#ruthari week 2020

[thenerdyalchemist]

Hey #ruthariweek2020 I got something for you :3 Also thank you so much to everyone who came to watch me do this in stream! You guys are all amazing

[butterfly-boots]

Ruthari Week Day 3

Free Time

[jal-the-jinxed]

Miles away, every inch a mistake I’ve made I’ve been thinking of those sunny days when I could hear your serenade The string I adore is now wrapped around my neck It keeps my throat open, let’s the air in and keeps me in check Is it too late to go home yet?

Omg I didn’t think I’d get this finished in time for Ruthari week

[bowsie22]

Ruthari Week Day 5

Ruthari Week 5

10th - Domestic

Many people wondered why Ethari married Runaan. The two seemed so different with little in common with the other. On one hand, they weren’t wrong. Runaan was very much a morning person who hated having nothing do to and seemed incapable of relaxing. Ethari was none of those things. He loved sleeping in when he could and enjoyed his time away from the works bench. Especially if that time was spent with his husband.

Their days off were spent together. They had a routine, something that Ethari knew made the days easier for Runaan. They slept in, but not for too long. After a small breakfast of fruit, Ethari headed to the market, leaving Runaan behind him. Even on his days off, the assassin still had to do some training. After an hour or two of training, Runaan would join his husband at the market, the two strolling through the stalls hand in hand. Often, they met with Tiadrin, Lain and Rayla for some tea and snacks.

Ethari would make a small lunch of sandwiches and then start preparing their dinner. On days off, he liked to make a multi course meal to treat himself and his husband. He was the best weaponsmith in Silvergrove and Runaan led the assassins that protected their lands. Ethari figured that they deserved a treat and a reward for all their hard work.

Runaan was kept out of the kitchen. He could cook if necessary, but always made very nutritious meals that rarely tasted of anything. For their days off, Ethari had control of the kitchen while Runaan did some odd jobs around their home, cleaning and fixing things. After finishing this and wandering the house bored, Runaan always ended up in the same place. Standing behind his husband in the kitchen, arms wrapped around his waist, offering to taste test the food.

It was Runaan’s job to set the table, something he paid a lot of attention to. The table was always set with fresh flowers and candles, Runaan making sure to use Ethari’s favourite scent. When the dinner was cooked, the two would sit for hours, talking and laughing. It was always Runaan’s favourite part of the day.

After a delicious meal, Ethari blushing as Runaan complimented him endlessly, Runaan would clean up and then join Ethari on the couch. The men would read in silence, occasionally pointing out a paragraph or sentence that they really liked and sharing soft kisses.

At the end of the day, they two would curl up together in their bed, arms wrapped around the other, holding each other tightly. They didn’t speak, just happy to be together in their home.  

People were right when they said that Runaan and Ethari were two complete opposites, but they were also perfect for each other.

[hoothalcyon]

The follow up of a special milestone shared by the two husbands. 

A companion piece to AvatarKitten’s recent fic

CW for implied sexual content 

[beautifulterriblequeen]

We Fall Together

For Ruthari Week 2020

AU: Pre-Canon

Pairings: Runaan x Ethari

Rating: General

Archive warnings: None 

Prompt #1: Dancing/Moonlight

Runaan’s hand pressed warmly against Ethari’s as the dance began. They wore their best tunics for the Moonlight Fling, long and dark, with silver strands glinting in the soft moonlight that filtered down through the trees. Other couples slowly took their first dance steps around them. Runaan’s eyes settled on Ethari’s—calm, steady, warm as a sunset’s cheery glow—and he smiled. Ethari smiled back and bent one finger to caress the edge of Runaan’s hand.

Ethari’s grip was iron around Runaan’s wrist as the assassin dangled over three hundred feet of empty air. His foot lost its hold, and he slipped another inch toward the edge of the precipice. A sprinkling of sand dusted its way down into Runaan’s hair. “I’m not letting go, Runaan.”

Runaan’s free hand drew a dagger from his belt. His turquoise gaze, so often as sharp as his blades, rose softly to meet Ethari’s. “Don’t worry. I’ll let go first.”

Runaan and Ethari stepped close and turned their heads just enough to let their ear tips brush against one another’s while their fingers intertwined alongside their thighs. Their free hands joined over their heads, and after stepping away and then together again, they rested their other hands in the small of each other’s backs and spun together. Their eyes locked as they danced nose to nose. Ethari gently adjusted his fingers, sliding one inside Runaan’s long sleeve to soothe the bruise his hand had left around Runaan’s wrist, as if to say I’m sorry I hurt you.

Runaan’s response was to squeeze Ethari’s hand tightly.

Ethari let out a grating denial as Runaan lifted his dagger and placed it against his own wrist.

“I’ll pull you over too, Ethari. Only one of us should die here.” His fingers flexed, and he began to press the dagger against his arm, ready to sacrifice it—and himself—for Ethari’s life.

Ethari shook Runaan by his arm, disrupting Runaan’s slice before it could begin. “Runaan, I swear on the Moon itself, if you die here, I will throw myself after you.”

Runaan jerked his gaze upward, eyes soft and wide. “Ethari… I…”

But shaking Runaan also shook Ethari. The sturdy elf slid helplessly toward the edge of the cliff again, and this time, he couldn’t stop. Together, they fell.

They danced as they’d fallen—without touching, eyes on each other, spinning slowly as if time meant nothing and all the world were a dream. Every time Runaan turned again to face Ethari, his eyes sought him with a heady mix of trust and desperation. The needing in him was so strong, yet he found it endlessly breathtaking that the having matched it in both strength and bounty.

Finally, the dance let them touch again. Ethari’s hands caressed Runaan’s back and smoothed their way along his ponytail. Runaan took Ethari’s face in his hands and drew him into an alternate series of steps, smiling softly. Ethari’s dark brows lifted in pleased surprise, and he let Runaan lead the way.

Their freefall was short-lived, with each trying to save the other. Runaan pushed off of Ethari in midair, driving him toward the cliff where he’d be sure to find a grip—and he did. But his action caromed him off into space, and Ethari shouted after him, reaching, straining, desperate to hold onto Runaan one last time.

One hand caught the very tip of Runaan’s ponytail just as the other snagged another outcrop of rock. Runaan pendulumed below him with a cry as his hair took his full body weight.

“Runaan! I’ve got you. Don’t you dare cut your hair to save me, do you hear me?”

“Ethari.” Runaan stopped his swinging by steadying his hand against Ethari’s boot. “You can’t save me. There’s nowhere to go but down.”

“Never tell a craftsman what he can’t do. That’s how the world gets changed.” Ethari grimaced and flexed sharply with a growl of effort, pulling Runaan upward. Runaan rose with another soft sound of surprise, and Ethari switched his grip from Runaan’s hair to the front of his tunic. He held the wiry, wide-eyed assassin against his chest, his tunic bunched in Ethari’s fist, and panted with effort. “When you land, don’t come back for me.” He pressed a hard, quick kiss against Runaan’s lips, flexed every muscle he had, and tossed Runaan onto the top of the outcrop he was hanging from.

Ethari spun after Runaan and caught him when Runaan twirled back into his arms. Runaan’s long white hair spilled across Ethari’s arm as he caught it around Runaan’s back, and Ethari smiled at its soft weight. Every strand in its glory, unsacrificed and intact. Their dance steps had shifted from those everyone else was doing, but they still held to the same rhythm. Others began noticing that Runaan had shifted the dance. Secret smiles ringed the gathering, and Ethari started to feel self-conscious.

Runaan drew Ethari’s attention back to him with a finger under his chin. His eyes silently asked if Ethari was ready for the finishing move in this particular dance sequence.

Ethari’s smile was as wide as the moonlit sky.

“Ethari!” Runaan scrambled to the edge of the outcrop on hands and knees, heedless of his minor aches and pains—and Ethari’s warning—afraid he’d see his beloved tumbling into the distance far below.

Instead, Ethari muscled his way into a two handed pull-up, wearing a fierce grin and a sheen of sweat. “A little help?” he said through a helpless chuckle. “I’m heavier than I look.”

Runaan put everything he had into pulling Ethari to safety, and they fell together atop the outcrop, locked tightly in each other’s arms, gasping.

“I understand now,” Ethari said after he caught his breath. “That moment when you can choose between life and death.”

Runaan’s arms tightened. “You thought of letting go?”

Ethari’s smile shimmered in his words. “How could I? Everything I ever wanted is right here. I’d have moved the earth and the Moon to hold you again.”

Runaan gazed up into Ethari’s eyes and smiled softly. “I think you did.”

The other dancing couples drew back to give Runaan and Ethari just a bit more room for their finale. They didn’t have to know why Runaan had decided to trust Ethari with his life. All they knew was that Runaan was expressing their new milestone through dance, in public, for everyone to see, and they’d honor it for the tribute it was.

The assassin and the craftsman danced in one final circle, fingertips brushing, and then Ethari took Runaan’s hand and set him into a twirl. His ponytail whirled after him, wide and white, catching the moonlight. Ethari withdrew his hand just as Runaan closed his eyes and arched his back, and Ethari caught him gently by the back of his neck, stepping into a deep, slow lunge beside him, easing Runaan down into a graceful, arching dip until his entire ponytail puddled on the grass beneath him.

With his eyes still shut, Runaan caressed Ethari’s cheek with his near hand. When his eyes opened, he found his beloved’s eyes without effort. A broad smile bursting with love brightened his face, and he pressed his thumb against Ethari’s lips for a quick kiss.

Ethari went entirely breathless at the sight of this beautiful assassin who had given his life into his hands—literally and artistically. He straightened and slowly lifted Runaan back to his feet, pulling him into his arms for a tight hug. The other elves cheered, whistled, and clapped, and for once, Runaan indulged them, kissing Ethari enthusiastically. The cheering doubled, and Ethari spun Runaan around in his arms.

As he set Runaan down, Ethari murmured softly in his ear, just for him, under the cheers of their friends. “If we fall, my heart, we fall together.”

Runaan kissed him again and spoke against his lips. “Together.”

[the-blaze-empress]

Elation

———༻☾༺———

Ruthari Week Day 2

Prompt: Glowing/Fading

———༻☾༺———

AU: Canon

Pairings: Ruthari

Rating: General

Archive warnings: None

Chapters: 1/1

Updated: N/A though it is part of a series that will hopefully be updated every day this week (5/1/20 - 12/1/20)

———༻☾༺———

As predicted, Ethari had unconsciously - or perhaps consciously, who knew - led them to the glowfly grove. 

It was one of his favourite places, and for a good reason. By day, the grove was almost like any other grove. Trees gnarled and twisted with age, weeping their leaves downwards. Long grass, dotted with wildflowers. 

But come dusk, the entire grove lit up. Literally. 

Hundreds upon thousands of glowflys took to the air, twinkling like stars fallen from above. They would meander in the air, dancing with one another, floating on the breeze, until the sun rose and extinguished their lights.

———༻☾༺———

Runaan has never loved anyone more than he has Ethari, and he doubts he ever will. He wants to spend his life at the tinker's side, together. He may be nervous, but he's also excited. Excited for what is to come. All he has to do, is ask.

———༻☾༺———

Day 1 - Apprehension  ||  Prompt: Dancing/Moonlight

Day 3 - Concern  ||  Prompt: Hurt/Comfort

Day 4 - Delight  ||  Prompt: Lost/Look Closely

Day 5 - Relief  ||  Prompt: Separation/Reunion

[ask-runaan-anything]

...Why do I always stumble upon the desire for your stories at hours when I should be asleep? What happened with being swung by the hair now?

Just a quick gravity test. Everything turned out fine.

[rumowrites]

In celebration of Ruthari Week 2020 @ruthari-week-2020 and the hurt/comfort prompt, I present you a new chapter of Defectum^^

(Pls mind the warnings)

[sunstone-nerding]

I like this!

Jewelry/Formal Wear

“Do you accept the light and the darkness of my life?” As it was expected in the private ritual of The Asking, he repeated the question that the tradition required. 

“I do.” Runaan said and humbly lowered his head before him, exposing his horns. With care, Ethari slid the Ambyth in Runaan’s horns.

[butterfly-boots]

Ruthari Week Day 4

Creatures

[bowsie22]

Ruthari Week 2020

Ruthari Week day 1

Prompt – Light of (my) life.

Runaan was used to darkness. The darkness of his tunic, the darkness the shadows that he crept through, the darkness of the blood on his hands and blades. It was something that had become accustomed to as a Moonshadow assassin. When he was younger, Runaan had expected to spend his life surrounded by darkness, smothered in it. Eventually he would die in it.

Runaan was always afraid that he would lose himself in the darkness. Become like so many other assassins had. Cold, angry, lonely. At one stage he was close to that, snapping at anyone who tried to become close to him, drawing away from the few friends he had.  

But then he met Ethari. His complete opposite. Tiadrin and Lain weren’t wrong when they called him the light to Runaan’s darkness. Knowing that he had his Ethari to return home to kept the darkness at bay. It gave him something to look forward to after a mission.

Ethari looked after him, comforted him, loved him. He made Runaan feel warm again, feel happy again. Their home was Runaan’s safe space where nothing and nobody could hurt him. Falling asleep with Ethari in his arms was a blessing that Runaan still wasn’t sure he deserved.

Each time he felt the darkness start creeping upon him again, Runaan found his husband and with a warm hug and some gentle words, Runaan felt the darkness slip away, repelled by Ethari’s light.

And even through Runaan would never say to anyone, everyone who saw the two together knew that Ethari truly was the light of Runaan’s life.

[hoothalcyon]

my first fic for ruthari week is up! 

Ethari's dreams remind him of the world of beauty and love he used to know so well.

[beautifulterriblequeen]

Now is Good

For Ruthari Week 2020

AU: Pre-Canon

Pairings: Runaan x Ethari

Rating: General? Teen? one (1) suggestive comment

Archive warnings: None

Prompt #3: Hurt/Comfort

 Runaan came to first. Two decades of battle experience started screaming in his ear, and he woke with a gasp.

He immediately regretted it, as several broken ribs protested sharply. He felt like he’d been shot by half a dozen arrows all in the same breath. His hands clutched at his chest, pressing back against the broken ribs, and found them neatly bandaged with moon-traced fabric, leaving his lilac skin exposed to the cool air. His mouth tasted of blood and herbs.

Shreds of memory returned, bright and bloody enough to make Runaan shut his eyes again. “Ethari…” Whispering his husband’s name was exhausting. Runaan’s throat was dry and raspy. How long had he been out? Where was he? Where was Ethari?

Slowly, Runaan cracked open his eyes. A dim light filtered in from his right, cool and white, like moonlight through a curtain. A quiet hush surrounded him, but with a certain presence to it—the soft breathing of several others told him he wasn’t alone. His eyes adjusted to the dimness.

A cave of pale stone gleamed with filtered sunlight through sheer cloth. Medicinal herbs filled the air, and soft murmurs soothed nearby.

The healing caves near the battlefield. So it was over. He’d survived. Again.

Runaan slowly rocked his head to the side, as if drawn by instinct. Ethari lay quietly in the cot next to him. Eyes shut. Hands resting on his stomach. Breathing easily. A series of bandages held in place by two splints decorated the length of Ethari’s right leg. A soft sound escaped Runaan’s mouth unbidden, and he tried to reach for Ethari. His hand tangled in a soft cloth sling he hadn’t realized he was wearing, and his shoulder protested mightily. Runaan winced and clutched his arm to his chest. That shoulder had been dislocated recently��Runaan would know that feeling anywhere.

But he needed to reassure himself that Ethari was truly all right. “Ethari. Ethari? Ethari, please. Can you hear me?”

Ethari hummed a soft moan and tried to roll toward him, as he had on many a morning. But as he rolled onto his injured leg, he caught himself with a pained gasp that woke him right up. His coppery eyes flew wide and searched frantically until they landed on Runaan. Ethari slumped back in relief, keeping his eyes on Runaan. Though his dark brows drew together in pain, a small fond smile smoothed the firm line of his lips. “I hear you, Runaan. I always hear you.”

Runaan struggled out of his sling and held out his hand, ignoring the straining pain that throbbed in his shoulder and chest. Ethari must’ve read the effort on his face, because he immediately clasped Runaan’s hand and supported its weight in the space between their cots.

“What happened to you?” Runaan managed. “Last I saw, you were still on your feet.”

Ethari offered a wry smile. “I got knocked off them. I’m just glad to see I still have them both.”

“I’m glad they put us side by side, at least. I’d have been in a bad way hobbling around looking for you,” Runaan whispered fondly.

Ethari’s replying smile was sad. “They found us together. I managed to get back to you before I passed out.”

Runaan’s hand managed a weak squeeze. “You always do seem to find me.”

A sassy lilt entered Ethari’s voice. “It’s part of the job description.”

“What job is that?”

“Runaan’s husband.”

Runaan grinned. “Please do not make me laugh right now. I have more than one broken rib.”

Ethari squeezed his hand. “I’m sorry, my shade.”

Runaan ran his thumb over Ethari’s as their hands hung clasped in the small space between their cots. “Will you tell me how you found me?”

Ethari’s grip loosened, and he looked straight up. “I don’t know how you do it, Runaan. How you keep fighting after you see what it’s like.”

“Instinct.” But a darkness lay heavy over Runaan’s reply. “Was it bad?”

Ethari took a few breaths to gather his thoughts. He blinked rapidly and nibbled at his lip. “Yeah. It was. I never want to see you like that again.”

Runaan squeezed his hand again. “You don’t have to tell me, then. I don’t want you to relive it.”

Ethari heaved in a deep breath and let it out. Softly, he pulled his hand away.

Runaan slowly pulled his arm back and tucked it into its sling again, trying to give Ethari his space to process. War wasn’t for everyone.

But Ethari wasn’t done moving. With deliberate care, the craftsman rolled to his other side of his cot and managed to rise into a shaky stance. He hobbled slowly around to the near side of the bed until he could sit on it facing Runaan. He grimaced as he sat at an angle, pressing a hand against his thigh. “Ow. Not good for the stitches.”

Runaan wore a grimace of frustration. If he’d been able, he’d have pinned Ethari in his cot for trying such a stunt. But unfortunately, it seemed he was even more helpless than Ethari was. “Ethari, what are you doing? You shouldn’t be doing that.”

“Shush. I can hold you down with one finger. Let me do what I want. Right now I want to get you some water. It smells like it has easeroot in it, so it’ll help with the pain, too.” Ethari reached over to a small table set between their cots and poured a small glass full. He stole a gulp off the top with a cheeky grin. “So you don’t spill all over yourself. Here.” He leaned forward and held the cup out to Runaan.

Instead of taking the cup, Runaan took hold of Ethari’s wrist and guided it toward his mouth. Ethari tipped the cup against his lips, and Runaan took a grateful sip, and then a few deep gulps, draining the cup. “Nnnhh. That’s better.”

“More?”

“Please.”

After a second full cup, Runaan’s throat felt much better. The throbbing in his head started to lessen, and his breathing seemed to come a little easier. His eyes rested on Ethari. “I lost sight of you on the field. That shouldn’t have happened, and I’m sorry. I meant to fight by your side every step of the way. To stand over you if I had to.”

Ethari grinned wryly. “In your defense, there was a giant explosion that blew us apart from each other. I knew you’d be trying to find me. But by the time I found you…” Ethari’s eyes fell to Runaan’s bandages, bright white with silvery tracings, protective spells woven into the fabric to aid in healing. He rested a hand ever so gently atop the cloth.

Runaan tried not to wince, but Ethari noticed anyway and shifted his hand, letting it hover, seeking a place to rest and reassure. But Runaan’s exposed skin was a mass of bruises and small cuts, and his shoulder was swollen and marked from its recent dislocation. “Moon and shadow, is there anywhere I can touch you that isn’t injured?”

Runaan, far more used to pain and injury than Ethari, merely smiled and tapped a finger against his lips.

Ethari’s eyes widened as he grinned at Runaan’s soft sass. “Hold that thought. I will be right with you.” He stood again, balancing with difficulty on one leg, and hobbled around to the other side of Runaan’s cot.

Runaan’s turquoise eyes tracked him alertly. “What are you doing? Ethari.”

Ethari eased himself down onto his good left side beside Runaan, along the very edge of his cot, and tucked himself against his husband with infinite care for them both. He rested his injured leg atop Runaan’s legs and lay his head ever so carefully on Runaan’s shoulder, taking care not to put any weight on Runaan’s bandages. Runaan eased his good arm around Ethari’s shoulders and held him tightly, wishing for all the moon that he could snuggle tight against him as they usually did, but grateful all the same for any contact he could get. Grateful that he still had a husband to hold, no matter how whole or damaged he was. Ethari was warm and reassuring, and though he smelled of battle and injury, he also smelled like home. Comfort. Love. Trust. Runaan’s fingers tightened in the fabric of Ethari’s shirt, and he pressed his forehead against Ethari’s. “My light. My sweet light.”

Ethari relaxed into their closeness for a long, cherished moment. Then he gently cupped Runaan’s cheek and pressed a delicate kiss against his lips. “As promised.”

Runaan smiled against Ethari’s lips. “That may be the most effort you’ve ever put into a kiss. And I appreciate it all the more for your sacrifice.”

At Runaan’s words, Ethari caught his eye, and his brows bent. His eyes filled with worry, and he snuggled down onto Runaan’s shoulder again. “I can’t believe I almost lost you.” Ethari murmured his words against Runaan’s skin. His fingers tightened around the far side of Runaan’s waist, pulling him against Ethari for a moment.

Runaan dropped a soft kiss against Ethari’s hair. “You didn’t, though. I’m right here.”

Ethari squeezed his eyes shut, but that only seemed to make things worse. His breath hitched, and he struggled to get it back under control. “I couldn’t find you, at first.”

Runaan went utterly still. Suddenly, he wasn’t sure he wanted to hear the story Ethari was ready to tell. “You don’t—”

“I only recognized you by your hair. Everyone was covered in so much blood. A lot of it was yours.”

Runaan spoke in a horrified whisper. “Ethari…”

But the story had begun, and Ethari couldn’t stop it now. He continued as if he hadn’t heard Runaan. “I had to drag myself over because my leg had stopped working. I pulled everyone off of you… I’ve never seen you lie so still. I thought…”

“You don’t have to say it, Ethari,” Runaan reassured him.

Ethari didn’t seem to register Runaan’s comment, but he shifted his focus anyway. “I didn’t know it was possible to hurt that much and keep on living, until I saw you like that. I held you in my arms and sat in the middle of that smoking battlefield, and… and…”

Runaan didn’t want to ask, but Ethari clearly needed to keep talking. He murmured against Ethari’s forehead, “And?”

Ethari managed an exasperated tone as he said, “And all I could think about was how I’d never get to brush your damn hair again.”

The tension lessened, and the elves shared a soft, morbid chuckle.

“But then,” Ethari continued with a sigh of relief, “You moved, and I could breathe again. I could tell your ribs were broken. You coughed up a fair bit of blood. Got it all over me, actually.”

Runaan smiled and kissed Ethari’s forehead again. “Sorry. I’ll try to keep it on the inside next time.”

Ethari’s gaze flattened. “I’m going to pretend you didn’t just say there would be a next time for this kind of thing.”

Runaan paused, not wanting to drag Ethari’s mood right back down again. “I… said no such thing. Please, go on.”

Ethari took a breath and gathered his thoughts. “I could tell I was losing blood, too, but you needed to be propped up to breathe, so I just leaned back on that big pile of your enemies and pulled you against me. I vaguely remember setting your thigh atop mine, hoping its weight would slow my bleeding. I…” Ethari broke off in a soft chuckle.

Laughter? “Okay, now you have to tell me,” Runaan prompted.

“Don’t get mad, but as I started to pass out, I realized our pose looked a little too intimate for a battlefield. You all draped across me, head tipped back across my shoulder, mouth open, one leg spread wide. It would’ve been hot if you hadn’t been dying.”

Runaan pressed a quick, firm kiss against Ethari’s lips. “Love and battle are not as different as you think.”

Ethari’s eyes widened. “You know it’s creepy hot when you start talking like that.”

Runaan offered him a teasing smile. “I know.”

Ethari let his fingers dance along the edge of Runaan’s bandages, low across his abdomen. The assassin tensed lightly, and Ethari traced one firm corner of his abs up under the fabric. “Not too sore?”

“N-No. I think two cups of the easeroot water was exactly the right amount.”

“Oh, yes?” Ethari’s fingers slid along Runaan’s warm skin beneath the edge of the bandage, very careful not to apply any pressure. “So this is okay?”

“Mmmff. What are you doing.” Runaan’s gaze grew warmer.

Ethari’s eyes softened for a moment, and his fingers stilled. “The last thing I remember was holding you in my arms as the world went dark.”

Torn between the sensation of life and the memory of death, Runaan brushed his fingers across the back of Ethari’s hand and softly studied his husband. “I can think of worse ways to go.”

Ethari pressed his lips together in an exasperated line, and his fingers began moving again, teasing their way around Runaan’s side. “So if love and battle are so closely intertwined… is this the part where I climb on top of you in your recovery cot and hold onto my own horns?”

“Hgh!” Runaan twitched hard at the erotic image and immediately regretted his reaction. His legs curled instinctively, jostling Ethari’s injured leg as pain lanced through his chest. “Please, my light,” he begged, “I might die happy, but that will literally kill me.”

Ethari chuckled through his own pain as he tried to press Runaan back down into a relaxed position. “I’ve never regretted making a suggestive comment faster in my life. I’m so sorry, Runaan. That one hurt us both.” His hand ghosted across Runaan’s bandages, and he pressed a soft kiss against Runaan’s jaw. “It won’t happen again.”

Runaan’s grumble of needy protestation was the cutest sound Ethari had heard him make in days. “Just give me a few days to knit up and you can have your way with me all you like.”

“A few days?”

“I’m a quick healer.”

“You’re an adrenaline junkie.”

“Those are not mutually exclusive.”

“No, but they are inextricably linked. Or haven’t you noticed?”

“It didn’t seem important at the time.”

“Which time?”

An apologetic smile hovered on Runaan’s lips. “Any of the times.”

Ethari shifted his injured leg with a small, pained groan of effort. “Then for our combined safety, Runaan, no one’s doing any climbing or, or, other athletics, until I’m healed up.”

“But how will we know if you’re healed up yet unless we test it?” Runaan murmured. His fingers traced the soft curve of Ethari’s hip.

Ethari pressed closer and let his fingers dig lightly against Runaan’s skin. “Mmmm. You make a compelling argument. But, gently. Very, very gently.”

Runaan captured his lips in a slow kiss. “That gently?” he murmured.

“Perfect.”

Runaan was silent for a long while. Ethari thought he’d drifted off, and was half asleep himself, when Runaan spoke again. “Having you here with me, Ethari… It’s making me rethink everything I’ve ever done.”

Ethari tucked his hand around Runaan’s waist and squeezed ever so carefully. “What do you mean, love?”

“My soul left the battlefield alone, but you found me, and when I came back, you were here.” Runaan’s fingers drew soft, soothing circles atop Ethari’s hip. “I went from the worst moment of death to the best moment of life in a Moonshadow second. I’ll never top that, and I never want to tempt fate with this chance again.”

Ethari’s breath caught and hovered, uncertain. “Runaan… what are you saying?”

“I’m never risking this again. I’m never risking you again, Ethari. I know you’ll follow me if I fight again. But I can’t risk losing you.”

Ethari’s hand twitched against Runaan’s waist. “Runaan… the war is still raging. Tell me what you really mean.”

Runaan gazed up at the arch of the cavern overhead. “I’ll find another way to serve our people. But I’m hanging up my swords. Xadia will have to fight without me from now on.”

Tears of happy disbelief sprang to Ethari’s eyes, and he clutched Runaan against him so hard that his husband winced and groaned. “Sorry, so sorry, my heart. Are you sure this is what you want?”

“Nngh. It is.”

Ethari tucked his face against Runaan’s neck and sobbed quietly. His hand fluttered across Runaan’s body, lighting gently against his shoulder, his cheek.

Runaan felt his husband’s chest shuddering against his own and held him as tightly as he dared. Had Ethari been holding in all these feelings all along? “I’m sorry too, my light,” he murmured. “It seems I should have done this years ago.”

“No, no, now’s good for me,” Ethari murmured. His voice was breathy with elation.

Runaan cupped Ethari’s cheek with his other hand and gently thumbed away his tears. His white brows bent as he nudged Ethari’s nose with his own, encouraging him to meet Runaan’s gaze. When Ethari’s damp eyes met his, Runaan smiled broadly. His chest would need weeks to heal, but the love that filled it so warmly in that moment made him feel weightless. “Now is good for me, too.”

[the-blaze-empress]

Delight

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Ruthari Week Day 4

Prompt: Lost/Look Closely

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AU: Canon

Pairings: Ruthari

Rating: General

Archive warnings: None

Chapters: 1/1

Updated: N/A though it is part of a series that will hopefully be updated every day this week (5/1/20 - 12/1/20)

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“Oh, you’ve made a friend!” Ethari reached a finger up to rub the creature’s belly area, making Rayla giggle once more at its squeaks. 

“What’re you going to name it?” 

“Ummmmm…” She frowned in concentration, clutching the burr close in her little hands. 

From below, Ethari smiled down at Runaan, still lying in the grass, idly twisting it around his fingers. A smile brighter than it had been for a long time, prompting the assassin to reach out and rest a hand on his fiance’s knee, giving a gentle squeeze. 

“Imma call him Squishy!” Rayla announced, holding the newly christened ‘Squishy’ out, presumably for Runaan to see. 

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Runaan and Ethari have been put on babysitting duty, but honestly? Runaan would never, <i>ever</i> complain about getting an excuse to spend the day with Rayla and his fiance. The young girl is full of energy and brings a wanted distraction from the more serious parts of life.

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Day 1 - Apprehension ||  Prompt: Dancing/Moonlight

Day 2 - Elation  ||  Prompt: Glowing/Fading

Day 3 - Concern  ||  Prompt: Hurt/Comfort

Day 5 - Relief  ||  Prompt: Separation/Reunion

[sunstone-nerding]

Pretty! Nice job, especially on the clothing details! I see Runaan’s wearing his special pair of pants again...

Ruthari Week - Day 4: Creatures and Nature

A sweet kiss at full moon in the woods on the shadowpaw (here I added a png without background too, because I liked it)

Note: I will do the rest of the promts too, but I am a bit slow ✨👻✨