Song of the chapter - Outshined by Soundgarden

Dappled sunlight and the sound of wind through the trees woke Eliana gently, bringing her eyes open slowly. Blaike's arms were still wrapped tightly around her waist, as they lay on their sides, he just inches behind her. They had remained in the small clearing throughout the night, holding each other, finally, and speaking of their long denied feelings. Strangely, the air didn't chill her, and the soft moss and grasses of the forest were surprisingly comfortable.

Blaike had explained that the Travor forest was actually part of the Fae forest. The trees were younger than the Fae trees, those closest to the Queen's compound being the oldest trees, each growing younger the further out from that center. The forest was massive, according to Blaike, and covered nearly half of all the Ferlands. The trees' energy had kept them warm, and had given a spring to the soft undergrowth.

"You have seen but a branch of its entirety," he told her. "These trees hold it all, the entire history, and the strongest energy of Starlight."

"It is why I was able to find you," she told him during the night as they gazed at the stars while laying on the forest bed of soft growth. "It must have been the trees. Now that I have the majority of the stones and the necklace, it's as if I feel a connection with them."

Blaike turned to look at her as she spoke, pride filling his eyes as he listened. He said nothing in response, just bent his head to kiss her cheek and held her a bit tighter. That was how they fell asleep, gazing at the stars with pride and love in their hearts.

Morning was a different story. Eliana felt the typical discomfort and embarrassment of morning breath and disheveled appearance. Although they had spent the night innocently, nothing further than impassioned kissing occurring, Eliana knew the ramifications. Especially from Harper.

"Ugh, the walk of shame from this will be epic," she mumbled as she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes.

"Are you ashamed?" Blaike asked, sounding concerned for her answer.

"No! That's not what I meant." She turned to face him. "It's just that Harper won't let this one go. I'm about to hear every joke and tease she can come up with. It's just going to make it a really long day." Eliana shook her head.

Blaike took her face in his hands, holding her gently and kissing her chastely on the lips. "Do not fear your friend's words. After all, we have been destined to be together. It was written in the Stars," he whispered in humor, then winked and began to stand up.

As he rose to his feet, he reached a hand down to lift her up. "Let us make our way back to the camp and face the torment of the troops. I, too, will be given much ribbing for being gone all night."

Eliana took his hand and stood up, brushing leaves and moss from her cloak. When she had completed cleaning herself off, Blaike did not hesitate to take her hand in his and begin the walk back together. Her heart swelled, still in disbelief that the long weeks of being emotionally separated were over. Their love was finally able to bloom.

A glow in Eliana's cheeks and joy in each step, the two continued to walk hand in hand yet remained silent. It seemed that each was taking in the newness of their status and letting it settle. About half way back to the camp, they were met by a frantic Zolen.

"Finally, I have located you! Aine said you were somewhere in the forest, but by the Starlight man, do you realize how difficult it is to search these trees?" Zolen huffed in frustration.

"Well, you have found us. So now tell us why you were searching in the first place," Blaike replied, slightly miffed at the Fae's tone. "What is so important?"

"There has been a development that may prove to turn the advantage to our cause. Hurry, we must act quickly or the opportunity will slip through our fingers."

"By all means, then, lead the way," Blaike responded, gesturing ahead of he and Eliana so that Zolen would begin the trek, taking them wherever it was he wanted to take them.

As they neared the campsite, Zolen took a turn to the right, which Eliana recognized as the path to the tree line overlooking the town of Travor. His steps increased in speed, giving evidence to his sense of urgency. Just before reaching the treeline, a spot still hidden within the trees but where the castle could be seen, Zolen stopped and signaled towards his right.

Several figures appeared from the covering of the dense trees. The first was Nura and some other high-ranking Fae guards. Following behind were several lead Watchers. It seemed Zolen was leading them into a strategy meeting. Just as Eliana felt ready to hear what the big fuss was all about, a familiar face emerged from behind the trees, causing a gasp to escape her throat. Instant recognition washed over her and the name she had been struggling to remember since finding Aine at the Refuge came rushing back.

Cloyd, the lawyer from Montana.

Eliana's mouth fell open in shock, seeing the older man once again before her. Rather than the sharp business suit, however, he was wearing dark gear and leather armor. He was dressed just as Claec's Dark Watchers that attacked them in the woods. He was one of hers.

She stepped back, as Blaike put an arm of protection in front of her while taking a defensive stance, his other hand on a dagger at his side. "What is the meaning of this, Zolen? Why is the enemy in our camp?"

"In our camp is the correct way to phrase it. He is seeking our help, as we seek his."

It was then that Cloyd spoke up, "Good to see you again, Eliana." His words sounded genuine, as did the look in his eyes. But she was cautious anyway, staying back. Blaike threw a concerned look her way, wondering at the casual greeting the enemy had given her. Eliana turned her face towards the man who held her heart.

"He is the lawyer who read Aine's will. The one she had no idea about," Eliana stated calmly, then turned her attention back to Cloyd. "You deceived me. How long were you on the other side of the Passage?" she inquired.

"I deceived you for a purpose. You needed to find your way to these lands, to save us all. I was sent to keep watch over Aine for a time, then tasked with informing the dark Queen of your arrival. I did as she required, but with my own twist on her orders," he commented.

Blaike took a menacing step forward, "If you have put her in any further danger..." he said, beginning his threat but leaving it open ended. The look in his eyes was murderous, the look of a man protecting the woman who had become his entire world.

"Blaike..." Eliana said quietly as she grabbed his arm, attempting but failing to haul him back to her side.

Cloyd put up two hands, a position of innocence. "I mean her no harm. I, too, am aware of the one foretold to free the land. When Aine left the Ferlands, it was widely assumed she was alone. But I was there, I knew that she had taken the child, you, with her. I knew that you were the awaited one. So I bid my time with Claec, and took the opportunity to protect the two of you when called upon to do the opposite. Do not fear, I have only told her that you are within the borders of our land. I was not the one to tell her who you reallyare. Nor did I inform her of the necklace and the stone, which I assume you have based on your presence in the lands."

Eliana's hand came up to touch the necklace as he spoke of it. He had known more about Aine's possessions than Eliana realized. She looked toward Zolen for confirmation that Cloyd could be trusted.

"He has more to tell us. There are others who seek to take back her control over the Starlight." Zolen turned to face Blaike, "It is the same information we gleaned from the captives, is it not? Listen to what he says now, and it may well turn things to our favor."

Blaike and Eliana searched the others faces for any signs of doubt. Nura just nodded, as did the others present. Eliana stepped forward, knowing that her calling to protect the land also meant a level of leadership. It was time to take that place.

"Speak. Tell us what you know, and speak the truth," she demanded.

"As you wish." He gave a slight bow of the head. "There is a silent group of dark Watchers, those of us who see Claec for who she really is. We dare not band together, not wanting to call attention to our dissent. But there are many of us. Given the right signs, this group will rise up. We will fight along side your cause to release the StarLight that she holds captive."

"And what is that sign? If we go into battle expecting your troops to support ours, what sign shall we give?" Eliana asked, gaining a nod of approval from the others present.

"You are that sign," Cloyd said simply. "If you were the one to lead the battle, as foretold, on a Starless night, Watchers would return to their rightful position and protect the Seer from the Otherworld, the one awaited."

Eliana swallowed deeply. Leadthe battle? She had only prepared to fight alongside the others, to engage with Claec, not to lead the rest. How would she do that?

It was Zolen that spoke next. "Her majesty, Queen of the Fae, has divulged information about how we are to engage the Dark leader. The trees have been able to communicate once again, as you know, and she has learned about when we are to strike."

All eyes were turned to him, expectant and waiting. "Two nights from now, an unseasonal cloud cover will blanket the sky, removing the Stars from view. It is on that dark night that we are to make our way into her strong hold, the castle on the moor."

Two nights from that moment, destiny would come into play. Just two nights ago, on that very spot, Eliana stood with Nura, gazing at that very castle. She had felt her pulse race, and her breathing become unsteady at just the sight of Claec's lair. Something deadly surrounded those walls, the very bricks that laid the foundation of the woman's home. Eliana felt that her greatest fear lay within those walls. Now knowing that she was Claec's daughter, she understood why. Too many feelings pulsed within her, too many fears. Eliana would need to leash them tightly if she wanted to experience victory. Her fears were her downfall. They would only bring torment.

"How are we to breach the walls? I felt the energy surrounding her castle from here, it won't be an easy task. She has too much power with her cache of liquid StarLight." Eliana spoke quietly, hoping for answers to her impossible questions.

Cloyd just smirked. "Leave that to me. I will make a way for you, all will be as it should be soon." He seemed content with the circumstances, far from how Eliana was feeling at that moment. But somehow, someway, she needed to trust that things would happen the way they were supposed to. And that this truly was her destiny.

Eliana turned toward Blaike, ready to make their way back to camp. The rest followed suit as Cloyd began the trek back to the dark castle. The next few hours were of critical importance. The time had come and all of the preparations would hopefully prove to have been enough.

As the somber group entered the now determined war-camp, several guards and Watchers gazed at their entrance, noting the serious expressions. Eliana realized it was now her duty to rally the troops so to speak, but had no idea how to do that. What does one say to an army about to engage the enemy? She had never been in such a position, nor had she ever expected to be. Looking once at Blaike, she sent the silent plea for his help, and proving their connection was as strong as she assumed, he nodded in understanding.

Pulling her closer, he spoke quietly into her ear, "The time for words will come, later. Now is a time to show strength and confidence. We are ready, the time is at hand." His words washed over her, giving her the knowledge of her role. She was willing to do whatever it took to return the land to its proper balance. Her hand still within Blaike's, they continued walking through the encampment. Nodding greetings to what she now felt were her warriors, not just an army she tagged along with. They seemed to sense the shift, the change in her demeanor as well. And not one of them questioned her new status. In fact, they seemed to thrive on it, becoming encouraged as she passed. By the time they were at the officers section, the entire camp was on their feet, standing in what Eliana now knew was a show of respect with one hand held aloft and open to the sky, the other behind their back. It was symbolic, telling the person of honor that the Starlight would guide their steps and light the way.

"Don't let that go to your head." Harper's casual comment caught Eliana off guard after such an emotionally charged return to camp. Eliana looked to her friend and smiled.

"How could it with you here to pull it right back out." Elaina joked.

Harper's eyes went directly to the tightly clasped hands between Blaike and Eliana, a smirk then growing on her face. "I see he finally pulled his head out of his as-"

"Gosh, Harper!" Eliana interrupted.

"What? You know I just call it like I see it." She shrugged in response.

"It is quite deserved," Blaike interjected. "I did have my feelings buried rather deeply. And I have been rightly reprimanded." He lifted their still connected hands to kiss the back of Eliana's

"Aww, he's so sweet." Harper reached out and socked him in the shoulder. "What the heck took you so long, dude? My girl has been moaning about you for months!"

"Harper, would you drop it!" Eliana pleaded.

"For months?" Blaike looked closely at Eliana, inspecting her features for a grain of truth. "I am glad to know we both felt the sting of our distance. But I am sorry to have caused you grief." Eliana blushed at his words.

"Oh good grief. If this keeps up I'm never gonna have an appetite. Its cute, but sickening as heck," Harper scoffed, keeping her gaze suspiciously away from Zolen, who was standing not far off speaking with the other Fae guards. The general seemed to have heard her little rant, and his gaze was burning into Harper's profile.

Blaike leaned forward to her, whispering, "Is it not about time for you to have your own sickening display. It is taking you two quite a bit longer than myself."

Harper blushed deeper than Eliana ever remembered seeing on her fair skin, then twirled around and rushed the opposite direction.

"Thanks a lot," she huffed. "Now I'm going to have to put up with Ms. Moody for the next who knows how long."

"Not unless we can get him to make the first move, Blaike teased.

"Since when are you a matchmaker?" Eliana looked him directly in the eye, challenging him in a playful manner. He responded by stepping closer to her and wrapping his arms around her waist, then dipping his head to kiss her lips.

"Since the moment I realized love was the cure to all of my fears," he said.

Eliana's returning smile told him she felt the same.

"I love you, Eliana of the Starlight," he said as he once again bent to kiss her gently.

As her lips pulled away from his, she replied, "And I love you, Blaike of the Night."

〰🖤〰

I know you remembered Cloyd's name, but now Eliana remembers as well. What did you think of his appearance? I'm not sure of it myself, although he will pop back in soon. I can't really get rid of him now! When I wrote the lawyer's part in chapter one, I had no plans to make him a recurring character. But I did plan to have it revealed that he was more than just a lawyer.

Has Blaike redeemed himself yet? I hope you've forgiven him for being so clueless about his feelings!

Outshined is kind of like the love these two have, which will "outshine" the darkness that Claec has brought to the land.

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