Time to Mourn and Heal

After the funeral rites for Caelan concluded, Arian, with a heavy heart, made the decision to return to Duskvale. With a vow to protect the delicate balance between their worlds, he departed, leaving a contingent of sentinels to safeguard Eilis during her time of mourning.

Eilis, shrouded in the depths of grief, found solace within the luminous groves, her heart weighed down by the profound loss of Caelan. The sentinels, vigilant guardians appointed by Arian, stood watch over her, ensuring her safety amidst the reverberating echoes of sorrow.

Days turned to weeks, and weeks melded into months as Eilis immersed herself in the solitude of her grief-stricken sanctuary. The faerie realm echoed with the somber melodies of mourning.

As Eilis grappled with the ache of loss, the sentinels maintained a steadfast vigil, honoring Arian's decree to protect her and provide her with the space to mourn.

Two months passed—a time marked by the ebb and flow of sorrow that enveloped the faerie realm. In the midst of her solitude, Eilis found a semblance of healing, yet the ache of loss persisted, casting shadows upon the vibrant beauty of the realm.

One fateful day, as the sun's gentle rays bathed the groves in a luminescent glow, a familiar presence permeated the tranquil atmosphere. Arian, returning from Duskvale, emerged from the twilight-laden woods, his gaze carrying a mix of determination and concern.

The sentinels, recognizing his aura, parted to allow him passage, acknowledging the return of their leader.

Arian approached Eilis, his demeanor reflecting a blend of resolve and empathy. "Eilis, I've returned."

Eilis turned to face him, her eyes carrying the remnants of grief yet laced with a flicker of gratitude. "Arian, you've returned...," she whispered softly, a hint of warmth amidst the melancholy that cloaked her.

Arian, his gaze lingering upon her, spoke with a gentle assurance. "Your solitude has been respected, Eilis. I've come to offer my support and aid in your healing."

As the echoes of mourning lingered, Arian's return signaled a potential glimmer of hope—a promise of companionship and understanding in Eilis's journey towards healing the fractures in her heart caused by the loss of her cherished Caelan.