's lapels, although they did not require straightening.

"Which affect would that be?" Blaike leaned into her, nuzzling her neck and causing Eliana to giggle.

"Stop! You'll ruin the braids that took Harper the better part of the afternoon!" She pushed playfully at his chest. "And I was referring to the way you make my heart race. But now you've ruined that affect, so never mind."

Blaike paused in his affectionate teasing and looked deeply into Eliana's eyes. "I intend to always cause that response, Eliana, as you also cause my heart to beat deeply each time I cast my gaze upon you." With the playful tone wiped away, replaced with one of sincerity, Blaike leaned to kiss her, deeply. His arms wrapped around her waist, holding her firmly to him. Eliana reveled in his touch, the feel of him close. She truly would never tire of being with him.

"Now," he began as he leaned back, reaching for her hand and taking a step toward the door, "we have a coronation to attend." Blaike escorted Eliana into the hallway and led her through the corridors to the side exit. The Queen of the Fae, soon to be Queen of the Ferlands and all of it's inhabitants, as agreed upon by the Ancients, leaders and town representatives that had been meeting to discuss unifying the land, would be arriving in style at the front of the castle. The ceremony would be taking place on the castle steps leading up to the main entrance. The very steps that not long ago, Blaike and the troops launched their attack on Claec's dark army. It seemed a fitting location for the change that was taking place.

The path they took was lined with more Fae lights and candles, illuminating the outside of the castle in the same warm glow. Eliana had never seen so many lights, row upon row, in every size imaginable. They hung from branches around tree trunks in the courtyard and strung along the castle walls. The night had always been the time to celebrate in the Ferlands, when the Starlight could join the festivities. This night was no exception. Fae and Ferlish from around the land had traveled for the past days, some for weeks, to attend the coronation and unification of the people. It was a welcomed change after such a stronghold by Claec for so long.

News had spread at the conclusion of the first battle that change was on its way. According to Zolen, the trees carried the story to every corner, every village and group. When it was heard that the long awaited Seer had arrived, that Claec's rule was being challenged, people began to journey to Travor, knowing that here was where true change would be seen. They wanted to be a part of the new land, the new peace, and welcomed Eliana with open arms and grateful hearts.

As Blaike and Eliana came around the side of the castle, now facing it's main entrance and courtyard, those who had made a pilgrimage to Travor were waiting. Dressed in various shades of blue and silver, some in white, they began to cheer as they saw Eliana's approach. She stopped, taken back by the response, and overwhelmed by the crowds gathered. Blaike gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

"They are just trying to show their gratitude," he explained.

"Haven't they done so already?" she asked with an edge to her voice. Eliana had never sought attention from others, let alone this many. The sensation left her breathless and nervous. "And aren't we here to celebrate the Queen?"

"Of course, but without you, a different queen would still be in power, and their lives would still be bleak. You have given them hope in the future, something they have lacked for far too long."

Eliana nodded, steeling herself for the night ahead. She would no doubt have many hands to shake and hugs to return from those in attendance. The couple continued their walk toward the main steps, taking their appointed place for the ceremony, and waited along with the others for the arrival of the Queen.

Eliana spotted Harper standing just at the bottom of the stairs, Zolen next to her. She sensed a strain between the two and wondered if Harper had finally had that talk with him. Before she was able to make eye contact with her friend and exchange silent glances in question, trumpets sounded, signaling the arrival of their awaited guest of honor.

From through the main gate, an open carriage pulled by two white horses could be seen as it entered the courtyard. A wide path had been left by the crowd allowing the carriage entrance with much fanfare and cheers. The long time queen, L'Oran was seated in the carriage alone. She had a dress that in one light appeared silver, glowing from the candles and the starlight infused fabric. But as she drew closer, the silver began to appear as a deep green, rich with the colors of her beloved Fae forest. Quite appropriate for a woman who communicated with ancient trees.

Behind her carriage, each on a white horse of their own adorned with their representative colors, rode the Ancients of the land. The four leaders had been kept hidden, in protection and defense, while Claec ruled. The crowd's previous cheers for the queen became a quite murmur of awe as the Ancients approached. Many had only heard of their existence as legend, yet here they were in the flesh. Faery tales and myths were becoming truth right before their eyes.

The procession continued, the crowd recovering from their shock and renewing their loud cheers. The Ancients stepped down from their steeds, climbing the steps of the castle and taking their place at the top. Each of them stood an arms length apart, representing the four corners of the land, the four StarStones made flesh. Peace, Strength, Power and Sacrifice, the names of the stones representing the traits needed to be a leader of courage, trust and good will. Eliana had realized that the final stone, the strongest of the four that Claec had lusted after, Sacrifice, was the trait needed most. While Claec saw it as a means to gain power over all others, Eliana knew its true strength lay within the leader's willingness to sacrifice themselves for the love and protection of those under their guard. Aine had taught her that.

Queen L'Oran was next to ascend the stairs. A whisper of wind was her only accompaniment as she took the first step. Then, as though the stars themselves knew what was about to occur, the Starlight seemed to brighten, twinkling so bright and strong its energy was almost an audible sound in Eliana's ears. As her Majesty reached the top step, Zolen, her Fae General and now general of the Ferlish armies as well, took a position at the bottom of the stairs. Once everyone was in place, the energy settled, the lights still glowing and the stars continuing to shine brightly.

No words were spoken during the coronation. Eliana found herself fascinated as the Queen of the Fae approached each Ancient individually. One after the other, each Ancient presented her with an unlit candle, adorned with colors that represented the four Ancients themselves; deep red, rich brown, bright blue, and a glowing gold. Over each candle, L'Oran simply waved her hand, passing over the wick. That's when the flame appeared, each glowing with a different hue, that garnet red, brown, blue and gold that the Ancients wore at their waist. The Ancients then returned the candles to a display holding both Fae lights and additional candles, casting a peaceful glow over the entire entrance. Then Eliana was beckoned forth by the Ancient nearest her spot on the side of the steps. Eliana had been told she would be presenting the crown to the queen, as the awaited holder of Starlight and defender of the Ferlands.

The crown was like nothing Eliana had ever seen. Rather than diamonds or crystals, this crown was fashioned from cut stones, resembling Starlight itself. In various widths and sizes, the stones held not only the glow of the candlelight, but seemed to have a shimmer all their own, perhaps indeed infused with liquid starlight as everything within the land seemed to be. Eliana carried the crown in her hands, rather than on some velvet pillow as her impression of these ceremonies had been. As she presented the crown to the new Queen of the lands, the woman simply dipped her head as Eliana placed the crown atop.

Once her Majesty stood tall, facing the crowds, cheers once again erupted. The Ancients, in one united voice, declared, "As the Stars have guided you, may they continue to light your steps and brighten your life." Once again, cheers filled the courtyard. The queen then uttered her first words of the night.

"Let the light of the stars shine down upon us all!"

Finally, music could be heard over the cheers, alerting all to the closing of the ceremony and the beginning of the celebration. The night ahead would be filled with joy and song, food and friendship. Eliana had already witnessed a bigger celebration than there had been on Finding Night. This was a new birth for the land, and it's people, something to celebrate indeed.

〰🖤〰

The Queen of the Ferlands has been crowned! What did you think of the ceremony? Or of Harper's impending departure? There are two more chapters to go, and believe it or not, they may be the most difficult of all...I say that every time though. I may add to this story here and there, little future adventures in the form of multiple epilogues. Perhaps, if you'd like that. 

I'm also planning to rework/rewrite the first four chapters, so if you have ANY suggestions about how those could be done, let me know. My goal is to post this to Swoon reads, but it may not get that far. 

tobymac is a Christian hip hop artist and I've seen him in concert multiple times. This song hits me for this chapter, because all of our characters were willing to give up their lives for the people and the land that they loved. And now, both Queen L'Oran and Eliana are pledging themselves to do the same in the future. 

https://youtu.be/LWLZ_MrPplk