#Ezran: oh he’s so arrogant

[sunfire-shield]

Aaravos be like oh you think you’ve captured me? wrong I’m just chilling and chatting. I’m having a good time actually. you wanna hear a fun and relevant story about a sword? you want me to sneak in knowledge of where to find the sword? okay this has been fun lol bye. pleaaase don’t put any effort into solving that riddle and finding the sword I wouldn’t want you to go to effort on my account. your honour he’s great

[bittrlys]

THE GOOD

Viren and Harrow scene

CRAB SHIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Young Viren

Viren selfcest (<- stream of consciousness note that I stand by, he needs to learn to love himself)

Aaravos and Viren had a baby <3 (I like that this twist about the child to save him only works for people who weren't already joking about this being their lovechild all last season)

The heavyhanded diaogue is lol but its nice to see Viren's internal journey ("DAD I'M FOLLOWING IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS" guys you really could have just shown that. But I guess Viren is literal even with his metaphors. I forgive him.)

Viren zoned the fuck out half the season still the best part of the show. But like I love the sense of crushing realization and weight of his thoughts. King of thinking <3

Nice to see Claudia also getting to do cool complicated things

Viren and Claudia literally carry the dramatic weight of the series on their shoulders -tm my friend

I appreciate that Terry continues to be down to clown

This blood elf assassin is hot ♥

I like the water elf design the coral horns are cool (and he looks like a Critical Role character)

I always love pirate towns so that's cool! And some brief actual intense stakes with the pirate captain.

Aaravos. FULL STOP. Like 10 lines of dialogue and he served with them all!

"If you see Claudia again tell her I said ..... hi" hahaa

THE BAD

The Rayllum (what was Callum even apologizing for?? Rayla just genuinely does not seem to like him.)

Janai immediately pivots in her belief because only villains are allowed to stick by their reasonable positions which oppose the desires of the main characters

Again, what changed Tidebound Tina's perspective and made her help them??? Characters will truly just change perspectives in a second if they're meant to be 'good' and not defy the main characters

Ezran is so entitled. Rayla is like oh this boat is a bad idea he's immediately like "WE NEED THAT ONE!" and then proceeds to get them all nearly murdered by pirates for some tadpoles and does not apologize at all.

That being said it seems the show just isn't that interested in Ezran or Rayla

Would it have killed them to include a scene showing why Rayla decides to show up and save the day in finale? She has no arc.

I understand the conclusion that Callum came to with ocean magic but I don't believe his process of getting there.

Can Janai do her damn job all she's ever shown doing is hanging out in her pyjamas pining and being in love. Tied with Zubeia who just hangs about talking about her husband and son all day.

THE UGLY

STOP WITH THIS DIVINE RIGHT OF KINGS SHIT (why would the Archdragon of the Ocean give a damn about a human ruler? But like Oh! We Have To Respect A King!)

They show up to the library with only FIVE HOURS TO SUNSET instead of idk camping outside the city until the next dawn and coming in then. And then leave directly at sunset instead of giving themselves like an hour of wiggle room. Unreal!

They can't even let these entitled main characters even THINK Amaya died for their arrogance Like they can't even feel guilt about it for five seconds.

What's the point of having a deus ex machina dragon you insert in every scene to save their asses (god I need Zubeia dead) if she's just going to stand there and do literally nothing while Amaya is attacked. Rewatch that scene camera never cuts to Zubeia's face to even show her idk considering it? Being unable to help? Just get rid of this dragon already she weakens the plot to an absurd degree.

Zubeia surviving. Full stop.

Thunder killed off this group of elves for the crime of uhhhh doing weird blood rituals? Moonshadow elves (Thunder's personal hit squad) do blood rituals. Thunder just loves massacring any group of people who defy his tyranny.

It's surreal that Xadians NEVER comment on the humans in their midst like the show will not draw attention to the fact that humans are othered + marginalized. It perpetually feels like the writers are backtracking on lore they previously established because they don't want to make Xadians look bad.

Like I can believe a criminal port is full of all elements but this happens elsewhere in Xadia. Even the Archdragon of Ocean doesn't address the fact that Ezran is a human.

But it's not like the differences between humans and Xadians aren't noted because humans (like Amaya) still have to constantly grovel for Xadian approval + forgiveness. Like for WHAT. Should Amaya have to apologize to Rayla anymore than Rayla should apologize for coming to assassinate a 10-year-old Ezran in season 1?

for fucking tadpoles?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Callum, Rayla, and Ezran are UNSYMPATHETIC protagonists they literally will never face any consequences for any of their actions. Nothing really goes wrong for them -- they're always saved from trouble and they get everything ultimately handed them. They are supremely privileged, entitled people. Meanwhile Viren and Claudia go through 19 layers of hell just trying to get 1 thing done.

Overall I'd say it was better than season 4! 👍👍👍

[cocoacatnip]

Some thoughts on Callum and season 5 and beyond predictions?

Callum very obviously has some parallels to Viren in season 4. I mean the scene with Callum and the mirror was basically a remake of Viren with the mirror. Some fans were even like “oh no callum will go down the same path as Viren!”…but I don’t think he will. If anything…I think Callum and Viren are meant to be foils. While Rayla was gone Callum did dive obsessively into magic study so he wouldn’t have to acknowledge his feelings…but his and Viren’s pursuits of magic are different. Viren claims he wants to better mankind and acts like he does things for the right reasons, but everything he’s done has personally benefited him. Callum on the other hand genuinely wants to protect his friends, and although he did dark magic once out of desperation he denounces it in his fever dream. Dark magic would have been the easy path but he said no. That’s not to say that he won’t be challenged or tempted…and there’s gonna be angst there…but I don’t see him going the Anakin Skywalker route.

Aaravos has used him as a puppet in season 4 and I definitely do think he’ll do it again. This time perhaps to force him against his friends, make him hurt them. The creators have said Aaravos is very arrogant though and I think it’s possible he might think things will go his way…but I don’t think it necessarily will. Callum has people who care for him and I think Rayla, Ezran and Soren would all fight to try and snap Callum out of his possession and I think it’ll work. That’s not guaranteed every time though so I think Callum might run off on his own to try and protect them from himself. (His actions kinda mirroring Rayla leaving) During his time alone he’ll focus on discovering more about himself and perhaps unlock another arcanum? I think he’ll also come to terms with who he is without magic and the title of mage, because that’s definitely a flaw of his. He puts too much importance on being able to do magic and protect his friends…but he’s still strong and loyal without that.

This is a mess but I wanted to post about my thoughts anyway…bla bla

[honeyxmonkey]

OKAY BRAIN GOING BRR

Rayllum childhood friends to lovers?

Hear me out.

Callum's mom had a brief relationship with a skywing elf, Callum coming from that. His mom at first thinks he's going to appear as a normal human. He doesn't have horns or the pointy ears!

However, when he's two, small stubs start growing on his back and Sarai knows that they will one day soon become wings. She's torn between keeping her precious son and trying to hide his elven heritage from everyone.

She's already married to Harrow at this point and she loves him, and she knows that he loves Callum just as much she does. And because of this, she decides to let him stay with her in Katolis, swearing Harrow to secrecy about Callum's father and asking him to help her hide the wings as they grow.

Harrow does, not blaming or holding resentment to the young boy for something he can't control.

When Sarai dies, Harrow does his best to hold true to what Sarai asked of him, raising both their boys with love and pride.

However, on the day of Callum's fifth birthday, elves break into the castle in the dead of night, stealing the young prince away with no warning to anyone.

They'd been sent by his birth father who'd learned of Sarai's death and decided that he'd be better at raising his son than some arrogant human king.

Harrow learns of Callum's kidnapping the next morning and he breaks, ordering for multiple search parties to go out but they never find him. He is heartbroken at the loss of his son and his anger and bitterness towards Xadia grows.

However, he always tells Ezran of his brother and he hopes Callum will come home one day.

Meanwhile in Xadia, because Callum was so young when he was taken, he doesn't really remember his old life too well. He's told that he was saved from humans and he believes it.

His dad is part of the dragon guard, just the same as Rayla's parents and that's how they meet.

They become instant besties and spend as much time together as possible. They grow up together and when that fateful day comes, the day Rayla goes out on her first assassin mission, Callum follows in secret, being curious about the human kingdoms.

When he sees Rayla get benched from the mission, he reveals himself and sheepishly suggests they go anyway.

Oh also Callum actually can't fly cause of an accident involving a tree and falling and breaking his wings when he was ten. They healed but weirdly and he hasn't been able to fly since. There is a reason for this 👀

Rayla is mad that he came but lets him come with her to the castle. They scale the cliff and run inside.

However... when Callum sees that her target is a kid... he doesn't let her kill him.

Instead Callum knocks her down with an apology and runs off with Ezran to hide. She eventually finds them hiding in the wall and is arguing with Callum about her mission when Ezran yells at them to shut up and reveals the egg.

That's when Claudia finds them. She vaguely recognizes Callum but shakes it off and attacks the two elves who take off with Ezran and the egg. Callum swipes the primal stone on the way out.

They show the egg to Runaan who still wants to go through with the plan. Callum takes Ezran and the egg and runs at Rayla's command.

Rayla meets up with them soon after and they book it into the woods. Ezran is suspicious of Callum, having a feeling that he knows who this is. Harrow had told him plenty of stories of his half-brother and Ezran isn't sure if he should confront Callum about it or not.

And yeah! That's what I have for now! I may write this soon so stay tuned!

[madou-dilou]

I love how Harrow and Viren are totally king Arthur and lord Lancelot from Kaamelott.

On the left : Lancelot. Right : Arthur.

Harrow and Arthur are haunted by the trace they will leave in history.

Harrow: Soon you'll learn the great lie of History.

Arthur : I am King Arthur. I never despair. Children look up to me.

(Arthur also has a personal chronicler who writes down every great deeds : "Between your sick horses and your dead horses, I would remind you that I have a legend to write !")

Both are anxious about the fact that they may not deserve their place :

Harrow : Ezran is a lucky little boy, but many little boys of the kingdom were born with much less. What have I done to deserve all of this ?

Arthur's mentor : You don't become a chief because you deserve it, you dumbass ! A chief is made by the circumstances, and only afterwards he deserves it !

Arthur himself, to the Lady of the Lake : What about Excalibur ? You want Excalibur back ?! Take it ! Eff with it ! Give it to someone else ! Give it to Percival, if his destiny is so much greater than mine !

Both are guided by a vision of equality.

Harrow : Real justice is a fair system. This fair system should be fair no matter the accident of my birth.

Arthur : Yeah, sure, one by one, it’s easy to be worthy. But the real difficulty is to put everyone to the same level.

Lancelot : *snorts* You still believe this nonsense ?

Arthur : Yes, I do. Salvation, light are for everyone. If it’s just for me, I don’t see why. For the Grail, I built a fortress. It's called Kaamelott. I went through all the kingdom to find knights. I built a table. I wanted it to be round, so no one would be stuck in a corner or at the end of the table. So everyone could take a chance. Even the morons. Even the weak.

Both are trying to be progressist.

Harrow : I want things to change, Sarai.

Arthur : Yeah, about that... I thought we should abolish slavery. And death penalty, while we're at it. Imagine : the first country in the whole world which doesn’t sentence people to death !  In five and ten years, only barbarians will still do those.

Both hate the idea of people sacrificing themselves to save theirs lives :

Harrow : I won't hide myself in an innocent's body while he gives his life to pay for my mistakes.

Percival : That's legit. Priority to the one whose life is more important.

Arthur : WHAT ?! Who told you so ?

Percival : The other knights. They say if we get ambushed, if you are in danger, we must sacrifice ourselves.

Arthur : What ? No no no no no no no no no ! NEVER do that. Never, is this clear ?!

Percival : But, your Grace...

Arthur : No ! If I'm in danger, you run the fuck away !

Both are suicidal.

Harrow : I need to pay the price for my mistakes.

Arthur, after failing his suicide attempt : What is someone who spills his own blood so everyone is guilty ? Everyone who committed suicide is the Christ. Every bathtub is the Grail.

Meanwhile, Lord Viren shares many similarities with Lord Lancelot.

Both are the king's best friend and closest advisor :

Viren : He insisted so I would stand by him for the picture, because he knew I would stand by him through anything.

Lancelot, his hand over Arthur's shoulder : Fear not, your Grace ! I shall protect the Queen from the ferocity of night beasts ! (Arthur, rolling his eyes : Oh, won't you ever chill for like, one minute ?)

Both are surrounded by idiots :

Viren : Yes. History is... Like a see-saw.

Lancelot : I've been saying this from the very start. The Grail quest is for the elite ! (Arthur rolls his eyes). We must put the dumbass aside, or else we just struggle !

Both have a close but tense relationship to their kings :

Viren, to Harrow : And where exactly is that place ?!

Lancelot, to Arthur : So work on acting less like an asshole ! I'm bloody sick of advising a ten year old pissant who can't even find a Grail or get his wife up the duff ! So, yes, I did sit on your throne because I am the one who does half of your job. And fuck you !

Both want to help :

Viren : I wish for humanity to flourish.

Lancelot : That's what I live for. To save people.

Both don't feel worthy of existence if they don't concretely help people :

Viren : Oh, you are powerless, useless ! I thought you would be something special, something important !

Lancelot : A village attacked by thieves, a woman getting beaten up, a limping chicken, there are plenty of oppressed out there ! At least this way I'll feel like I'm useful !

Both relinquish their family...

Viren, to Claudia : Choose the dragon egg.

Lancelot, to Bohort : Get the hell out ! A wandering knight has no cousins !

Both are arrogant :

Viren : I am the law.

Lancelot, to Arthur : You are not worthy of the Grail quest. You don't have what it takes. Even hopping stripped-naked, I'll still go faster than you and your stupid bunch of morons !

Both are saved from suicide by a pact with the devil :

Viren : I have nothing left to lose.

Meleagant, laughing, to Lancelot : I wonder how you were able to wait for so long before cutting your own throat !

Both are frustrated by their devils :

Viren, to Aaravos : What game are you playing at ?

Lancelot, to Meleagant : It doesn't make any sense ! Who are you ? Who sends you ? For how long do I have to deal with your mysteries ? Oh, it doesn't matter, right ? I'm not asking the right questions, right ? For God's sake, it's not complicated to tell one's own name ...

Both are manipulated by the said-devil who stroke their broken ego :

Aaravos, to Viren : How may I serve you ?

Meleagant, to Lancelot : Passion. Perseverance, courage. Ah... If you only had just one single drop of humour within you... You'd be reigning over the world.

Both are pushed to extreme by their devils :

Aaravos : They deserve to be motivated by fear.

Meleagant : A traveller is coming down this way. I want you to kill him.

Both refuse to completely forsake their moral boundaries :

Viren : No, I want for humanity to flourish. (Aaravos : And to fullfil such noble aims, mustn't we... conquer Xadia ?)

Lancelot : I don't kill my cousin. I still have something left from my former values ! (Meleagant : You'll be soon committed to get rid of those as soon as possible.)

I love intertextuality

[thequeenofworms]

✨My Trollhunters OCs !!!✨

WOOHOOO Finally decided to compile all my toa ocs here and add a little blurb about them n stuff,,, i just rlly love them and i wanna talk about them so badly but i have no one to do it with so I shall post them here

.... anD FEEL FREE TO ASK QUESTIONS/COMMENT ABOUT THEM !! I’d absolutely love to answer every question you have about them! fhdgf I’m sorry I’m just so desperate to talk about them grrrr.....

To avoid a reALLY long post they’re all kept under the cut ^-^

(I’ll reblog and update this post if I make any more ocs >;))

🌱 TERRANCE NYSTROM 🌱

He’s an absolute sweetheart!!! Just the biggest ray of sunshine possible! (But has a surprisingly quick temper). Terrance was orphaned at a young age and was found by Nari, who raised him and taught him all about life magic, although he sucks at it pretty bad lol (the two have a mentor/student relationship more than anything parental). As you can see he has a pretty unique relationship with Skrael (Terrance is absolutely head over heels for him, Skrael just thinks he’s amusing and interesting).

Terrance has a secret to his background, however. He never really knew his mother, so he always assumed he was just a mortal. But there’s simply no way someone who’s been blessed with Nari’s magic can be bad at wielding it, unless.. an aura of Death inside him is working hard to snuff out the life.

-- -- -- -- --

🖤 ROXANNE MARSH 🖤

Woohoo, the e-girl changeling Roxanne Marsh! Or Roxy, for short. She’s a boss ass bitch to put it lightly, knowing exactly what she wants, and always getting it. She spent quite a few decades in Trollmarket parading as a regular troll (under her troll name alias ‘Hybisca’), but after an unfortunate encounter with a gaggletack, she was quickly outed as a changeling. She begged Vendel to spare her life, and he actually agreed, so she got out relatively scot-free. (Also .. she can perform magic/sorcery >:] quite weak magic, but it’s still there). It’s unknown how she got those abilities, or who/what is training her with them.

Roxy met Nomura in the 1960′s (as shown in the pic above), and they absolutely hit it off! As of present day, they’re loving girlfriends and share a house together <3 <3 <3 *cries in lesbian*

-- -- -- -- --

💸 EZRAN SALVADOR 💸

Oh, now HE’S a fun one! (And totally not my absolute favorite). Ezran has been financially supporting the Janus Order for years, with the help of his filthy rich background and seemingly immeasurable wealth. He was also gifted with the abilities of a changeling polymorph, so naturally, he thinks incredibly highly of himself. He’s a cocky, arrogant, pompous bastard who just loves to let everyone know how great he is (and trust me, he thinks he’s pretty damn great).

When Ezran first met Otto, they.. well, didn’t get along whatsoever. The two saw each other as vicious competition (After all, if you have two polymorphs, one of them could easily be disposed of. In Gunmar’s eyes at least), constantly fighting and butting heads (perhaps some playful flirty banter on Ezran’s part lol). But as they grew to know each other more, they realized the other wasn’t so bad, and they didn’t have to be enemies. Eventually they became good friends, and as I’m pretty sure you can guess, soon became lovers. *Punches a hole in the drywall and starts crying* I love him so much.....

-- -- -- -- --

⚔️ ONNETOMIS GALADRIGAL ⚔️

(I’ve only drawn her ref page ;-; which i gOTTA CHANGE GRR i love her!!!)

Everyone meet Onnettomis! Onni for short, the hot-headed, feisty daughter of Blinky and Aarrrgghh! She’s only a few hundred years old, the troll equivalent to a teenager (16-18 in human years). She absolutely LOVES fighting/sparring, and will pick a fight with any, and everyone, even if she has no change of winning. She’s just so absolutely chaotic, and will do the stupidest, most dangerous stuff just to impress a pretty girl that might be watching (this absolutely drives Blinky insane, which just drives her rebellious and spiteful nature to continue with it).

Her fathers are incredibly protective over her, and tried everything to keep Onni out of the trollhunter’s business, but ever since Jim was chosen, she couldn’t help but get sucked into all of it. (Not that she’s complaining, she lives for all this excitement!)

Surprisingly, her and Dictatious get along really really well! He was ecstatic to find out he had a niece, and Onni thinks of him as the Cool Uncle™ who always has amazing stories about the Darklands. 

[d-pennants]

Every line Aaravos says...

In an interview Ehasz & Richmond confirm that Aaravos never lies, but..

if you understand where he’s coming from, he’s not lying about anything. But you don’t necessarily know where he’s coming from. He never lies, he always tells the truth.

So, how much is the real truth, subjective truths, alternate interpretation of words, or paltering (misleading by misrepresenting select truths)? Who knows.

But I copied all of of Aaravos’ lines from transcripts if you want to try and guess.

Some are kinda funny in hindsight -  “ Preparing you for greatness.” Just meant being able to see Aaravos, who is a Great One. (Or very impressed with his own looks).

S2E7 Fire and Fury

Viren: I'm ready. Aaravos: Speak. Viren: I - Aaravos: Speak, so I may hear you. Viren: Who- who are you? Aaravos: Ah How long I have waited to hear the sound of another voice. How may I serve you?

S2E8 The Book of Destiny

Viren: Who are you? Aaravos: My name would mean nothing to you. Viren: [sighs.] Where are you? Aaravos:  I don't know. Viren:  Don't lie to me. Aaravos:  I'm not lying. I never lie. Viren: [sighs.] I found this mirror in the lair of the Dragon King. This mirror meant something to him. You meant something to him. Aaravos: Perhaps. Tell me what you need, and I will help you. Viren: I need your name. Aaravos: Aaravos.

Viren: What's going on? Every time I found a mention of you in an ancient scroll or tome, the entire passage disappeared as soon as I looked! [sighs.] What game are you playing? [sighs.] Viren: Ugh! [sighs.] Why should I trust you? Aaravos: You shouldn't… yet.

S2E9 Breathe

Viren: I should end this right now! Throw the mirror into a river and cut you off forever. Aaravos: You won't. You are too curious. Hungry for knowledge and power. Both things I can provide. Allow me to earn your trust. Viren: And how would that work, exactly? Aaravos: Search your heart. There's something that you want very badly. But something or someone stands in your way. Viren: I- I am having a problem getting some people to listen to me, to hear the importance of what I'm saying. Aaravos: Who are these people? Viren: They are kings and queens. The leaders of the other four human kingdoms. Aaravos: Then we will have to get their attention.

Aaravos: You tried to win over the other humans with loyalty and friendship, but they ignored you. Those who fail tests of love are simple animals. They deserve to be motivated by fear. Viren: Bring terror to Del Bar to Neolandia to Evenere and to Duren!

Aaravos: You're in danger. They've come for you. Do as I tell you. Prepare for battle. Guard: Lord Viren! Open up, by order of the High Council! Aaravos: Well? Open it for them! Opeli: Surrender, Viren! Aaravos: Stop. It's over. Viren: But I can destroy them all! I have all the power I need! Aaravos: Stop! Opeli: You're completely surrounded, Viren! Give yourself up. Don't make me give the order. Viren: You have betrayed me. Aaravos: No. I will stay with you.

S3E1 Sol Regem

Aaravos: Do not despair. Be patient. Your time will come. You have put things in motion.

S3E3 Ghost

Aaravos: Get up. Get up. You have visitors coming. You're going to need to look presentable. Viren: My children. I'm so glad to see you safe. Claudia: What happened, Dad? Why are you down here? Viren: While I tried to unite the five kingdoms against Xadia, the Council was more concerned that I broke a few rules along the way. But none of that matters. The egg, did you get it? Claudia: It's not an egg anymore. It's hatched. Viren: It hatched? That dragon will become the most powerful creature in the world, and you've let it fall back into Xadia's hands? Claudia: But, Dad, Soren could've died. Viren: That doesn't matter! Soren: Dad? Viren: I do not mean to be cruel. But we must be ready to sacrifice. Even the things we love. I would have asked you to choose the egg over my life, if it came to it. Do you understand? Everything I do, and everything I ask of you, is for the future of humanity. Claudia: Is that why you told Soren to kill the princes?

Claudia: Answer me, Dad. Why did you tell Soren to kill the princes? 

Aaravos: Careful. If you tell the truth, you will lose her. You will need her soon. Viren: Oh, is that what you thought, Soren? Claudia, did you really think I would ask him to do such a thing? Surely you know your brother is um, easily confused. Soren: Wait, I know I'm not the smartest, but I know what you said. Viren: Oh, really? What do you remember? Soren: You told me to return with the news that the princes died. You said, "Accidents happen all the time." Viren: Soren, I was preparing you for the worst. I knew tragedy might have already befallen them No! You said that I'd know to do the right thing. Viren: Soren. I said "do the right thing," and somehow you heard "kill the princes." Oh this is disappointing, son. Even for you. Soren: Claudia, you believe me, right? Claudia: Oh, Sor-bear. I believe you thought you heard it, but you obviously made a mistake. We're just really lucky you messed up the mission you thought you had, huh? Wow.

S3E4 Midnight Desert

Viren: What are you doing? Aaravos: Preparing you for greatness. Now, be still.

Aaravos: It is ready. Open your eye. You can hear me. And now you can see me. And I can better serve you.

S3E5 Heroes and Masterminds

Claudia: Knock knock! - Oh, who's your new friend? Viren: Don't! Do not touch it. Claudia: Sorry, Dad. I just thought it looked cute. Viren: No. I'm sorry. I'm just trying to get ready for our march on Xadia. Did you need something? Claudia:  Uh, no! I was just making sure you're okay. I mean, you are okay, right? Viren: Thank you. I'm fine. Claudia, you understand why Prince Ezran had to be removed? Claudia: Of course. He couldn't have done the things that need to be done. Viren: Others might take a crown out of self-importance, but I-

Claudia: You're doing it to help us. To help everyone. Viren: Yes. Yes, that's right. That's why I know I can count on you, Claudia. Claudia: Everything's going to be okay, Dad. I'm here for you. Aaravos: Well played. She will be a valuable asset. Viren: She is not an asset. She is my daughter.

S3E6 Thunderfall

Soren: What, you don't want me to smoosh that thing? Viren: Do not smoosh the purple creature. Think of it as my animal familiar. Soren: So, you're saying you've adopted a little bug-pal? Viren: Yes, Soren. He is my little bug-pal. Soren: I'll just ride back here with Claudia for a while. Aaravos: Has our relationship truly escalated to this new height? Am I your "little bug-pal"? We have a long journey ahead. While we travel, there is something I have been meaning to ask you. My understanding is that somehow you killed Avizandum. Viren: I've killed no such person. Aaravos: Avizandum was no person. Avizandum was an archdragon, the great king of all the dragons. The most powerful creature in the world. Yet, somehow, you brought him down. Viren: So, Avizandum was his true name. We called him Thunder.

Aaravos: Please, continue. I eagerly await the great confrontation. Viren: We did not find Thunder Avizandum where we expected to find him.

Aaravos: What an incredible story. I am delighted you took down that arrogant monster. Viren: It sounds like you have a history with Avizandum. Aaravos:  Oh, I do. He is the reason I am where I am today. Viren: And where is that? Aaravos: He never bothered to mention where he imprisoned me. Viren: You're imprisoned? Your home looks like no prison I've ever seen. Aaravos: Yes, it's well appointed. But make no mistake, this has been my prison these past few centuries.

Claudia: We're going to cross that border. After all impassable is just another kind of passable. Aaravos: Yes!

S3E7 Hearts of Cinder

Viren: So, what is the plan? Aaravos: To fulfill your wishes, of course. Is your wish to rule Xadia? Viren: I wish for humanity to flourish. And it cannot flourish with a knife forever at its throat. Aaravos: So, you wish to conquer Xadia? Viren: No! No, my goal is a bright future for humanity. Aaravos: Right. And this bright future will require us to conquer Xadia? Viren: Yes. Yes, perhaps. Aaravos: The key to achieving your noble aims for humanity is simple. It's the same as it has always been. Viren: The key is the Dragon Prince. Aaravos: Yes. You must take down the Dragon Queen and capture the baby dragon. Then you will have the attention of all the world, and the power to do what you want. But first, there is something we need here in Lux Aurea. Viren: You want us to attack the stronghold of the Sunfire elves? But we need to preserve our forces for the final confrontation. Aaravos: Viren, I'm nothing if not elegant and efficient. We'll risk as few lives as possible… one. Viren: Ah, mine. Aaravos: Yes.

Khessa: Ugh! Humans disgust me. Your kind could not be satisfied with what you were given. So you take what is not yours. You take it within you, and you turn it to filth. Aaravos: Your arrogance is so predictable. You allowed my vessel to walk right into your court, and then you brought him directly to the source of all your power? Oh, the irony is wonderful! You're just like your grandmother. Would you like to know the truth of her fate before you face yours?

(Aaravos whispers something. The second word seems to be human).

S3E9 The Final Battle

Aaravos: When you capture the dragonling, I will show you how to take his power, how to imbue yourself with all his magic and potential, so that you will transcend the limits of your human form. Then none will dare stand against you.

Aaravos: Brace yourself.

Aaravos dark magic spell: He swallows your heart. He swallows your mind. He swallows your power.

[iwillhaveamoonbase]

The Long Game ch. 2

Rayla glared a bit at her reflection in the mirror.  How could she look just like herself and look nothing like she always did at the same time? Her horns were gone, her skin lacking the pink undertones, and she had the human pinkos.  No…pinkies.  They were called ‘pinkies.’  Her hair had yellow in it now and her lavender eyes were now a piercing blue.  She hated it.  Even her voice had lost it’s Silvergrove accent.  She had spent the whole six months trying to get rid of it only for the powerful illusion to take care of it for her.  Rayla quirked a lip as she remembered how she had reacted to that back at Lujanne’s.  Lujanne had taken the whole thing as a learning process, that she was capable of losing her accent, but Rayla had been frustrated with the situation.  

Rayla put a hand under her bare eye.  She was sorely missing the dye normally under her eyes.  She felt naked without it. The dye…she hadn’t been able to bring any with her and the design she chose….it had been a variant of the one her parents had put on her.  

Rayla wasn’t foolish. She knew why the Assassins Guild had approved Runaan’s plan so easily and why no one but Ethari had opposed the idea. It didn’t matter if she died in the process; she was here to make up for her parents’ disgrace.  “You two just had to run away…”

Rayla turned her head to look around the lavish room.  She had hoped that King Harrow would take her in and give her a place among the palace staff. Easy to hide, easy to maneuver. That’s not what was happening, apparently.  The room was right next to Prince Callum’s if she had heard correctly because she had asked for a view of the moon.  Rayla walked around the room.  It was too big, the balcony too ostentatious.  She needed the moonlight to continue to charge the talisman, but she didn’t need all this.  The dark purple stone had been created by all the mages of Silvergrove and crafted by Ethari. Lunjanne had added her own illusion magic and the power of the Moon Nexus had made it even stronger.  It had to be perfect.  She had to be perfect.

The moon was slowly rising, signaling the end of the day.  Dinner had been awkward to say the least.  They had done introductions and Viren had glared at her the whole time.  His son, Soren, had stared at her for most of the time.  Rayla was used to people staring at her, but this was different.  All she knew was she didn’t like it.  One of the princes, Callum, had also stared at her most of the night.  But, his look had been different than Viren’s suspicious one and Soren’s….whatever that was. Callum looked at her with pure confusion.  Did he see through the illusion?  Lujanne had warned her that incredibly magically sensitive beings would be able to see through it, but that shouldn’t count a human, right?  Right?  

As she stepped onto the balcony, she sighed at the cool breeze that came over her.  She heard a scritch-scatching to her right and turned her head to see Callum drawing the half moon.  The moonlight was hitting the planes of his face and his green eyes almost looked like they were glowing.  When he looked up again, she saw the emergence of a sharp jawline; something that would come as he grew older.  He was a lot more handsome than her initial perusal had indicated.  “Drawing the night sky, Your Highness?”

He yelped, startled out of his thoughts.  “Oh! Rayla, right?”

She quirked a brow.  “Yep.”

“Sorry.  I just…get into a groove, I guess.”

“Don’t let me keep you from your ‘groove.’”

Callum gave her a soft smile, before turning back to his sketchbook.  They sat in silence for a bit, Rayla perfectly content to stare at the stars.  After some time, Callum nervously coughed.  “Do you want to see?”

“Sure.”  Before Callum could hand the sketchbook over to her, Rayla got on the ledge of her balcony and jumped onto his.  He looked shocked for a moment, unsure.  “Everything OK?”

“Yeah.  I’ve just never done that before.  I don’t think I’d have the confidence to not fall to my death.”

Rayla shrugged.  “You need good control and balance.  It’s not that tricky once you get those two things.” Callum had a look of disbelief on his face, but showed her the sketchbook.  Rayla’s eyes went wide as she stared at the picture.  Callum had indeed drawn the moon, craters and all, but he had also drawn her.  There was a peaceful expression on her face.  “I didn’t realize you were drawing me.”

“Sorry.  I should have asked first.”

“No, it’s fine.  I’m amazed you would pick me to draw.”

“It was hard not to.  I have a feeling you don’t often feel as at peace as you did right then.”

“What makes you say that?”

Callum shrugged.  “Just a feeling.  Maybe I’m projecting.  I don’t feel at peace very often myself.”

“Really?”

Callum nodded.  “The king is my step-father and he’s been great, but our relationship isn’t really the parent-child one I want.”

“And your biological father?”

“Dead.  Has been since I was about a year old.  And my mom died about ten years ago.”

Rayla was quiet for a few moments.  “I don’t know where my parents are.  I was raised by their friends.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.  It’s for the best.”

Callum looked away for a bit.  “You said your village is gone?”

“Yeah.”

“And it was elves?”

Rayla shrugged her shoulders.  “Maybe. I don’t really know.  Everything’s a little fuzzy.”  Callum let it drop, but he turned his eyes back to her.  There was that look again.  “What?”

“What?”

“You’re looking at me like you’re confused.”

Callum flushed a bit. “Sorry.”  He apologized too easily, Rayla decided.  He tried to make himself small and unnoticed.  Why?  Weren’t humans supposed to be arrogant?  “I don’t know how to explain it, but when I look at you, something’s…off.”

“‘Off?’”

“I don’t know.  I asked Soren and Claudia and they both said you’re just really pretty and I’m not used to it.”

Rayla blinked twice.  “What do you think?”

The light flush on his cheeks became a dark red.  “I mean, you are quite pretty, but I don’t think that’s it.”

“What do you think it is, then?”

Callum stood up, so he was almost at her height.  He was about an inch shorter than her, their eyes almost meeting directly.  His lips were a lot fuller than she had thought.  He tilted his head, an intense look directed right at her.  “Do you dye your hair?  Claudia does.”

“No.”  Rayla gulped.  He was too close.  Could he hear her heart beating loudly?  Why was it beating so fast?  What was happening?  She had to get out of here!  “Sorry, but it’s late.  I think I’ll head to bed.”

“Of course.  Good night.”  Rayla quickly turned and got on the railing to jump back onto her balcony. She turned her head to see Callum still looking at her with that same intense look.  She gave him a quick wave and closed the balcony doors.  Rayla leaned against the door, putting a hand to her chest. Why was her heart threatening to beat out of her chest?  Was she almost caught?  No….That hadn’t been it.  Prince Callum was dangerous to her mission.  That she knew.

----------------------------------------------

“Harrow!  We can’t trust her!”

Harrow pinched the bridge of his nose as Viren continued to denounce his commitment to Rayla.  “We must care for all of our citizens.”

“Prove to me she’s one of our citizens!  There has been nothing about what she claims!  No villages have been attacked.  NOTHING!”

“Viren, there could be a million reasons why her story isn’t adding up.  What if she hit her head and this is the story her mind’s put together? We’ll help her find her home.  If there is no home, I’ll give her one until she’s ready to leave.”

“This is a mistake.  We can’t just take anyone in!  Do we want a repeat of Duren?  You don’t think things through enough when you’re trying to be compassionate.”

Harrow grit his teeth. “Let’s make something clear.  I take full responsibility for what we had to do in Xadia.  I lost my wife because I didn’t think ahead enough.  My sons have to grow up without their mother!  But I will not leave someone in need.  I am trying to build a world that will accept the love and compassion that is so strong in Ezran.”

“Ezran?”

“His heart is far purer than mine ever was.  He forgives easily and is incredibly understanding.  He’ll be a better king than I am.  But, I have to show compassion and understanding as well.”

“Harrow, listen to me-”

“The subject of Rayla is closed.  She stays unless she proves she cannot be trusted.”

Viren growled low in his throat, quickly leaving the room.  Harrow sighed as he leaned against his chair.  Pip began to sing, the melody almost cheerful.

---------------------------------------------

The next morning, Rayla followed Callum and Soren as they went to do their lessons.  Callum looked completely unenthused while Soren kept sending smirks her way.  What was with this blonde idiot?  She watched Soren basically not teach Callum much of anything, except to expect to fall down.  Which, would have been fine if he was also teaching Callum how to get up quickly.  “Can I interject?”

Soren gave her a cocky grin. “No offense, but what does someone from a farming village know about swords?”

Rayla wracked her brain for the excuse Lujanne and her had come up with.  “I’ve seen the military practice often enough.  Besides, you don’t think children pretend to play with swords?”

Soren shrugged, handing her his sword.  Rayla shook her head, taking Callum’s from the ground.  “You’re not teaching him right.”

“With all due respect, I’m teaching him fine.”

“You’re teaching him to expect to fail but not how to get back up.  In other words, you’re screwing with his confidence.  That’s not teaching.”  Rayla lunged forward, Soren barely able to block it.  “His mother used a lance.  Train him on that.”  Soren pushed back, shock on his face as Rayla spun and used his own force against him so that he leaned forward, almost losing his balance.  “Not everyone is made for the same thing.”  Soren spun to face her.  They traded blows, but it was obvious to all that Rayla was the superior swordsman.  She was too light on her feet and knew when to add the right amount of power.  She also knew when to back off, which was ultimately Soren’s downfall as she finally swept his legs out from under him, landing him on his back.

“You-You SWEPT THE LEG!” Callum exclaimed.  Rayla smirked over at him.   She wanted his attention on her, she realized.  She wanted his praise.

“That’s not a thing in sword fighting!”  Soren groaned from the ground.

“Apparently it is.”  Everyone looked up to see Harrow, Viren, and Opeli at the entrance to the courtyard.  “Rayla, you have a lot of talent in sword fighting.”

“I played a lot as a kid with fake weapons.”  Viren raised a brow as Opeli looked her up and down.

“Perhaps, you would be better suited to training Callum.”

More time with Callum? BAD IDEA.  He wasn’t suspicious of her, but he saw through the illusion, in some way he knew it was there.  Rayla turned to see Callum looking at her.  There was hope in his gaze instead of confusion.  How could she refuse him when he looked at her like that?  “I would be honored, Your Majesty.”  She briefly curtseyed, sighing when the adults moved on.  ‘I’m in trouble.’   “Alright, Prince Callum.  No more swords. You’re going to be learning how to use a battle lance.”

“Let’s do it!”  He looked so excited, his toothy smile and shining eyes hit her heart way too hard.  

As they moved through practice, every little touch sent lightning coursing through her body.  His laugh was infectious and his questions were actually incredibly insightful.  The hours passed so quickly, she had barely noticed when dinner time came and judging by his expression, he hadn’t either.  

As Rayla lay in bed that night, her heart still hadn’t slowed down.  Every time she closed her eyes, a pair of green ones haunted her. Was this a crush?  No, it was too intense for that.  Either way, she had to pack these feelings deep into the corners of her heart and forget about that.  There was no room for error.  She couldn’t…she couldn’t fall in love with someone she was going to leave without a family.  ‘Oh, gods…I’m falling for him….’      

---------------------------------------------

Callum went through his sketchbook.  It’d been several months since Rayla had come and his notebook was becoming filled to the brim with pictures of her.  The last time he had drawn Claudia had been the day Rayla had come.  That itch in the back of his mind was still strong, but he felt drawn to Rayla in a way he didn’t know was possible.  Every move she made had his immediate attention.  Her laugh was infectious and her snark and sarcasm showed an intelligent mind that was screaming for knowledge and also an eye for loopholes. She had taken to lessons with him and Ezran, devouring knowledge almost as soon as it was presented to her, though she preferred to be outside and moving about.  It was hard to keep her attention for long when the sun was shining and there were things to do outside.  

“Hey.”  Callum looked up to see the object of his thoughts smiling at him from her balcony.

“Hey.”

“The moon’s full.” Callum nodded, wondering where this was going.  “Back home, we sing and celebrate the passing of each cycle.  I haven’t been able to do it much since coming here.  Do you mind if I sing a bit?”

“Not at all.”  Callum had not expected the haunting voice that Rayla had when she sang.  He felt the gooseflesh on his skin as she vocalized for a bit.

There's an old familiar silence

When I'm lost inside my heart

I can't hear the voice inside me

So I look up to the stars

Oh

There is darkness ever waiting

I can feel it in the air

So I call upon my angels

Are you still there?

When the wind bends the branch to softly touch me

When the band plays your song

I feel strong enough to keep dreaming

Even when I'm all alone our love goes on and on

Oh

When the wind bends the branch to softly touch me

When the band plays your song

I feel strong enough to keep dreaming

Even when I'm all alone our love goes on and on

When she finished, she turned to him.  Callum was struck speechless.  The softness on her features as she sang compared with just how deep her song reached his soul…In the back of his mind, Callum remembered a conversation his mother and Viren’s ex-wife had once had when he was little.  That, sometimes, souls called out for each other in ways no one could run away from.  The light of the full moon hit her gaze and Callum wondered if that’s what was happening. Was his soul drawn to Rayla’s?  It felt like it.  “Thank you for sharing that,” he whispered.  Whatever spell had taken over the both of them, he didn’t want to break it.

“You’re welcome,” she whispered back.  When they parted for the night, Callum stared at her balcony for a few moments longer. He wasn’t quite sure when he had stopped liking Claudia, but he knew that what he was feeling for Rayla was far stronger and, most likely, not nearly as easy to let go of.

--------------------------

The song is Love Goes On and On by Lindsey Stirling and Amy Lee. If you have not seen the Older Rayllum AU content that is Lindsey Stirling's Between Twilight, go to YouTube and watch it!

[raayllum]

thoughts on 1x03

the music during harrow’s walk to the tower is one of my favourites; it’s so haunting and somber, and i was thrilled (aka heartbroken) when it returned for ezran’s walk to jail in 3x04

viren was really gonna do the selfless, right thing, huh

the scene transition of claudia’s hand light to where the kids are is so cool and good (also her hitting her hand like a flashlight when it falters always makes me laugh)

“if the egg lives...” “maybe it could stop the war” soulmates finishing each other’s sentences from the start

would love to know how long claudia’s been studying/using sky magic and when viren seemed to gift the primal stone to her

ezran saying “it wants his mother” reads better when you know about his connection to animals. it’s not just him having a good heart (although there is that too) but also like, directly feeling it

the fact that claudia knew about the egg meant that she knew she was lying to her king about it and. yeah it says a lot

callum saying “there’s something after us” and like that the trio is born

rayla immediately moving to defend the boys and callum looking back at her as he runs

callum is the cutest thing oh my god

aw soren is kind of a sweetie too: “you know the guards can hear you right?” when viren’s like “yeah when you fail”

babies’ first argument is both precious and crazy to remember

it is good that rayla didn’t go to the roof alone though. otherwise she wouldn’t have been able to get the egg to safety and fight runaan in order to have time to do so. aka learn to let other people help you baby girl

i also love that the final decision here is ezran’s

and i do have early s1 rayllum’s more antagonistic vibes because they’re dumb fun idiots together

there is something to be said though, where when viren does go to harrow, he takes care to talk about how their relationship is distinctive. ie. that viren thinks of harrow as his friend and his brother, not just as his king. it’s this weird flip side to what’s supposed to be a selfless proposal (assumedly offering his life in place of harrow’s with the soulfang) that simultaneously emphasizes viren’s desire to be important that was absent in the value he gave the lives of the guards, because “any of these men and women would gladly give their lives for you.”

and it’s because viren can’t let go of his pride that he loses his temper and eventually his loyalty. 

yet even as harrow chides viren he acknowledges his own fault in it. “i have tolerated your arrogance for too long, maybe even encouraged it.”

i also like how harrow says “you are a servant of the kingdom of katolis” not of himself, similar to how harrow tried to be a servant of the people. aka harrow’s problem is still that he thinks viren is trying to convince him to let other people die in his stead

i’m so sad over rayla and runaan now

callum’s hesitation to leave her on the roof always absolutely kills me

“i think he would want you to. if you wanted to” i am going to cry

also ezran with bait on his head is so precious

soren the kid’s about to lose his father can you please be more sensitive for once

how rayla goes from calling the mission justice before to vengeance in her fight with runaan (and later on in the season, revenge) is just. so good

and the subtle details too of rayla holding her own in the fight but she’s out of breath when the break comes and runaan is fine

callum and viren snapping against each other? i love for it. gimme the angst

i completely forgot the scene of rayla sneaking back into the courtyard even existed wtf. also it’s so cool

ez and rayla are so cute and rayla immediately being like “uh, where’s your brother?” i’m gonna scream

soren protecting callum is so sweet

runaan’s random Das kill me

callum leaving the tower is so heart wrenching

so many cool shots with colour and symbolism and lighting

the lil nod rayla and callum give each other before she turns to lead them out of the castle always kills me

and with that, the adventure begins

[moonshxdows]

"dagger and the wolf" wolf girl? is that you?

aw ezrans sick

"like we lost her" THEIR MOTHER IM CRYING AGAIN

xadian stuffy nose berries I'm

the egg is dying :/

BACK TO BRODIGIES

soren really is Like That huh fjsnfjksnk

yes be nice to the pups

oooh the dragang found a town

HUMAN RAYLA IM BFJSBFJSJFNS SHES SO CUTE FJSNFJSKNF

HER ACCENT

ELVES ARE MISSING THE PINKY ITS CONFIRMED

snow elf she's so cute

SUB CENTURY LIFE EXPECTANCY FJSNJTKSNFJS RAYLA

she's gonna fight the arrogant asshole isn't she

she is

sigh

FANCY DAGGER MAN FROM THE TRAILER

sunforge blade?

oooooooooooooh sunfire elf stuff im curious

they're gonna steal the sunforge blade

BRODIGIES

"vile bloodthirsty elven assassin" huh. i have a guess on what her redemtion arc is. I'm not saying ricq but uhhhhhh ricq

EZRAN IS GOOD W ANIMALS AND HE LOVES THE HORSE AND I LOVE HIM

callum u fucked up don't tell the guy about th glowing egg

aw this guy seems sweet

and he knows about the egg. hmmmm.

oh no her glove fell off

the dagger didn't work :(

claudia how did u know that was there wtf

"if only i wasnt so muscular" fjsnfjskfnksnf

THE EGGS GONNA BE DEAD

WOLF GIRL

THEYRE BOTH SO CUTE IM GONNA SCREAM

EVA AND ELLIS AWE

ITS AN ELF!!!!!!

they slipped and said dragon egg I'm fjsnfjskfnksnf

WHY WAS THAT GOO GLOWING

oh. that's why.

angry human crowd w pitchforks. nice.

[dork-empress]

Knight Callum

part of my ‘another 100 dragon prince aus oneshot collection

Read on Ao3

Callum isn't the awkward, artistic, kind Prince. He is an arrogant Knight, excellent at all his princely duties.

Personality Change!Callum

“Watch your feet!” Soren yelled at him over the sounds of their own fighting. Callum minded him, getting his feet perfectly in position, but Soren took the opportunity, lunging at him and pushing him off balance again. “Don’t listen to my words, watch me with your eyes.”

“If I follow that advice,” Callum said, parrying his thrusts, “Wouldn’t that go against the advice?”

Soren laughed, allowing Callum to lunge this time, moving forward on the offensive. “Good!” Soren said, “watch your rhythm, pay attention to every small detail, and--”

Soren cut himself off as Callum had lead him to a upended tree root, and Soren tripped backwards. Before he could compose himself, Callum’s sword was at his throat. “Enough detail?” He asked, smug.

Soren was caught dead center between pride and annoyance. Reluctantly, he dropped his sword and lifted his hands to yield. Callum pulled his sword away and helped his tutor up. “Not bad,” Soren admitted, “Still could use some work, but not bad.”

“What do you mean, work?” Callum asked, voice edging on a whine, “I beat you!”

“Once,” Soren said, “Once is a fluke, twice is lucky. Start beating me on a regular basis, and I might accept you’re ok.”

Callum rolled his eyes at his old friend and teacher. “Whatever helps you sleep.” They both shared a hearty laugh, as Callum’s eyes wandered over to Claudia, who was walking with a book in her hands, about to walk into a tree. “Claudia!” Callum called to her.

Claudia came back to Earth, and looked over at Callum, “What do you want?”

Callum opened his mouth, hesitant, but announced, “I just beat Soren!”

“Whoopdedoo,” Claudia said, all but rolling her eyes. She adjusted her path to avoid the tree, and continued on.

Callum left Soren on the training ground to chase after her, just briefly, “Why don’t you stay a while? Watch first hand the Dashing Prince gain skills as a fighter.”

“Step-Prince,” She corrected him.

“Oh come on,” Callum said, trying to get her to stay, “Everyone knows I’m the one born to be Prince. Ezran’s still just a kid, and a weird one at that.”

“He’s your BROTHER,” Claudia frowned at him. Callum shrugged, “Ugh, just, I have to go.”

“Where?” Callum called after her.

“Literally anywhere else!” Claudia said over her shoulder.

Soren clapped a hand on Callum’s shoulder. “Once we’re done swordfighting lessons,” he said, “Maybe we can have a lesson on how to talk to a woman like a human being.”

Callum shrugged Soren’s hand off, “Please, Soren,” Callum said, “I’m a prince. Girl’s will be throwing themselves at me.”

He was right, just not in the way he thought.

As the elf assassin ran at him, Callum drew his sword, trying to intercept her. She didn’t move like a knight, though, and jumped off the wall, moving past his sword, and knocked him flat on his back, his sword flying out of his hands.

“Please!” Callum said, panicked that hadn’t worked, “Please, I’m the Prince! Don’t kill me, I’m the Prince!”

“Prince Ezran?” The elf said, hesitating.

Callum hesitated. No matter his arrogance, Ezran was the crown prince, and more important. The actual Ezran was missing somewhere in the castle, so, “Yes! Yes, I’m the crown Prince, now release me, and the King will give you lenience!”

The elf hesitated. She seemed just as pained as him. Almost. “I’m sorry,” she said.

And then she killed him.

[d-pennants]

300 years ago...

Collation post about all the Orphan Queen relevant info I can find. Note the Sun Primal symbol in the logo.

Given how involved this is in Aaravos’ backstory I think that parts of this story will be featured in the show, while Wonderstorm may also tell the whole story in a separate feature length movie.

Spoilers below the cut.

The Orphan Queen, a new story they hope to tell in the series, books or even in a feature film, which follows a young human girl who starts from nothing and grows up without parents. She takes a dangerous journey to Xadia and ends up saving the world. She’s also Ezran’s first royal ancestor. Ehasz and Richmond said the idea was born when they were imagining where the Key of Aaravos comes from.

From Polygon interview about San Diego Comic Con 2019

This cube is an ancient relic that has been passed down through the ages. It belonged to an elven wizard in Xadia, the Archmage Aaravos, a master of all six primal sources. It is hidden in a box of keys because it is known as the “Key of Aaravos” and legends say it unlocks something of great power in Xadia.

S2E6 Harrow’s letter to Callum

Cartoon Universe interview confirmed that the events 300 years ago regarding the end of Luna Tenebris’s reign and start of Avizandum’s reign will be explored. 

Queen Aditi is present for this battle (She’s the second Sunfire elf from the right). Aditi disappeared after Avizandum became King.

Aaravos: You allowed my vessel to walk right into your court, and then you brought him directly to the source of all your power? Oh, the irony is wonderful! You’re just like your grandmother. Would you like to know the truth of her fate before you face yours?

S3E7 - Hearts of Cinder

Aaravos whispers something hard to make out in Queen Khessa’s ear. It sounds like two words with the second being “human.” (Also the lip movements match for human). First word sounds like “they’re” but it’s very unclear. You’re? Fire? Some term specific to the world setting that we haven’t come across yet (dire-human!)

Queen Khessa also inherited the Sunfire throne when Queen Aditi disappeared 300 years ago. Which implies Khessa’s parents were already dead at this point. (And Janai and her brother were born before Aaravos was imprisoned).

[Reddit AMA]

Aaravos: I am delighted you took down that arrogant monster. Viren: It sounds like you have a history with Avizandum. Aaravos: Oh, I do. He is the reason I am where I am today. Viren: And where is that? Aaravos: He never bothered to mention where he imprisoned me. Viren: You’re imprisoned? Your home looks like no prison I’ve ever seen. Aaravos: Yes, it’s well appointed. But make no mistake, this has been my prison these past few centuries.

S3E6 - Thunderfall

TL;DR - 300 years ago;

Aaravos is imprisoned by Avizandum (with some help). Avizandum being the reason Aaravos is imprisoned may be because he decided Aaravos’ punishment or Avizandum is the reason Aaravos got ‘caught’.

The Orphan Queen somehow ends up with Aaravos’ Rune Cube Key.

End of Luna Tenebris’ reign and start of Avizandum’s reign.

The Sun Symbol indicates the Orphan Queen is involved with whatever happened to Queen Aditi.

The Orphan Queen saves the world.

Speculation;

The volcano Avizandum is standing on in the battle picture may actually be the source of the Border and how the river of lava is magically maintained is within the volcano. Thus the battle being there may not be a coincidence. During the Heart of the Titan story the party pass an old battlefield in Xadia that has Katolis shields, so the human army manage to get across the Border somehow.

There’s a vignette on the official website about Aaravos’s birthday that says he was once gifted an apple by a human. It’s speculated that the human was the Orphan Queen as apples may be a post-division fruit, and she’s the only human we know traveled to Xadia and met Aaravos.

[madou-dilou]

Why The Dragon Prince Season 3 messed up

SO I pRoMiSed YoU aN EssAY about why the third season of The Dragon Prince disappointed me, and as I'm arrogant enough to assume that you are interested in my opinion, I post it here. ;)

*rolling drums*

King Harrow sums up the conflict as a narrative of endless vengeance, wrongs on both sides, that had to be redeemed whatever the cost.When the Dragang finds the egg, they think about the peace that could come.

But when Rayla shows it to Runaan, he tries to kill her, then goes to murder Harrow. He learnt nothing from what happened and is just trapped into that eye-for-eye scheme. At this point, Runaan represents not only Xadia's ideology, but also the whole world scheme. The world is blinded by this narrative of revenge, so blinded that they refuse to considerate peace even at the cost of relatives -and yes, I’m including Viren if “the world”. So there's no guarantee that returning that egg will stop the war, especially that, as far as we know, it was the queen of the dragons herself who ordered this assassination mission.

And Xadians don't stop there. They seem to work actively on kindle the fire. Elves are gathering at the Breach and attack human fortresses. And, just watch the episode where Soren attacks a dragon. Yes, Soren attacked first. But that dragon was flying over the city for days, fully aware of tensions, fully aware that humans were on their nerves after the kingslaying. If he just meant to afraid the people, he could just have left after dodging Soren's arrow; or simply destroy the tower, then leave. But he doesn't. Instead, he destroys the tower, then almost reduces the city to ashes, with the people still inside. When Callum finds out about it, he first doesn't understand why Rayla wants to save this dragon; but she explains him about the narrative of vengeance, that someone has to do something to break the cycle, even if she has to die for it. But she doesn't totally succeed and humans try to kill her, and the dragon gravely hurts a few of them before finally leaving. Even if, unlike Runaan, that dragon finally understood the hope the Dragon Prince was representing for the world (or perhaps he just flew away to warn Queen Zubeia), this doesn't erase the fact that he burnt down a whole city for no reason.

And Viren knows about that. Elves and dragons have exiled humans because they found a way to stop being considered as lesser beings who deserved nothing more than starvation. A quite unethical way, yes, but Elves could just give humans a bunch of Primal Stones if they wanted them to stop Dark Magic. No, instead, the Elves and Dragons exiled a whole people on sterile lands, Trade of Tears/Grapes of Wrath style, then ruthlessly killed all those who dare to pass nearby the border. Maybe the elves see it as a guarantee, a shield which prevent humans from doing unethical things. But to humans, that's just a knife over their throat. When they manage to get rid of that knife, elves and dragons just declare war on them, fully aware that they won't be able to defend. 

Viren sees himself as the Jon Snow of the story, he wants to prevent a genocide, but no one is listening to him because they don't feel directly threatened. And the elves, in my opinion, had no intention of attacking the four other kingdoms, since their kings took no action against them (not even Duren). But if we set in Viren's shoes (Viren who saw his friends dying right before his powerlessness because of those damned critches), his point of view makes sense. He is also trapped into an eye-for-an-eye mindset -after all he is the one who murdered Thunder to avenge Sarai, and he is also trapped in a "protect my people whatever it takes." Just as the elves.

“That’s horrible, Viren.” “We have no choice.” “Story of your life in two sentences bro”

The heroes' job is to stop this, to break the wheel. To save lives from both sides -but more from the human side, given how Harrow qualifies this conflict "unwinnable war".**The thing is, in season three, the heroes didn't stop the war.**Well, effectively they did, but because they chose a side over the other. That was quite an easy choice to them, for their enemies were no more humans but soulless monsters. But that's exactly where the problem is. 

The narrative brutally decided to caricature the conflict into a good VS bad framing :

Magic creatures are actually super friendly with humans!  

“Team Daenerys 4ever”

"Trees to meet you Callum! Yes I know, I was fully OK with my husband and daughter going into a suicide-squad to murder your father and brother, but no, I don't hate you, I think you are a wonderful person and that the world needs to hear a message of peace!" And the human army meets absolutely no resistance from the Xadians, that’s a proof Xadians were absolutely not hostile and humans are mean, racist, awful warmongers invading a land of peaceful rainbowed creatures! And the Dragon Queen is super happy about her baby's return and peace's arrival, so happy that she completely forgets -and so as the characters, that SHE sent those assassins over Harrow, and that her husband spent his whole life killing humans. And of course, the cast, including Soren, totally forgot about that dragon who burnt a whole city down, because dragons are, I guess, way more badass and cool than mere humans...

Viren stops thinking and being sorry about his actions. 

“No son, I don’t, I was too busy looking like a random bad-guy and admiring a sexy starry butt”

You might say, it's because he now acts instead of just talking. But just look his attitude when Amaya confronts him back in season 1. He's mad about her insinuating he murdered Harrow and even proposes the throne to her because she is the only one apart from himself, who cares about the elves and dragons. When Claudia asks him about Soren's life, he takes a while before responding, and doing so, his face is definitely not some Ozai's one. Or when he steals the king's stamp. He hears the screaming from the fight -he is traumatized by the elves and dragons. He looks at the family portrait, the family that was destroyed partly because of him, and definitely, has deeply sorrowful features on his face, while no one can see him, so there's no one in front of whom to pretend anything. And this isn't the only example of th- What? Season three? hahaha! no, he's definitely not sorry about imprisoning Ezran and shouting to Soren that his life didn't matter the slightest! 

Even if he was quite desperate when he was in jail, because he thought humanity was just doomed, this just doesn’t fit...

Oh, and he lost his brain when he gained the crown, and that was totally ridiculous and out-of-character. I mean, given the little we see from Harrow's reign, it was Viren who just handled the whole kingdom for ten years. The cunning king's shadow, who always had a back-up plan to fix Harrow's stupidity thanks to his knowledge, inventiveness, eloquence; the guy who raised Claudia; this guy is now unable to utter a single idea of his own because of a sexy elf’s butt and voice who gives him some validation? Haha. I don't believe it for a second.

And not to mention how kiling him just solved the entire conflict, like he was the one who caused it in the first place. He murdered Thunder and Azymondias and gathered an army to make his crusade, yes. But he acts this way because there already were massive thousands-years-long tensions before. Viren was a product of those tensions, not the direct cause.

But then I suppose it was so much simpler to have a random Iago/Claudius/Richard III/Scar/Jafar/Rasputin/Melissandre...

Oh, speaking of questionable using of fire.

The Cinder-heart soldiers.

“DRACARYS !!”

When people talk about Dark Magic, they describe it as a shortcut, an easy way, a magic problem-solver that gives a far too proper way to determine what's right and wrong, who has the right to live and who hasn't. Well, with the Cinder heart soldiers, writers do exactly the same. They don't use Dark Magic to address ethic issues as in season 1 and 2, here they use Dark Magic to give the viewer something to thrill about, to draw a neat, clear, proper, defined line between what's right and what's wrong. With those humans turned into soulless monsters, you can say that the elves are right to defend themselves because those monsters are stronger than they are; but you can also say that killing them isn’t such a big deal since they have no soul. Of course, that can be used as a tool to point Viren’s fucked up morality, to point that the greater-good mentality can lead to atrocities. But that just doesn’t work. If they wanted to sum up the absurdity of war, writers could have left the soldiers as they were: humans who think they’re doing the right thing but only lead to disaster. 

By making these monsters of those soldiers, by making them Viren’s puppets, by making them extensions of Viren’s will and power, writers frame Viren as the big bad guy who’s fault is everything and who’s death will resolve all the conflict (pretty much how killing the Night King solved the ten-years awaited winter in two seconds). 

And if I remember quite well, as illogical, rushed, nonsense, stupid, badly explained and outrageous king Ezran’s abdication was (GOD, that was SO STUPID. Ezran is Harrow's son, no doubts), his goal was to save lives. But at the final battle, he happily jumps over a dragon’s back to burn those exactly same lives down -even far more numerous than the ones he pretended to save  His sorrowful look on a single frame is clearly not enough to make me believe he’s sorry. He never addresses or criticizes or points the fact that those creatures were humans, while he is supposed to be the main character of a show about ethics, and while Viren shows doubts several times and justifies his actions which he knows are awful. Kantian Queen Sarai did a whole vegan argument about how killing apparently soulless creatures wasn’t a way to solve problems, and she was presented as right in the long term. Kantian-Rawlian King Harrow rathered die that letting one soldier take his place (but he was bad at math so he didn’t realize how putting 200 guards between himself and invincible assassins threw his calculation down, but that’s another matter.) 

“DRACARYS YEEPEEEEE”

Then their son, the main character, the one who gave up his crown to save a few lives, the one who is supposed to carry the whole breaking-the-infernal-wheel thing, this character doesn’t even blink at the thought of lighting a giant pyre out of those people, Daenerys style. And who could blame him? How could anyone blame him? Those weren’t humans anymore. Those were a bunch of soulless monsters who were running at him to slaughter his friends and family. I don't blame Ezran for killing those. I blame the series for making those and not pulling a question out of it. Do you understand what I mean? The Dragon Prince was about ending an absurd conflict where both sides were wrong but had reasons to fight. But turning a whole side into mindless monsters (including Viren and Claudia, one being blinded by power and a sexy elf’s butt, and the other blinded by her love for her father) just threw that speech away. And not to mentions how their deaths are treated on a comic and cheerful mode (I definitely hate this baker).

Did I say “A whole side ?” Oh, sorry. My bad. I kind of forgot about someone.

“A Mary-Sue is never late. Nor early. She only arrives when she was meant to.”

How everyone who ever sided against Viren for whatever reason is automatically a good-guy. Callum, Ezran, Soren, Opeli, Amaya, Aanya, Corvus, Gren, the baker (this DAMNED BAKER !!!) … I mean. When Viren came at the other royals asking them for help to avoid bloodshed, queen Aanya said “I won't send my army to face an unknown danger basing myself on a two-minutes speech!”. Very well, she doesn’t want to risk her people’s life because just one single kingdom messed up. That’s not her problem. I fully understand her choice here (even if she could at least enforce defences because Viren’s arguments were pretty valid). But when Opeli comes at her with pretty similar arguments “We need your army to avoid bloodshed”, she just accepts. Of course, we could explain her choice by strategic issues about how taking down three human armies all at once alongside with the magic army just makes her the most powerful human queen ever, even if that outcome was very unlikely given how unbalanced was the scale (I maintain it, how can mere arrows kill a magma berserk ? and even if she was relying on surprise, Viren's army clearly outnumbers gOoD gUyS's, as it was said several times)... But the season doesn’t address those strategic issues. Instead, queen Aanya just seems like Mary-Sue, like some low-cost Gandalf who has no other reason for being here except helping the good-guys against the oh-so-bad Viren. And as you know, good guys are, by essence, not interested in power (tHeY dOn’T wAnT iT)… So she goes to war right when the narrative is okay and when it helps the heroes. And of course, she arrives right when she is needed, even if, to quote Kronk, “by all accounts, it doesn’t make any sense”. (Kronk, who has the same French voice actor as Viren btw). 

And about Ezran... even the series says that Viren was right on this point : having a world-war resting on a eight years old king's shoulders is the worst idea ever. Even if this kid has best intentions ever, no one can take him seriously. Not Kaseef, who's father was just slain. Not Saleem. Not even Opeli -whom "you should have someone you can trust to rule this kingdom, someone capable, strong, dignified, loyal, lawful" scene seemed like the most unsubtle manipulation ever, and should have foreshadowed some nuance or lust for power into her. 

And about General Amaya…

“I don’t know why I hate him, but he is so dangerous, so evil, and I hate him so much than I’ll side with the people who murdered my sister and drink my nephew’s blood !!”

Of course, there is only one single guy in the whole human realm who deserves to be called arrogant and rotten to the core. Of course, he is so dangerous, evil and bad-intentioned that she just gets alongside the army she’s been fighting her whole life along, the army whom she believes drink human blood and the army who killed her sister. I mean, even if she distrusts Viren because of how her sister died and how Harrow’s assassination benefits him, don’t forget that she is a human and that Viren is working to defeat elves, just as herself. I’m not saying she’s some awful traitor to her blood or anything, but just that she took her decision far too quickly, and that this decision was far too brutal, too defined, for to be credible for the viewer. But, guess what? She opposed to Viren once! That means she is a good girl, and that everything she does is the right thing, even if she has no reason to do so. And don't make me launched about Opeli...

So, the result of it: it gives the impression that the Sunfire Ordeal of Light was right. Elves aren’t wrong, elves are never wrong because they just have an unmistakable detector for right and wrong. The proof is, it found Amaya to be good and Viren being bad! Because Dark Magic is so bad, you know (sorry to the 100 000 of lives who Viren saved with that magic).

“You thought you were allowed to be a morally grey antagonist in a kids show? Haha, how bold of you, you fool !”

And of course, no important character dies amongst the “good-guys” side. Also on the bad side actually apart from Kaseef (whom treatment by the narrative was just disgusting), but Viren died before being brought back and Claudia was traumatized for life. The good guys? Oh, thanks for asking. All of them are well and safe because they brought peace by crushing that oh-so-bad Viren and his oh-so-evil-and-soulless army. Ezran and Aanya butchered hundreds of thousands of people by fire and arrows, and Viren died without Callum trying anything to save him, but I guess that was the right thing to do to prove the narrative of love and forgiveness. <3

“Bye-bye oncle Scar”

And, on the top of that, the icing on the cake, the cherry on the top, "la cerise sur le gâteau" : getting Azymondias back to his mom just solved the entire conflict in one second.

I know the purpose was about stopping the war. But there, the series didn’t stop the war. The series chose a side and forgets about everything that was established in the first two seasons about the complexity and absurdity of war. The series just threw its whole own speech away by ridiculizing Viren, depicting elves and dragons as nothing but kind and gentle, defining a straight line between magic goodies and soulless baddies, and having a thousand years-long conflict resolved in a few seconds.

Do you remember when Harrow described this conflict as “not so simple”, as a thousand years-long conflict where both sides were so filled with hatred to each other that peace was nothing but a naive child dream? Do you remember when Runaan tried to murder his adoptive daughter when she tried to explain that peace was possible? Do you remember when that red dragon burnt down a whole city for no reason? That's a shame because the series doesn’t <3

And that can be explained very simply: NOT ENOUGH EPISODES. If only Netflix agreed to change the format, this series could have obliterated Avatar The Last Airbender or the Alabasta Arc from One Piece (which has a similar plot, but with some bad guys into it from the very start, and in spite of this succeeds into outstandingly depicting the absurdity of war). If only the TDP series has had more time to breathe, to explain and develop characters, motives, depths, events, (especially Ezran's downfall which didn't make any sense) it could have been LEGENDARY

.But instead, The Dragon Prince just ran straight into the trap it was so brilliantly avoiding in season one and two: Manicheism, black-and-white, goodies VS baddies, Simple narrative.

And I don’t even think a fourth season can fix this.

The final picture was too rainbowed, too happy-ending, too simple to be fixed. Yes, there are still “OH SO SOOOO BAD GUYS” and under-plots to explore (Aaravos’s final plan, Viren and Claudia’s trauma, Rayla’s parents including Runaan, Pip, cohabitation between critches and humans), but the series was about the absurdity of war and how characters dealt with it. Once this war is not only over, but also oh-so-happy-ended, I really wonder what’s left to explore. Even Dark Magic ethic, one of the most interesting part of the show to me, is ridiculed. By rushing, they handled their speech in a very clumsy way, and even worse: hypocritical.

The third season threw the series's speech to the trash by a too fast narrative… And I don’t know if I can forgive this.

Reminds me of GoT season eight, actually. But that’s another problem ^^

Thank you for coming to my TED-Talk.