#if callum lived he would've LOVED

[joseopher]

rip Callum, you would've loved

[carimelmari]

I'm tired of people treating women wanting to have kids, women having kids, or women doing ANYTHING "traditionally feminine" as anti-feminism.

I know most people already agree with what I am about to say, but I'm kind of pissed off at Reddit and Pinterest users right now so I need to rant lol

Rayla getting pregnant and having children is not misogynistic. She can do whatever the hell she wants and if she wants to have kids then all power to her. Growing a whole ass human in your body? That's a lot and she's super strong for that.

We have already seen that Rayla is very motherly and probably would very much like raising children of her own.

And before you say "well in that one scene in season seven when that little elf girl said that Callum wanted to have 10 babies with her, Rayla didn't look happy" bullcrap. That is not why she made that face. It is because she was right next to her parents when a child basically said that Callum wanted to have a lot of .. special time with her. If it was just her, she probably would've started cracking up.

Because let's be honest, they've already had some special time. I'd be surprised if they didn't.

You know what is misogynistic? Putting every female character into this box of GIRL BOSS ONLY RAWR BEAT UP ALL THE MEN BE A LEADER. Not everyone can be like that and not everyone wants to be like that and it's totally fine. It's not misogynistic to have a personality outside of MEAN RAWR GIRLBOSS.

It's really just a stereotype, at this point.

I'm gonna use my mom as an example because she's awesome and I love her. My mother loves children. She's a great teacher, a great mother, and just understands a childs psyche absolutely amazingly. She loves being a mother and decides to stay at home so she can be with her kids. She loves staying at home and cooking, sewing, baking homemade bread for fun, and sells handmade bows on Etsy. these are very "traditionally feminine" things. Does this mean she's not a girlboss? No! This woman managed to create and birth five whole human beings. She's incredibly strong physically and mentally. I've seen her lift up the back of a car, move a whole ass fridge by herself, rearrange the entire living room while she was pregnant, destroyed an entire wall and rebuilt it in our home because she lost patience with my stepdad saying he would do it, and she's a 5'2, 120 pound little thing

"traditionally feminine" pieces of women are not misogynistic. Rayla can have kids. Rayla would probably be an amazing mother. She would probably love being a mother as well. Raising kids with Callum? I think she would be super excited to do that. And you know what? She'd still be a girlboss.

Thank you for reading my ramble from one in the morning

I am very tired

[raayllum]

The thing (or one of the things) about Ezran in early S7 is that while he's not being unreasonable, he is being hypocritical and unproductive ("You forgave Zubeia"). 7x01 is his breaking point after seasons of trying to keep everyone else together and weathering each conflict in as most an unaffected manner as possible, and he quite simply couldn't do it anymore.

Zubeia sent an assassin to kill your father? You long for your mother so deeply, you don't know your dad is dead yet, you do everything you can to get Zym back home because you love him (you can literally see through his eyes) and because it's the best chance for peace. Forgive her for killing your father and trying to kill you because she was grieving and Zym's dad for killing your mother because he's dead and they miss him. Put all your anger in a box at the one person who actually did kill him, because Zubeia saw her baby and changed her mind, and your found family sister (who is also missing) defected and spared your life that night, and he didn't.

Deny the ugly truths as long as you can by focusing on peace ("I ignored something that was true. I denied something that is undeniable"). Why should you have to acknowledge anger? Can't you just get past that? And then you can't, with the picture. (Then you can't, later, with yourself.)

Rayla comes back and Callum is fighting with her? Forgive and welcome her back unconditionally and try to counsel Callum through his big feelings. Rinse and repeat when Soren and then Zym goes missing. Advocate for and refuse to give up on Rex Igneous until he sends you sprawling into a wall.

Take on the responsibility of negotiating with the dragons. With Finnegrin (you offer up your hand, and so do your friends, your family). Talk your brother out of a more violent solution, and Rayla sides with you. She does again about hiding with the pearl and you save each other's lives. You look after home while she and Callum leave to save the world, and tell Soren the hard truth and deal with Viren till you don't. You try to spare Karim and his forces. You believe in peace. You believe in breaking the cycle.

"I am a king, and as a king, I choose love over strength."

"King of what? King of ashes?"

Ezran looks at what two years of trying to do the right peaceful thing has earned him — a destroyed kingdom while he was away — and he desperately, angrily, grasps at any semblance of control. This can't be all it was for. He feels like he's failed as a king, and is therefore a bad king. He needs to punish Sol Regem for it, but he can't. It needs to be Runaan's 'fault' because Runaan made him a king, even though keeping Runaan chained up in the Banther Lodge basement doesn't do anything but keep another family (Rayla's family) apart and make him feel in control. His pendulum swings so hard and strong, the target of his anger constantly changing to the most recent wound stacked upon themselves. After 7x02, he's not visibly angry at Runaan again until the finale; he's angrier at Callum than he is at Rayla because he thought he had control over his brother ("Callum. High Mage. We need you at this council meeting") even if that shouldn't be the goal or the focus at all anyway.

Callum doesn't betray him just because of Rayla, but because Ezran is perpetuating the cycle in a way that is antithetical to everything all three of them have striven to break, which is exactly what Callum points out to him. (If Rayla had surrendered or Callum had stayed, they just all likely would've been arrested, as it's unlikely Rayla and Runaan would've made it in the boat with Callum's magic, either. Would that have made Ezran, or anyone, feel better, hunting down his brother and friends, bringing them back in chains? No, and only Aanya is brave enough to say it out loud after Ez proves he values his bond with his brother / Callum's life over destroying Runaan's and Rayla's by proxy.)

"Because pain and loss feel so terrible inside, you want to hate. You want to hurt someone else."

What would killing or imprisoning Runaan (again) really have done?

"Hasn't he already been punished enough? Viren trapped him in a cursed coin for years. It's time to set him free." / "How much suffering is enough to pay for the mistakes we've made? No amount of suffering, yours or mine, will ever bring him back."

("As a father, I have a selfish wish, and that is for you and Ezran to be... free.")

"A life for a life. Is that justice?"

We also see that his scene with Runaan is one of the very last in the season. It's been months, if not nine, before Ezran was ready to have that conversation, ready to do with Runaan what he willingly did with Aaravos ("A king must look into the face and hear the words of those he judges"). A few days or a week by Callum's estimate wouldn't have been enough.

Ezran set Terry free to see if they could really trust him. He refused to do the same with Runaan even when it was causing clear pain and fracturing within his own family unit, nor did Runaan come to Katolis to face justice; it was just happenstance. But in Runaan being freed, he was then able to choose to come back to face Ezran's verdict. And then Ezran makes his own conscious choice.

"I'm going to forgive you. I don't know how, but I have to try."

He told everyone else that they had to acknowledge the weight of the pain and loss in their hearts while also holding love. It was hard before. It was hard now. But he has to try.

(Nor does Harrow being in the bird erase the two years of mourning hell that Ezran went through, remove the crown from his brow, make things with Runaan any easier tbh, or mean he's 100% getting his father back.)

[a-very-sparkly-nerd]

The best time to clown is when ur tryna fall asleep 😘

Rayla didn't know why she expected Callum to be sleeping. She'd hoped it'd catch up to him after his weeks of nightmares and not really sleeping between the Starscraper and the Nexus, and a sleeping bag outside one's decimated home wasn't great for those 8 hours.

But regardless. He shook her awake by the fireside, Runaan still dozing across the embers from them, eyes glinting golden in the firelight.

"Hey," she murmured, voice still croaky, fingers fumbling for his. "What's up?"

He didn't bother with the small-talk, instead fidgeting with the hem of his shirt with wide eyes. "Can you-- can we go somewhere? To talk?"

Rayla pushed herself up, removing the blankets from her legs and accepting his hand up. "Of course."

He looped his arm through hers, beginning to walk them down to that little clearing by the lake he'd spotted on their way earlier.

She nervously curled her fingers over his arm, chewing her lip. "Is- Is everything okay?"

"Yeah! I mean, um, mostly? As okay as we can be?"

"Fair." She giggled, and it was like the clouds cleared for the starlight to shine on her in their little clearing, translucent and teal and welcoming once more. "Dumb question of me. What did you want to talk about?"

Okay. He hadn't exactly thought this far ahead.

But it needn't be complicated. Everything about Rayla was in fact so simple; he loved her, loved her more than anything, and she knew it. And that would mean it would all be okay, because if it was love, then nothing else mattered.

"Rayla..." he began, taking her hands and tracing the outline of her fingers, stalling at where her pinky would be. Would that make her ring finger the fourth finger, or the middle one?

"I... I love you," he continued, because that was surely a good place to start, and she never once took her eyes off him, patient and loving and stunning even with her bedhead.

"I haven't planned this," he admitted, continuing with the honesty, with the truth that'd kept him alive thus far, focusing first on her hands and then her face, her lovely face with purple eyes that shone like stars and dazzling smile and lips he could kiss forever. "But I've thought about it, and I don't know how long we'll live. But I know I want to live a long life with you. Whenever I think about the future, five minutes or five decades later, you're right there with me. I meant it when I said that it was always you. Always will be."

She squeezed his hand, moving to wipe away a tear. "And I love you. There was no second, no universe, where it wasn't you."

Callum stepped closer, reveling in feeling her heartbeat, pounding beautifully.

"This was supposed to be romantic. I envisioned it with like, candles and flowers and music, but nothing I create could ever compare to that or what you deserve."

She frowned a little, moving to cup his face in her palm, stroking his sideburns absently. "Callum, I don't need any of that stuff. All I need is you. All I want is you. If you make it, I'll love it. No question about it."

There was so much to say. So many words that would never be able to fully encapsulate her, no matter how prettily arranged. No love song or poem could truly articulate what this was, an ocean he'd been drowning in since he met her.

He played with a strand of her starlit silver hair a moment before tucking it behind her ear and continuing, because no matter how romantic, this was stretching on and he needed to wrap it up and ask.

"I think two years ago, I would've called you strong and fast and beautiful. But I won't do that now-- I mean, you are, the strongest and fastest and most beautiful person I've ever met, but those aren't what matter. What matters is that you're kind and you're good and you're hopeful, and you see the best in me. And... I want to be the best me that I can be. For you. I want to be the best me for you, for the rest of our lives. So, um..."

He'd planned on getting a ring for her. Or a horn cuff from Ethari. Fuck, he'd planned on getting her dads' blessings, too, but Rayla was her own woman, and this was their story that he refused to let anyone else have a say in.

So he pulled that little piece of paper out of his pocket, still crinkled and burned at the edges, but she was completely intact. His very first drawing of her, fierce and courageous and... honestly, he'd loved her then, even if he hadn't known it. When had he not been in love with her?

He'd carefully folded it up earlier, because a ring was a ring and Rayla surely wouldn't care if he had one at all.

And he got to one knee the way he'd done in dreams and fantasized of long before he got his shit together at the Starscraper. "Rayla, will you-"

Her hands covered her mouth, tears rolling down her cheeks, and got down on the ground with him, throwing her arms around him even as she shook. "Yes, dummy. Of course I'll marry you."

Still trembling a little--when had that started up?--Callum pulled away from her only to put the makeshift ring on her fourth finger. Too big and a little clunky, but it didn't matter. Not when this meant that they were engaged.

Engaged.

He nearly toppled over.

"Can't believe you thought you had to ask," Rayla chided lightly, kissing him sound, hearts beating against each other. "I love you, Callum. I can't wait to get old with you."

"There's no one I'd rather be wrinkly with," he agreed, lightheaded but grinning like a fool because he truly was the luckiest man alive.

(Later, the ring falls. It hadn't been sized at all, loose on any of her fingers but she refused to take it off regardless.

Rayla lifts her hand to her side, fingers coming away covered in blood. She's groggy and dizzy and it's as if she's walking on fog, and it's not there. And neither is he.)

[classicanalyzer]

Dragon Prince S6 Thoughts

"Sometimes the line between mercy and cruelty can be thin." Aaravos and Startouch Elves

Well holy shit, that opening really went from wholesome Viren (who is alive) hugging Terry and celebrating Aaravos’ supposed “lie” to OH GOD CLAUDIA KILLED A CHILD. God, it's really terrifying seeing Claudia give so much to save her father...it really hits home how Viren felt responsible for leading her down this route. The tragic thing is that I think Viren knows deep inside that as of now, he can't help her...but he hopes he can inspire her to turn back. Despite everything she did, Claudia's actions to save her father were all for nothing. She lost a leg and her soul (it is yet to be seen if her soul can be brought back) and yet by the time she reached home, her father died yet again...this time for good. Claudia's screams were really chilling and sad.

At least, Terry is always there for Claudia...though I'm worried about what will happen to him given Claudia's increasing mental dive into darkness and insanity. He rightfully points out how revenge is different from love and how it drove Aaravos to the deaths of God who knows.

I really love that Viren didn't choose to reveal what he did to heal Soren. It would've just caused Soren more grief and pain. That's one of the most best things Viren could have done before his sacrifice. He carries on the absolute shame (I felt chills when I heard how he obtained the last part of the spell) that he caused rather than “pass it on” so to say to Soren.

Viren’s true death feels fitting for him. All this time everyone close to him ask if he was willing to risk his life for another. Dark Magic has ruined so many lives and yet also saved so man in some cases. There is a price to be paid. But finally, he proved that he was willing to do that rather than find some other way to pay the price or back out. This time he paid the price and did a truly selfless action where nobody had to get hurt...other than him. He lived his whole life choosing what he felt was pragmatic and selfish with only a few moments of his good self showing...he chose to finally die a servant of his home. While Soren will understandably never forgive him for what he did to him and the world, he will remember him for his last act of unselfish genuine goodness and living up to his desires of atonement rather than going back. I also love how his last words are the last words spoken by Harrow to him.

"I am a servant. I am a...servant." Viren's last words

That entire ship episode is so hilarious with the meta-commentary. The Celestial Elves were a really cool sub-ect of Skywing Elves. I also love the parallels between dealing with Ice Behmeath in the present and the Magma Titan in the past. Instead of killing the beast which left people killed, they found what made it so sad and everyone lives.

Also Callum and Rayla are back together! So happy and I wished we didn't have the break-up personally but still finally.

I now understand the Soren and Corvus ship, and I approve.

I'm so happy that Amaya and Janai finally got married at last. Too bad Karim had to ruin all the vibes temporarily, thankfully, the two were able to salvage it. Amaya and Janai truly deserve the world.

The build-up to when Ezran and Corvus realizes the true plan of Karim is really chilling.

S6 really has me lowkey ship Ezran and Aanya haha. Two badass, wise, and compassionate young rulers who lost their parents...speaking off, I can't imagine seeing Ezran in S7 now that he knows his kingdom is destroyed.

Sol Regem really is responsible for the events of the show. While it is dark how he died and it's horrible how he was responsible for his soulmate's death, I can't say he didn't deserve his death at all. He was the one who laid the seeds for humanity's conflict with elves and utterly despises humanity. He literally choked and burned on his own element.

Katolis being destroyed made me sad since it was our primary setting in the human realm for 6 seasons.

The Startouch Elves gave me so many Collector vibes. Aaravos really is the Ardyn of Dragon Prince with a bit of Collector and I'm all here for it. Now all that is needed is for him to get a stylish hat and turn the sky into an eternal darkness. Also, Aaravos was really that big in his natural mortal form...which made S5's horrifying reveal of what he said make a lot of sense.

A major theme of S6 and the show is how revenge won't get you anywhere but further metaphorically drown yourself. Another major theme is love (platonically and romantically), whether familial, platonic, or romantic.

S6 really is an amazing return to form, and it felt like the quality of the first three seasons was consistent. I cannot wait for the final season of this saga. I did hear about them wanting to make three more books and I wonder how they can go from here...but I trust them to do right based on S6.

[wuffgang-ameowdeus-moozart]

part 1 ! part 2 ! ao3

People, Aaron knows, are rather simple creatures. In the end it all comes down to this: it is in the human nature to need to be wanted. Not required or tolerated or any of those other substitutes we like to pretend are enough. No, being chosen, desired - not due to what you are or what you offer, but simply by virtue of being, well. You.

Aaron is so confident in this because unfortunately he also counts himself amongst these aforementioned people. He feels it, too. The gnawing in his gut, the emptiness in his soul. This stupidly impossible all-consuming longing for someone to truly see him and still want to choose him despite himself.

He is used to being on his own. So of course it has crossed his mind that maybe - just maybe - he is alone in this, too. Maybe he is the only one so laughably desperate for something as dumb and stupid and embarrassing as acceptance. (Or even love, but let's try to stay realistic).

After all, he is always starving in a way the people around him don't seem to be able to comprehend. Hungering for food and attention and praise like a mutt ditched at the roadside. And just like a rabid dog he is not above resorting to violence in order to get what he is owed. (Just like a rabid dog he wouldn't be able to recognize a helping hand even if it were right in front of his nose)

He tries not to dwell on it, though. The thought of being alone on this as well is unbearable for some reason. It is quite the simple logic, really. Aaron Stewart wants to be wanted, which means that everyone must want to be wanted. Anything else is simply inconceivable, and thus it must be. Sometimes this shared ache is almost enough to make up for the lack of  genuine human connection. (Besides, surely the cheesy melodramatic romances he secretly loves wouldn't be nearly as popular if he was the only one)

What is the thing that first made Aaron notice Callum Hunt?

The unfortunate truth is that it probably was the leg. After all he, too, lives in a society. The limb is clearly stiff, even as it is hidden by long baggy pants and Call does his best to play it off. If the hobbling hadn't tipped him off, Call's speed (or lack thereof) would've done it.

Still, he really wishes that it had just been his general.... Call-ness. That Aaron was different from other people. The he alone had immediately clocked the other where everyone else just saw an injured gloomy kid. (When he is in a particularly romantic mood he sometimes allows himself to pretend). 

Because how else to describe him? Everyone else focused and excited while that little ball of doom and gloom fails at acting unbothered. He is clearly annoyed at the growing distance between himself and the group so Aaron allows himself to fall behind, just to see how the other will react. It is kind of funny, really. Callum is so desperate to seem cool and collected when he is easily the most terrified of them all. And when the walls transform into stone? The laughable attempts at keeping up his grumpy facade has Aaron itching to punch him in the face.

This is exactly the kind of kid the Aaron from before would have delighted in tormenting. A loner, so none of the adults or other kids would give a fuck. Acting like he is alone by choice and not a pathetic wreck no one wants to willingly spend time with. That stupid fucking sense of detachment. As if he were somehow better than Aaron.

And worst of all: those eyes. The starvation he normally only sees in the mirror. As if that wimp had clawed off Aaron's eyeballs and plucked them into his own sockets. The never-ending hunger and defiance. That stupidly obvious sadness he can never quite mask. Can Aaron truly be held accountable if that mother fucking is all but begging for a beating?

Or maybe he is just projecting. 

But that was Orphanage Aaron. Orphanage Aaron who changed schools about as often as he changed clothes. Aaron who lived in detention and has been expulsed more than once. The Aaron who has to die. If he wants to make use of this impossible shot (he still can't believe that it was somehow granted to him of all people) he needs to become someone else once again. He would be a fool to let this chance slip through his fingers. 

That boy had taught himself to fight tooth and nail for every insignificant scrap. And his defence, that strategy had served him well enough. This is just like another foster family, in a way. Learn the rules, play nice, stay out of that fucking place for just a bit longer. The only difference is that he now has to keep it up for a few years instead of just some months. But it's fine.

Golden boy Aaron would be horrified by his past self. No, the golden boy had had a nice uninterrupted education in only one school. He always wrote good grades in all his subjects - something he is determined to continue even at this new...school? Boarding school? Apprenticeship? He may not know how it works down there but he is going to figure out. He always does, sooner or later. Not like he has a choice.

Golden boy Aaron remains so fit exclusively due to nice and legal sports his potential parents could brag about. He is good at it, but not so good that it would make other people jealous. Besides he doesn't have to be: his friendliness and camaderie make up for it. Golden boy Aaron never picks on other kids - quite the opposite, this Aaron absolutely hates bullies. Not enough to get violent, though. No, never that.

So it is exactly because of this urge to wreck the other boy that Aaron decides to stick close.

To be quite honest, this person that Aaron has to become-- no. This person that he is. Aaron can't help but find gol-- but find himself a bit. Well. Dull. But if this is who he has to become in order to survive, he will gladly morph himself once again. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. This is how the world works. And if this weird school really does somehow save him, he will do everything in his power to pay them back.

So he stays near this weird loner kid with the terrified eyes and the bad leg. A decision he is glad for when misfortune seems to follow the other wherever he goes. Perfect. Maybe he has to watch his tongue now, but sticking close to Callum might be just enough to quell at least some of his own less palatable urges. (Seeing that his father may or may not tried kill him in front of an audience is just a big bonus. Everything will look a bit more golden in comparison to that). 

[theredhairedmonkey]

In the heart of Katolis castle, amidst the grandeur of its stone walls, Soren, Callum, and Rayla sat before a campfire in the castle courtyard while Ezran convened with Opeli on the crisis in Lux Aurea.

The flickering flames of a carefully tended fire illuminated Soren's face as he couldn't hold back his questions any longer. "Hey, Callum," he began, poking at the fire. "How did you even learn the Ocean Arcanum? Did you find some ancient scroll or a magical tome?"

Callum looked up from his sketchbook, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Nah, it's not like that. You can't just read about it and get it. Arcana come from lived experiences, the connection to the primal source. But, I did have a little help."

Soren raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Help? What kind of help?"

With a casual grace, Callum reached into his bag, retrieving a weathered book with a sea-blue cover. "A book of Ocean poems I stumbled upon in the castle library. The words resonated with the magic of the ocean, helping me grasp the Arcanum in a more profound way."

Rayla raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Poetry? You're telling me you actually found the key to elemental magic in a book of poems? I thought you were joking!"

“Hey, don’t knock it! The rhythm of the language, the emotional resonance...it stirred something…elemental inside me.”

Soren cleared his throat theatrically. “Oh Callum the poetic prince, weaving spells with heartfelt verse!” He exclaimed in exaggerated fashion.

Callum chuckled while Rayla playfully elbowed Soren’s arm. “Didn’t know you had a knack for poetry too,” she teased.

Soren took Callum’s book of ocean poems into his hands. "So, what’s next, painting landscapes?"

A chuckle escaped Callum's lips. "Well, maybe not landscapes. At least not yet. Dunno, maybe that would help with the Earth Arcanum?"

Rayla’s eyes glinted with curiosity. "Who would've thought, the former High Mage turned poet. What's your take on this, Soren?"

Soren, never one to miss an opportunity for a friendly jab, cleared his throat dramatically. "Ahem, Prince Callum, the poetic mage, casting spells with a quill on an enchanted page!"

Callum smirked. "Okay, that was terrible, but I appreciate the effort."

Undeterred, Soren continued, now fully embracing his poetic side. "By the ocean's edge, with waves so grand, Callum found magic in the sand. With every rhyme, he flies above, a princely poet, spreading love."

Callum couldn't contain his laughter any longer. "Alright, Soren, you win. I never knew you had such a hidden flair for rhyming."

Soren, reveling in his poetic victory, grinned. "Well, maybe I'll start dropping rhymes on the battlefield!"

Rayla, with a sly grin, teased Soren, "Who would’ve guess the big tough warrior had a soft spot for poetry?"

Soren winked. "Soft spot? More like a strategic advantage. Imagine facing an enemy who's too confused to fight because you hit them with unexpected rhymes."

Callum, still chuckling, added, "It's a unique tactical approach, to say the least."

"Who would've thought our journey would include poetry lessons from Soren of all people?” Rayla asked.

Callum, finishing up a quick doodle in his book, replied, "Life is full of surprises, I suppose."

Rayla met Soren’s eyes with a smile. “Poetry in moonlight,” she said, lifting her gaze to the glittering blanket of stars above. “Friends beside a dwindling fire.” Her hand found Callum’s, their fingers intertwining. “The laughter of loved ones, where just hours before there was only silence.”

Callum gave her hand a grateful squeeze, touched by her words. “Hey now, look who discovered her inner poet.”

“And just like that, my work here is done!” Soren announced. Getting up, he let out an exaggerated groan. “It’s getting late, we should probably call it a night.” 

“Agreed,” Callum said at last, gathering his sketchbook as Soren kicked dirt over the cooling coals. The three wandered back inside, the mystical poetry book tucked under Callum’s arm. The Ocean Arcanum flowing through his veins. But the real magic of the night glowing in their hearts.

[aria-bun]

2024 Fic Review

I was tagged by @m34gs, you can view their post here.

Statistics

My Top 5 Fics by Hits:

Of Flowers and Cat-Tails - Catwin fic, Flower Shop/Tattoo Parlor AU It's Quicker and Easier to Eat Your Young - Sorvus fic, s7 prediction with Half-Elf!Soren, Co-written with @sorinethemastermind Oh Brother of Mine (It's been a long, long time) - SoC oneshot where Matthias meets Jordie in the afterlife Well, you don't know me (but I know you) - SoC oneshot where Kaz bakes for the crows The Swan Upon Leda - TDP Sorvus fic, arc 3 where Soren leaves and gets a daughter

My Most Bookmarked Fic:

Of Flowers at Cat-Tails - (see above)

How Many Words I Wrote in 2024:

89,624

QUESTION THINGS:

What was the most surprising thing about writing in 2024: Probably the amount of traction my Catwin fic got. It was the first fic I ever fully completed (not including oneshots), and I found out that my friend's mom read it before she even knew me. So, that was fun.

What was the most enjoyable thing to write: By far, my s7 prediction fic with @sorinethemastermind, it has been a blast, and we are far from done!

Which fic is the most underrated: Probably stop my pain (it's crashing down, the sound of thunder), the platonic catwin oneshot I wrote for whumptober. It was my first technically MCD, but he came back to life so I don't think it counted. But yeah, I think I did really good.

Which fic(s) had something "cut" or an idea that never happened: Ooh, in And with your mermaid hair and your teeth so sharp, Soren and Rayla weren't going to be friends originally; they just knew each other from being in close proximity. Rayla would've barely tolerated him, but my writing got a mind of its own and BOOM friendship.

Which fic(s) did you want to write but didn't get around to: Ohhh my Del Bar Soren AU. I got partway through chapter one. Also this au I had where Corvus was a sorcerer who lived in the woods, and Soren was a shapeshifter who could turn into a small dragon and ended up being his familiar. Corvus would've ended up taking Callum on as an apprentice, too. Really loved that idea.

Any WIPs that never got published: A few. I was rewriting an old WoF Human HS au titled Welcome to the Playground, but lost inspo so that didn't end up getting out. There was also This Is How Villians are Made, which was my Arcane Maddie backstory about her in Noxus because I find her super interesting. I'm usually pretty good at posting my WIPs, my issue is usually just finishing them lol.

Share a snipped from a WIP fic: I'll do you one better- ya'll can get a snippet from my original story Hollowed Pearls:

Salome glanced up from her book every few pages, towards the Libor harbor. Energy pulsed through her veins, but she wasn’t sure if that was the wind tugging at her, desperate to be manipulated, or because her sister was finally home again. Her eyes landed on The Sun Howler, her sister’s esteemed vessel, with its cream sails emblazoned with her emblem; a sun with a dagger stabbed through the center. The rest of the ship was a dark wood, worn from its time on the sea. She still remembered the first time Maeve set out overseas. She wasn’t captain then, instead just a sixteen year old with a wish and a plan. Salome was eleven then, and remembered running down the dock, her bare feet hitting heavy against the wood while trying to chase the ship, while Maeve was waving back at her. That was five years ago, and those five years seemed to have passed by in a blur. Maeve would come home between adventures every now and then, never saying any longer than a weekend, before letting the tide pull her back out and into a new adventure.

8. Which fic was the one you were most excited to write: I'll have to say, my Sorvus Coffee Shop AU But after sunlit days, one thing stays the same (rises the moon). I just love the cozy gays. 9. Fic hopes for the New Year: I'm really hoping to focus less on fics, actually, and more on my original story. But on the fic front, I do want to finish up my WIPs, tie up loose ends, yknow that jazz.

No Pressure Tags: @sorinethemastermind @randomfandom-3 @jelzorz @lilisouless @19burstraat

[thorne-antics]

THE DRAGON PRINCE SEASON 5 SPOILERS

So... my thoughts on season 5!!

Episode 1: Domina Profundis

- so I'm assuming Callum and Rayla talked after the events of Escape From Umber Tor because I expected them to be still a little awkward but they're not, it looks like they're friends again and that makes me so happy!!

- why does Rayla need to take off the nails on the painting in front of the secret passageway? Can't Stella just make a portal to the other side of it?

- okay I hate Karim but did the sunfire elf guard really have to take his ring? I think Janai would've let him keep it. And the guard was like "it belongs to Queen Janai now" and then proceeded to drop it on the ground. Wtf bro

- Opeli telling Callum why Rayla was arrested and Callum being like "okay, so what?" will never not be funny to me

- Callum really said "it's okay she just got too silly"

Episode 2: Old Wounds

- their little conversation about trust... they're healing their relationship YIPPEE

- domina profundis looks so fucking cool I wish we saw more of her

- I now expect to see Barius invent a new pastry every season from here on out.

- CALLUM DOING PUPPY DOG EYES AT RAYLA GAVE ME SO MUCH SEROTONIN

- watching Soren, Ezran and Corvus laughing about shit jokes did give me slight secondhand embarrassment but surprisingly it was kind of funny. Definitely an upgrade from the god-awful fart jokes in season 4

- THIS IS ONLY EPISODE 2 AND ALREADY THEY'RE GOING HAM WITH THE RAYLLUM CONTENT. THEY SPENT THE NIGHT AT A COZY INN TOGETHER. AND THE BANTER BETWEEN THEM AFTERWARDS IS SO CUTE. ugh yes s5ep2 "Old Wounds" my beloved (Actually I love the whole first 4 episodes but we'll get to that later)

- "I know dark magic created this place, but it's a bridge between our two worlds, and now here we are, crossing it together" I'm screaming.

- the banther chase was so cool! I love the battle duo dynamic Rayla and Callum have going on, and the way the banther was animated looked awesome. (Also I find it hilarious how when Rayla's arrow hit the Banther, it literally got right back up but it was like "actually, fuck this" and just dipped)

- Viren's dream sequence with baby Soren ripped my heart out

Episode 3: Nightmares And Revelations

- Ezran literally befriended the entire dragon population except Sol Regem, Rex Igneous, and the archdragon of stars (if there is one) (no moon archdragon I'm pretty sure? Because the last one was Luna Tenebris and she died) and I love that for him

- Callum's reaction to finding out Amaya and Janai are engaged was priceless. I was so excitedly waiting to see that and it was everything I'd hoped for.

- THIS WHOLE CONVERSATION

They really said "Wanna do something foolish?" "Do you even have to ask?"

Episode 4: The Great Bookery

- Kazi you nerd I love you

- Amaya being the best aunt!!

- UGH THE RAYLLUM MONTAGE

- MMM YES CALLUM AND KAZI THE BOOKWORM DUO

- "I would do anything for you" oh. my. god.

- THIS WAS SO FUNNY

- BANTHER FIGHT BANTHER FIGHT BANTHER FIGHT

"Rayla, I was wrong. I waited too long. I hope you know--" "I know." UHM, I DON'T? WHAT ARE YOU GUYS TALKING ABOUT? (I'm guessing this is them saying "I love you" without saying it but I NEED TO KNOW FOR CERTAIN)

- The only reason Amaya and Corvus survived is because they hid in the book drop and Amaya thought to do that because Kazi pointed it out earlier so basically Kazi saved their lives. Good job Kazi.

- question: how the fuck did a fall from that height NOT kill Corvus? I'm glad he's not dead but HOW?

Episode 5: Archmage Akiyu

- "Oh no... You're making me the deciding vote, aren't you" Imao 😭

- Terry is such a good boyfriend.

- everyone's faces when the giant birds swoop down at them

I AM CACKLING

- Callum fistbumping Rayla... I will cherish this forever.

- Rayla asking Callum to push her into the water because she doesn't have the courage to jump in herself, Callum holding her hand as they dive in together instead... oh I'm sick. He's so patient and sweet and gentle with her I'm gonna cry

- the sheer amount of rayllum hand touches we're getting this season is incredibly satisfying

- Tidebound Tina/Archmage Akiyu is so silly. I like her a normal amount

- IT'S KIM'DAEL!!

Episode 6: Bait And Switch

- let Soren have the best lavender essential oils in all of Scumport he deserves it

- when Ezran goes to see Finnegrin and Callum stays outside and he says "it's fine I'll just get to know my new friend here" and Elmer says they aren't friends, Callum lets out this little giggle and it's the cutest thing. FOR WHAT? LITERALLY FOR WHAT

- I'm conflicted about Claudia fighting the dragon. I mean, slay, but also... I'm scared 😃

- BABY GLOW TOADS!!

Episode 7: Sea Legs

- I need to know what Bait said when he grunted and Ezran said "that's not very nice, Bait"

- "baby mage" Nyx I'm gonna have to stop you right there because I will not tolerate this falsehood and this slander towards my boy Callum

- I love how when the baby glow toad fell overboard, Nyx was like "I'll get it" and Callum was like "no I'll get it" and then there's Soren, who hollers "SORENBALL!" and just yeets himself in.

- Callum carrying the episode with his sky magic ugh yes (partially Soren too, for saving the baby glow toad, and Villads bc of course he's a great captain and the squad couldn't do this without him, but Callum is slaying I'm so proud of him)

- Amaya finding out Kim'Dael took Janai may have broken my heart just a little

Episode 8: Finnegrin's Wake

- IT'S CALLUM IN THE INTRO INSTEAD OF VIREN OH FUCK

- please excuse my excessive use of "fuck"

- they hurt my boy ☹️

- "I'm not gonna help you murder the archdragon of the ocean" "Murder? When you put it like that you make me sound like a bloodthirsty fiend" YOU LITERALLY ARE 💀

- Rayla screaming at Finnegrin to let Callum go when she sees that Callum got beat up... the pre-s5 speculation fanfic writers are probably losing their shit rn

- THIS IS MY FAVORITE SCENE IN THE WHOLE FUCKING SHOW. OH MY GOD.

I have never seen anyone more angry at any point in the entirety of this show than Callum is in this scene. He's been angry before, but rarely, and when he does, he remains level-headed. But then Finnegrin starts torturing Rayla, and that's what sets him off. And seeing a character like him, who's always been so sweet and gentle and kind, going absolutely fucking feral because someone hurt his loved one, is so satisfying to me. He loves her so much, the worst thing to him is seeing her suffering. I'm going insane over this.

- HE FUCKING UNLOCKED THE OCEAN ARCANUM. I'M SO PROUD OF HIM

- remember when he told Rayla "I'd do anything for you"? Yeah... (I'm totally writing a fanfic about this)

- if you couldn't tell, I fucking love Callum (this is probably the hundredth time I've said this)

Episode 9: Infantis Sanguine

- Callum looks so pretty here. He always looks pretty but MY GOD

- I'm gonna cry. The way he looks at Rayla like "Hey it's okay I'm right here with you :)" has me in a chokehold

- Rayla getting scared about being underwater and swimming back up to the surface and Callum immediately going after her to see if she was okay... no one fucking touch me

- I had no problem with Claudia at the start of the underwater fight but then she threatened Ezran and I was like "sweetie I can't defend you anymore"

- bruh they couldn't talk underwater anyway so what the fuck was the point of threatening Ezran to make him talk?

- I know it's a fantasy cartoon and the logic doesn't matter but RAYLA SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SHOOT THOSE ARROWS SO PERFECTLY WHILE UNDERWATER.

- Aaravos has been in ONE EPISODE this season and nearly every speaking line he has is so sus

- I always hated Viren because him manipulating and gaslighting his kids reminded me of my dad who I haven't spoken to for 3 years now, and I've had to accept that he's never going to change, but I'm glad Viren has changed and I'm proud of him

- so... Viren dead? Viren not dead? Fuck if I know! Find out in 8 months!

okay, my final ranking of all the seasons so far: this one comes out on top, then below it is season 3, then season 2, and at the bottom, season 1 and 4 are tied. And I'm so excited for season 6. Thank you and goodnight.

[mikodrawnnarratives]

Oh. Just thought of something

Gonna compare Max and Maggie's backstories

Max:

- family that hated him for his superpowers

- attempt on life as a baby renegades didn't know of in advance

- survives thanks to renegades (right place right time)

- grows up with a loving family, and despite there being a wall between him and his brother and other dad for the longest time, he's loved, he's wanted

- dislikes his superpower, it makes his life worse

Maggie:

- family that loves her and cares for her deeply, would've loved her even with powers

- attempt on life as a baby renegades promised to prevent but (due to unforseen circumstances) failed to

- survives thanks to her powers

- grows up without being identified as Evie, in a children's home commonly thought of as a Prodigy Dumping Ground for parents who don't want their superpowered children, she's not loved she's unwanted

- likes (?) her superpower, uses it frequently as part of her survival, good at surviving belief, she comes off as proud of her abilities imo, powers have made her life better (in some ways.. her thief track record is her own fault)

Just. Thinking about how when put side by side, you'd think Maggie would have ended up being adopted by the Everharts if circumstances were just slightly different. Cuz, Maggie HAS a loving family and ends up at the prodigy dumping ground. Max does NOT and ends up adopted by the Everharts

And it makes sense, Max was what? Two weeks old when his parents threw him into the river? He was there first AND had an incredibly dangerous/valuable power that only the Renegades would be equipped to solve

But at the same time, had it not been for those factors, the Renegades promised the Artino's safety, at least Nova and Evie. Maggie SHOULD have been identified as Evie, the baby part of that loving family the Renegades swore to protect. She never should have ended up at the children's home. Had Max's powers been different, you'd think the place's they ended up would have been different

But you know what? It turned out well in the end for them to be in the places they ended up. Without Max and his power, who knows how the trilogy would have gone down, who knows if the Supernova would have happened, Ace's second attempt been sucessful

And wouldn't that all be such a joy for Maggie to find out.

So, guess what. Here's this amazing cute boy who you've never noticed before, okay? He. Saves all of Gatlon. He uses Ace Anarchy's powerful and enchanting helmet to save the day; give everyone powers and reconstruct the city. Isn't that interesting, he got to use the helmet and know how that power felt? Meanwhile you didn't? You handed it away? And not only that you got your brother your friend callum someone KILLED for it? Guess some people really are destined to be heroes, while you were destined to be a villain. hM. interesting

Oh, but not only that, he has a wonderful and loving and LIVING family! The most famous family in the city! Maybe even the country! Now guess what, you ALSO had a wonderful, loving family. Didja know that?? The renegades PROMISED to keep you all together, PROMISED to protect you! And guess what, they didn't. They didn't AND failed to keep an EYE on your fucking "corpse". But you already knew that! You already knew you lost your connection to your real identity! You already knew you got booted to the dumping ground for unwanted prodigies! You had to give up on waiting for your last fucking hope of your sister, or anyone AT ALL coming to get you!

You could have had it. You could have had that family instead of the Savior boy, but thank God you DIDN'T, you never could have saved the city! Your powers wouldn't even be able to compare. It would have been a mistake if the Everharts chose you instead.

...but hey. In other news, your sister is the bitch that hates you! Your sister is the girl who had the bracelet you wanted, you still want. She hates your guts. And if it couldn't get any better, your sister Replaced you! She's now the Older Sister for the Savior, the hero, the cute boy YOUR AGE who's had everything you've ever wanted. She chose him, she's there for him, during the time she knew YOU she couldnt stand you. They have a closer bond than you would have EVER stood a chance to have with her.

Isn't that lovely? Isn't that cool! Isn't that cruel...

And she can't even FAULT Max! ...rationally. He never ASKED for this! Getting to know him, she'd know he had no CHOICE but to stay in his prison! Or else he'd could be used and could hurt many people. His superpowers were a curse, and he's lucky to be alive. The Renegades got there in time but he wasn't even able to fully ENJOY having this loving family for the first 10 years of his life! They were there but she can't help but deeply relate to Max for not really having them, always just out of reach.

The more I think about them the more reasons I find for Maggie to envy and maybe even resent Max so much over time. I wonder if she'd ever wish she never met Max, never got to know him, never got to ask her questions, because then she could hate him without any guilt, shame, and without any worry of losing the one friend she has.

[alitgblog]

s11 vol 9 thoughts

first off, I'm so sorry to everyone else but I am sort of eating up the shitty pride and prejudice adaptation this season with Dominic but not to give fusebox too much credit, I do think I'm fully biased because it's only after I made the connection in my head. But like I absolutely understand why it's frustrating because (a) it's not well written/well paced, (b) your MC's personality is forced on you and (c) your only LI options are the person you picked volume 1, Tunde/Harvey, or Dominic. So that's just another thing forced on you which is not fun for a interactive fiction game. Like a visual novel? sure, if the writing was there. But you can't be bad at both the writing/story and the choices aspect of it.

Like it's almost giving S5 vibes even past the ex in the villa twist in casa, except you get the illusion of choice of who your Alfie is (OG boys/Tunde/Harvey). And there's no Finn but there honestly easily could've been.

Also oh my god the season feels like it's dragging on for sure

ok that being said, I too am sick of the Esme and Jace thing. I don't mind Esme being a little messy I kinda like her for that shed be boring otherwise but I understand fusebox has a bit of a problem with handling female characters let alone black female characters. there's definitely a way to write this so she would have similar struggles but come off less annoying and hypocritical. Jace however I've hated from the jump and this volume furthers that narrative. Said it last time too but missed opportunity for a friends to lovers slow build storyline with Kenzo where Esme is absolutely shocked that MC takes him in the last recoupling

And that's really the theme of this volume recap tbh: "said it last time" because it feels like everything just got dragged out further aside from Sonya entering.

Especially because I could've sworn Kenzo, Jace, and Esme already talked and if not, they should've? Jace interrupting the dates so Esme and Kenzo and him could talk us so vague and odd pacing wise, I would've rather they talk about it last volume and pretend to patch it up, then it should've escalated FURTHER this volume. and like it sort of did when Jace and Esme kissed and Kenzo had to take a walk or whatever, but that shows we didn't need Jace making a big deal at the date imo.

there's a part where Anna predicts Maisie is coming back and between that and the tunde coming back thing, I'm not a fan of the meta commentary of it? plus it lowers the stakes if we have to assure the audience someone that was dumped is coming back.

i have mixed feelings on the date scene. Good things: First of all, as someone who likes the dominic storyline but only because I realized it's a p&p adaptation, I'm living for their conversation. Secondly, the date crashing post casa recoupling was great, and honestly? if only Tunde and Ren were there for it too, the way that stick or twist SHOULD work. And Maisie too. Because the idea of people interrupting dates just makes for good tension and could've been fast paced, a lot of shuffling, the way speed dates in game work but more purposeful. So I like the idea. I probably would've also liked to see a moment where callum and dominic end up both being at the singles table and arguing until their argument comes to a big explosion (or Jace and kenzo). However, going into the bad stuff: no one really said anything aside from the first conversation? the dates were too quick and we're too focused on other people's dates.

Callum never says anything of importance anymore, not that he did initially (without paying gems at least), aside from "I'm gonna win you back just wait." And this is very clear during the dates. Tbf, Dominic doesn't either, he just also has the added bonus of constantly mentioning hey remember when I stole that job from you. He gets a few more points here for talking about his grandparents in Spain and that he's stubborn when it comes to love because I guess I personally prefer that tension over Callum being head over heels for MC at first sight.

and once again Jace makes it all about him getting all mad and not even when esme is with Kenzo, like she's literally talking to Dominic. He's just being extra irritating and even Ruby is noticing (personally I'm just glad that as someone playing a straight route she gets to talk about something other than a boy sleighting her).

Anyway I could've wingmaned Zac and Ruby only for him to fuck it up two scenes later, that would've been cool but I understand with the branching and that Ruby is a wlw route, we were never gonna get that, so the real solution is we need an extra couple around of characters that don't hate us. like maybe I do want it to be friend island

So then we have the secrets game, which is a snooze especially because you need to pay gems to reveal the Zac and Anna stuff, and I wasn't willing so it's not important, and the big reveal that Jace and Esme kissed behind Kenzo's back doesn't even get revealed during the game?? It feels like the perfect opportunity to integrate the game and the drama but it's just mentioned separately which seems silly. The rest of the secrets were both boring and somehow made me disgusted at everyone a little bit more.

I don't remember when this happens but Dominic getting flustered trying to set up a cute date for MC without her knowing was mildly cute, but I wanna focus on how funny it is that after Callum learns of this he's like "uhm! I also! have a special night planned" like he threw it in last minute because of Dominic's plans like I know that wasn't the intention but I am choosing to read it like that because it is funnier.

also low key why was this kinda hot I'm in love with MC

Maisie is back and she's right: the islanders were not excited enough, we should've thrown a parade in her honor.

I also didn't care to find out what happened at the sleepover or whatever.

But Sonya is here and she's very pretty and I need her to be a good character even though she's going after your LI PLEASE, I can't deal with another Vida/Zabrina.

Being spies with Anna? Why are we friends that's crazy because every time I think she's growing on me she stirs some shit up the next episode and I'm annoyed again

No but also why does she have MC's back more than Esme and Ruby. Like maybe yall didn't like it, but I think my MC would've eavesdropped lol.

Also lowkey the dialogue between Dominic and Sonya, even though I know it's gonna be a silly misunderstanding situation, is kinda the best dialogue of the season. Only possibly rivaled with Reid's dialogue basically ever since stick or twist

And Sonya gets to steal someone. with the amount of episodes left, I doubt it's your LI unless fusebox is increasing back to 42 or 48 episodes. Which means maybe it's your other LI (as in either Dominic or Callum/Tunde/etc.)? Or better yet, Jace, which gets Esme riled up and we continue that storyline for another thousand years 🙄

[sheyri]

Ash needs a job

The last couple days had been hectic and chaotic, but now things were slowly falling into a routine. Callum spent most of his days with his brother, trying to reform the redguard. Ramsay was handling House affairs and continued her research whenever she had time to spare.

Ash... Ash was trying to figure out what he was supposed to do. He saw his partners on the weekends when they were home, and sometimes during the week. But in between that, there was just lots of empty time.

He had done some odd jobs around the house. It hadn't been in perfect shape when they bought it, there were some small things to repair and walls to paint. He could do that.

He had started a small herb garden in the back, planted some flowers as well. He'd gotten some more exotic plants for Ramsay, since all of hers had been blown up with Lancaster. Taking care of plants, and especially Ramsay's plants, was just something he'd gotten used to over the last year.

He had a license now, but he didn't really know what to do with it. It had always been his goal, but he'd never considered what would come after. It had always been so far out of reach. Sure, he used his alchemy for small things around the house and it was nice to do that without having to worry about being caught. But that wasn't really much, not really taking full use of what he could do.

Ash would've considered studying, but Lancaster was gone. Kensington was gone. Rebuilding would take time. The other colleges were already overrun by former Lancaster students who needed a place to continue their studies and graduate. He wouldn't be able to get in, especially not in the middle of the semester.

No. What he had to do now was find a job. Something, just anything. He'd been idle for too long anyway.

~~~

“So, how was your week?”, Callum asked. He'd come home about half an hour ago and they'd just sat down with some tea, waiting for Ramsay.

Ash sighed, frustrated. “Annoying. And kind of exhausting”, he said.

“That bad? What have you been up to?”

“Not much, actually. I've been trying to find a job.”

“I take it you weren't successful?”

“You'd think there'd be plenty of jobs, lots to do. But with all the refugees from Kensington, there's just more demand than open jobs. And I waited too long to put myself out there.”

“That makes sense. But this also means this town is growing and new businesses will open, meaning more jobs. I'm sure you'll find something eventually.”

“Yeah. It's just frustrating.”

“What's frustrating?”, came a voice from the front door. Ash turned towards Ramsay to greet him. His hair was loose and a bit messy. Ash felt the sudden urge to brush it for him.

Ramsay got himself his own mug before joining the two of them in the living room. “So?”, he prompted.

“I can't find a job.”

“Why would you need a job?”

“Well, there's just not much to do for me while you're away and busy. Besides, I have to start earning some money again”, he mumbled.

“No, you don't.”

“What? Of course I do!”

“Why? I mean, it's fine if you want to, but we have more than enough money. In case you missed it, I'm kind of rich. And Callum has a steady income, too.”

“Yeah, but that's your money. I can't let you provide for me forever. I'm already living here without paying rent or anything.”

“Ash”, Callum said. “This is your home, too.”

“I know, but-”

“No but”, Ramsay cut him off. “You saved the world. You saved our lives. You shouldn't have financial worries.”

Ash remained silent. It made sense, what they said. But it just didn't feel right. He was just leeching off of them without contributing.

“I understand your worries, Ash. You don't get things for free, that's what you're thinking, isn't it?”

He shrugged, then nodded. “That's just not how the world works, is it? Can't get anywhere without money.”

“You're right, but that's not true in a relationship. A relationship isn't a transaction. Besides, you do give back. You care for us, you love us. And in a more material sense, you take care of the house while we're gone. You cook, which is something Ramsay could never do.” “Hey!”, Ramsay shot in. Callum ignored him. “We grew up in completely different circumstances, and I think we all need to understand that.”

“I guess you have a point”, Ash admitted. “Though that still doesn't solve my problem of too much spare time.”

“Don't you want to continue studying alchemy? Now that you can legally do so?”, Ramsay asked. Without waiting for an answer he went on. “I'll bring you some books, and the course material for my first years. Source knows you're still lacking some basics.” He sat down his mug and leaned over to Ash.

“Now shut up. Right now all we have to do is enjoy our weekend together”, Ramsay said and kissed him.

[raayllum]

evidence for Rayllum proposal at the end of S7?

re: this post because I'm nothing if not a clown that's Committed, and given that 3x09 didn't do the "couple gets together" as the big finale gesture, and instead had it be their first "I love you," and that they're fully back together 2/3rds through S6, it feels like another relationship upgrade of some manner is on its way to close out arc 2. So here's why it could be a proposal (or something close to it, anyway)

1) The boat date scene

Back before S6 there was a leaked split second clip from Bardel's animation website featuring Stella and all three Baitlings seemingly juggling adoraburrs and singing, respectively.

Given the fact that the Baitlings were there, I'd speculated that it would not actually happen in S6, but instead be reserved for S7. Now that we know that's true as S6 came and went with lots of trauma and no rose boat date scene, I wanna take another crack at things. This is of course operating under the assumption that this boat is for a cute scene for Rayla and Callum (and not anyone else) and that it isn't interrupted by the Plot (or not entirely).

Given that S7 opens so intensely per the spoilers from NYCC, the only places I could see the season having room for this cute/fluffy is 1) on the trip to the Silvergrove as a way to offset nerves / after the trial has gone okay but before they know Aaravos is out, maybe or 2) at the end of the season once everything is over as one of the final Rayllum scenes in the arc, if not their last real one (think 3x09 "i love you" for scene focus versus their smaller handhold moments in the antechamber with Zubeia and everyone else). For the sake of this meta, I'm also assuming it's the second one.

There's the fact that there's roses and a cute little display of 2 of their specific animal companions, the starling birds collected across the course of S7 presumably. Putting a romantic date for them on a boat (presumably planned by Callum) may seem odd for someone like Rayla, but I believe it could be a cute call back / opportunity for reflection to the first time they really bonded in 1x05. Something like this, basically.

Additionally, as noted it'd set up a relationship upgrade (especially when s7 would've challenged them to their absolute limit and mutual devotion towards each other) that reflects the ways they've grown older and more mature,

2) Parallels to other married couples

Rayllum having the most parallels to other couples in the show isn't new, and is understandable as their amount of screentime as a couple and as characters allows a ton of parallels with other couples and characters. However, what we do see in arc 2 is an emphasis on marriage in ways that wasn't there before from both Harrow (+ Sarai) and particularly with Janaya and Ruthari.

So she sailed north, forgoing a man who'd have made her his bride

[ Mild 7x01 spoilers: Runaan emphasizes that he made a promise to "the elf he loves," his husband, and Rayla reiterates in kind that she made a promise to "the human [she] loves," putting Callum in her life on the same level as Runaan puts his spouse. Callum expresses that he's hesitant to go and check on Katolis because he doesn't want to be separated from Rayla again. ]

Arc 2 beginning with a proposal (Janaya) and ending with one would be a nice bookend in addition to contributing to previous themes of elf-human unification, as Xadia will likely be brought together further in the efforts to defeat Aaravos.

S7 is also primed to reaffirm 1) their immense desire to stick together and not be separated and 2) their deep, encompassing love for each other. In notions to future seasons, we may get to see where the two will decide to live, either rebuilding Katolis, travelling Xadia for magical reasons, or even the Silvergrove if they admit the wrong they've done to Rayla. Emphasizing that they want to be together and be together permanently, then, could be done through a proposal, being a relationship upgrade after a particularly tumultuous time, and because they will likely be even older in Arc 3 (early 20s at the youngest, and possibly more).

At the end of the day, though, I truly believe that some form of Rayllum proposal will happen

3) In spirit if nothing else

While it may not outright be a horn cuff presentation and popping the question, with all the above, I think some form of "We're staying together, no matter what" / "Where you go, I go" etc is happening almost by default in the S7 finale. The two need a closing moment together, and given that S4 opened with them separated, with respect to their arc throughout S4-S7 in addition to previous seasons, proving that their closeness with one another is strong and real and permanent this time, I think, is important and kind of inevitable. So if not a proposal, then something 'proposal lite' that doubles as being basically marriage vows in terms of devotion/romanticism, even if they aren't directly.

And honestly, I kinda can't wait for it!

[thestarswillguide]

I know almost all of us are saying to continue the saga and everything, but it's honestly kinda idiotic imo how wonderstorm went about making saga 2.

Since they decided to make it like Avatar with each season for each element (Primal Source in this case), it'd make complete sense for the final season to be Dark. I don't really know what went wrong with season 4 & 5 cause it's been a few months since I watched them, but apparently the creators fooled around too much or whatever (except for season 6. I actually think that was the best season in saga 2).

I saw someone's post on reddit saying that the creators could've put some of the rly important stuff in those seasons while Aaravos's release and after could've been in the middle of season 6? And the whole time skip after 7 years could've been season 7: Dark.

I actually agree with this because if you think about it, season 4 was Earth right? The dragang going to Umber Tor and racing Viren's team to Aaravos's prison (if I remember correctly). I don't recall what the problem was with season 4, but I do know that they didn't have to do the whole thing with Finnegrin and the baitlings in season 5 (not like I don't love the baitlings ofc, but they could've found them on a random rock or whatever idk). Look, I'm all for growth and character development, but that was unnecessary.

Also, going to the great bookery. Again, I'm not too sure if that was necessary. I feel like instead of them risking their lives to read up on Startouch elves, only to find that the only useful info was the Nova Blade, they could've actually just went to Akiyu, beat Viren's team to the prison, and then got everything they wanted to know from the Celestial elves. That would've sped up things, with Aaravos being released instead at the end of season 5! Therefore, he would've done all his dark stuff and all in season 6, blew up, and then BOOM, he comes back in season 7 and we get the perfect finale, with no need to beg on our knees for more.

I think the problem was that wonderstorm wanted each season to be specifically focused on that Primal Source, so they put in *extras* that were respective of each, even though they were small. This does make sense generally, but NOT when you have only 7 forms of magic which means only 7 seasons!! And really, I don't think they did it like that in the first saga?

I remember in seasons 1, 2 & 3, even though they were called Moon, Sky & Sun, there weren't any unnecessary extras added that filled in for those Primal Sources. All of them were important to the story and events that led to the next season: Lujanne being a Moon mage, Callum starting to understand Primal magic and then learning the *Sky* Primal, Sol Regem's first appearance and Viren invading Lux Aurea. All these were perfectly suitable for the Primal Source of the season without doing anything unnecessary.

Not only that, I heard that they changed directors after the 2 year hiatus? I think that could be why things might've been a flop, idk. It really makes me wonder though, what would saga 2 have been like if it was directed by the first one? 🤩

[jophinabean]

Reviewing The Improbable Meet-Cute series

Book one - The Exception to the Rule - One typo, and a boy and girl connect by chance. Wishing each other a happy Valentine’s Day isn’t the end. In fact, it becomes a friendly annual tradition—with rules: no pics, no real names, nothing too personal. As years pass, the rules for their email “dates” are breaking, and they’re sharing more than they imagined—including the urge to ask…what if we actually met?

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐... Without question! 🥰 Soooo cute! Sweet little love story that had me smiling the whole way through! The first half is written in an email format spanning 10 years which I actually really liked. Only (I think) 24 chapters, 80+ pages long, but you really get to know the mcs and fall in love with their love story! I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a short and sweet read for Valentine's day! Definitely my favorite in the series! Plus the mmc, Callum, is 🥴😘👌

Book two - Worst Wingman Ever - Holly is dealing with the impending death of her grandmother and still reeling from a bad breakup. One bright spot: a Valentine’s Day card on Holly’s windshield—even if it wasn’t meant for her. An amusing mistake soon turns into a lovely exchange of anonymous notes, little acts of kindness, and a growing affection between two strangers. What happens when one of them has to say goodbye?

⭐⭐⭐⭐... Also very cute and fun! Again getting a good look into the mcs lives to get to know them separately, but wasnt revolved around them together as much. In fact they only interacted face to face twice the whole time, I would've liked more interaction so they could feel more right for each other by the end. Good story non the less!

Book three - Rosie and the Dreamboat - Rosie Whittaker and her sister are up for some Galentine’s pampering at a day spa. Getting locked inside a flotation tank is so Rosie. Enter a firefighter hero determined to pry this luckless pearl out of her high-tech shell. All Rosie has to go on is a dreamy voice and a flirty sense of humor. Remain calm, Rosie. This could be what you’ve been waiting for. Is this the man she’s waited for her whole life.

⭐⭐⭐⭐... This one is a hit or miss, but I personally loved it! A lot of people said it was too unrealistic, like Rosie (who supposably has ptsd) being so calm in her situation, being perfectly fine afterwards and not sueing the spa. Those things didn't bother me as much because after all... it is improbable love stories. It had really good and funny banter between the mcs, although very cringy at times. Overall I really enjoyed this one too! And for me Leo is also 🥴🥰👌

Book four - Drop, Cover, and Hold On - This Valentine’s Day, Daisy Murray has her heart set on binge-watching rom-coms. Instead, an earthquake traps her inside a bakery with its impossibly rude and insufferably handsome owner and head baker. They already have a history: she’s always smiled, he’s always scowled. Where better to finally get to know each other than amid the disaster? Then again, they have no choice. Besides, it could have its sweet, undeniable, and unpredictable perks.

⭐... Really disappointing. Boring, skipped though paragraphs that just thoroughly described a pastry or fmc getting texts from family and friends. The mcs had no connection with each other or the reader. They had a weird dynamic and just blah dialogue. They really didn't show any interest in each other until the end when they suddenly really wanted to have s*x. It was just weird, boring, and had nothing romantic about it... and I can't believe I didn't leave half way through.

Book five - With Any Luck - Audrey Love is cursed to be the person before you find your soulmate, the girl you dump for your true love. So when her best friend disappears hours before his Valentine’s Day wedding, Audrey fears that she did the unthinkable and kissed him at last night’s bachelor party. With help from the best man, she retraces her steps to find the missing groom and, with any luck, a true love of her own.

⭐⭐... This one was eh. The story had potential but it wasn't executed very well. Reading two disappointing stories back to back... I basically forced myself to finish this one, telling myself maybe the ending will be good... It wasn't. One brief surprise s*x scene with moderate detail was the most exciting part of the whole story, but I didn't enjoy it anyway since I wasn't enjoying the story. Disappointing to say the least.

Book six - Royal Valentine - Did not read. Literally, I was so disappointed with the last two that I didn't even read the last book. Didn't want to waste my time if it wasn't going to be good.

The first one is definitely the best and the one I would most likely read again. The second and third are still good, the third being my favorite of the two. The last ones.... 😶‍🌫️

Also these are all written by different authors but two of them mentioned 90s Brendan Fraser to describe the guys... Which I found humorous but also kinda lazy writing ???

[flaming-thing]

I will catch up. If not tonight, then tomorrow 🫡 (also if this posts twice I apologise, I tried to reblog and it came up with an error? So im doing it again but the first one might come up at some point)

Ram is an animal lover confirmed

I know the other elves can all hear what's going on, but poor callum and ezran must be so confused rn 😭 all they know is thag callisto heard something, and suddenly everyone sprints off leaving them with literally no other information 😭

Imagine being soren in this situation. You're fighting someone you were meant to kill (who you didn't really even want to kill in thr first place), and then her dad just... appears from nowhere between you. Poor guy must be as confused as corvus rn

"Andromedas sickles both wrapped around the neck of the mage" HANG ON HOLD UP THIS SOUNDS FAMILIAR WE HAVE BEEN HERE BEFORE. Girl if you start flirting with claudia I swear

"Corvus, surprisingly,..." SUPRISINGLY?? Damn poor corvus 😭 they really don't have high hopes for him do they

Rayla I'm sorry. As much as I hate to tell you this, i actually don't tunk you had it. If it was just you and soren? Maybe you would've been able to win. But with claudia there as well?

Soren stop bullying people. Especially people younger than you

Callum how did you catch up 😭 it's been like. Less than a minute since the elves got here. How did you run so quickly??

The 'she threw mud in my face' thing has always been hilarious to me. Like, rayla (as far as soren knows) helped to kill the king, kidnapped the princes and then threatened their lives at the banther lodge. And the thing he's annoyed about is that she got mud in his face. It's exactly the sort of thing I would get petty over and I love it

Yes ram you tell them. I never even thought how claudia doing dark magic would be even more disrespectful than doing dark magic already is

Pfffft ram just got bup bup bupped by a child this is amazing

Oh dear lord callum please don't pull the 'but a good elf' line in the presence of 5 other elves please don't do that

CALLUM FOR GODS SAKE. WHAT WAS GOING THROUGH YOUR BRAIN TO MAKE YOU THINK THAT WAS A GOOD IDEA. SERIOUSLY. THIS IS ALMOST AS BAD AS THE 'OH LOOK AN AVALANCHE GUESS ILL BLOW ON IT'. That one *only* takes priority because two (three including zym) people were injured

Runaan you really don't need an excuse to make sure she's alright at this point. Everyone knows that you're taking this opportunity to check her. Just embrace the paternal instincts

Wait andromeda don't kill her she's needed for the plot

Oops forgot corvus was here. Again

SOREN you liar. Tut tut

COMMANDER GREN IS INDISPOSED?? SOREN YOU *BETTER* BR LYING ISTG IF SOMETHING HAPPENED TO GREN I WILL THROW HANDS

"Lord viren sent us in his steed" claudia. Soren *literally just said* that amaya sent you

Wait I've just realised callum has just. Ledt ezran alone. Like yes ok he has lujanne (and ellis) but still

Do soren and claudia know that viren most likely killed the king? Or do they think but aren't sure? Or just don't know? The possibilities are endless

Ah yes, instance number 184 of callisto using their glaive for literally anything except its intended purpose

... andromeda WHY do you use the same voice to both threaten and tease people

'How would that work' how would *what* work?? Ram what are you on about??

GUYS Oh my god stop bullying claudia. Yes ok she's slightly evil but come on she's 16 😭

Ah yes the paternal instincts. They have been embraced

Ooooh no he's angry. Maybe more at soren and claudia than at rayla. But still

Runaan you are actually not helping much

Yes remember what ram told you

Ah yes much better

Awww they're hugging

If i were rayla in this situation i 100% would've forgotten the swords. Until like the next day or something

SKOR *WAS* RIGHT HE TOLD YOU THIS IN LITERALLY THE FIRST CHAPTER!! Only took you 27 chapters to realise he was right

Different Path Taken Ch27 P2

Runaan's perspective takes over - his reaction to the fight, and to hearing Rayla's story about it afterwards.

They were about to settle the children for bed after a last meal when Callisto’s tone instantly caught Runaan’s attention, tense and alarmed. “Does anyone else hear that?”

Glancing at them and twitching his ears in the same direction as they all froze, Runaan’s blood ran cold as he recognized the sound of metal clashing against metal.  He quickly ran his eyes over who was present.  The other elves were all close by, with the exception of Ram and Lujanne, who were standing a little apart from them with Phoe-Phoe and Ava.

“Rayla,” Her name came out in a rush of breath as his heart clenched with the realization.  She was the only one missing.

He bolted for the noise with barely a further thought, trusting that Ezran and Callum would be safe near Lujanne in the heart of the Nexus.  A few of the moths that fluttered around the Nexus flew along his path, guiding him directly to the fight.  He heard the words of Dark Magic and Rayla’s cry of pain lit a rage in his heart that he ruthlessly caged for use when it wouldn’t get in his way.

There was space between them when he arrived, sensing the others around him.  He trusted them to take appropriate positions and dropped from the trees directly between Rayla and the swordsman who had drawn back to strike at her again, brandishing his own comparable swords to block him.  Around him more blades unfolded and flickered into existence.  Skor took up a position behind the human swordsman, a blade poking into his back.  Callisto flanked Runaan, far enough away to block any attempts by the swordsman to dodge in their direction.  Andromeda’s sickles both wrapped around the neck of the mage, forcing her to lean back awkwardly against the older woman.  Ram flanked them just as Callisto was doing, twirling throwing daggers between his fingers.  Corvus, surprisingly, had kept up and stood between the other two humans. 

Everything went still for a moment.  Both humans and Rayla were breathing heavily.  Runaan tilted his head and angled his ear back towards her, heart pounding erratically in his chest. “Are you all right, Rayla?”

“I’m fine,” She spat, and he could just imagine her flattened ears and the curl of her lip just from her tone. “I had it!”

“Sure, if it makes you feel better to say so,” The swordsman sneered from in front of him and Runaan narrowed his eyes, baring his fangs at the man.

“Stop!” Callum’s shout took them all by surprise. 

“Callum?” The mage asked in disbelief.

“Don’t fight each other,” Callum ordered, and Runaan noted the moths fluttering around him.  Something in the Nexus had approved of this - guided the boy to their sides.  He frowned deeply. “You’re not enemies.”

Every fiber of his being protested this, but the swordsman was actually lowering his blade at Callum’s urging, wasn’t even holding it up to block any attacks from Runaan. 

“Your friends tried t’ kill me!” Rayla protested. 

“They kidnapped you!”

“She threw mud in my face and some got in my mouth!”

Fascinating.  The mage was angry about their supposed kidnapping, but after being called off, the soldier’s priority wasn’t to contradict the prince, but to gripe about a petty grievance?

“Okay, okay,” Callum said, skidding in next to Runaan and putting his hands out in a calming gesture.  His back was to the elves, placing himself firmly on their side. “Knock it off a second.  Just let me explain.  First of all, Claudia and Soren, I don’t know what you’re doing here, but I’m really glad to see you.”

“Are you kiddin’?” Rayla squawked. “They attacked me!  How can ye be glad?”

“They bring dark magic to a sacred site,” Ram spat. “And violence to a place of grief and peace.”

“Bup bup bup bup bup!” Callum held up his fingers at them both to silence them. “Yeah, they’re two of my oldest friends, and I am glad to see them.” He turned back to the mage and soldier. “But not glad to see you trying to murder my new friend, Rayla, who happens to be-”

“She’s an elf!” The soldier half-shouted, but his sword remained low and he gestured only with his hands, going lower rather than looming over his young friend.

“But a good elf,” Callum contradicted, and Runaan’s back nearly straightened with offense. 

Rayla shot up beside him to speak her mind as he saw Skor’s expression twist unpleasantly behind the soldier’s shoulder. “What do ye mean ‘but a good elf’?” She demanded angrily.

Runaan was slightly grateful for her fury as it drew her into his eyeline, and he could glance her over and be sure almost right away she had no major cuts or lacerations.  He would check later for anything internal or beneath her armor.

“She kidnapped you and Prince Ezran, how can she be-” the mage started, and broke off abruptly when Andromeda’s sickles tightened on her neck.  They weren’t yet drawing blood but the threat was clear.

“There was no kidnapping,” Callum said firmly. “We went with her and the others by choice.  We knew about all of them when we left.”

“I can confirm that,” Corvus said seriously, lowering his own weapon and looking between the other humans.

The swordsman narrowed his mud-encrusted eyes at him. “And who are you exactly?”

Interesting that he didn’t know.

“I’m Corvus.  One of General Amaya’s personal trackers.” Corvus didn’t miss a beat in replying coolly. “She sent me to find and recover her nephews safely.  And who exactly sent you?”

The swordsman paused for a moment, looking from Corvus to the mage and back. “. . . Also . . . General Amaya,” he said slowly.

Corvus frowned. “Really?” he said just as slowly, brows angled skeptically. “Odd.  I would have thought she’d send one of her own.”

“Commander Gren is uh, indisposed.  So Lord Viren sent us in his stead.” The mage explained, and her fingers spread a little wider as Andromeda huffed from behind her. 

Alarm bells went off in Runaan’s mind after the other suspicions they’d had all seemed to link back to Lord Viren, but none of them seemed to have any effect on Prince Callum.  The boy shrugged it off with a roll of his shoulders and a shake of his head. “Well, I’m glad you’re here.  It’s . . . good to see some familiar faces.  The elves have been really helpful with a lot, but . . . knowing what happened to Dad . . . it’s just nice to see an older friend too.”

Both humans frowned. “You . . . already know what happened to the king?” The mage asked tentatively. 

“Yeah.  We were with the elves when the magic that was holding them to the task just broke, even though they weren’t anywhere near him.” Callum said, not seeming to notice the alarm in the teenagers’ faces as they exchanged glances. “Listen, it’s late.  Why don’t we all just go get some rest and cool off.  Everyone lower your weapons, and we’ll explain everything in the morning.”

Runaan waited until the swordsman sheathed his blade to fold his own again and sling the bow across his chest.  Skor’s lip curled but he reluctantly stepped back, holding his own sword neutral again.  Callisto leaned on their glaive rather than folding it up again, eyes narrow. 

“Mages first,” Andromeda’s voice was smooth and lyrical the way it got when she was teasing or threatening someone.  

“Age before beauty,” The mage sneered in reply.

Andromeda chuckled humorlessly. “Cute.  But I said it first, darling.”

“How would that work?” Ram asked idly. “Either way I think that works out in Andromeda’s favor.”

“Don’t be a bully, Ram,” Callisto taunted a bit with a smirk. “From what Ezran’s said, Claudia’s only sixteen, she has time t’ grow into herself.”

Claudia looked furious, but she lowered her hands and she smiled when Callum looked at her.  Only once she had relaxed did Andromeda unhook her sickles from around the young woman’s neck and let her stand up properly. 

Runaan turned immediately to Rayla with everyone disarmed, crouching beside her and running his eyes critically over her. “Rayla, come here.” He ordered, tugging her into reach the moment she let him touch her, tucking her in to examine her.

“I told ye, I’m fine, Runaan,” She protested verbally, but she let him pull her in, and she knelt in front of him to let him fuss. “I had that.”

Thankfully, the others began to move back towards the buildings for warm beds, leaving them alone, and Runaan made a mental note to thank them for the privacy later as he examined her hands.  They were bright pink under the mud that he brushed away, and she winced when he touched them, as if they were just barely burned. 

“What happened to your hands?” He asked, his tone more neutral than he felt.

Rayla took a moment to respond and when she did it was reluctantly. “The mage, Claudia, she threw somethin’ on ma swords and made ’em too hot t’ touch, while I was holdin’ ’em.  It’s just a little through the mud though, I’m okay.”

Runaan wiped the worst of the mud off her hands around her gloves and took her wrists in his hands, holding them together, breathing carefully before looking her in the eyes.  Her ears were laid back and her eyes were wide with worry. “How did they catch you?” He asked evenly. 

She straightened her back and replied dutifully as always. “They tried t’ use a spell on me, but I didn’t fall for it,” She said. “It was supposed t’ be a sleep spell, so I faked it, I grabbed a blue rose and pricked myself t’ stay awake, and then when Soren was ready t’ attack me, I took him by surprise instead.”

Something cold settled in the pit of his stomach and Runaan narrowed his eyes at her. “You knew what you were going up against,” He said slowly.

Rayla shifted uncomfortably, catching his displeased tone. “Yes?” She confirmed hesitantly. “Sort of.”

“I am just trying to make certain I understand what happened,” Runaan told her, covering her wounded hands with his own. “You discovered what you were facing - that you were outnumbered and one of your opponents was a mage - and you chose to fight instead of retreating for the reinforcements you knew you had available?”

Rayla winced. “I thought I could handle it.” She said weakly. 

“That is besides the point.  Have I not taught you to use every advantage you have at your disposal?  That includes asking for help!” Runaan reminded her, his fingers tense around hers though he carefully didn’t compress them. “You could have asked anyone, it didn’t have to be me, anything that meant you weren’t going into a fight outnumbered, against a ranged opponent with no real ranged weapons.”

Rayla shrank under his censure. “I just thought . . .”

This was exactly what Ram had warned him about.  She had thrown herself into things to prove herself to him again, and Runaan stopped himself short of scolding her, suddenly realizing it would only fuel her to fight harder.  To do this again, over and over until -

Until she felt she’d proven herself to him.

He took a deep, slow breath and let go of her hands, carefully setting aside his own reactive anger and fear for her, and touched her chin to raise her eyes to his again. “You have nothing to prove to me, darling.” He said firmly, knowing too well that it was virtually useless - but trying to reassure her was all he had.  What else could he do, in this moment? “I am not saying you weren’t capable.  I am saying I wish you had called on the resources you had while you have them.  Just promise me you will do better about that.  Please.”

Rayla blinked at him, as if confused by his step back from how harsh he had been with her.  She bit her lip, looking at first one eye, then the other, studying his face before nodding slowly. “I’ll work on it.” She promised. 

“Good.  Now come here.” He tugged her in and Rayla went willingly.  He let his knees fall to the ground so he was kneeling too, allowing him to get a little closer to her to hug her against his chest, nearly hidden by his hair and arms settling around her comparatively tiny frame. 

When they parted she tucked the braid he’d given her behind her ear carefully and glanced over her shoulder. “My swords are in the mud,” She confessed, and he let her go to pick them up.

“Let’s go get your hands seen to,” He said firmly when he saw her wince a little as she folded the butterfly blades and tucked them against her back. “Then you are sleeping with me again.”

She snorted but she was smiling a little, looking down at the path rather than at his eyes. “Okay, Dad.”

His voice caught in his throat again at the title, and he tucked her under his arm as they walked back to their building at the Nexus.  The others had all disappeared into somewhere by now, and they saw no one as they mounted the stairs, at least.

Lucky for the mage and soldier, honestly.  His temper still hadn’t fully cooled, though he had set it aside to care for his cub.  His daughter.  

As he put the soothing cream on her hands, somewhat unnecessarily, to make her more comfortable to sleep, he was transported back to years in the past when he had applied this same cream to her itching spots after she first discovered what he did.  The tiny frame scowling bitterly at his hands, refusing to look at his face.  The way she had complained the entire time.

There was no complaining now, instead it was sighs of relief she tried to hide.  She still wasn’t looking at him, but it was interest on her face, not bitterness.  It was still the same little girl he had held all those years ago, though.  The same face whose hands he had bandaged time and again to prepare her for training. The same one he had patched up after her experience with the river on the blood moon.  The one he had placed sun’s tears poultice over her scrapes and bruises every day after training for years on end.  The same one he had held on his lap while Ti- while her mother did this for her after her first experience with nettles at the tender age of four.  The same one he had steadied in his hands as she brandished a little stick like a sword.  The little bundle he had handed over to Tiadrin in that little copse of trees on the plains before they reached Moonshadow Forest, when she had gone into labor early.

She wouldn’t remember all of those.  She would remember mostly the ones that featured only him and Ethari, with comparatively few from her other parents.  

What closure could there possibly be for him down this thought trail?  Her other parents were dead.  He would never get to confront them about their choices, never get to tell them how their selfishness had hurt him.  How he had set his own dreams of having a child aside to take care of theirs, only for them to be gone so long she became more his than theirs.  

Rayla didn’t comment on how heavily he scent marked her when he was done soothing her hands, or how he cuddled her where she couldn’t move without his knowledge when they settled into bed.  She just huffed a little at the position and submitted to it.

Skor was right.

Rayla was his.

He would never let anything stand in the way of that again.