#if callum lived he would've LOVED

[joseopher]

rip Callum, you would've loved

[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.

[honeii-puff]

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.

[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.

[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 ???

[raayllum]

I'll also chime in that post-s3 myself (and many others) were like "the only thing that could break them up is Rayla's tendency to leave and be hyper-independent / sacrificial because of trauma," because no matter how well meaning (Through the Moon) or heroic the show occasionally portrayed it (2x07), self destructive behaviour —especially of that kind — is never going to be conducive to a long term healthy relationship. So it wasn't.

I get not seeing her successfully leaving ahead of time, but anyone who thought she wouldn't try and that it came out of nowhere truly just wasn't paying attention to her character tbh, especially when the final episodes of season 3 (3x08, 3x09) reaffirmed this over and over again.

This was always going to be their biggest hurdle to jump (and in some lingering ways, they're still jumping it) and doing it during the timeskip makes the most sense from a character standpoint. Rayla's biggest issues was her inability to ask for or readily routinely accept help, and I don't know if that would've been believably unresolved for two years if she'd stayed in a healthy, loving relationship day in and day out. This way, we get to see her choices — to come back and keep coming back (4x03, 4x09), working on asking for help, learning to accept it — and her evolution happen first hand.

They also needed to grow to better understand each other. Callum couldn't understand leaving / the Moonshadow-ness of it all ("You're going to stay here and die out of pride?") and while he was often right to push back against it, it wasn't the environment Rayla could grow in, nor could she understand the full importance of staying till she chose to. The unconditional basis set up at the end of 4x09, loving and painful in equal measure ("I have to go after him" "...I know") is what allows her to flourish in S5 ("You can tell me when you're ready" -> "I know I trust you to help me carry this. If you're okay with that?") and S6, as well as for Callum to settled in his truth: come hell or high water, he loves her, and he always will ("It always was [a thing]. It was always her").

So just on an interpersonal level it makes sense; on a more S7 speculative mode, I've always thought that what makes the most sense plot wise is that both sides of their separation could provide the basis of justification for whatever batshit, world-ending crap they get up to in the Aaravos showdown.

Rayla's always loved and tried to protect Callum, but her biggest display of that by far was in leaving, even though it was the wrong choice; ergo, when Callum gets possessed and/or corrupted in S7, we'll understand her deep desire to protect him because we've seen it first hand, and she gets to prove it by Staying. On Callum's end, he had to live without her for 2 years, trying and failing to move on, and his happiness levels of her being gone / back (S4) vs her being back and him letting himself be happy about it (early S5 and onwards) is night and day. Of course he'll choose her over the greater good; he's tried to live without her once and he couldn't. He can't lose her again.

All of Arc 2 is about doing awful things for love, like leaving, or dark magic, and how there is an aching pain often mixed with love that cannot be escaped, but it must be wrestled with and acknowledged, and healed from. It's completely thematically coherent and always has been.

The writers didn't lightly make this decision just to stir up conflict. It made sense for the characters culturally, interpersonally, for their personal growth arcs, and for the overall plot. Y'know, the way Good Writing is supposed to work.

anyone who says tdp "ruined rayllum" can meet me in the denny's parking lot. i will truly never believe that the writers broke up rayllum (physically i mean) just as a plot contrivance. this is not me defending my favorite show and my favorite ship; i genuinely believe this was the right move. even when i was young and dumb and first heard about an arc 2 i was like "pff rayllum isn't gonna break up," and yet in the back of my mind i was just wondering how are they gonna pull this off? like i loved them and i know they loved each other and they were sweet little babies blah blah blah but you cannot sit here and tell me that the two 15 year olds who went through a whole shitload of trauma and grief together and who were already killing themselves for each other out of hopeless devotion within 2 weeks weren't bound to crash and burn. people seem to forget that rayla didn't simply decide to leave just because; she was being tormented by her unresolved issues and could not stand to be in that place anymore, no matter how much she loved callum. of course she left because a) that's all she's ever known and b) because they couldn't last (how they were, anyway). rayla and callum had grown to rely on one another so much that they needed time to grow up on their own, and now, well...

there is no better way to test love than to put it through the ringer and see if it survives, and rayllum not only love each other just as much if not more, truly understand each other on a whole new level despite having been apart for so long, and now are back together and stronger than they've ever been. it was entirely logical and frankly inevitable for this to happen, it was a natural progression for the story, and it has made them better.

[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!

[meaming-screals]

i wanna ask, wich driver would you like to see on screaming meals?

Ohhhh this is a tough one because I honestly have a head cannon that Marcus will eventually do this full time and dive into Motorsport media if he doesn’t do racing himself so it’s open a lot of possibility or guests. (Or at least I hope he does.) Sorry if this is a little long, I've watched my fair share of motorsport podcasts and I just think this one is so special.

It's hard to determine but this is my list nonetheless:

1) people we have no idea about (photographers, managers, race engineers etc.)

I would absolutely love this idea. These are the people that spend the most time with drivers in the most unfiltered way and they’d be close enough to not hold back. They likely would've had enough of their (especially Marcus') neuroses to really just put people on blast. If I only could pick one though, my pick would be to have MP Motorsport’s Coordinator Jen. I think she's a real hidden powerhouse in the paddock, taking on so many vital roles during her career and I always love hearing stories of the behind the scenes that keep this crazy travelling circus running. With how hectic everything gets, she's bound to have crazy stories of things going wrong or figuring things out last minute. Also, imo, she always puts out some of the best photos of the weekend. They're always so candid and full of personality which is really hard to capture well in photos. She may be more reserved but this would also be the perfect opportunity for Clem (the newest co-host in town) to solo host or only host with James along with Felipe as a returning guest following his championship win. Jen would have the comfort of two people she's already close with as well as someone who's able to be more inquisitive, structured, and relatable to the audience. Would also love to hear her perspective on what it's like as a third party, non-racer, watching someone go through the motions of winning a championship. (Also big bonus: she's a Kiwi!)

2) Paris Armstrong

Younger sister energy goes hard and you know we’d get the most embarrassing stories about Marcus from her because at the end of the day, he’s not an F2 Motorsport driver; he’s a pain in the ass that she’s unfortunately blood-related to. It’s also always interested me that most drivers move away from home so early in their lives. It’d be great to see them touch on what growing up was like given that they now live in London together/originally started the Screaming Meals Instagram together.

3) Lando Norris

He’s been mentioned quite a bit on the podcast already through karting stories even though they don't claim to be close. I think his dry humour, quick wit, and generally cluelessly upbeat personality would be really fun to have on the podcast. Not to mention, having him on the podcast I think would be the best foray into having higher profile F1 personalities on the podcast that aren't close friends. (Screaming Meals special where they all go karting again for old times sake? Ft. Callum Ilott? We can only hope for now.)

4) Liam Lawson

Triple the trouble. I know they technically don’t get on well or aren’t particularly close, but it’d be fun to hear the return of Marcus going full kiwi because at this point, Clem sounds more kiwi than Marcus does. It's also because I wonder if James has any stories of bumping into Liam during the NZ karting circuits because it's such a small circle. Liam is pretty chaotic so I think it'd be interesting to see what the dynamic is like. I'm pretty sure in this case, to have a non-awkward episode there might have to be a secondary guest. The obvious pick would be Juri Vips because he's close with both Liam and Marcus but uh- idk how that would really work.

5) Robert Schwartzman

While bringing Jehan, Callum, and/or Enzo on the same episode. I'd love for them to recount their old Prema days. Some of the wildest stories we've heard so far were from the episode with Callum so there's bound to be more from their end as well. I'm mostly thinking about that boxing story between Rob and Enzo. (Another specials idea where they do a boxing challenge to relive that one training camp?)

6) Guanyu Zhou

Although we don't see it as much, Zhou does happen to be quite close with them. (As pictured in the latest Screaming Meals IG story.) That would be something really interesting to listen to because Zhou is such a reserved character on the Paddock. He's definitely got a sense of humour and I think having a space like Screaming Meals where they can just banter and go back and forth, we'd be able to see a new/hidden side of him.

7) James Harvey Blair (The man himself)

James, James, James. Ngl I think he really carries this show. He's given us some of the greatest moments so far and I think people really overlook a host like James. For podcasts, it's so important to have a host or a character that the audience can channel themselves through and in this case, I think it's James. He's always so on top of keeping the questions going and while he is the brunt of a lot of jokes, I hope he really gets the love and appreciation he deserves. (I think sometimes you can see the jokes kind of get to him) Having a podcast on him and what his story is besides "I'm just a no-name insurance broker" would be special. If anything, having it as a birthday special would be really nice. Also, what is it like being in a space that he was so close to for so many years while not driving himself? Growing up, it's so hard to let go of things that are so familiar to you; that basically built and raised you as a person. I'm always so interested in that narrative, of drivers that had to at some point make the decision or were forced into making the decision of stopping motorsport. (Also James casually just name dropping he works for Lloyd's like it's not one of the world's biggest and oldest powerhouses when it comes to insurance and finances???)

8) Rory, the Editor

Just let me know what goes on behind those cuts and bleeps. LOL but all jokes aside I just want to know how Rory ended up as their editor and what it's like travelling and working for Screaming Meals. What were his other experiences before this? Was he working in motorsport or did he somehow just fall into this??? So many questions for the floating voice off camera. Again, another birthday special featuring Rory would be really fun and a great way to show their appreciation for the work he does on the podcast.

Anyways, there's a reason I love this podcast sm and It's because I think it really offers what the sport is missing/needs in order to progress and grow into their newer audience. People like to hate on new fans or fans joining just for the personalities of the drivers but those aren't reasons to discredit them as fans of the sport. They watch the races, keep up with what's going on and if that doesn't make you a fan I don't know what does. Often what the sport needs are these personalities to draw people in first, especially when it comes to grasping a younger demographic that you need in order to build a long lasting fanbase so the sport doesn't die out. Older motorsport media doesn't do a good job of hooking in a newer fanbase, especially for F2. It's dry and it often seems too overproduced to really get genuine stories from drivers who are a lot newer and shyer to the media ring. We're just seeing the emergence of an audience looking for these more modern media outlets such as WTF1, PitStop, and TG1F to name a few. Screaming Meals is in the optimal place to become a motorsport media mainstay and is already quickly becoming a ticket for a huge uptick in F2 support. This could translate to more eyes and opportunities as a whole for the series and feeder drivers itself. Too bad the FIA and F2 media don't see more value in this, but hey, they can now just take the show and run with it without having to bend to the whim of some mega media conglomerate

[mr-and-mr-mitchell]

I thought Pam and Callum's reactions last night were super interesting because neither of them were looking at it from Ben's perspective. Pam's grandchild was murdered. She's worried about Ben's safety too. She's afraid FOR Ben because of what she lost. Callum hasn't experienced a fraction of the violence of being out that Ben has, so he's still optimistic. He missed out because he was in the closet so long and the thought of HIM having to go back in, even slightly, terrifies him.

Callum is definitely scared for himself, being deeply closeted was very recent for him so he really fears going back to living with that shame and fear. But I do think he's worried about how Ben will cope with that fear and shame as well.

Pam, I felt was venting her own regrets and what ifs about Paul at completely the wrong person. Paul was happy, and surely Pam would've wanted Paul to have felt loved and accepted than felt rejected and ashamed. I understand her point to an extent, but it's just an argument as useless as "if only I'd wore something different" or "if only I'd done x" - victim blaming.

But you're right, neither were thinking specifically of Ben's POV. He knows what being closeted is like, and he has experienced so much homophobia and bigotry that neither of them can really relate to him, or think from his perspective - and I think that was deliberate, cos Ben isn't thinking straight. You can't live like that, not when you've got a spouse and a child - the fact that he's gay will always be known, through either Lexi or locals letting slip, having to confirm Callum’s relation to him in official settings etc.

[quentinxjames]

"They know you care, honey. Even Sadie. She's just ... Teenage hormones right now." Everything was just unnecessarily hard right now. Had it been up to him, they would've all still been together, Summer would've lived with them and perhaps taken up some smaller roles, or at least manage her personal life and her career. It just never happened. Staying in Los Angeles would've made them all unhappy in the long run, at least the kids were able to be just kids now. And though his siblings and Callum had been the only ones he had been completely honest with, he missed her. Still loved her. And so the nicknames, the touching, it was easy to pull them back into the old way, their old habits. If he didn't have a warning in the back of his head, he would've given her a kiss to reassure her. Physical touch had always been a way of his to show he cared. "Okay. Then I'll come. You can drink, I'll drive." At least that was something they never needed to think about. Pouring them both a glass of orange juice, he put it down in front of her and leaning against the counter next to her, around the corner of the kitchen island. He noted her quickly changing the subject, and her admitting it'd only be a month made it clear enough she didn't plan on staying with him -- them. No need to dwell on it. "The hospital's fine. Callum has actually invested more in my department. Have I told you--" He eagerly began to chat away, always speaking of his job with a passion, whether it was to make prosthetics and joining his patients on their journey, or his work as a general surgeon. From a burst appendix to a colon obstruction, it was all fascinating to him. He had been so into his own story he hadn't heard the children coming inside.

"I know, I know," Summer sighed, "I just hate that they think I don't care. They're my babies, Quen." Had she been a perfect mother? Of course not, but she didn't think any mom was. She had made some mistakes, but it didn't mean she was a bad person. She just wished Sadie and Luke could see that. Of course she was upset that she had missed key moments in both of their lives, but it was the price she had to pay for the job she had. She just wished they could see that. Summer noticed Quentin's reaction to her touch, and she realised why it may have made things awkward, especially with their last few encounters. Being near him was something she never really thought twice about; he was probably the person she was most comfortable with in the world. She briefly wondered if that was still the case with him. "No, I want you there. I think the kids will want you there too. I actually don't think they'll come if you don't," she laughed, but she knew it was true. Following him into the kitchen, she leaned against the counter as she watched him. "I'll have orange juice please, babe." She knew the question was coming, but she still wasn't sure how to give an answer. "Oh. Um...For now, probably about a month. How's the hospital?" she desperately wanted to deflect the conversation away from herself - something that was quite unusual for her.

[beautifulterriblequeen]

Runaan, the Dragonblade

I woke from a dream this morning where I figured out half of this and came up with the rest while I mulled it over, and now I have a new angsty headcanon: Runaan was raised by Avizandum and trained to fight by Skywings at the Storm Spire.

Runaan is a soft elf who's learned to adopt Hard Mode at a moment's notice. Avizandum is a rat bastard who truly thought of humans as lesser beings. Runaan's Hard Mode and his attitude that humans are liars, nothing in them worth sparing, etc etc, is all learned behavior. It makes sense that all his harsh attitudes are part of his assassin training, since Ethari and Lujanne don't share them. And we’ve seen how certain other old dragons feel about humans. Considering that Xadia once wanted to wipe them all out, and that the dragons live by far the longest, it seems to me that the source of prejudice against humans lies with the dragons and is taught to the elves over and over with each new generation.

Then there's that casual line in the Book One novelization where we learn that Xadia wouldn't necessarily choose to avenge Avizandum because he was a morally gray bastard, but it would absolutely cry for justice over Zym being killed. That scene is Rayla's, and all her assassin information comes from Runaan. Bitter about his upbringing at Avizandum's claws, maybe? I don't blame him.

If Avizandum really did raise Runaan and see to his training, then S1E1′s title “Echoes of Thunder” just keeps having more layers to it, doesn’t it? Gosh. Runaan is connected to so many parts of the plot, to so many characters, but behind him lies Thunder. Just like Aaravos lies behind Viren and his own web of connections.

I keep trying to puzzle out Runaan's scars, where and why he got them. This headcanon has yet another guess. See, Ethari is eager to use the Sun's Tears salve to keep Runaan healing quickly--he hates to see his husband hurt, of course he does, he loves him! So I don't think it's very likely that Runaan got those scars after he married Ethari. And then there's his bio clue about "learned to put his mission above all else". If you learn something, that's a lesson, and lessons usually are learned early, especially when assassin training begins before you can even walk.

So if his training supervisor was Avizandum, and Runaan wasn't hard enough during training... I can see it. Typical dragon behavior, a little smack of the tail. It wouldn’t do much damage to another dragon, not with their thick scaled hides. But used on elves who are short and tiny and delicate in comparison? Ouch. 

None of Runaan’s scars or even damage from his fight in Harrow’s chamber, none of it is on his back. Runaan never turns his back unless he’s spinning with his blades out. So whatever hit him, he was facing it directly. And if it was Avizandum’s judgment, then he stood there and saw it coming and took it like the stoic Moonshadow he is.

This poor angst-ridden elf, god.

I'm dancing around it here. But Avizandum losing control of Zym was a good thing, and Viren interrupting his hatching storm was beneficial for Zym and therefore all of Xadia - once the Dragaang got to hatch him, anyway. Because however much Avizandum cried at dying and being unable to reach Zym, whether from love or fear or loss of control, he would've raised him to be hard and trained him to be ruthless. Just like Runaan.

Zym was spared all that. But maybe Runaan wasn't. Maybe it's tradition for the Dragon Throne to raise and train each assassin leader, and that's where the blood promise thing comes in. A Moonshadow elf, separate from their people, surrounded by dragons and Skywings, needs to bond with someone. So they make the promise, swear their honor and loyalty in service to the one being who has seen to their education and whatever guidance and comforts they are given in life. And then they go home to the Silvergrove and bind others to the will of the Dragon King.

I had a really old headcanon once that Runaan was raised by Skywings, lol. This version is cooler though. It's just the way he fights. It's so aerial! And all the spinning! Everything about Skywings being strong and fast really just adds more strength to this headcanon. Rayla believes Runaan is the best assassin, and he's described as basically unstoppable. A Moonshadow who fights like a Skywing would have serious advantages over most other combatants. Maybe this will be one more connection between Runaan and Callum someday? How fun would that be? Runaan actually being able to train Callum in Skywing aerial techniques to some degree. Whether he would... ehh. I could see him silently adjusting Callum’s elbow or something and nodding for him to try again, though. Perhaps in a “but I doubt you’ll get it--oh huh, look at that” sort of way. Which would be awesome all around, tbh.

Unfortunately, if Runaan were trained by Skywings, he would have thought himself slow and sloppy during training. It probably influenced his constant training regimen in the Silvergrove. If he trained all the time, he'd at least get closer to Skywing standards. But maybe he still lives with a deep-seated sense of inadequacy for not being as swift and light on his feet as his trainers. And I can see Avizandum allowing that mentality, and even encouraging it, since it would urge a young Runaan to constantly push himself harder.

Now, let me headcanon about Rayla: if she were the child that Runaan chose to follow him as the assassin leader, there is no way in hell he'd let her go back to the Storm Spire for instruction at Avizandum’s claws. So maybe he told Lain and Tiadrin what happened to him, or maybe they already knew. Heck, maybe they were there with him, or maybe Lain was and that’s why he’s Runaan’s best friend. In any case, no one wanted to put Rayla through that, so they all managed a compromise. Lain and Tiadrin went in her place and served on the Dragonguard. And Runaan got to keep Rayla away from Avizandum.

He was so gentle with her when he raised her, it kills me. The irony that he was still training her to be an assassin despite his own history is very deep. But I don't think anyone knows how to get out of that one yet. Still, he raised her softly and with encouraging guidance, not with tail smacking. Somehow, that sense of "I'll never be good enough" did carry over, though... Rayla really is as perceptive as her mother sometimes. She picks up things Runaan never meant to teach her. Luckily that also includes kissing techniques.

Runaan helped Rayla avoid his harsh upbringing at the Storm Spire, but he raised her so softly that she got him captured. He keeps using those Skywing moves like mental chess to try to get around the dangers in his life and protect his friends and family, but the board is set against him. And I'm guessing the only way to win is not to play.

tl;dr: Runaan was raised by dragons and trained by Skywings and it shows, but he didn't want Rayla raised the same way because it was traumatic and scarring, so her parents went to the Storm Spire instead of her. And everything still fell apart because the system is broken.

Extra hc’s: 

Runaan got over his fear of heights and death at the same time because Avizandum made him jump off the Spire repeatedly, and he’d have to be chill and calm and accept his fate, and when he was at peace with it, then a Skywing would catch him.

Runaan gave Hendyr his cheek scars for catching him too early one time. Dude was trying to help, and Runaan was trying to be perfect, and it ended with shades of Amaya.

Rayla throwing herself off the pinnacle when she killed Viren was something she may have heard about before, and once again she’s copying Runaan.

There’s a Moonshadow room at the Spire because there’s always a Moonshadow there for training, and that’s where Lain and Tiadrin were living: in Runaan’s childhood room. They’ll know him so much better after having spent time there.

Runaan’s got chronic stress about messy windswept hair now, and that’s why Ethari does his hair for him every morning with those dexterous hands of his, to make sure Runaan feels calm and ordered and as far from the Storm Spire in his mind as possible.