Aurora - You are my light (Ateez x reader)

TWENTYONE

The last rays of the sun painted golden patterns onto the emerald green foliage of the islands of Veluria. Birds sang their evening songs, and a gentle wind rustled through the treetops as I sat in one of the tranquil gardens, inhaling the scent of blossoms. My recovery here in Veluria felt like awakening from a dark dream. Elaria had become my closest confidante, healing not only my physical wounds but also the scars on my soul, as best as she could. Never before had I experienced such an intense friendship. It was as if she could peer into my soul and dispel every shadow with her warm smile.

Just then, she emerged from the side door leading from the castle to the garden and sat beside me. Elaria appraised me from head to toe, smiling contentedly. "Now that you and your body are better, it's time for me to show you something special," she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Curious, I followed her to a building reminiscent of stables, yet harmoniously integrated into nature. My suspicion was confirmed when Elaria opened the heavy wooden door and led me inside. The scent of hay and fresh earth welcomed me, comforting and almost familiar. A wave of anticipation mixed with melancholy washed over me. Memories of Dreamcatcher flickered in my mind's eye, making me ache for him.

"Here we keep our horses. Beautiful creatures that can introduce you to the beauty of our islands in another way," Elaria said softly, her joy palpable.

"Can you ride?" Elaria turned to me.

"Are you kidding? I was a princess, after all; riding was among the minimum requirements," I grinned eagerly at her.

"Okay, okay," she chuckled, raising her hands in surrender. "I already figured as much, so I hope this will make you happy." Her arms made an expansive gesture.

We walked along the stable aisle, and I admired the magnificent animals. Elaria showed me her mare and fetched another horse from the opposite stall. It was a dapple grey, radiating grace.

"This is Celebriân, Thalion's horse. I'm sure he won't mind if you borrow it for a ride."

Soon, the wind played through my hair, and the beauty of the island unfolded before me like a painting. Once again, I felt that familiar sensation of peace when astride a horse, surrounded by nature, able to forget everything for a moment. Despite Elaria and I being the biggest chatterboxes when together, we rode mostly in silence. 

In our short time together, she had studied me so well that she noticed how I was absorbing this moment deeply. Once again, I was grateful to her for everything she had given me in the past weeks. She had saved my life when it hung by a thread, never judged me despite my darkest secrets, always listened, and spoke the words I needed to hear at the right moments, even when I didn't want to hear them. She understood my innermost self and gave me space to open up, yet was demanding enough to push me out of my comfort zone, which helped me understand myself better. 

And now, she was granting me my favorite pastime. It was as if she could read my mind. Perhaps that was one of her elven abilities. Turning to her, I couldn't help but smile. On her white steed, with her white hair and white gown adorned with golden accents, she looked truly angelic. But knowing how mischievous she was beneath that shimmering surface made it hard to reconcile.

The next day, Elaria had to attend to her patients and sent me alone to the stables. Alone in the quiet of the day, I felt a strange mix of peace and loneliness. As I entered the stable aisle, I was unexpectedly nudged by a friendly nose. Absentmindedly, I stroked it until I paused and turned around.

My eyes widened, and my heart seemed to stop for a beat. There, in the first stall, stood none other than my horse; Dreamcatcher. His black coat gleamed in the muted light, and his eyes radiated deep familiarity. I recognized him instantly. The white blaze running towards his nostrils, reminiscent of a heart shape, was something I would recognize among thousands.