#ruthari marriage

[saeki-rina]

It Is a Necessary Part of Loving Him

I’m really curious about how the conversation between Runaan and Ethari went when they discussed the assassin’s return before King Ezran of Katolis.

When did they talk about it? What words did Runaan use? How did he justify a meeting that could take away their life together forever—one they had only just regained? How did Ethari react? Did they argue about it? Did Ethari have any resentment toward Runaan? Did Runaan feel that his decision was causing Ethari pain? Did they consider together what they would do if Ezran decided to permanently imprison or execute Runaan? Would Runaan have wanted Ethari to move on—to find love again—if that happened? Did Ethari try to dissuade Runaan from meeting with Ezran? Or did he agree with him, even though it hurt? What were they thinking and feeling on the way to the meeting? How would they have acted if Ezran had chosen not to forgive Runaan? What happened between them after that conversation?

I see their relationship as full of love and mutual respect, but also deeply challenging because of Runaan’s profession. Even though Bloodmoon Huntress shows that Ethari is, in his mind, prepared for the possibility of losing Runaan, the show makes it clear that this doesn’t lessen his suffering in the slightest. That’s why I keep wondering—what went on inside Ethari when Runaan said he had to face the consequences of his actions?

Did he accept it with the same respect and understanding as he had for the calling that summoned Runaan away? Or deep down, did he wish Runaan were just a little less honorable—that he would put their family’s safety first? Even if he knew, logically, that would be an illusion—because this unresolved matter would likely never let Runaan rest. When they both understood how much Runaan had to lose after two years of imprisonment in the coin, did they truly say, out loud, how much Ethari had to lose as well?

And I'm very curious — did Ethari ever have a moment when he thought that loving Runaan was too painful—that it demanded too much of him?

Could this have been that moment—the decision to meet with Ezran?

Because no matter how much we love someone, no matter how much we understand that a necessary part of loving them is also accepting that they will make difficult decisions, no matter how much we have come to terms with the inherent risks of the relationship—sometimes, the situation can simply overwhelm us and make us question everything.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions. And if anyone ever writes a fanfic (or if one already exists) about this Ruthari conversation or pre-canon when they handle the issue of Runaan's job, let me know—I’d love to read it!

[no-cinnamon-for-synonym]

Ruthari Engagement

RUNAAN PROPOSED TO ETHARI BECAUSE YOU SEE, THROWING AN APPLE AT SOMEONE IS A MARRIAGE PROPOSAL IN ANCIENT GREECE. THIS IS THEM WHEN THEY GOT ENGAGED.

[argonblue]

Ok I talked abt this a lil before in another post but THE RUTHARI DESIGN LANGUAGE

Ethari outwardly has changed, but that design reflects more of his grief, the passage of time, and his inability to let go of his husband. It’s also all external—his hair is longer, his Moonshadow markings are now asymmetric/unbalanced, his earrings are gay as hell and really show how he is not over his marriage at all. Most importantly, his armor/shoulder things. He looks prickly, closed off, and that’s exactly how he acts when he thinks runaan is a stranger, which is very un-Ethari.

On the other end, Runaan’s design is hugely the same as season one, with the only two changes being A) his weird ass cutout sleeve is missing on his right, and B) his horn. Unlike Ethari, runaan’s biggest character design change is losing a part of his actual body. Hair can grow, clothes can change, but Runaan’s horn is part of him. His being has been fundamentally altered in a small way, and he’s going to carry that change for ever. Both figuratively, with how he’s seen the true outcome of his assassin work, and literally.

Ethari has a design that communicates his relationship with runaan, he always has. In bloodmoon huntress, runaan calls Ethari his guiding light, but in reality I think it’s the other way around. Because Ethari is the most out of character without runaan. He ghosts Rayla out of grief, which is very out of character, because runaan is gone. But after two years, runaan still comes home to an Ethari who is grieving and hopeless, but not broken.

And after they reunite, Ethari returns to the same state we’ve seen him in for pretty much the entire show. And I get why. He’s a minor character, the plot doesn’t need him to have a paradigm shift like runaan, but I like to read into it as Ethari being the moonfam anchor. He’s the home they all come back to, he’s the warm hug they all need, he’s soft and he’s kind and he’s defined by his love for them. So when he loses his family, he loses himself. He’s and anchor with no ship. Runaan is his heart, without runaan, there is no point for there to be an Ethari, and it makes him lash out and ghost Rayla.

So. Here’s why I’m thinking about all this: Ethari making Runaan a prosthetic horn. Ethari, runaan’s anchor, helping him reforge this part of himself and shine truth onto the great lie of assassin-hood that runaan held so close to his persona. Runaan choosing to replace his belief in precision violence with his belief in love. Most importantly to me, Ethari confronting the lie he helped reinforce for runaan. Ethari seeing that he’s been making weapons to fuel the cycle of violence that in turn took his entire family and his heart from him. And Ethari and runaan deciding to help build the new world, Everkynd, where the lie and the cycle don’t have to dictate their lives.

[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!

[beautifulterriblequeen]

a familiar ache - Ruthari Arranged Marriage AU

word count: 2k

rating: M

summary: Two months into their arranged marriage, Runaan and Ethari are still struggling to get along in private. While helping a bride-to-be set up decorations in the village green, they get a little distracted in the storage hut, which brings up even more complicated feelings.

[kauirwri]

jghhh been busy but i’m working on ruthari wedding designs/ drawings… Cant really think of what moonshadow elves would wear on their wedding (even though we do have a glimpse of Rutharis wedding!) Might have to draw a couple of designs cause I’m stuck

On a side note- I hope we can see it animated one day… The dancing with the ribbon.. do they wear moon themed jewelry? love when there’s dangly jewelry in designs.

Also cute how moonshadow elves in marriage give horn cuffs to eachother…And they LOVE to dance!Please they need to give us more moonshadow elf content and insights on their culture 🙏🏼

[rayllurn]

To Build a Home

A/N: *dusts cobwebs off of English degree* Hi, all! Welcome to my first ever tdp fanfic! It’s been a little while since I’ve written fanfiction, so this was an experience (but a good one). This is my gift for @imactualfandomtrash for the @tdpholidayexchange. I heard you like Rayllum and Janaya (and so do I), so I’ve included both, of course! I hope you and anyone else who reads this enjoy! Have a wonderful, safe, and happy holiday season everyone! 

Title: To Build a Home                                                    

Ao3: This fanfic can also be read here                                                          

Word Count: 5,688                                                                                  

Pairings: Rayllum, with sprinkles of Janaya and Ruthari                                  

Summary: In which Callum contemplates what home really means to him while attempting to propose to Rayla at Katolis’s annual winter festival; Ezran, Bait, Runaan, and Ethari observe in amusement from a distance; and Amaya and Janai compete to see who will win this year’s annual arm wrestling competition.

***

In his 20 years, Callum had never really been that excited about Katolis’s annual winter festival.

Sure, there were fun games, warm drinks, and amazing treats, but growing up as the princes of Katolis, he and Ezran had never gotten to enjoy the celebration the same way other kids did. It always seemed to come with responsibilities. As kids, they were expected to smile, wave, and make a good impression as the youngest members of the royal family. Though King Harrow had, of course, always encouraged them to go play games, win prizes, and eat winterberry jelly tarts, Callum could never shake the feeling that the entire kingdom was watching everything he did. 

In the years after Ezran became king, Callum hadn’t made it back to Katolis for the festival. Though he usually kept pretty busy in the winter months practicing ice spells with Ibis, he’d never really made an effort to come. Ez would be busy with kingly duties -- giving speeches, conversing with citizens, making political connections, and so on -- so it wasn’t really the best time to visit his brother anyway. He’d always entertained the thought of taking Rayla someday, but it was rare that she could get an extended period of time off from her Dragonguard duties, and he really didn’t have any desire to go without her. 

This year, however, was different. This year was special. 

At king Ezran’s insistence, the Dragon Queen had allowed Rayla to take two weeks off from the Dragonguard to attend Katolis’s winter festival with Callum -- where he planned to ask her to marry him. 

It had been Ezran’s idea, two months ago when Callum had come to Katolis to ask for his permission to marry her. 

***

“Really?!” Ezran asked, smiling from ear to ear, eyes sparkling with excitement. “I mean, we’ll have to be a little careful about how we navigate the politics of it all, but I would love nothing more.” 

“You’re...sure?” He asked. “Is the world ready for something like this? A marriage between Katolis and Xadia?”

Ezran hesitated, and for a brief, terrifying moment, Callum thought perhaps he’d change his mind. That maybe the world wasn’t ready yet. 

“They won’t ever be ready until it happens,” he said finally. “Someone has to take the first step, and I don’t see why it shouldn’t be you and Rayla -- the two people who nearly single-handedly made peace between humans and Xadia possible in the first place.” 

“I mean, you played a pretty significant role in that too, Ez,” Callum smiled. 

Bait, who had been curled up in Ezran’s lap sleeping for most of the conversation, popped open an eye and groaned in protest. 

“And Bait too,” Callum added quickly. “Bait also helped.” 

Bait smiled, growling in approval before sinking back down into Ezran’s lap. 

“So how will you propose?” Asked Ez.

“Oh...um...” Callum hadn’t really thought that far ahead, especially given that the supposed proposal hinged on Ez approving the marriage first. 

“You know…,” Ez interrupted his thoughts, “I hear the winter festival is going to be pretty special this year…” 

“What? You think I should propose to Rayla at the festival?” 

“Why not?” His brother shrugged. 

Callum hesitated. It was no secret that while he held treasured childhood memories of the event, he wasn’t especially fond of the spotlight that came with it for him as a prince. 

“Won’t there be...people?” He asked. “Staring at us when it happens, I mean?” 

“There are plenty of private places where you two could run off and hide,” Ez winked. “I hear you’re both really good at that. Mysteriously disappearing at the same time and reappearing hours later.” 

Callum blushed. “Well...I…” 

“Just think about it.” 

***

Callum had thought about it, like Ezran had asked.

And he’d concluded that no proposal he could possibly plan would accurately convey everything he felt for Rayla. The perfect words, location, method, and timing...they just didn’t exist. Nothing could ever sufficiently demonstrate the love and admiration he felt for his girlfriend. 

So he had decided that the winter festival was just as good of an opportunity as any. 

Ez was thrilled of course, especially since Callum hadn’t attended the festival since his stepfather had been killed, and Rayla had lit up with joy when Callum first asked her if she was interested in going last month. She’d always been curious about the human festival, and seeing her brim with excitement at the opportunity had put Callum at ease for the moment. 

But now the day was here, and he felt a kind of terror that he’d never felt before. 

He wasn’t worried about her answer (he was fairly confident that she’d say yes), but this would be one of the most important moments in both of their lives, and he absolutely had to get it right. 

Callum took a deep breath and looked in the mirror. He hadn’t bothered to do anything different with his hair. After all, Rayla liked it just the way it was -- a bit messy with dark brown locks falling naturally over his face. Tonight, he wore a white vest and a red coat with golden buttons. He was going for a look that represented his kingdom while perhaps also appearing a little more formal than usual. 

He gave himself one final glance in the mirror and hummed in approval. This was as good as it was going to get. He sighed, striding across the room and opening the door to find--

“Rayla,” he jumped back in surprise. Her hand was raised in a loose fist, as if she were moments away from knocking. 

“Hey,” she smiled, leaning in to give him a quick peck on the cheek. “You look dashing,” she teased. 

“You don’t look so bad yourself.” 

Strands of her silvery white hair were braided and pulled back into a low bun while loose bangs framed her face. Tonight was one of the few occasions where he’d seen her wear red, and she looked absolutely stunning. Her crimson robes were layered and lined with golden accents, resting just above her knees in the front and flowing down to her ankles at the back. She wore black pants and knee-high formal boots to help keep warm in the chilled winter evening. 

“Are you ready?” He asked, extending his arm. 

“Yup!” She reached out to loop her arm through his. “Are you ready?” 

“Of course,” he replied a little too quickly, voice faltering slightly. She gave him a quick, questioning look before shrugging it off and tugging him down the hall. 

Was he ready? Truthfully, he wasn’t sure. 

***

Ez smiled as he sat upon an outdoor throne overlooking the festival. He heard soft music and joyful laughter in the distance and smelled the sweet scent of fresh jelly tarts rising in the chilled winter air. 

“I wish we could join them, Bait,” Ezran sighed, stroking a hand gently along the glow toad’s back. Bait groaned, transitioning into a depressed, bluish-green color. 

The festival was lively, as usual. The planning committee had informed him that only the most delicious food, most talented musicians, and most entertaining games would be showcased this year. At a glance, it appeared that the planning committee had lived up to the claim.  

Glancing across the festival grounds, Ezran’s eye caught his Aunt Amaya dragging her elven girlfriend, Janai, to the arm wrestling competition. 

In recent years, one major change to the festival had been the invitation of Xadian citizens. In light of the tentative peace between Xadia and the human kingdoms, Ezran went out of his way to ensure that elves and dragons felt welcome to participate in Katolis’s traditional festivities. However, despite appreciating the invitation, only a handful of elves ever actually came -- usually those who knew Ezran personally. 

He smiled softly. This was Janai’s second time attending the festival, and if he remembered correctly, she had enjoyed competing against his aunt in the many games and tournaments hosted last year. 

The couple appeared to be one of the first to arrive for the arm wrestling tournament. His aunt had won last year, defeating her girlfriend in the championship round after an intense, five-minute match. 

“Think Janai will get revenge this year, Bait?”

Bait looked up at Ezran and growled in agreement. 

Ezran smiled, his thoughts drifting to his brother...his poor brother, who had seemed extremely nervous and uncomfortable earlier that day, despite his assurance that everything would be just fine. 

“How do you suppose Callum is doing?” He asked the glow toad, who rolled his eyes and groaned dramatically. 

Ez laughed. His brother and Rayla had been in love for years. They were soulmates. Callum just needed to take a deep breath and speak from the heart. 

“He can do it.” 

***

I don’t think I can do this. Callum gulped, too consumed in his thoughts and worries to focus on Rayla’s many questions. 

“So why is your annual festival held at this time of year? It seems strange to have an outdoor festival in the dead of winter when it’s so cold. What is that delicious smell? Can you show me what the best human food is! Ohhh what’s your favorite festival game? You should teach me how to play!” 

She tugged him along from stall to stall, asking questions and glowing with excitement. He’d never seen her so interested in his home before, and any other time, he would have appreciated her curiosity. 

“Callum,” her eyes narrowed in concern as she halted to a stop. “Callum, are you okay? You don’t seem very excited.” 

“Oh, uh…no...I- I am, it’s just been awhile, that’s all,” he smiled nervously, scratching the back of his neck in an obvious sign of discomfort. 

She smiled back half-heartedly. He knew she didn’t believe it. She knew him better than that. 

A group of girls around their age whispered as they walked past, presumably gossiping jealously about how an elven warrior was no fit for the prince of Katolis. 

Callum had told her about his experiences as a kid -- how the festival had always been fun but burdened with responsibilities. Even though Ez had freed him from any responsibilities this year given the true motivation for his attendance, Callum still felt the eyes of everyone in Katolis drilling into his back as he and Rayla made their way across the festival grounds. 

Hopefully, she had chalked up his discomfort to the unwanted attention and remained unsuspicious about his plans.

“Oh, what’s this?” She motioned excitedly toward an axe throwing stall. She tugged his arm, causing him to stumble forward. 

“Come on! Win me prizes!” 

He smiled a little at her contagious enthusiasm, knowing that her excitement was, at least in part, an effort to help him have fun. 

“Step right up, throw yer axe, win a prize,” droned the vendor, a short, stumpy man with balding gray hair and a few missing teeth. 

“Do ya wanna give it a go?” He asked Callum, extending the axe he was presumably supposed to throw at the target. 

Callum shot a glance back to Rayla, shrugged, and dropped a silver coin in the man’s hand before picking up the axe and taking aim. 

“I might duck if I were you,” Rayla said to the vendor, looking him dead in the eye with a mixture of seriousness and amusement.

“Hey,” Callum sulked, dropping the axe back down to his side. “What’s that supposed to mean? You think I can’t throw things?” 

“I know you can’t throw things, Callum,” she quipped, crossing her arms across her chest. 

“I guess I’ll have to prove you wrong then,” he replied, raising the axe back into throwing position. He scoffed when he noticed the vendor slowing side-stepping away from the target at Rayla’s recommendation. 

He took a deep breath, just like he did whenever he attempted a new spell for the first time, and launched the axe toward the target with a grunt, stumbling forward ungracefully in the process. 

As Rayla had predicted, he missed terribly. 

Instead of hitting the target, he watched in horror as the axe spun into the ground where the vendor had been standing previously. 

“Good call,” the vendor nodded at Rayla, who stood smirking at a distance. 

Rayla giggled, picking up another axe from nearby and stepping forward to take Callum’s hand. “Here, I’ll show you a trick that will help you hit the target every time…” 

***

“Well Bait, it looks like the arm wrestling championship match is once again down to Amaya and Janai,” Ez smiled. 

Despite being in an intense state of competition, he couldn’t help but notice how happy his aunt looked with her girlfriend. He was truly happy for her and wished them both the best (though he was secretly rooting for Janai to win this year). 

“We’ll see who wins and then we should probably start making our rounds around the festival, huh Bait?” 

“King Ezran,” a familiar voice interrupted him from behind. 

Ezran spun around to see Runaan and Ethari walking toward him.

“Runaan! Ethari! I’m so glad you both could make it this year,” Ez beamed. 

The couple bowed. “We’re happy to be here,” said Ethari, smiling gently. This was the first year he and his husband had made an effort to come to the festival, despite being relatively close to him and Callum in recent years. 

“Yes, this should be...interesting,” Runaan added with a tone that Ezran couldn’t quite place. 

After Callum had asked Ez about the potential of marriage, he had traveled to the Silvergrove to talk to Rayla’s parents, Tiadrin and Lain, as well as her surrogate parents, Runaan and Ethari. In a recent letter, Callum had told Ezran that all four of Rayla’s parental figures had responded positively to the request. However, Ez had a feeling that Runaan was secretly less than thrilled and had agreed to the proposal out of his love for Rayla and his desire for her happiness. Moreover, despite his status as a human prince, Ezran knew that Runaan had a deep respect for his brother. After all, it was Callum who had rescued him from Viren’s coin all those years ago.

“Runaan,” Ethari took his hand, squeezing it gently, “we’re happy for Callum and Rayla, remember?” 

“I am happy for them,” Runaan’s gaze softed, “it’s just...I never imagined that Rayla would marry the human prince of Katolis. It’s an adjustment. That’s all.” 

Ez smiled at the couple. Their love seemed so effortless, and they balanced each other out so well. All it took was one look from Ethari, and Runaan -- one of the hardest and most deadly people Ezran had ever met -- softened like butter. 

Runaan’s eyes sharpened once more, darting back to Ezran. “For the record, Callum is the only human I would ever allow Rayla to marry,” his voice was harsh on the surface but betrayed a hint of softness. 

“I know,” Ezran smiled sincerely, his gaze drifting back down to the arm wrestling competition. 

He appeared to have missed the end, but given the prize in Amaya’s hand and the scowl on Janai’s face, he’d assumed his aunt had swept the armwrestling title for the second year in a row. 

“It looks like my aunt won the arm wrestling competition.”

“Oh, is that what all the commotion was about?” Ethari replied, looking over to where Amaya had now pulled Janai in for an apologetic kiss. 

From the looks of it, Janai had already forgiven her, smiling gently as their lips met once more. 

“They make a great couple,” Runaan admitted. 

Ezran smiled, happy to see that Runaan was finally opening up to the idea of elves and humans entering into romantic relationships. 

Speaking of which…

“And...what are Callum and Rayla doing exactly?” Runaan asked, nodding his head in the direction of the other elf/human couple of relevance. 

The two were on the opposite end of the festival grounds and appeared to be engaged in some sort of axe throwing competition. A blushing Callum was holding up an axe in throwing position (which was pretty scary, honestly). Rayla was standing directly behind him, one arm wrapped around his waist and the other guiding his axe throwing arm. 

“She...appears to be teaching him how to throw an axe?” Ez replied. It was more of a question than an answer.

Runaan rolled his eyes. “That looks like an accident waiting to happen. We all know that Callum can’t throw things.” 

To everyone’s surprise, Callum managed to hit the target dead-on (under Rayla’s guidance, of course). 

They watched as the couple cheered in celebration, jumping into an embrace before pulling apart, making eye contact, and slowly meeting in long, passionate kiss. The stall vendor stood just a few feet away, looking mildly uncomfortable. 

“That poor vendor,” said Ez. “Callum has probably almost killed him at least twice tonight, and now he gets to watch the two of them make out five feet in front of him.” 

Ethari laughed gently. “So, when do you think the proposal will happen?” 

Ez sighed. “No idea. Callum is pretty nervous.” 

The three looked back down at the couple, who appeared to have stopped kissing in front of the vendor and were now choosing a prize. 

Ethari smiled. “He’ll figure it out.” 

***

I really need to figure this out, Callum thought in panic as he and Rayla walked hand-in-hand across the festival grounds. 

The prize they’d picked out was a little Zym plushie, which Rayla cradled in her right arm. It was no secret that they both missed the young dragon, so the moment they saw the plushie, they knew immediately that they had to have it. Rayla was excited to show it to Zym when they got home. 

“Do you think he’ll like it?” She asked excitedly. “I bet he wasn’t expecting us to bring home souvenirs. Much less souvenirs that look like him.” 

Callum smiled at her enthusiasm, gently squeezing her hand. It was heartwarming to see her this excited about something. She always worked so hard, and she truly deserved the vacation. 

“I’m sure he’ll love it,” Callum leaned over to give her a quick kiss on the cheek. Ever since their brief makeout session in front of the axe vendor had taken a turn for the awkward, he’d been trying to tone down his acts of affection. They were so used to being alone at the Storm Spire that they’d forgotten how to behave when people -- specifically, the citizens of Katolis -- were watching their every move. 

Rayla cleared her throat. “Wow, it sure is chilly out here tonight. I wish I would have brought a scarf,” she hinted. 

“Yeah, it’s pretty cold.” He felt himself staring into the distance at absolutely nothing but couldn’t seem to focus on the current conversation. 

“Callum,” Rayla stopped walking, tugging Callum backwards to face her. “I’m cold,” she nodded at the scarf wrapped around his neck. 

Her request finally clicked. “Oh, you want to wear my scarf?” 

“If it’s okay, that is,” she added quickly. “I don’t want you to be cold, of course...I just...you just...you know how much I love wearing it and…” 

“Shhh,” he pressed a kiss to her forehead and as he unraveled the scarf. “Of course you can wear it, love.” 

Gently, he wrapped the scarf around her neck before looking up to meet her violet eyes, which were filled with a mix of love and concern. For a brief moment, it felt like he was standing just across the border of Xadia on that fateful day five years ago when they had faced Sol Regem together. Back then, they were just two teenagers in love -- one not ready to admit her feelings and the other painfully unaware of his own. 

“Thank you,” she smiled softly, pulling him into a quick but gentle kiss. 

She hesitated for a brief moment, clearly wanting to say something more. 

“Callum,” she began, gently cupping the side of his face with her hand. It was cold, he noticed, but he wasn’t wearing any gloves that he could give her, and even if he were, they wouldn’t fit her fingers. “Are you feeling okay? You seem a bit off tonight.” 

“I’m...fine,” he forced a smile, but he knew that she could see right through it. Thankfully, before she could question him further, the pair were interrupted by a familiar voice. 

“Rayla, Callum,” the voice called out to them. They spun around to see Ethari and Runaan standing just a few feet behind them. 

***

“Rayla, Callum,” Ethari called out upon spotting the pair. He’d truly missed them both so much and was delighted to run into them on the festival grounds. 

“Ethari! Runaan!” Rayla rushed forward to embrace them both.

 Ethari smiled, extending his arm and motioning for Callum to join them. After a brief moment of hesitation, Callum stepped forward to join the family hug. 

“I’ve missed you both so much,” Rayla said, stepping back to look at them. “I’m so glad you could make it.”

“Like we told King Ezran, we’re happy to be here,” Ethari replied with a gentle smile. 

His gaze shifted over to Callum, who looked noticeably uncomfortable. Given his usual effortless comfort around Rayla and his unashamed love for the girl, it was a bit strange (and somewhat amusing) to see him looking so out of place. However, he couldn’t help but feel a bit bad for him. 

“Callum,” he began carefully, “how’s it going?” He asked in an attempt to inquire about the proposal efforts without giving anything away. 

“Well, um…” Callum stuttered, and Ethari visibly noticed the blood draining from his face. “I...well...I…” 

Ethari watched the young man’s gaze shift from his and Runaan’s intertwined fingers to his aunt Amaya in the distance, who was smiling lovingly at Janai, and then back to Rayla, who was standing next to him with a look of complete confusion and concern. 

“I just remembered that I need to go talk to Ezran about something,” Callum said finally. “I’ll be right back!” He told Rayla, giving her a quick peck on the cheek before literally sprinting in the opposite direction. 

They watched him run, and an awkward silence fell over the group. For a brief moment, Ethari felt bad that he and Runaan knew why Callum was acting like this while Rayla was left completely in the dark. He hoped that she didn’t think it was any fault of her own.

“Um,” Rayla finally broke the silence, turning around to face them both again. “I’m sorry about that.” 

“It’s fine,” Runaan replied a little too quickly, stiffening awkwardly as he spoke. “He said he needed to talk to Ezran, so he must have just remembered something really important that just couldn’t wait.” 

“Does Callum seem...a bit weird tonight?” She asked. “Like...weirder than he normally is?”

“Nope. Nope he seems...totally normal to me. At least by Callum standards.” Runaan answered nervously, purposely avoiding eye contact with both Rayla and Ethari. “That kid has always been weird. You’ve got your work cut out for you, Rayla.” 

Ethari tried to contain a sigh. Runaan was trying his best, but his husband had never been good at keeping secrets from Rayla. If he continued to ramble carelessly like this, they would start to look suspicious. They needed to wrap up this conversation and get out of here until Callum could gather himself and propose. Hopefully Ezran could help him. 

***

“Ez! You’ve got to help me!” 

“Callum?” Ezran turned around. 

Callum ran toward his brother, stumbling to a halt a few feet away and resting his hands on his knees to catch his breath. 

“Callum, what’s wrong? Bait and I were just about to head down there.” 

Callum held up a hand, panting frantically as he struggled to catch his breath. “I just…don’t...know...how...to do this...Ezran,” he said between breaths. 

Ezran sighed, motioning for his brother to sit down beside him. “Would you like a winterberry jelly tart? You know that Barius only makes these once a year.” He motioned to a tray of tarts that he and Bait had clearly been snacking on for the past hour or so. 

Callum usually never accepted Ezran’s jelly tart offerings, but today, he took one off the tray without hesitation, nearly stuffing the entire thing in his mouth before reaching for another. 

“It’s okay to be nervous,” Ez continued, reaching for what must have been his fifth jelly tart, Callum guessed from looking at the tray. “But Callum, Rayla loves you so much, and she’s going to be so happy no matter where and how you ask her to be your wife.” 

“I know,” Callum sighed, “it’s just...I can’t find the words to tell her how much she means to me. I wish I could. That’s all.” 

“So show her,” Ez insisted. “But if it’s in public, please keep it clean,” he added quickly with a wink. 

Callum laughed briefly, but his smile quickly faded, and his gaze shifted down to his hands resting on his lap. 

“You know, you’ve seemed a bit off since you’ve been home,” said Ez. “Almost like...it’s not just Rayla and the proposal, but something more that’s been bothering you.” 

Callum looked up at him with a puzzled expression. “What do you mean?” 

“I mean, Katolis is your home,” Ez replied. “You grew up here. You know this area. You’ve experienced this festival. You know these people.” 

Callum gazed out over the citizens of Katolis -- smiling, laughing, sharing treats, and exchanging embraces. 

“But yet,” Ez continued, “you seem like an outsider, uncomfortable and unfamiliar with these people and this place -- Katolis...your own home. Why is that?” 

Callum hesitated. Home. What did that mean? Home was the place where you made your life your own. Where you sought comfort and safety from the harsh realities of the outside world. Where you were free to be yourself and live truly and speak honestly and love deeply. Home was a place where you belonged and felt loved and valued and supported. Home was…

“Rayla,” he breathed, just above a whisper. 

“What?” 

“Rayla,” he repeated confidently, abruptly standing up. 

“Okay?” Ez answered, staring up at him in confusion. 

From the first day they met, Rayla had supported him and encouraged him in ways that no one else ever had, calling him a mage and praising his magical abilities. She protected him and loved him and made him feel safe and valued. She comforted him after the loss of his father. She made him smile and laugh, and when he was with her he felt happy. He finally felt like he was home.

And, what’s more, it began here... in the home where he had grown up but never truly felt like he belonged. How ironic was it that he’d met Rayla, who felt so much like home to him, in the place he’d forced to feel like home for so many years? 

And then everything clicked into place.

“I know what I need to do, Ez,” he leapt forward and squeezed his brother into an uncomfortably tight hug. “Thank you. You’re the best, and I love you.” 

“I love you too, Callum,” he replied, clearly still confused by Callum’s sudden realization. 

But there was no time to explain. Callum was running again.

Except this time, he had a sense of direction. 

***

“Callum! Where are we going?” 

“You’ll see!” His voice wavered with excitement as he tugged Rayla along behind him.

The two ran through the castle halls, which were largely empty thanks to the lively festivities taking place right outside the walls. Callum drug her through the great hall, up a winding spiral staircase, and down the nearest hallway. He turned right, then left, then left once more and -- 

“Here we are!” He stumbled to a halt in the middle of a hall. Neither of them had been in this place since the day Rayla’s assassination squad had invaded the castle over five years ago, and he just hoped that she remembered. He hoped that it looked familiar to her. 

She gasped, eyes widening as she took in the surrounding decorations...the curtains...the windows and the halls…“This is…” 

“Where we met,” Callum finished, smiling sincerely for what felt like the first time in a week. 

Rayla smiled fondly, slowly spinning around to take it all in. “But...why?” 

Callum closed his eyes, breathing deeply before taking both of her hands in his own. 

“Rayla, we’ve been through so much together,” he began. “From the day we met when we discovered Zym’s egg until now...we started out on a journey that literally changed my life. You changed my life.”

His breath caught in his throat. Their faces were close now, and her eyes were sparkling with a realization that Callum hadn’t noticed before. She knew what was going on now. And there was no turning back. 

He swallowed, refocusing himself on the task at hand. 

“I grew up here,” he continued. “But this isn’t my home. I’ve never felt as at home as I do with you, Rayla. You make me feel safe and loved and...happy. I’m confident in myself. I feel comfortable with who I am. I feel like I belong with you, and I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life.” 

She was crying now, he noticed. But she was smiling and looking at him like he was the most important thing in the entire world. She laughed through the tears, leaning forward to press her forehead against his own. 

He was painfully aware of how close her lips were. But he couldn’t kiss her. Not yet. He had to finish this.

“This is a pretty big castle,” he continued. “So I have to ask, what were the odds that you would find me, wandering around the corridors that day? Something brought us together, Rayla. You came into my life for a reason. And it all comes back to this moment. Here. Where you found me.”

This was it. He was a little lightheaded and out of breath and wanted to kiss her so badly, but the moment he’d been waiting for since they’d first confessed their love at the Storm Spire had finally arrived. 

He took a step back, keeping both of his hands gripped firmly around her right hand.  

“I want to be with you forever. I want you to be my home forever. I want to be your home forever,” he said, taking a deep breath, dropping down onto one knee, and staring into the beautiful violet eyes of the amazing young woman he wanted to spend forever with. 

“So, Rayla,” his voice cracked, and he felt his own tears prickling at the corners of his eyes. “Can we be ‘a thing’ for the rest of our lives? Will you marry me, Rayla?” 

A joyful sob escaped her lips, and she nodded eagerly. “Of course, dummy,” she managed to say before leaping forward and crashing her lips against his own. He melted into the kiss, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her closer. 

She’s going to be my wife, he thought in amazement, smiling as he kissed her again and again. He just couldn’t believe this was real. It seemed too good to be true. He was really going to get to marry her -- his best friend, his partner, his family. 

And in that moment, he knew for certain that this was where he belonged. This was his home. 

***

**BONUS**

“Shhh! Shhhh! Everyone be quiet! I think it’s happening!” Ezran whispered harshly as the group of elves and humans huddled around a dark corner in the castle. 

Earlier that evening, Ethari and Runaan had been talking to Amaya and Janai when the four of them had seen Callum frantically run up to Rayla, grabbing her hand and dragging her off toward the castle at full speed. At first, they’d been a bit concerned, so they went to find Ezran (and Bait) just to make sure that everything was okay. 

Worried, the six of them had followed the couple into the castle, but by the time they realized what was really going on, it was too late to turn back. 

“No one move,” Runaan whispered, the six of them pressing their backs against the cold stone walls in an attempt to remain unseen. 

Thankfully, Callum and Rayla had rounded the next corner and were now out of sight. However, that did not prevent them from hearing Callum’s heartfelt proposal speech. 

“This must be the cheesiest, most sickening thing I’ve ever heard,” Runaan grumbled under his breath. 

“Shh,” Ethari whispered, pressing a finger to his husband’s lips. “They’ll hear you. Also, I know you, and I know that you secretly think this is very sweet, even though you’ll never admit it.” 

Runaan shook his head. 

To their left, Janai, who had learned Katolis sign language in an effort to better communicate with her girlfriend, was translating Callum’s speech for Amaya, who was smiling proudly. 

“Okay, I think it’s finally over,” Ezran said, peeking his head around the corner to get a glimpse of his brother and his now fiancee (unsurprisingly) kissing. “Let’s move out as quietly as possible so they don’t know we followed them and accidentally eavesdropped.” 

In that moment, however, Bait decided to move directly in front of Janai’s foot, causing her to trip and tumble into Amaya, who fell forward and collided with Runaan and Ethari, who then fell forward into Ezran, and the six of them toppled out into the open hall where Callum and Rayla were presently making out, knocking down an empty suit of armor and a curtain in the process. 

Callum and Rayla jumped apart, spinning around to see six of their closest friends and family in a pile on the floor. 

An awkward silence fell over the group. 

“Have you guys just been...standing there the whole time?” Callum finally asked. 

“Umm,” Ezran stood up, rubbing the back of his shoulder. “This isn’t what it looks like?” 

***

A/N: If you’ve made it this far, thanks for reading, and happy holidays! I hope you enjoyed my extremely self-indulgent holiday rom-com. 

Lots of love, 

Ada

[bowsie22]

Ruthari Collection 2

Summary: Hair was very important to elves.

Hair was very important to elves. A hairstyle could tell you everything about an elf. Job, marital status, if they had children? For example, short hair on top with sheared sides meant that person had recently suffered a loss of someone close to them. Long, braided hair, with jewels throughout, meant that that elf was happily married. 

Ethari used to have long hair. Runaan loved to braid it, taking hours to add in the jewels he gathered on his missions and flowers from their garden to the braid. It was one of their favourite things. Braiding each other's hair was a show of trust to moonelves, especially the assassins. Normally, Runaan wold never let anyone stand at his back, but it was different with Ethari. But then, the workshop went on fire.

Runaan smiled as his team walked past him into Silver Grove. It had been an easy mission, enter a human town and hunt down the traders selling elven horns. They traders were disposed off and the horns returned. An easy mission, but a long one. Runaan hadn’t been home for two weeks. He trudged towards the workshop, knowing that Ethari would be up and working at this time. As he got closer to their home, he realised he could smell burning. Was something on fire. Shaking the tiredness from his muscles, Runaan ran to him home. Ethari was in danger, there was no time. Skidding to a stop at the bottom of their tree, Runaan gasped when he saw the flames and smoke. What in all of Xadia has his husband done this time?

Taking a deep breath, he ran up the stairs into their house. His husband lay on the floor, surrounded by flames. Runaan swore, making his way to the other elf. He tossed Ethari over his shoulder, running for the pond.

It was only once they got into the pond Runaan realised that Ethari’s hair had been burnt away, leaving scarring on his back and neck. When he woke up, his husband told him that he had been making a weapon for a Sunfire Elf and sparks fell onto his hair and clothes. In his panic, he set the room alight and passed out before he could reach the door. He was growing his hair out again, but it was a slow process. It was just long enough to be braided now and Runaan could add some decoration. But he couldn’t wait for the day he could create a proper marriage braid for his husband. And he knew Ethari missed it too.

Long hair also meant that the elf was a respected member of the community. They held a position of power and respect and people turned to them for answers during difficult times. Runaan was one such elf. He was descended from the ruling class, his ancestors having founded Silver Grove, literally building it from the ground up. Because of that, it was expected that Runaan would have the time and money to look after his long locks. Even after joining the assassins, he kept his long hair, tying it into a braid instead of wearing it loose as he did in his younger days. He rarely wore jewels in his hair, even after marriage. Instead, he wore the silver clasps that his husband made and little else.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was only on Runaan’s longer breaks that Ethari would close the workshop for a day and the two would leave Silver Grove and travel to the cliff side overlooking the Lunar Falls. They would spend hours there, feeding each other, touching each other, making love without fear of Rayla hearing. And as night fell and the moon shone down upon them, Ethari would braid his husband’s hair. He was always gentle, a slight tug meaning that Runaan had to move his head. They needed no light. The moon was enough, their hair itself beacons in the night.

As he worked, Ethari would press kisses to the nape of Runaan’s neck, the back of his shoulders, the tips of his ears. He would whisper endearments to the other elf, making Runaan blush and laugh. It was like being young again, in the early stages of their relationship when everything was still so new and exciting.

But now, it was comforting, relaxing, something to bring the two closer after time spent apart. And Ethari wasn’t too shy to say that Runaan’s hair looked amazing after he was finished with it. White and blue jewels passed down through his family caught the light whenever he turned his head. Silver jewellery, made by Ethari, closed the braid. It was beautiful and Runaan knew it would turn heads when they returned to Silver Grove.

But, they still had time to spend at the cliffs. Ethari lay with his head in Runaan’s lap. The assassin’s fingers running through his hair.

“I cannot wait for the day your hair is long enough to braid again. I want you to wear my jewels again.”

“Is this a possessive thing? Because I think I wear enough of your marks that everyone knows I’m yours. I mean look at this.”

He gestured to his neck, chest and stomach, covered in bruises. Runaan laughed, leaning down to press a kiss to base of Ethari’s horn, sending a full body shiver through the younger elf.

“It’s different, you know it is. As much as I love you braiding my hair, I miss doing yours.”

“So do I. But, not much longer, a few more months at least. By the time you return from Katolis, my hair should be more than long enough to braid. And you can add all the jewels and flowers you want.”

“I’m holding you to that starlight.”

Ethari grinned, grasping the clasps in the front of his hair and pulling Runaan into a kiss. Yeah, he was pretty excited to have his hair braided too.

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

The day after Runaan’s flower fell, Ethari closed the workshop and walked to the cliffs. He carried a pair of scissors in his hands. Standing on the edge, looking at the waterfall, he gathered up his hair. With the use of some magic, it had grown to his mid back in the time that Runaan was gone.

But what was the point? Without his One to braid it, why bother having long hair at all? He closed his eyes and bringing the scissors up, cut his hair to the nape of his neck. It didn’t matter. He’d fade soon anyway. Already his marks were starting to dim, he’d be gone by the end of the month.

Ethari dropped his hair off the cliff, turning to walk back to Silver Grove. Hands in his pockets, he stroked the green gem that rested there. It had been Runaan’s favourite to put in his braid, always in pride of place, always noticeable. It was one of their most treasured items, Runaan bringing it back from his first job in the human kingdoms. It had been his first anniversary present. And now, it would never be braided into his hair again. Ethari choked back a sob thinking about it. He’d do something with the gem, something to honour and remember Runaan before he faded away. Something that would make Runaan smile and blush if he was around to see it.

Ethari stopped walking, realising that it didn’t matter, Runaan would never see it anyway. But it didn’t matter. The last thing he would ever do would be something that would make his husband happy. And for now, that was enough.

A/N This turned angsty in a way I did not expect!

[otter-and-terrier]

agree on everything but bringing leola back, which i argued in this post: https://www.tumblr.com/otter-and-terrier/771841570864513024/if-arc-3-happens-i-dont-think-leola-should-come

BUT YES I FULLY AGREE

rayllum marriage pretty please 🥺

more broyals I LOVE THEM

SOREN AND CLAUDIA SOREN AND CLAUDIA SOREN AND CLAUDIA PLEASE LET THEM HAVE A TALK AND BECOME FRIENDS AGAIN PLEASE

claudia redemption arc (is it too late to hope...?)🥺🥺🥺

more janaya scenes

more ruthari scenes

take down the cosmic council, ending the cycle of violence (literally one of the core themes of the show)

SORVUS BECOMES CANON PLEASEEEEE

LITERALLY SO MUCH MORE I CANNOT ARTICULATE IT ALL

@netflix @wonderstorm PLEASE PLEASE PLEASEEEE GIVE US ARC 3

So if in the event we get it, @wonderstorm, HERE ARE MY DEMANDS FOR ARC THREE:

Someone NEEDS to tell the Drag-gang what really happened with Leola's death (stares at Terry come on Tree Boy let's GO -)

The recurrent themes of "You keep calling [him] a monster," and "It's not your rage, it's your grief," shall hence apply going forward from the above scene (to quote Jono of Cinema Therapy, "When you fail to see the why, you fail to see the person," let Aaravos get some heLP WITH HIS GRIEF, DAMMIT -)

Seriously. The second demand. "There is no word for someone who has lost a child," DOES ANYONE ELSE REMEMBER THAT QUOTE OR AM I ALONE -

The Star Council confronted for the crime of murdering a child (TAKE THE STAR COUNCIL TO COURT and confirmation that their decision was driven by fear of the Star Devourer Dragon -)

More Sorvus scenes.

Give Claudia therapy and better writing for her arc.

A team up between the Dra-gang and Aaravos, thus leading to more talks like the one we got between Erzan and Aaravos in "The Titan and The King."

Wait, I had more demands I had written elsewhere gimme a sec -

WOULD ANYONE ELSE LIKE TO ADD SOMETHING?

[beautifulterriblequeen]

TDP Prism, Week 6: Reward

Characters: Ethari, Runaan

Tags: Arranged Marriage, Kissing, Angst, Pining, Broken Bones, Hurt/comfort

Finally another installment in my ancient Ruthari Arranged Marriage AU! It's been literally years but I do love it a lot!

[beautifulterriblequeen]

It’s a sign

@legend-of-the-fandoms​, I’ve spent all day thinking about @hoothalcyon​‘s discovery of the markings on the underside of Runaan and Ethari’s porch,

and I went through quite a range of ideas, but I think I’ve landed on something that makes a lot of sense. And it’s really adorable.

First, though: angst, since you did ask for my take on this being a permanent marker for who should dwell in the tree house.

Historically, we’ve seen pairs of Moonshadows serving together at the border:

Perhaps the Moonshadow elves require a pair of people to serve, and that pair must be able to trust each other implicitly, for efficacy in battle and for the sake of all the Moonshadows who pin their hopes on them. Maybe it matters what sort of relationship these elves have, and maybe it doesn’t. But it does seem more natural to choose a partner you love, however that love manifests. If you’re invested in their survival, you’re invested in protecting your battle partner, and thus invested in your own success.

(I also wonder about Ethari staying in his workshop, while these other elves went out in pairs. Ethari supports Runaan by crafting tools for his trade, but he is never present at Runaan’s side that we know of so far. I wonder if that’s within the norm or if it’s more of an outlier because Runaan chose a soft enchanter-craftsman instead of a full-fledged mage.)

The angst comes in with the idea of arranged marriages. I love and hate them, they’re so angsty! And there could be a big Moonshadow element in such a concept. Your fate is set, your job is set, and therefore here’s your life partner, good luck to you both, you’re stuck in this together now.

Haha, neat. /s

I don’t know that the Moonshadows would look at Runaan as an upcoming assassin, and Ethari as an upcoming craftsman, and dare to say “we know the future, you two will be the best in your fields, therefore we’re putting you together no matter what,” though. That seems a bit risky for how much they have riding on the success of their assassins.

If there is an element of arrangement to their marriage, it might be something closer to this: when one of them reached the pinnacle of their field, they were both allowed and expected to choose a partner from the other field who would match well with them in all the ways that mattered most. And maybe the assassin always chooses, due to their elevated status in Moonshadow society.

However it shook out, Runaan’s heart chose first. He fell for Ethari, and he started courting him. But it seems Ethari needed more time to reciprocate those feelings, and I’ve always wondered what went on in his head during that time.

Did he need time to adjust to the shock that the next leader of the Moonshadow assassins considered him dateable? Did he need, like, a mourning period for his hopes of a long and happy life with a soft spouse who’d definitely come home every night safe and sound? Perhaps he thought Runaan couldn’t possibly be choosing him when so many eligible assassins and/or mages had designs on him or hoped to catch his eye? Did he maybe not trust some aspect of Runaan’s character yet and he didn’t want to show his reciprocated feelings for fear that they’d be used against him somehow? Did he hope Runaan would change his mind and spare them both a life of angst and loss?

Ethari is a soft and goofy Virgo. Runaan is his opposite in so many ways. Maybe his heart just needed time to bond its illusions of happiness to the cold and dark reality of who Runaan really is and what he does. But he did get there. Runaan’s heart is soft, deep down, and once Ethari could trust that deep regard for others within his beloved assassin’s heart, he was probably done for.

However they got together, they’re in love now, partners in all the best ways.

Okay, but I promised you something adorable! I was sitting in the pickup zone of Walmart, waiting for my groceries like the super adult I am, and staring at the image of the marking under the porch, and it hit me:

When you walk over to the tree house, you have to look up to see where the door is.

You have to look up.

And when you look up, you see this:

if you flip it, it looks like this:

And once I imagined that, this is the first thing I associated the new orientation with:

To me, the underporch marking looks like Ethari’s shoulder circle over Runaan’s shoulder swoop and diamonds.

In other words, it’s a sign. A sign for the people down on the grass below.

And that sign reads The Rutharis.

Guys, it’s adorable. It’s a combination of their house number and one of those cutesy signs that reads “The Joneses”, except it’s their markings because they’re so damn Moonshadow.

Of course there had to be some kind of angst involved in their courtship. But just imagine them painting that image together beneath the porch, hanging on a vine-supported platform from the staircase above, creating a big sign telling the whole Silvergrove that they were the couple that belonged to this tree house now, and if anyone ever wanted to find them, they only had to look up.

It. is. adorable.

I love this identification system for homes! Why use numbers and letters when you can just use the unique symbols the elves have chosen for themselves? They’re probably closely associated with the runes of Moonshadow language, anyway. Haha, but Moonshadow markings are meant to be temporary, changeable. If something big happens in an elf’s life, their markings may alter as a result. I wonder how often they repaint their address markings!

Anyway, hi, yes, I think that symbol is a house occupant marker, and I still haven’t gotten over how goshdarn cute that is, help me how can they be this adorable and this angsty, it’s defying the laws of physics.

[blueberry-braincell]

Just. I was not fuckign prepared.

(EPIC and TDP Spoilers)

I wasn’t expecting the marriage bed scene to be included and i just…. Aughfogu

And it hits esp hard after the Ruthari reunion,,,,, which. Fucking finally. Screaming crying throwing up etc etc.

Back to back watching TDP season 7 and listening to Epic: Ithaca saga was a mistake

[beautifulterriblequeen]

I've been thinking about your Ruthari angst prompts and idk if that's even allowed 😅 but what do you think about a mixture of 3 and 11? 👀

Okay, so I wanted to play with the arranged marriage au for a bit, and these two lines landed like they might be part of negotiations. So here you go:

“What would you do if I didn’t come back?” and “How am I supposed to go on?”  

“What would you do if I didn’t come back?” Runaan paced slowly at Ethari’s side as they circled the fog-shrouded gardens of the Silvergrove Council House for the seventh time, matching the craftsman’s easy amble. The assassin had begun their negotiations with his hands clasped behind his back as they trod the well-worn path just inside the pale filigree wall that ringed the grounds. Now they hung loose at his sides, after over an hour of conversation that gradually found its rhythm. Ethari was surprisingly easy to converse with, so far. Runaan wasn’t certain he really approved of the taller elf’s playful mindset, but his easy forgiveness and acceptance had soothed away a lot of Runaan’s initial worries.

Runaan kept his face carefully forward as they walked, not wishing to indicate any weakness by glancing Ethari’s way too often, but he kept Ethari’s boots in the corner of his eye so he didn’t walk too fast and leave him behind.

I could. I could leave him behind. I’m faster, stronger. But my life has never been mine to direct. It belongs to Xadia. And so does my heart. Runaan took a slow breath as Ethari thoughtfully contemplated his reply, nibbling at his lip. My heart for Xadia. So, my heart for Ethari, as much as I can manage it.

“I suppose,” Ethari began slowly, “I would do whatever the council wished me to do.”

That was the best answer Runaan could have expected. Ethari had a deep sense of duty that overrode his personal feelings, just as Runaan did. Another thread of tension loosened in his shoulders. No one understood duty like an assassin, but the council had selected Ethari from among all the eligible craftsmen in the Silvergrove. He was the best they could find. But Runaan was the one who’d marry him, and he needed to be sure, too. And now, to his relief, he was sure. Ethari was willing to do his duty, no matter what.

Good. He’ll need that as much as I do.

“Would they make me marry the next assassin leader, too, do you suppose?” Ethari continued. He looked further ahead on their circular path, as if he could see such a dark future already looming.

Runaan blinked in surprise. He shifted himself out of the equation--an easy habit of long practice--and considered the idea. “It depends on what sort of match we have, I think.”

“How do you mean?” Ethari’s voice was carefully distant, unwilling to give any indication of interest either way.

Runaan pouted thoughtfully. “Well, if we match well in skill, if your crafting is of high quality and I perform admirably with your weapons, then the council will be inclined to match you with another assassin so you can continue to perform your valuable services.”

“Hmm.”

Runaan glanced over from beneath a single raised brow at Ethari’s noncommittal noise. “You don’t agree?”

“Does the council take feelings into consideration in situations like that?” Ethari asked.

“Feelings?” Runaan scoffed lightly. Feelings never protected anyone from anything. They were more likely to cause chaos than bring order.

Ethari shot him an uncertain glance. “Yes, feelings. What if...?” He looked away abruptly.

“You worry they would match you with a woman?” Runaan guessed.

A tiny smile flickered at the corner of Ethari’s lips and vanished. “That wouldn’t be a problem.”

“Oh. What, then?”

Ethari glanced across the gardens, to where the lacy arches of the Council House faded into the mist. “Can I ask you for a favor, Runaan?”

Runaan’s spine straightened. A personal request from his intended? This was the sort of thing he would be expected to agree to, wasn’t it? They were to be partners, allies, for the protection of Xadia and the Silvergrove. But soft subjects were merely practice for the important things. That was Runaan’s takeaway after Tiadrin sat him down and gave him a thorough talking-to, anyway. “Of course,” he responded. He had no idea what to expect, but he was intensely curious what could prompt Ethari to ask for a personal boon just then. “Anything you like.”

The craftsman’s eyes scanned the foggy garden until he spotted something that met with his approval. He held out a broad-palmed hand toward Runaan. “Will you come with me for a moment?”

Runaan stilled, studying the outstretched hand so easily offered. I suppose I should get used to this elf’s touch sooner rather than later, he reasoned. Slowly, he placed his gloved hand in Ethari’s, resting it there as lightly as a landing bird.

Ethari grinned warmly and gave Runaan’s hand a gentle squeeze. Then he towed him past a couple of short fruit trees that were just budding their spring leaves, until they were entirely hidden from sight, against the outer wall of the gardens. He pulled Runaan to face him and gave him a secretive smile. “Here, this’ll do.”

Runaan glanced around uncertainly. “For what?”

Ethari glanced down, suddenly bashful. “I, I thought we should kiss. To get used to it. They’ll expect it of us in public from time to time.”

Runaan’s brows lowered. “We don’t have to kiss.”

Ethari’s shoulders slumped a little. “Do you mean right now, or... ever...?”

Runaan’s expression tightened as he struggled with these unfamiliar notions Ethari was creating in him. “We are to be wed for the good of the SIlvergrove, Ethari. You are a craftsman of immense skill, and I am to become the leader of the assassins. Our union will stabilize the chaos of the past few years and ensure a brighter future for everyone. Kissing...” Runaan shook his head slowly, baffled. “Kissing doesn’t enter into it.”

“Kissing doesn’t--?” Ethari blurted. “Runaan...”

Perplexed at Ethari’s sudden outburst, the assassin took a moment to look him up and down, seeking some reason for his intense reaction. But he saw only a tall, frustrated craftsman before him, clearly in on some secret Runaan did not possess. It seemed he’d have to ask out loud for it. “What?”

“You fool.” Ethari’s hands were on his cheeks in a heartbeat, pulling him closer. Runaan’s sound of protest was trapped in his mouth as Ethari’s lips found his, hard and urgent, driving him back against the garden wall. Runaan backed into it with enough force to  draw a grunt from his chest.

Ethari chased him there, pressing himself flush against Runaan, pinning him with writhing eagerness. At the sound of Runaan’s grunt, he let out a low, grinding moan to match, sieving his fingers into the assassin’s hair.

Don’t stab him. Do not stab him. He wouldn’t understand. This is for Xadia. The thought flared red in Runaan’s mind, tangled and fragmented by a truly frightening amount of heated sensations that burst out of nowhere and swarmed him like a cloud of moon moths seeking escape, finding none. What is... what is he doing to me... what is this...

A stifled groan slipped through Runaan’s teeth. Instead of shoving Ethari away as he felt would be proper for such an uninvited assault, Runaan found his hands knotting in Ethari’s shirt and tugging him closer still. He wrapped a leg around Ethari’s ass and snugged their bodies together, lost in the grip of unreasoning neediness.

“Nnngh.” Ethari’s moan nibbled its way along Runaan’s jaw and nipped at the delicate skin beneath his ear. Runaan arched against his lips, tilting his chin up, bucking his hips forward with a soft cry.

Ethari steadied himself with a grip on a swirly amid the pattern in the filigree wall. His other hand teased beneath the lower edge of Runaan’s shirt, and his words rang breathlessly in Runaan’s ear.  “Runaan... I’ve always loved you... always... You make me so happy, this is a dream come true...”

“Aah!” Runaan tore himself away and stumbled a couple of steps sideways, panting heavily. His body throbbed in all the best places, his skin was flushed, his pupils blown. But he held out a hand to ward Ethari off. “You tricked the council?” he puffed. “You lied to them?”

Bereft, shocked, Ethari made an abortive reach toward Runaan and then stopped. “What? No!”

“They asked me if I had any attachments.” Runaan’s voice was cold, but why wouldn’t Runaan’s heart settle? It insisted on galloping across the Forest like a wild moonstrider. “I said no, so I was approved for consideration. And it was the truth.”

“I... Runaan, it wasn’t a lie! I��d never told you. There was no attachment to lie about.”

“There was in your heart.”

Baffled, breathless, desperate, Ethari took a step forward with his hands out pleadingly. “How is that a bad thing? I told them nothing of my feelings. I let them decide, for the good of the Silvergrove. And now that it’s decided, I’m telling you the truth! Isn’t that what couples do when they trust each other?”

Runaan’s brows drew down, and he thought searchingly through the wild storm of his feelings, seeking the hard edges of something reliable. Ah. There. He tucked his hands behind his back--the better to keep them off this deceptively charming elf before him--and straightened up into a formal assassin pose. “That’s just it, Ethari. I don’t trust you. We don’t know each other that well. And we’re not a couple. We’re a team--or trying to be--serving Xadia first and foremost. And you just admitted that you’re capable of deceiving the whole village council--and me--to get what you want. You told me you’d marry whoever the council paired you with, if I fell, but that’s not true, is it? You’ve put your needs above those of the many. And that, I cannot abide.”

Genuine fear bled across Ethari’s face as Runaan’s words sank in. “Runaan, please don’t... Are you calling this off?” His bottom lip trembled, and he pressed a shaking fist against his mouth. “Please don’t tell me I’ve ruined everything, please, please...” He closed his eyes and stood there, vulnerable, exposed. “You’re right. You’re right. It probably isn’t true. If I lose you to the humans someday, I won’t want to marry another. I just want to be with you. If...” His sunset eyes searched the mists for answers and flew back to meet Runaan’s stern gaze. “If I lose you--later, or right now--how am I supposed to go on?”

Runaan’s jaw worked as he stared at the pleading craftsman. His touch had been electric, dazzling. Runaan craved it again already. But such neediness would be an imbalance that could cost him in a critical moment--and if he fell, then his entire purpose was at risk. His head scrambled for distance even as his heart thrummed with eager heat. “I cannot trust you, Ethari. That must be the base tenet of this relationship, or we cannot serve Xadia as it requires.”

In true distress, Ethari grabbed his own horns and turned away, pacing erratically, muttering “No, no, no” through his teeth. Then he whirled back to face Runaan. “Please, I promise you, I won’t give you any further cause to doubt me. Let me prove myself. I’ll do anything. Just tell me what you need.”

Runaan stalked closer until they stood nose to nose. “I need you to give your heart to Xadia. Not to me.”

“Done,” Ethari blurted. His gaze clung to Runaan’s face, and he trembled with tension, his fate hanging in the balance.

Runaan’s gaze betrayed him, falling for a single moment from those urgent eyes to his intended’s full lips, before snapping back up. He gritted his teeth, tugged his shirt smooth of Ethari’s recent elfhandling, and added roughly, “And don’t you dare kiss me again. You’re lucky I didn’t stab you.”

Ethari looked down. “I’m sorry. It... won’t happen again.” His voice faded to a whisper like a wounded animal crawling into the shadows to die.

“How am I supposed to go on?” Ethari’s words echoed in Runaan’s mind, and he relented a little. “Wait. This is to be an alliance. I must consider your feelings, however... misguided, if we are to make this work, yes?” Ethari will make a solid ally, at least. I cannot say the same for every craftsman in the Silvergrove. I may never find an easier or stronger connection than this.

Ethari looked up from beneath his downcast brows, curious but not hopeful. “I suppose so,” he allowed uncertainly.

Runaan nodded decisively. “Then I’ll do the kissing, when it’s appropriate. You were right: they will expect it from time to time. Does this meet with your satisfaction?”

Ethari stared at him for a long moment and sighed dully. “I’ll take it.“

Runaan’s brows drew together. He’d expected Ethari to be delighted, grateful, that Runaan had considered his feelings and made allowances. Wasn’t that how these negotiations were supposed to work? Moon help me, I may just be making this worse... is it too late to take it all back and just let him kiss me again? That was... hnnngh...

Runaan opened his mouth to admit he was wrong, but Ethari spoke first.

“My heart for Xadia.” The craftsman offered his hand again, hesitantly.

Runaan studied that open palm again. Holding hands. A decent compromise in itself. He took it softly and nodded.

Together, hand in hand and worlds apart, the betrothed elves made their way through the mists to the Council House. For Xadia.

[beautifulterriblequeen]

Mmmm'kay, I'm loving this arranged marriage au, the possibilities are endless. But... imagine if once they got married and they went to their shared home for the first time and they found only one bed? The tension. And then they're both like, "I don't wear a shirt to bed..." 😂

Yeah anon, it really grew on me too. It was going to be angstier as I was writing, and then I realized, wait, this has so much potential, so I softened it up a bit.

So “there was only one bed” in the “arranged marriage au”, huh, got it.

Here’s the first part

cw and tags: angst, trust issues, double entendre noises, naked cuddling, pining, sleep deprived Runaan has his own opinions, light bdsm but for angst reasons, biting, falling asleep on someone

____________________________

Runaan stalked in through the tree house door ahead of Ethari, dropping his flower crown carelessly atop a side table. Ethari slowed to catch it from sliding to the floor, hanging them both on pretty silver hooks set into the wall. The hooks were meant to hold the flower crowns as they dried and became a nostalgic reminder of Moonshadows’ vowing night, a permanent decoration to be seen by all who entered the home. Every vowed household had one.

Ethari stilled as Runaan’s footsteps retreated up the curved staircase and faded from earshot. He ran a soft fingertip along the edge of a lunabloom petal and felt a heaviness settle on his shoulders.

“My vowing night,” he murmured, so softly that only the flowers could hear him. “I imagined it very differently when I was a wee lad. With more kissing, for sure. I barely got any--”

A soft cough outside the door perked his ears with alarm. He whipped the door back open and stared out at a sheepish Lain.

“Hey, bro.” The rangy assassin straightened up from a crouch near the door’s crack and slouched easily against the tree’s thick bark. “How’s things? Need anything before you two tuck in for the night?”

Tucking in doesn’t seem to be on Runaan’s to-do list, I’m afraid. But Lain’s smirk told Ethari that he might be missing something. “Lain, what are you doing?”

“Vowing vigil, bro. Assassin thing, you wouldn’t understand.”

Ethari’s feet hurt from hours of dancing beneath the full moon’s light, and he was starving and exhausted. But for the sake of his brand new husband, he pasted on a smile and asked curiously, “Maybe you could explain it to me? ...Bro?”

Lain blinked, and then a broad grin sidled across his face and decided that it liked it there. “Sure, bro. Assassins have each others’ backs, yeah? No matter what. When one of us falters from injury or falls ill, the others gather around to keep them safe. When one of us lets his guard down, we gather, too, and hold ours high.”

Ethari squinted in puzzlement, not following Lain’s secret assassin lingo.

Lain flicked his gaze up toward the various branches overhead, belonging to half a dozen different trees. “Runaan’s our leader now. But he’s gonna let his guard down tonight, for you. And we’ll hold vigil to defend him while he does it. No matter how many times he does it,” Lain added, with a giant, cheesy wink.

Despite Lain’s suggestive joke, Ethari’s cheeks flushed hot with embarrassment and his tummy miserably curled in on itself. He recalled Runaan’s clipped words on the day they’d finalized their betrothal: “Don’t you dare kiss me again. You’re lucky I didn’t stab you.” Runaan wouldn’t be letting his guard down, in any respect, today. Or possibly ever.

“Thank you for your courtesy,” the woeful craftsman managed, before turning away and closing the door in Lain’s face.

His feet found the stairs, and he trudged upward with a heavy heart, just wanting to find a place to crash and sleep. High narrow ceilings that slotted up through organic gaps in the tree gathered darkness overhead, winking with mushroom light and the odd moonfly. Delicately carved walls and living lattice windows showed him various rooms along the side of the stairwell that wound upward around the heart of the tree itself.

This place is beautiful... I’ll have to explore later, after I catch some sleep. Where is the bedroom in here, anyway? Ah, here-

He came to an abrupt stop outside a graceful wooden arch twined with soft glowing vines and nearly bumped right into Runaan, who was swiftly exiting the bedroom with an armful of blankets--as well as cheeks the color of moonberries. Their eyes met--Ethari’s seeking, Runaan’s vulnerable, darting away. Ethari glanced over Runaan’s shoulder, seeking the source of his seeming distress, but saw only a spacious, neat, empty room behind him.

“Where are you going?” he asked Runaan.

Runaan studied the blankets he held, then raised a wry gaze to Ethari’s face. “There is only one bed here. I will sleep elsewhere.” He moved to slip past Ethari into the hallway.

Ethari’s hands clutched at Runaan’s shoulders. “No, you can’t do that.”

Runaan’s gaze was cold. “Take your hands off me.”

Ethari jerked his hands back as if they’d been burned. “Sorry. I only meant that... the assassins are watching the tree house tonight, and they’d know that you... that we didn’t... uhh...”

Runaan’s eyes widened and his gaze sliced toward the nearest outer wall, looking vulnerable, hunted even. Ethari’s heart clenched at the sight. Had the assassins’ supposed vigil slipped his mind? Was it just a prank Lain was pulling?

“That’s... really a thing, then?” he asked.

The quirked frown that snapped into place on Runaan’s face seemed to indicate that it was.

“It seems we’re trapped in here until moonrise,” Runaan grated.

Wow, that makes me feel great. Thanks for that. Ethari let his shoulders slump as Runaan spun and retreated deeper into the bedroom.

The assassin plopped his blankets on the foot of the broad bed. Ethari approached and stood beside him at a safe distance, studying it analytically. Runaan shot him a side glance and opened his mouth sharply, but Ethari spoke first. “No one needs to sleep on the floor. Look at this bed. It’s enormous. Five elves could sleep here and not even touch.”

“You exaggerate. I only see room for three.”

“Oh, should I go invite Lain to sleep between us, then?” Ethari teased, before he really grasped the words he just said.

Runaan rounded on him. “Is this funny to you? Have you no respect for--?” The assassin managed to snap his mouth shut before he said anything further, and he huffed a furious snort.

Ethari backed away, his guts swirling with guilt. He’d fooled the village council into choosing him as Runaan’s marital ally, hiding his feelings from them, and from Runaan too. And then he’d tried to steal his first kiss, blurted the truth, and confessed what felt like an innocent, wholesome, clever chain of events. Except now Runaan didn’t trust him. Their union had meant to strengthen Moonshadow relations, but Ethari had brought the seed of deceit into its very heart.

He looked down at his boots, silent, waiting. This was no time to try to earn back Runaan’s trust. That would be a long and painful process as it was. Better to start when his husband wasn’t actively yelling at him.

Maybe tomorrow, after a good night’s rest. If we can manage to figure out how and where to find it.

When he peeked up at Runaan through his lashes, the assassin was staring at him with wide intense eyes. Ethari raised his brows. Runaan kept staring. Not fondly, either. Ethari’s shoulders slumped, and his gaze found the smooth wooden floor. The grain was beautiful, he noted, full of deep blue-silver swirls.

Runaan tucked his hands behind his back, cleared his throat, and took a deep breath. “I apologize. This is no way to begin our... arrangement. If we must share a bed, then I suggest we get to it. We’ve had a long day of... of getting married. You must be as tired as I am.”

Ethari offered him a tired half-smile. “Do your feet hurt too?” he asked softly.

Runaan’s brows evened out. “I’m on my feet all day. Hours of dancing are no hardship.”

Ethari let his eyes slide toward the outer wall of the tree house, beyond which he knew several assassins were pretending not to eavesdrop. “That’s a real shame, Runaan.”

Runaan’s eyes zeroed in on him with intense focus. “Explain.”

-*-*-

“Ah, right there, push harder,” Runaan moaned, writhing lightly on his stomach atop the soft bed. His long hair sprawled, tousled and tangled, across his bare back.

“You sure you can take it?” Ethari’s question breathed through closed teeth as he bent to his task, hands working over the assassin beneath him, lending his body weight to the sweet, insistent pressure he offered.

“I’m going to be sore when I wake, no matter what,” Runaan said breathlessly against the pillow he clutched. “Your hands are v-very skilled--aah-- Please, please, continue... hnngh... aahhh...”

Ethari chuckled softly at the sweet, desperate noises Runaan was making. The lanky assassin looked delicious all stretched out before him, all long legs and tousled hair and breathy gasps. He dared to hope that, one day, Runaan might make them for another reason besides getting an intense calf massage to work out the knots from too much dancing.

Runaan’s other foot kicked helplessly atop the blanket as Ethari pressed a knuckle into a new knot high on Runaan’s calf. “Hhhgh, moon and shadow,” he cursed.

Ethari’s hands paused, holding Runaan’s muscled calf protectively. “Too hard?”

“Mm’mm. Keep going. It’s good for me.”

“I’ll slow down,” Ethari offered. “I don’t want to break you on our first night.” He couldn’t help but say that last line with a sassy grin.

Runaan’s head popped up from his pillow, and he shot Ethari a hot glare over his shoulder. “You couldn’t possibly--”

Ethari drove his knuckle deep into the knotted muscle.

“AAH-ha-haagh, moondimmit, fuck!” Runaan swore. “Light and shade of the sacred cycle, have mercy on my s-soul...” he squeaked.

“Ooh,” Ethari cooed, “I like it when you plead.”

Runaan’s gaze could’ve stripped the bark off the entire house in a single slice.

A sudden sliding scuff on the branch outside the shuttered window drew their attention. It was swiftly followed by a quiet yelp as someone outside lost their footing.

Ethari paused his hard kneading and flicked his eyebrows with another sassy smirk. “Well, that’s three assassins we’ve overwhelmed so far. How many more do you think will want to listen in?”

Runaan let his forehead plop into the pillow as he caught his breath. “It’s been an hour. We’ve made our point. And I’m not sure I can walk at the moment.”

“You want me to carry you somewhere?” Ethari offered softly. He rested a light hand against the back of Runaan’s knee.

“No, I just want to sleep with you now.”

Ethari blinked, unsure he’d heard right. “S-Sorry?”

“We’ve established that I can’t sleep anywhere else, Ethari. So I have to sleep with you. All I meant.” Runaan groaned and rolled into a sitting position at the edge of the bed. One hand reached for Ethari’s scarf. “You don’t plan to sleep in that, do you?”

“Uhh. Nope.” Ethari tugged his scarf free. “I don’t sleep in much, actually... I get hot... uh...” Like right now. It’s really hot in here all of a sudden!

“Hm. That’s fine. I don’t sleep in anything at all.” Runaan stood up and shucked off his trousers with zero ado whatsoever.

“Hrkk!” Ethari choked against a fist. “Are-Are you s-sure you...” Moon help me, I’m just infinitely gay, infinitely, did he just, did he-- Help....

Runaan turned around and looked down at him, hands on his narrow hips. Ethari desperately locked his eyes onto his new husband’s turquoise ones, feeling his cheeks burn.

“I’ve got about five minutes of consciousness left before I crash,” Runaan said in a cool tone. “And I’m not falling asleep around someone I don’t trust, unless I can control the risks he poses.”

Ethari gulped. “Wh-What does that mean? Are you going to tie me up or something?”

Runaan raised a speculative eyebrow.

-*-*-

“Not too tight?” Runaan murmured, kneeling at Ethari’s side as the craftsman lay on his back, wearing nothing more than a soft pair of sleep shorts--which was more than Runaan was wearing. His fingers lightly adjusted the soft bindings around Ethari’s wrists.

“This really isn’t necessary, I promise,” Ethari began. “I’ve already agreed to--”

“I know what you’ve said. I also know the depth of your capability for deceitfulness. If you’d been truthful, we wouldn’t need restraints.”

We. How “we” does he mean that? Ethari wondered.

“Now roll onto your side,” Runaan ordered. “I’m not turning my back on you again, and I’m keeping you right where I can find you.”

With his eyes wide and dark, Ethari rolled over and felt Runaan tuck his bare body behind him, nestling close. Ethari’s breathing stuttered as Runaan hooked one leg atop the craftsman’s hip, pinning him in place. He clutched his softly tied hands to his chest to reassure himself that he was still breathing. This was torture of the worst kind! To be in love with such a beautiful elf, to be allowed to marry him, to share a bed, to watch him strip down and snuggle tightly--and to have it all mean something entirely different than what Ethari had begged the universe for--it was the sweetest dagger in his heart. He knew he’d never recover from its wound, and he wasn’t sure he even wanted to.

Runaan’s hand snaked between Ethari’s arm and his ribs and clasped his wrists lightly, tucking one seeking finger under the bindings. The touch was so intimate and gentle, as if Runaan were admitting that he too were bound the same way as Ethari was, that it brought a shaky tear to the corner of Ethari’s eye.

His struggles to smooth out his breathing did not go unnoticed, however, since the assassin was pressed skin to skin against his back. Runaan’s fingers gently rubbed along Ethari’s wrists, soothing the cord’s rub.

“Sometimes I don’t trust myself, either.” Runaan’s voice was slurred with sleep. His five minutes had come and gone, perhaps a couple of minutes ago.

“I swear to you, Runaan,” Ethari said, breathing his words like a prayer, “I never meant to hurt you. I never wanted this.” He wriggled his bound wrists against Runaan’s grip.

Runaan squeezed the bindings possessively. “Maybe I did.”

Ethari gasped slowly at Runaan’s sleepy confession. Then he gasped harder as Runaan’s mouth closed over the skin at the base of his neck. Runaan instinctively clasped him still with all his limbs, holding Ethari in his control with a soft hum that grew gentle teeth against his skin. Ethari froze, entirely breathless, trembling with a heady concoction of delight, fear, and arousal. “R-Runaan?”

Runaan’s mouth nibbled gently, sleepily. “Mmmm.”

“Runaan, are you... awake?”

The assassin’s teeth grazed his skin and claimed his ear, biting gently, sucking on its tip. “No. And don’t you dare tell me about this in the morning.”

A waterfall of helpless, confused, ecstatic noises tumbled from Ethari’s mouth. Runaan’s hands began roaming him, and his teeth dragged and nipped in their wake, drawing gasps and curses from Ethari’s lips, making him writhe against his husband. Runaan’s nibbling became insistent, and he crawled across Ethari, pushing him onto his back, pinning his bound hands over his head even as his mouth worked along the lower curve of Ethari’s left pec.

Ethari bucked helplessly and groaned until his voice shredded into a needy whine. “Runaan, please... aah...”

Runaan nipped his way across Ethari’s heart and along the side of his neck, drawing ever louder sounds of pleasure from Ethari’s lips. He eased down flush atop him, tucking his long slender legs outside Ethari’s sturdy ones. Rampant heat flared between them. But while Ethari was getting worked up, Runaan was relaxing bonelessly, his breathing slowing.

He pressed his mouth to Ethari’s ear, nipping gently at its lower edge. “Hold me, Ethari. I want to trust you so much.” And he let go of Ethari’s bound wrists and nestled his head against his husband’s muscled shoulder.

Ethari tensed, as desperately confused as he was aroused, but he lowered his arms to hold Runaan close, craving the smell of his hair, the weight of his body, the warmth of his breath. “I... I have you, Runaan...”

“Mmmm.” The assassin’s breathing slowed and evened out as he passed fully into slumber, sprawled without a stitch atop the elf he claimed not to trust.

Ethari felt his body throb hot against Runaan’s lax weight. With a tiny whimper, he let his head fall back against the pillow. No...This really is torture of the worst kind! He flexed his wrists against Runaan’s bindings as they rested against the small of the assassin’s back. How am I supposed to survive this kind of cruelty?

He bemoaned his indecently unfair fate for several minutes before exhaustion claimed him, too. His last waking act was to kiss Runaan’s temple and murmur, “Sleep well... husband.”

At Ethari’s soft words, Runaan let out a deeply contented sigh and snuggled closer.

Alone in the dark, and yet not quite as alone as he had been, Ethari thought he might cry, for every single reason at once.

[beautifulterriblequeen]

I didn’t dare say it, but... Your writing Runthari angst (Runthari arranged mariage au 3 and 11) was so well written that it took me four to five days to get over it emotionally speaking.

I'm okay now ^^

I’m glad you’ve recovered, anon. I’d hate to kill you off so soon!

[medu-nefer]

thank you for tagging me, @hoothalcyon! <3

Baptiste Sa-Ismael/Aaron de Coste (Baron, unless someone has a better idea) - Empire of the Vampire

My babies. An uptight nobleman warrior with long blonde hair and his sunshine engineering genius blacksmith boyfriend/husband (unclear). Also playing with religious themes. I plan on becoming the mother of this ship on ao3 🥳

2. Runaan/Ethari (Ruthari) - The Dragon Prince

Literally the reason why I actually would like to get married one day, instead of my past complete aversion to marriage. Also, you can probably spot some similarities with Baron 👀😂 if you don't like them, what's wrong with you /j

3. Alucard/Trevor Belmont (Trevorcard) - Castlevania

Another half-vampire with gorgeous blonde hair and human combo because I'm a consistent bish. Perfect banter, one braincell, and tragic lives. So much angst potential 👌

4. Hirad Coldheart/Ilkar - Chronicles of The Raven, Legends of The Raven

My first ever OTP <3 They'll always hold a special place in my heart. Amazing banter, 10+ years of incredible friendship (& we're suckers for friends to lovers trope in this house), utter and absolute love for each other.

5. I guess it's a tie between Thace/Ulaz (Thulaz) - Voltron: Legendary Defender and Cole Cassidy/Hanzo Shimada (Yeehan) - Overwatch

Yes, I cheated but I love all of them 🤭

tagging @te-amozevris and whoever wants to do this! <3

Slash ships to get to know me

Rules: name at leave 5 ships that you love, each from a different fandom.

Thank you to @davidbowielovesyou for tagging me! <3

Runaan/Ethari (Ruthari) - The Dragon Prince

OF COURSE. OF COURSE. my #1 ship ever!! I love them SO much. I've written so much of them purely because of how neat I think they are. They own a part of my heart.

Hange/Moblit (Mobuhan) - Attack on Titan

Heh heh. Genius ADHD scientist and their malewife who literally died for them. Not only are they adorable together but they're hysterical, and they quickly captured my heart!

Linus/Arthur - The House in the Cerulean Sea

Absolute sweethearts who make my heart hurt but also heal it at the same time! Love them so much <3

Bitty/Jack (Zimbits) - Omg! Check Please

Eeeeee hehehe I love them, and have for a long time! Such sweeties (do you see a trend in my ships?)

Phoenix/Miles (Wrightworth) - Ace Attorney

Not much to say here, but I do really like them! The fan art and fan fiction of them is amazing, kudos to that fandom for their awesome talent

tagging @kaia001 @medu-nefer @thethiefandtheairbender