#blonde Viren

[cmcrusoe]

Blonde Viren?

I wanted to know what blonde Viren would look like.

[sorinethemastermind]

Everybody leaves.

In light of the events of Season Six and the resurrection spell, I wanted to talk about the official TDP short story "Rise Again" which hints at what was to come.

· · ────────────── ·𖥸· ───────────── · ·

Niaga esir, nellaf fo hsa!” With as deep a breath as she could draw into her little lungs, Claudia blew out her red candle’s flame. She sat with her eyes squeezed shut for at least ten beats of her heart. Claudia didn’t think she could take it if the spell didn’t work.

She didn’t want to believe that her father had been right—that some dark magic would be too difficult and dangerous for a little girl of only eight—but she had to look eventually.

Not only do we see once again that Claudia is not willing to lose anyone, we also see a glimmer of Viren trying to protect his daughter from the dark path he himself followed.

“Biscuit?” The smoky creature trotted closer, faintly trailing ashes and magic. Claudia gasped in delight. “It’s you. It’s really you! Look at you, there you are—!” The spell began to disintegrate, fraying at the edges. Her heart nearly fell out of her chest. “No, wait—not yet!”

Soren poked his head in through the doorway, wiping the spill of his blonde hair out of his eyes to smile sheepishly at her. “Sorry, Clauds.” “You followed me again!” “There are spiders in this attic. Big ones. I’m supposed to—” “—protect me, I know.” Claudia rolled her eyes and Biscuit’s shape wobbled. “You don’t have to, Sor-bear.” “But I want to,” he said and came up beside her. Out of the corner of her eye, Claudia watched him freeze at the sight of the smoky little cat on the ground before Claudia. His hand flew to the little wooden training sword he kept at his belt. “Woah—!”

We also see Soren wanting to protect Claudia, and not just from physical dangers, either. He also wants to protect her from Dark Magic. But Claudia doesn't think of Dark Magic as something that she needs protection from. In her mind, it's something she can protect people with.

“Don’t freak out!” Claudia told him. “It’s just Biscuit!” Soren’s eyebrows shot up. “Biscuit?” She nodded. Her brother squirmed. “Clauds, Biscuit’s—” “—I know. But I fixed it. Now we can still play with her.” Soren shook his head. “No. She had a nice long life, but then… we had a little ceremony, remember?” “Yeah.” “Because Biscuit died.”

With a flick of her wrist, the dark magic holding the little cat’s ashes together made her hop and scamper as though she’d seen a mouse in the attic’s dusty corner. Claudia laughed. “Isn’t it great?” Soren stepped back. “Clauds, what did you do?” Claudia grinned, watching her cat-shaped spell pounce. “Just a little bit of dark magic. The spell used her ashes, so—I guess we can call her Burnt Biscuit now.” Soren said nothing, and Claudia frowned. She had hoped he would laugh.

Frustrated, she pulled on the magic again, calling the little cat back to her. Biscuit sprang to her side, trailing cinders. “You want to pet her?” “What? No! Besides… it’s just smoke! It won’t feel like a real cat.” “It’s almost the same,” Claudia insisted. “It tingles! Come feel.” She ran her hand above the creature’s back as if petting her. Biscuit was warm—like their hearth in winter—but she didn’t burn like fire. Not unless Claudia wanted her to.

Soren shook his head. “Does Dad know?” He sounded worried, so Claudia spoke with a big, wide smile. “No, but it’s okay, I knew I could do it! I watched Dad really closely when he did this spell, and he even showed me how to make the candle because I didn’t do it right the first time—” “Dad doesn’t want you doing this stuff without him!” Soren squared his shoulders like all the castle’s soldiers. He thought he was so much like them, tough and brave and strong, but Claudia only saw a little boy trying to look bigger. “He said not until you’re older—”

“I know what he said, but—” “I’m telling him.” “Don’t you dare!”

Viren might have been the one who taught Claudia dark magic, but he also knew it's dangers and tried to make sure she understood them too. But to Claudia, she saw only Viren's example, and to him, dark magic was a "creative solution" that could solve any problem. And so that's what it became to her.

She seized his hand. Her brother froze for a second, and Claudia thought she’d won, but he pulled his hand away and glowered at the cat. “Fine. But he’ll find out anyway if you keep that thing around. How long will it last, anyway?” Claudia crossed her arms, proud and stubborn. “As long as I can make it last. Maybe forever.”

Soren scrunched up his nose, watching Biscuit circle Claudia and rub up against her leg the same way she did when she was alive. He turned a little green. Soren had never liked magic. “Ugh! Stop being so weird about it, Soren. You just don’t understand.” “Don’t understand what?” “Dark magic,” Claudia said. She cupped Biscuit’s warm cheeks in her hands. Smoke trailed between her fingers like whiskers. The cat purred—that low, hollow rumble.

“Dark magic can do anything.”

This short story illustrates both Claudia and Soren's relationships with dark magic really well, as well as shows us the first signs of just how far Claudia will go to make sure nobody leaves her ever again...

[adashulaz]

I hate when Apple fans try to excuse her actions because of her mom being horrible. Yes her mom sucks, she isn't the best and Apple would've possibly had a better chance at being a better person if she didn't have Snow White as her mom or had some other adult for support. This argument doesn't work because plenty of other characters have horrible parents and end up being good people. I'll use Soren as an example because they're both blue eyed blondes. Soren was treated coldly by his father. Viren, his father, would constantly call Soren easily confused(dumb basically) and just be cold towards Soren because Soren isn't like him and Claudia, Sorens younger sister. Now Soren was pretty mean towards Callum due to jealousy, this jealousy was because of the fact Harrow, Callums step-dad, treated Callum like his son while Viren never bothered to treat Soren with any kindness. That is where Soren and Apple are similar. They both are treated harshly by a parent, high expectations thrown onto them.

Where do they separate? Apple is selfish, point blank. Apple might've agreed to end signing the book in the Wonderland arc but she immediately fell back into wanting Raven to sign the book once she was given the chance. She never once thought of how it would affect Raven, she even saw how it did affect Raven. She saw that signing the book changed Raven, Apple saw that signing the book made Raven evil. Yet Apple didn't care because it means she gets her happily ever after.

Soren isn't selfish, most things he does are for everyone else. The only selfish thing he did was leave Claudia and Viren. This was due to seeing how Virens actions hurt others. Soren was used to being hurt by his father emotionally, he was used to his father being cold to him. Once he saw that Viren was willing to turn others into monsters, he left to warn Callum and Ezran. Soren even offered for Claudia to come with him, an offer she declined. But that was the only selfish thing Soren ever did, he left Viren because he was a bad person. He left because Viren didn't just hurt him but is now hurting others. While Viren was the temporary king of Katolis, something he gained through manipulation, Soren still left. Soren would have gained so much if he stayed. Soren would've been royalty, he would have a higher status. Yet he didn't care about that, he only cared about the fact that Viren was willingly hurting others.

That is where Soren and Apple separate. They both had a terrible parent in their lives. The only difference being one was selfish and one wasn't. That is what makes the argument pointless. Soren was in a similar situation as Apple but he still decided to help others. He didn't put himself above others unless he was standing up to Viren and leaving. Apple kept her own dreams and ambitions above those she claimed to care about. That is what makes Apple a horrible person, she put herself above others.

[honeii-puff]

Blazing

In which Corvus comforts Soren Listen to Blazing by Korey Banks for full immersion @sorinethemastermind so you can cry this morning

Corvus hadn’t seen Soren at all once he had arrived at the camp with King Ezran. Before, he’d see glimpses of blonde hair or a small blur of red, but he hadn’t actually seen him.

And now, there wasn’t even that. It was like he disappeared, and Corvus didn’t have a good feeling about it.

After bringing a bundle of kindling to one of the fires, he studied the ground in a fleeting attempt to spot imprints from the soles of Soren’s boots, having a different tread from the other’s standard-issue boots.

Nothing.

He found Soren’s boots a few minutes later, sitting neatly outside one of the tents. The inside of the tent was void of anyone, only having a bedroll laid out on the ground.

Wherever he went, he clearly didn’t want Corvus or anyone else to find him, and it worried him more than he was willing to admit out loud.

Which meant that he was going to keep looking for Soren, even if that meant wandering around aimlessly in the middle of the night, hoping that he’d stumble across him.

Corvus weaved through the trees, squinting through the darkness as he made his way to the edge of the treeline. The moon hung high in the sky, masked by a layer of haze. Beyond the treeline was a small outcropping of stones, going along in both directions as far as he could see. Ahead, it dropped down into a small valley, and in the distance were the ruins of Katolis.

And looking along the rocky outcropping, he saw Soren, several yards away. His knees were curled up to his chest, his chin resting on top of them, seemingly zoned out.

Corvus let out a quiet sigh of relief, before carefully making his way over along the rocks towards him.

He sat down next to Soren, giving him a bit of space, but close enough so he’d be noticed by the blonde.

“Are you okay?” He asked, noticing his eyebrows starting to crease slightly. He already knew the answer, but he wasn’t sure what else to say in the moment.

“It’s stupid.” His voice was raw, and, now having a closer look at him, Corvus could see that his bright blue eyes were dulled by a more bloodshot red.

“You can tell me, Soren.” Corvus kept his voice soft, turning his head to look at him fully.

He was silent before a few moments, before deciding to speak. “When I was 17, I was knighted as the youngest Crownguard in Katolis’ history.” He bit his lip slightly. “I never really wanted to be Crownguard, nevermind captain. It was all for my da-” He cut off, clearing his throat. “Viren. It was for Viren.” His gaze went to the rocks beneath them. “I wanted him to be proud. So I did it anyways.”

Corvus was stunned slightly. He knew the first bit; it was hard to be in the Crownguard without hearing about it, but he didn’t know that Soren didn’t want it.

“I really wanted to be a poet, actually.” Soren huffed out a small laugh, but it sounded ingenuine. “Had a small book and everything. They weren’t all that good, but I liked it.” He blew out a breath, resting his chin on his forearm. “I stepped into the med tent a bit ago to get Opeli something and kinda… spiraled.” he paused. “There were so many people in there, I should’ve-”

“You can’t let yourself think like that, Soren.” Corvus reached out carefully, rubbing his shoulder. “It’s not your fault.”

“But what if it is?” Soren turned his head to look at him. “What if it is my fault and so many people got hurt and died because-”

Corvus cut him off, pulling him into a tight hug. He felt Soren sink into his arms, burying his face into the crook of Corvus’ neck.

“It’s not your fault.” He repeated, his hand rubbing circles between Soren’s shoulder blades. “You need to remember that, alright?”

Soren nodded, clinging tightly to him. “I will.” his voice was quiet, muffled due to his face fully pressed into Corvus’ shoulder.

For the next few hours, they stayed there, Corvus feeling the beating of Soren’s heart like the patter of rain against a window under the hazy moonlight.

[kradogsrats]

I'm actually only like 10% mad about blonde Lissa because really what always got me super tilted was what felt like dozens of fics asserting that Soren looks just like his mother and that's why a) Viren hates him and/or b) he's nonmagical (and stupid, if we're also doing the "Viren chose a pretty but dim-witted wife to bear his children while he pines after Harrow" dance), when really Soren is like... literally a blonde and more buff version of young Viren, while Claudia shares a big ol' zero features with him

and you know what? they actually really did come through on Lissa looking exactly like Claudia except, y'know... blonde? it was hard to tell in s6 because those credits-style drawings are frequently kind of weird but seeing her animated was like yes chef's kiss

also, and more on this later when I'm actually coherent, they didn't do what I cynically assumed they would have a solid chance of doing, which was just make her "Sarai, but with fur trim" and call it a day

[its-kapi-wara]

✨️ TDP characters and musicals that I think they would like ✨️

And I will hardly elaborate on most of these

1. Callum - Ordinary Days (2008)

FYI: There's a specific song in this musical made in the first few times I heard it. And the second time it happened, the actress had barely started singing it.

2. Ezran - Cats (1981)

Just imagined him trying to explain the musical's lore to the others, after having already seen the show FOUR times and having memorized all the parts, characters and songs.

3. Rayla - Mamma Mia (1999)

I once thought about an AU of The Dragon Prince and Mamma Mia. It wasn't a very developed ideia...but I thought the initial concept was pretty cool.

4. Soren - Legally Blonde (2007)

I made a post about this one once!

5. Claudia - Beetlejuice (2018)

“I myself am strange and unusual” – Lydia Deetz

6. Viren - Hamilton (2015)

I don't know if this will sound strange, but I think this is a musical that fits Viren's character. Maybe later I'll make a post using songs from the musical itself, to explain why I think this!

7. Harrow - The Sound of Music (1959)

Initially I was torn between "The Sound of Music" and "Mary Poppins". Because I could imagine both Harrow singing "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" and "My Favorite Things" to Callum and Ezran when they were younger.

8. Terry - Dear Evan Hansen (2015)

"I'm sending pictures of the most amazing trees

You'll be obsessed with all my forest expertise."

9. Corvus - Moulin Rouge (2001/2018)

And if I may add, Corvus would absolutely ROCK the role of Christian in this musical. Just the final high note of "El Tango de Roxanne" would be enough to lift the audience's souls straight to heaven.

10. Aaravos - Chicago (1975)

For some reason, the "Funny Honey" musical number reminds me of him. I honestly thought that "Cell Block Tango" would be the one to do so, but...

[multifandom-nerds-blog]

S7 ep 1 compliant mini fic with established Corvus (Cause Sorens face was bloody in one scene and clean in the next one somehow)

Maybe a bit similar to the one I posted a few days earlier, but who cares.

"Oh, right. Right! Because I'd be dead!"

Corvus could only shake his head at Sorens antics. Not without smiling though. The relief of seing him alive was strong, and gave him enough energy to stay on his feet even after the long day followed by flying for hours.

Though seeing the castle like this really was terrible. They had seen the smoke from far away already, and it wasn't much better up close.

Their capitol. Their castle. The home of Ezran, Callum and Soren. And well, after two years also his home, though this was obviously much worse for his friends who had grown up here. But Ezran was with Callum for the moment, so he could focus on Soren.

"Opeli is on the way to the Banther lodge with most people." Soren said while keeping his arm around Corvus shoulder. "I stayed here with some guards to keep the fires under control and look for uhh... stuff."

"You mean anything salvagable?" He didn't mentioned the ever so slight shaking of Sorens hand on his shoulder. Or the quite trembling of his voice. It would most probably just lead to Soren closing his walls.

"Yeah. Yeah! That. Also Barius and some others are going to the sorrounding towns for supplies and help to set up cam- what are you doing?"

Corvus had put his hand up to Sorens face. Unable to ignore the blood on the blonde mans face and hair any longer. He turned around to properly face his partner, Sorens hand not leaving him but sliding on his other shoulder instead when he moved.

"What happened?", Corvus asked. Lightly tracing his thumb over the streak of blood going through Sorens eyebrow. He didn't flinch so either he had pushed the thought of injuries to the back of his head, wouldn't be the first time, or it wasn't as bad as it looked. Corvus guessed for both, head wounds were nasty bleeders after all but Soren was also extremely stubborn and ignorant about his own wounds at times.

"Oh that?" Soren took his hand of his shoulder to poke his own forehead, with a bit more force than Corvus liked him to do. "Right. A flying stone hit me. Not as in the Stone knowing how to fly. Just a stone from the rubble flying into my face."

Corvus hummed while taking Sorens hand away from his face with his own to stop the poking. He would probably hear the whole story later. After everyone had time to collect themselves a bit.

His free hand started looking through his pockets while not letting go of Sorens in his other hand.

"So how was the wedding? Probably fancier than a burning castle. Though it was a sunfire elf wedding, so maybe they have some traditions about burning stuff?"

"Not exactly.", Corvus answered. You could probably say that Queen Janais relationship to her brother burned to ashes, but that would be a pretty rude oversimplification of the matter. He could also still feel the bruises from when Karims followers captured him during the battle. "The wedding is a... long story."

"Later?", Soren asked.

"Later.", Corvus agreed.

Finally he found the clean handkerchief he usually kept on him. Though honestly surprised it was still there and clean after everything. And finally Soren showed a reaction to his wounds when Corvus reached up to his forehead again.

"Ah." Soren's face flinched. Corvus might have not even noticed if he hadn't spend so much time of the last two years studying the other man. "You don't... have to. It's dried anyway."

For a moment Corvus wanted to ask if he was okay, but... that question seemed senseless in the current situation. But he could see that the adrenaline was starting to leave Sorens body. And there was a look in his eyes that was all to familiar to Corvus.

Right. Lord Viren was in the dungeon while Katolis had burned down. So what happened to him?

"We should still clean it up.", Corvus settled on. He let go of Sorens hand to cup his face instead in both hands, looking into blue eyes.

Sorens skin was warm, which confused Corvus a bit. His partners skin was usually ever so cold, but now warmth was somehow streaming from his body into Corvus hands.

"Your warm.", Corvus stated. "Do you have a fever?"

"Heh, well, most people would probably call this a normal body temperature."

Soren tried to crack a smile, but Corvus just raised an eyebrow.

"It's just from... the fire. Well. Kinda. But it's wearing of already." Soren laid one of his hands over Corvus', as if to prove it, even if his hands were usually even cooler than the rest anyways. "Everybody who was here is running hot right now. But as I said. It's wearing of already. You're gonna have your walking iceblock back soon enough."

There was obviously something Soren was leaving out in his story, but Corvus decided it would be better to talk about this later. As well as the unavoidable topic of wether Viren was dead or alive.

Later, Corvus thought. Later was good.

He ran his right thumb over Sorens eyebrow again, rubbing some dried blood of in the process. Soren responded by lowering his head until their foreheads meat.

"I... I'm...", Soren stuttered.

"It's okay. I've got you."

He could feel Sorens other hand landing on his shoulder and gripping on to him.

"I know."

"But now, really, let's find some water to get all that blood of your face."

"Hm, okay. Yeah. You're probably right."

"It's also in your hair."

"WHAT?" Soren promptly jumped back to check his hair. "Why did not nobody tell me?!"

[thethiefandtheairbender]

boy I sure do love stories with tragic doomed siblings featuring a blond swaggering knight with a good heart who needs to become more humble / break away from their awful father and a dark haired sister who becomes a terrible but talented witch

and doing anything in the name of love, even that means immense sacrifices and dangerous spells / fair exchanges with magic

because prices must be paid and what is done or made cannot be undone / unmade

and you have a boy in blue with a red scarf who's finding his way in the world by growing as a mage

and characters asking giant, ancient, talking dragons for help and/or advice

and characters struggling with the transition from childhood to adulthood / prince or royalty to the head monarch

and romance (lesbian couples, gay couples, cute het couples, etc)

and corrupt, paranoid, villain kings? (except viren is a mage vs uther's hatred of magic). yeah

[svperluminous]

Let's Talk About the Breakfast Guards!

Are they a couple? Was it just a brief thing? Or did some of us hallucinate the whole thing altogether?

We fist meet them in Book 1 Episode 2: What is Done.

They're a bit out of focus, but we can see some distinguishing details: the guy's beard and that the woman has blond hair and green eyes. I think she also has a braid under the helmet flap.

Also, I think they're voiced by Jason Simpson (Viren and Barius' voice actor) and Paula Burrows (Rayla and Opeli's voice actor).

The next time we see them again is 2 years later, in Book 4 Episode 3: Breathtaking. It looked like they were about to kiss! At least I think it's them

The guy is definitely the same, at least the same model. The woman's eyes look blue here. She's also got blond hair and has a braid, though here the braid is out.

They don't have any speaking lines.

The last time we see them so far is in Book 5 Episode 7: Sea Legs. They're stationed outside Lux Aurea and the guy seems to be flirting with a Sunfire Elf guard! The human woman guard looks annoyed.

We know this is the same breakfast guard. He's even referred to as such in the subtitles. But is the other human the same woman as before? She's blond and seems to have a braid but her ayes are definitely blue.

I do hope it's them each time and that we'll see them in the future. We only have 18 episodes left so probably at the end of the show but I would love a resolution for them 🤭

[birdbrainedboy]

I’ve been noticing a lot of parallels between The Dragon Prince and BBC Merlin lately??

Strong blonde knight/ prince (Viren almost became king once) character who can act a little stupid sometimes and starts off the series as a bit of a bully

Character above has a black-haired sister who starts the series off very friendly but turns evil due to the actions of her father, also she has magic

Main character’s journey revolves around learning how to use magic

Dragons are a key element in both series, and are a more or less revered but endangered species

The main character protects a dragon egg/ baby dragon

Main character’s dad isn’t in his life

They’re both fantasy (but this one is obvious haha)

Let me know if y’all are able to think of any more similarities between the two series!

[xadian-daydreams]

Aaravos' Plan for Viren

In Reel James S5 interview Ehasz confirmed there was a connection between Aaravos' 'swallowed Aditi' comment and the giant skeleton found at Aaravos prison.

Which has lead to a lot of speculation about shapeshifting Aaravos, or possessing Luna Tenebris corpse etc.

My speculation is that this skeleton is from a creature Aaravos created, but his working was interrupted by the Orphan Queen and the archdragons' plan. Heck, this could be the main reason he was caught.

Aaravos has been tricking Viren into retrying this great working. Only better! Because Viren has something that wasn't around 300 years ago.

Plus, a theory about Kim'dael's Bloodmoon cult.

Spoilers from Season 4 & 5 and Book 2 Sky novel, and stuff from interviews, below the cut.

Warning - really long post...

History Repeats Itself if Someone Weaves Threads of Fate Tight Enough.

Events occurring in the present and 300 years ago are echoing each other extremely loudly.

The Dragon Monarch dies - Luna Tenebris and Avizandum

A human mage/king, that is under Aaravos' influence, plans a war - Viren and unnamed blond king.

A politically important and magically powerful individual goes missing, which would present difficulties in transferring power after Dragon Monarch's death - Queen Aditi and Zym

Both of these magically powerful individual meet 'swallow' fates, though Zym survives his.

There is massive upheaval in the Sunfire kingdom - Queen Aditi's disappearance is blamed on archdragons, Viren/Aaravos corrupt the Sunforge and contaminates Lux Aurea.

While Viren's dragon slaying and eggnapping started this echo, Aaravos has been guiding events so they align up. The only event that doesn't immediately seem to be blamed on Aaravos or Viren are Luna Tenebris' death - but, it does seem suspicious, and I'm going to expand on a theory about that in a bit. But the take away point is that I believe that Aaravos has tried this plan before 300 years ago and failed.

The Great Working - a break down on how Aaravos has been chivvying Viren unwittingly along.

Right from the first silent meeting across the mirror. Aaravos doesn't bother establishing any alternative communication (like writing or signing). After Aaravos notices Viren has Ziard's staff, he simply presents the spell artefacts and, eventually, Viren plays along.

The Blood binding ritual - They both make and drink an enchanted potion, then spill their blood into part of the enchantment artefacts, which combines and enchants their blood, then Aaravos drinks the blood to create Lil Bug Pal. Then Aaravos presents Lil Bug Pal as a means of contact from wherever he's imprisoned.

However, going by Book 2 Sky novel, this spell pre-dates Aaravos' imprisonment.

A little while later the mirror mage returned to view, carrying a small ornate chest. ... Viren felt he had seen this object somewhere before . ... Yes, he could see it perfectly in his memory - a chest which could be this one's twin, or sibling at least, belonged to Kpp'Ar. Certainly, it was among the irreplaceable relics his mentor had destroyed during the profligate tantrum he called his repentance.

Channelling - passing energy/magic between them, which cemented a connection. Viren is being apprehended by the guards, Aaravos warns him that he's in danger and to follow his instructions in battle. Viren could have just gone back into the secret passage, or not made things worse for his defence by fighting. In Book 2: Sky novel describes this as;

He could sense his movements and actions being gently directed. Viren did not feel controlled, but he understood that somehow, invisible strings connected him with the Startouch elf. ... Though his [Aaravos] actual location was a mystery even to him, there was no denying that in this moment he was in a way present and completely connected to Viren.

Gestation - Aaravos convinces Viren to smuggle Bug Pal into the Sunfire kingdom by hiding it down his throat. This has similarity to how Aaravos formed Bug Pal in the first place and Bug Pal becomes significantly bigger.

Empowering - This happens off screen, so speculation here. Between corrupting the Sunforge scene and returning to the human armies Bug Pal grows much bigger. Presumably, this growth comes from energy from the Sunforge. Aaravos possibly presented this as teaching and grabbing the power for the Hearts of Cinder spell used on the army, as that's the next big spell Viren casts. 🤔 My other speculation is it forges a link for the working to the Sunforge - Aaravos has been purposefully targeting the Sunfire kingdom as part of his plan, even before he was imprisoned, as he picked the most disruptive time possible to disappear Queen Aditi. Significance of this in a bit.

Swallowing - While Aaravos original phrased it that taking down Zubeia and capturing Zym would garner him world attention - so more political power, after the Hearts of Cinder spell there's no more beating about the bush. Viren is invested in this ride and Aaravos just promises he can take Zym's power for his own. Aaravos himself casts this dark magic spell via Bug Pal and Zaird's staff. Viren just has to stand there and make off-putting faces and noises while receiving this... bounty. This is clearly one of the crux parts of the working - stealing a world leading power and gifting it to a human.

Aaravos' spell rewinds to - "He swallows your heart. He swallows your mind. He swallows your power." The phrasing matching the disturbing "You're just like your grandmother. Would you like to know the truth of her fate before you meet yours? I swallowed her." Which makes me wonder if Aaravos has done this spell before, only using that blond king shown in the imprisonment flashbacks to steal Aditi's power, rather than some cannibalism thing.

Side note - How could Aditi compare to an infant archdragon for use in the working? Aditi is particularly powerful - even the archdragons respected her. There's also hints she possesses a unique Light ability that helps her make judgments - the archdragon's held her judgment as the highest, she's called "guiding light" and the "Light of the Sun Incarnate" and there's that scene where bright light erupts from her glabella. This power seems Stars adjacent (and potentially a threat to Aaravos' secrets and plans).

“You are not afraid of me—but what of the dragons?” asked Kim’dael. “You would dare invoke their wrath?” “The dragons know better than to invoke mine,” Aditi said. She struck the metal again and again, purposeful and confident. Not a shred of her strength was wasted. “Is that not why you came to me? For my protection?” “I came because the dragons trust your judgment. Your guiding light,” Kim’dael told her, feigning meekness. “But my queen, they do not fear you. The dragons fear nothing.” “They feared you once.” Kim’dael twitched a smirk of pride and quickly hid it. ... “A token of my protection,” Aditi told her. “As I promised.” “A false promise. How…unbecoming. I thought it beneath the Sunfire elves to lie.” “I did not lie. That collar claims you as mine, and as I told you, the dragons know better than to risk my wrath.” Aditi gestured to the thing around Kim’dael’s neck.  The Queen's Mercy

Then Viren took a really long first step down the world's tallest stairs and died. Two years later Claudia uses a resurrection spell Aaravos taught her via Bug Pal, and the 30 day prison hunt begins.

Hatching the homunculus out of the cocoon. Claudia is told this is to create a guide who will lead them to the information they need to locate Aaravos' prison - but Viren is who was expected to cast the spell. Instead, Viren's hesitance means Claudia just decides to perform the spell herself. Kinda curious how this misstep will effect the working.

Consuming the homunculus' essence - Even before Claudia has completed her mission, Aaravos is urging Viren to commit the life extension spell, before the resurrection spell expires.

Now he's here for you. And I will show you how to use every drop of his living essence to restore your own life and your future. The resurrection spell will expire tonight, and you will die. You must make the sacrifice. If you don't, tomorrow, the sun will rise... and you will not. [Infantis Sanguine]

Which harkens back to what Aaravos was promising before Viren died;

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

If you break down what Aaravos says here as steps - 1, take power, 2, imbue yourself, 3, transcend human limit - then this is a strong indicator Aaravos always intended for Viren to consume the stolen power from Zym (and the Sunforge) by absorbing Sparklepuff's essence. That the absorption occurs during a life extension spell is just making omlets out of broken eggs.

The goal all along was to "transcend the limits of your human form" Very peculiar wording. Remember the giant skeleton at Aaravos prison - the big creature Aaravos created was formerly the blond king.

Why Viren?

At the end of S3 Aaravos' Bug Pal is free to roam, can talk to others (he speaks to Claudia) and can possibly even cast spells. So, couldn't Aaravos pick a not dead dark mage, restart the spell, go wild in abandoned Lux Aurea and just sneak in to spell zap Zym, instead of taking 2 years to resurrect Viren? Heck, he could convince Claudia that, with this method, he could gift her the power to permanently resurrect Viren - she'd even know her way around Katolis Castle to grab the mirror, if it's necessary.

Viren has one accomplishment, with still existing ingredients, that's making him too tempting to pass up. The Mystery of Aaravos opening even hints what's particularly of interest about Viren to Aaravos.

He killed Avizandum with the Weapon of Vengeance spell. The weapon is still there, stuck in Avizandum's remains. A spell powerful enough to fell "the most powerful being in the world" and it's magic is keyed to Viren.

Why I think the cursed unicorn horn is important to the working? I don't think Luna Tenebris just keeled over for no reason, I think she died due to Aaravos' machination to get ingredients for the working. But rather than blond king killing her, Aaravos got the Bloodmoon cult to kill Luna Tenebris.

First, the blatant bloodmoon image when discussing her death. The cult's big rituals require the power of the bloodmoon, so they can infuse essence and powers into blood, which they can consume at their convenience and use their powers outside of moon's cycle.

Go back to the Queen's Mercy short story and Kim'dael is proud of how the dragons once feared the cult. Avizandum only hunts them down after the death of Luna Tenebris - they've been active long enough that most of the horror stories humans have about Moonshadow elves are actually about Bloodmoon elves. It could be because he discovered what they did and believed they'd become too big a threat.

Luna Tenebris is a Moon Archdragon, and the cult is about increasing their moon powers, by sacrificing others using dark magic rituals. Yes, the Bloodmoon cult uses dark magic - that's straight up confirmed by Ehasz in AIPT comic S5 interview.

AIPT: Kim’dael is one cool character. A lot of times when you have graphic novel spinoffs, they’re just that. But you bring a character who you introduced in the graphic novels and introduce her in such a cool way, that she has to be a big player in seasons six and seven, right? JR: She’s awesome, we have plans for Kim’dael that go beyond the show. AE: She complicates the story in a really important way. In the first three seasons, the narrative of the world is that humans use dark magic, primal magic is for elves and dragons, humans are naughty and bad because they do this. Kim’dael shows that there’s elves who have gone there. The way she does, the way that she does, is beyond primal magic. She’s found ways through dark magic to extend her primal moon powers. It’s very evil how she is able to do what she does and extend her life, and use her powers that would normally only be used under the full moon, she can use anytime because she’s infused blood with the light of the full moon. That’s dark. We love Kim’Dael, but we love what she means about the world of Xadia, and the narrative that’s not been acknowledged. There’s darkness and complication across the Elven world as well.

If Aaravos gifted dark magic to humans, then who else could he have gifted this knowledge to? (Kinda hoping he personally knows Kim'dael, that'd be a cool twist). And his prize would have been archdragon blood infused with the most powerful archdragon's essence.

Why is Aaravos after an ingredient related to the most powerful archdragon around at the time? Because he's trying to create his own archdragon - a Stars archdragon. (Possibly also Dark magic archdragon, if that even makes sense, like - dark magic corrupted Stars archdragon?)

There's that info in the Tales of Xadia handbook about Stars Devourer dragons - a myth that when a star disappears it's due to one of these dragons entering the core of a star and absorbing its magic. (Heck, there's even a little legend about a king who wanted to be remembered forever and made a wish upon a star dragon bone. His name was forgotten, but the legend lives on, which does also fit it neatly with the whole bones of a king who failed to become a star dragon).

But, what if the artificial Stars dragon can only really become a true star dragons if they manage to consume a star - in this case, the Sunforge. Which is why Aaravos has been targeting Lux Aurea.

So, 300 years ago, using Luna archdragon essence and the Stars adjacent Guiding Light power of Aditi, Aaravos uses a human dark mage to create a pseudo-dragon, but is unable get around to completing it and it dies. The Orphan Queen's image shows her catching out Aaravos' treachery when his own Key shines the Stars primal - what if she came across this pseudo-dragon and the Key confirmed it was a Stars dragon in the making. The archdragons not only imprisoned Aaravos, they put down his creation and left the remains over his prison as a warning to anyone who might think to release Aaravos about what kind of horror he's trying to unleash. (I'm assuming Jailer arranged the placement).

Now, Aaravos has Sparklepuff imbued with infant Sky Archdragon potential, a cursed unicorn horn powerful enough to fell a Dragon Monarch (unicorns are Stars primal) and the Sunforge under his control. Which should make this attempt much easier (well, except for Viren trying to skip out on it).

Why would Aaravos want to create a Stars archdragon?

Possible reasons;

Viren could channel energy and magic from Aaravos, if this is an open channel, then Aaravos could channel power from an archdragon. He's already mastered all 6 primals, getting archdragon powers is pretty much the only power upgrade he hasn't got.

Aaravos could just be planning to switch bodies with his creation. (Not my fave answer, but you never know).

Going by Ripples short story, Aaravos desires include making the other Startouch elves fall (Plus, the Mystery of Aaravos title includes falling stars). However, they're no longer on Xadia. If they're somewhere 'heavenly' (eyes Leola's Last Wish star suspiciously) and Aaravos is exiled and can't access it, then he'll need a Stars primal creature who can.

I can't think of a more powerful weapon then your own pet Stars archdragon, whoever he's got a beef with will be in deep doodoo. I don't think the Novablade is gonna cut it as a counter to a Stars archdragon.

Do you want to conquer Xadia? The dragon monarch is usually the most powerful archdragon at the time, a Stars archdragon would probably legitimately become Xadia's monarch using this standard.

And that about wraps it up. So, there are a lot of speculations and what ifs in this theory, but I think it ties a bunch of things together nicely.

I also like the way that Ezran/Zym bond would be parallelled by Aaravos/Viren if this theory turns out to be true. One bond being made of friendship and sincerity, the other out of trickery and dark magic. I can see these two bonds clashing and being very embodying of the show's theme. In Book 2 : Sky novel it's very obvious that the scene where Viren fights the guards channeling Aaravos' power, and the scene where Ezran helps teach Zym to fly when at the Moonstone path, are intended to be compared.

Pretty invested in seeing how much I got wrong or if I got anything right come Season 6.

Thanks for reading!

[quillsparkle]

12 DAYS OF THE DRAGON PRINCE

favorite characters. I have seven.

7. Leola

Leola's only like got a minute of screentime, but her story is so tragic and I've got to admit. I don't have autism like Leola but I know what its like to live with a disability.

6.

Ezran

Well I like The Mystery of Aaravos era of Ezran more than his Arc 1 version.

5. Azymondias

No reason except he is too cute.

4. Soren

Soren's just one of those characters I like because he reminds me of Hunter from The Owl House . Blondes who worked with the villainous relative before joining the heroes. And he's like a third brother to Ezran and Callum

3. Rayla and Stella are tied.

I love both Rayla and Stella at the same time because they're a good team. Rayla's fierce and a strong female lead. Stella trying to get her cuddlemama and cuddle papa together in Season 6 is enduring.

2. Aaravos

I jus tlike him because of his intimidating nature and his character design. His motives are still unclear to me even though he explained it in Season 6 but I feel sorry for him because his daughter was wrongly executed.

Callum

He's voiced by Jack De Sena and well I liked him as Sokka and later as Callum. He's humorous and the perfect embodiment of someone trying to find themselves and see what they're good at.

Honorary Mentions

Viren

Claudia

Terry

Aanya

Amaya

Janai

[beautifulterriblequeen]

Sir Sparklepuff: text and subtext

Canon:

Viren and Aaravos share a blood ritual where they cut their hands

Aaravos pulls a caterpillar out of his mouth

and uses the blood in the jars to send it to Viren.

Then, in Lux Aurea, Viren hides it from Pharos' scanning spell by swallowing it, and later spits it out so it can attack Pharos and give Aaravos a temporary body host

when Viren falls from the Storm Spire and dies, he spends 2 years wrapped in a cocoon to keep his spirit tethered. once Claudia is ready to start reviving him, the caterpillar spins its own web and begins to change.

A few days later, Claudia cracks open the chrysalis with magic, and Sir Sparklepuff emerges

And at the end of the month, Aaravos tells Viren that Sir Sparklepuff is "our child" in the same speech where he tells him to kill the homunculus to spare his own life.

Sir Sparklepuff is the equivalent of a donor child, born specifically to donate something of themselves to a living, dangerously ill blood relative. He is the spawn of both Viren and Aaravos, via whatever magics Aaravos used to make it happen.

Subtext:

Aaravos pulls a fat purple dick out of his mouth and gives it to Viren.

Viren manages to swallow, spit, and also give birth.

He's an attentive, if exasperated, dad who carries his worm son around everywhere, and he's also the dumb blonde who was failed so hard by a lack of sex ed classes that he has to ask "Is it mine??"

Unsupported:

"Aaravos was the pregnant one"

[stranger-angel0401]

You Should Hate Me

Pairing: Soren x Reader

Description: Soren and reader share a night together before the final battle

CW: None, I think?

No pronouns used for reader, no use of y/n

Okay okay I KNOW this is super similar to another one I've written and YES I can't stop writing the night before the final battle but I love that episode sm ok this is the last one (it's probably not)

When Ezran appeared back at the top of the Storm Spire riding a dragon, you hadn’t expected him to bring company. You wouldn’t even have paid attention if he hadn’t cried out.

“Callum, Rayla! We need your help!”

As Ezran dismounts the dragon, another figure slides off its back and falls to the floor. The person has overgrown blonde hair, and light stubble. He is wearing a full suit of armor, and he is gasping for air.

“...Soren?”

“This guy again?”

Rayla glares at him, and Callum steps forward. 

“What’s Soren doing here?”

“Stop asking questions, help him!”

Ezran’s scolding kicks Callum into gear.

“Oh right, breathing!”

You step back as he performs the breathing spell, and Soren gasps for air. He takes a moment to orient himself, looking wildly around the room. It’s not until his eyes land on you that he finds his words.

“I-is this the afterlife?”

It’s so stupid, and so incredibly Soren-like, and you want to rush over to him, but you don’t. After all, you’re still angry with him for choosing Viren, right?

Rayla rolls her eyes, and Callum sighs.

“No, it’s still just..the life. Still. You’re alive.”

When you finally speak, your voice comes out softer than you intend.

“What are you doing here?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After Soren had revealed Viren’s latest actions, you’d found yourself needing a moment. Your head was spinning, both from the info-dump, and from Soren being here to begin with, so you’d retreated to the pinnacle. You sit with your legs dangling over the edge, crying softly. You’re doomed, you’ve decided. Your friends, Zym, Xadia. You nearly fall off the mountain when a voice from behind you pulls you out of your thoughts.

“Hey.”

At the sound of Soren’s voice, you quickly wipe your face, attempting to appear angry, or at least indifferent. The last time you’d seen Soren, he’d been bedridden, unable to walk. But you’d had time to reflect since then. Time to reflect on how he’d chosen his father over you. How could you blame him?

“You’re walking.”

Your tone is dry, but you allow him to sit beside you. He keeps a small distance at first, testing the waters.

“Yeah, uh- Claudia.”

Honestly, what did you expect? How else would this ‘miracle’ have happened?

“And what terrible acts did she commit for that to happen?”

He stays silent for a moment, and you grimace.

“S-sorry.”

“No, you’re right. She uh- she wouldn’t tell me. I think it was pretty bad. Turned part of her hair white.”

You nod. He shifts uncomfortably, and the two of you sit in silence for a few minutes. You startle him when you finally speak.

“Soren, why are you here? Why didn’t you go home? You could’ve gone back to the castle, avoided the entire battle. Instead you’re here. Why?”

He inhales deeply and starts fiddling with his fingers.

“I’m a crown guard. I have to protect the king. The true king. Plus, I- I needed to see you again. I needed to tell you that I’m so sorry for letting you walk away alone, and for what happened with the dragon, and everything in between. You- you’re all I have left, and I understand if you hate me, but I needed to see you.”

You don’t respond, you can’t find the words to. Instead, you allow your hand to find his own, barely letting the tips of your fingers touch his. He hesitates at first, but slowly lays his own hand over yours, and you don’t retreat. You relish in the warmth, his large hand enveloping your own, and you sit in the silence together. At some point, you find your head dropping against his shoulder. He tenses for a moment, afraid to move, before slowly wrapping an arm around your shoulders. You let him. He doesn’t speak, but his thumb rubbing soft circles against your back says everything it needs to, for now. 

That night, Callum and Rayla declare that everyone should rest before the battle. Despite your best efforts, you find yourself doing anything but. Tossing and turning, and stressing about what tomorrow will bring. After what you think must be an hour, you leave your makeshift bed, frustrated. You’d chosen to sleep on the pinnacle, mainly for privacy, but now the isolation is getting to you. You sigh as you sit on the edge once again, refusing to wake anyone else. The silence of the night surrounds you, until the sound of footsteps approaches behind you. You stand, quickly grabbing your sword, ready to attack. That is, until you see Soren. He’s wearing pajamas, and he looks scared. The sight shocks you a little, and your sword clatters to the ground.

“Sorry! I’m sorry! I thought-”

“Relax, it’s okay. I didn’t mean to startle you, I don’t blame you though.”

You should’ve expected this. As it was, Soren had insisted on sleeping at the bottom of the steps to the pinnacle, insisting that if anyone wanted to get to you, they’d go through him first. You motion towards your makeshift bed, not making eye contact.

“It uh- it’s a little chilly up here.”

Soren nods and sits down, waiting for you. When you join him, he wraps the blanket around your shoulders, making sure you’re taken care of before himself.

“I’m sorry for scaring you. I just- I couldn’t sleep. Knowing that my dad is bringing an army here..it’s scary, you know? And- and it feels like my fault.”

You shake your head.

“It is not your fault, Soren. It is scary though. I..couldn’t sleep either.”

Soren shivers lightly, and you lean against him, attempting to share your blanket.

“Hey, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be keeping you up. I can uh- head back to my bed.”

You pause for a moment, but when he starts to stand you grab his arm.

“Stay with me?”

He looks at you for a moment, and how can he say no when you’re looking at him like that? He nods and sits down, pausing awkwardly. You hesitate for a moment before gently pushing against his chest until he starts to lay down. You lie next to him, and find yourself nose to nose with him, sharing a pillow. It’s not the first time you’ve laid together. When you were younger you’d sneak into each others’ quarters nearly every night, but long gone were the days of sleeping on each others’ bedroom floors. One night he’d insisted you lay with him, and it had quickly evolved into a nightly event. One of you would sneak to the other’s room and crawl into bed with them, before you’d fall asleep in Soren’s arms. You’d never been awake to see the way he’d look at you, how sometimes he’d stay awake all night to make sure you were still breathing, still with him. You were always worth the bags under his eyes. 

It doesn’t take Soren long to pull you into his arms, but he starts out slow, unsure of where your relationship stands. You understand he’s giving you an out to tell him that you’re uncomfortable, that you don’t want this. Instead, you surprise him by pulling him closer, tucking your head under his chin and burying your face against his shoulder. He tenses, just like earlier, but only waits a few seconds before tightening his grip on you. It’s silent for a few minutes, until Soren sniffles, and you realize your hair is damp under his chin. You pull away from his chest to look at his face, and his eyes are red with tears. You reach up to touch his cheek and he flinches away before allowing himself to melt into your gentle touch. A tenderness he only receives from you.

“Soren, what’s wrong? Is it your dad? We’re gonna beat him, I know we will.”

He shakes his head.

“I just- I didn’t think I’d ever see you again, and- and I thought if I did..you’d hate me. You should hate me. But instead you’re here, in my arms, and I just- I promise, I’ll never let anything bad happen to you. I’ll never hurt you again.”

You brush a strand of hair out of his face, and you want to cry at how he flinches. You wonder what Viren has done to him. You continue to run your fingers through his hair. It’s greasy and dirty, a symbol of how long he’s been on his own, all to get to you. 

“Soren, I could never hate you. You piss me off sometimes, but I’ll never hate you.”

He removes a hand from your waist, gently resting it on your cheek. It feels like when you were young teenagers breaking the rules, yet so much more than that. You stare into each other's eyes for what feels like hours, until you find yourselves leaning closer to each other. Your lips finally meet, and you feel Soren communicating everything he’s never been able to say. 

I’m sorry.

You’re everything to me.

I’ll never leave you again.

When he pulls away, he looks nervous, as if he’s scared he’s ruined everything again. But instead of scolding him or pushing him away, you hug him tightly and hide your face in his chest. You inhale his scent and realize you’ll never get enough of it, of him. You’ll never get enough of feeling his touch and seeing the way he looks at you. You understand that tonight has changed you both forever, but that is a conversation that can wait until after the world is saved. And long after you fall asleep in his arms, Soren lies awake, relishing in the way he can feel your soft breath against his neck. He swears to every primal source individually that he will protect you from whatever may come, that he will gladly lay down his life if it means you survive, and he does not regret the lack of sleep that comes in the morning. 

[sorinethemastermind]

WIP Wednesday

 "Gah!" Viren lurched upwards, eyes widening as his vision returned. There was a face above him, wavering in and out of focus. As his sight cleared he saw the visage's black eyes turn blue again, the dark violet scars around them receding back into pale skin.

 “Wh- what’s going on.” Viren brought a hand to his face, touching his throbbing temple. 

 A sharp intake of breath made him glance back to the figure. To his son. Soren’s blond hair was streaked through with white and he pushed it out of his face as he spoke.

 “You’re alive.”

[kradogsrats]

in a true case of gazing into the abyss and having it not only gaze back but double down, I jokingly thought “ha ha if Lissa is blonde the chances of her producing a child with (already rare in the northern European sort of genetics we just kind of presume she and Viren come from) true-black hair from someone with Viren’s midrange mousy brown coloration are SO LOW that it’s more likely Claudia is secretly her affair baby with someone who has actual black hair” and then realized that a) the nearest man with hair that dark who isn’t Black is Kpp’Ar, and b) after lying awake literally all night (for unrelated reasons) my single remaining brain cell can’t think of anything in actual canon thus far that would definitively disprove him secretly being Claudia’s father