I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but due to this year taking a massive toll on my mental health, I am cancelling the exchange. It’s very taxing, and I was already considering it, but my IRL work has quite suddenly picked up, leaving me little time for outside projects.
Because the exchange was created in order to encourage and uplift fan works during a time when many fans were hurt and disappointed, and because the data of this year’s participants was given to me in confidence, I will not be handing the reins over to anyone else. The TDP Holiday Exchange is not happening in 2020.
Others are certainly welcome to start their own (and always were because no one has a monopoly on fan projects), but please note that these exchanges will not be affiliated with the TDPHE. I do not have the capacity to participate in or promote these exchanges, and I will not be giving any kind of official sanctioned blessing to a “successor”.
I’m sorry to disappoint everyone, but the fandom will be fine without this event and I’m sure there will still be many fanworks flavored around the holidays.
Well, what do you get one of the major Rayllum shippers for (a very belated) Christmastide than… some Rayllum! Power couple ready to spring into action :V
Fun fact, I’m digging these designs so much I’m considering making them stickers. (obviously, if I do that, Dee, you’ll get some for free).
Anyway, with this I *THINK* that’s the entire TPD Gift Exchange for 2019 closed! I’m gonna look real dumb if there’s still someone I missed but uhhhh let me know if that’s you :[
Hey there @mikitheswiftie! I’m your secondary Santa for the @tdpholidayexchange and I absolutely LOVEDmaking this for you! It turns out we have similar taste in both elves and pokemon which made this so much fun! I hope that you have an amazing year ahead of you!
one final @tdpholidayexchange gift, this time for @north-star-flickering! Ylysha requested startouch elves and something with belly dancing, so I have made a Startouch belly dancer! Designing her was a lot of fun, and I had to look at TONS of reference, so I hope I got it right!!
You mentioned you liked a cute idea of everyone liking Callum’s scarf and getting their own, so I drew it for you! Hope you like it, and happy-late-holidays!
@seaglass-sunsets - Merry Belated Christmas and Happy Belated New Year, friend! I filled in for your Secret Santa and wrote you a little special something~! As it turns out, I, too, quite enjoy the found family trope so I kinda hope to play into that a bit. Hope it’s to your liking!! ^u^
/// \
Sitting up against the wall, lilac orbs admiring the moving bodies in front of her, Rayla frowned softly.
With the fighting over, their main enemy killed, and the sudden awakening of Queen Zubeia, they were thriving in a time of peace. It was meant to be a joyous occasion, a moment of calm after all that they endured. Everyone (on their side, at least) was safe. They were together. Elves andhumans. The more she looked at it all, sat within it and absorbed it, the more surreal it all felt. Looking at Callum now, laughing and playing with both Ezran and Zym, it was hard for her to believe that just days ago, they were falling from the Storm Spire. One of them already content with the thought of dying, accepting the death that would come for her, while the other defied it. Fell with her and saved her.
He sprouted wings, and looked so happy about it too.
The thought pulled a small laugh from her, a finger gliding across the stone floor in awkward circles. She dropped her eyes to her feet, pulling her knees closer against her chest.
They were safe here and yet…something felt wrong. Like she was dressed in someone else’s skin or wearing someone else’s boots. Did she really belong here? With them? With Callum?
“Hey.”
She looks up at the voice, unfamiliar to her ears for the briefest of moments, but as soon as her eyes fall upon the blonde man in front of her, she sighs with recognition. She rolls her eyes and turns her gaze back to the boys several feet in front of her.
“Yeah,what?”
Soren had done his fair share of aiding the Xadians, despite the distrust Rayla still felt for him. Who knew when he might turn on them. Maybe this was all some ruse. Some sick, twisted plan to ease into their trust before ripping it out from under them.
Leave it behind you, Rayla.
Right. This wasdifferent.He was different. Despite their ‘history,’ he’d proven himself a worthy ally. Proven that he could be trusted.
“Sorry,” she murmurs. “Didn’t mean ta snap at ya.”
The blonde returns the words with a soft, wholesome laugh. He takes a step toward her and crosses his arms over his chest, shoulders rising and falling in a nonchalant shrug.
“Nah, man– er…uhm…well, just, don’t worry about it. I get it.”
She raises a single brow, shifting her gaze over to him.
“…Ya do?”
He keeps his eyes on the young princes, shifting onto his heels.
“I mean, yeah. I’m tired too. Beating up baddies and partying with elves and dragons is alot of work.”
She snorts with laughter, following his gaze and watching the way Callum lights up whenever Ezran calls out to him. The soft cries of joy springing from Zym fill the room, small zaps of excited electricity dancing along his tail. She supposed it was a lot of work; meeting and introducing yourself to everyone, celebrating in their newfound peace.
“You should join ‘em, y’know?”
Soren’s speaking again but this time, she keeps her gaze focused. Eyes unwavering in their current position.
“I mean, Callum would probably melt into a puddle of gushy, oozy embarrassment, but it’d be so worth it.”
She opened her mouth to protest, but the boys were moving toward them now - both pairs of eyes locked on her. A giggle came from Ezran, a sound so remarkably soft and warm that she couldn’t help smiling. Couldn’t help the calm that came over her, reassured her that things were okay.
But when Callum looked at her, with eyes so loving, shining with both ease and comfort, Rayla felt safe. She felt welcomed and serene; like returning home for the first time in ages. It was a feeling she only ever found in him. The boy that was brave enough to fight for what he believed in and kind enough to accept for all that she was, and all she had ever been.
“Hey guys. We’re going to get some food. Maybe you want to come with us?”
Ezran is the first to talk, Zym cradled against his chest. They’re both looking from their elf friend, to the guard standing beside her; both of which are giving the young prince an awkward stare. It seemed Rayla wasn’t the only one struggling to decide whether or not she belonged. Thoughts asking, ‘Should I?’ were a bit too loud in each of their heads; their hesitation recognized by those staring back at them.
“C’mon, Rayla. You haven’t eaten anything since like…what? Last night?”
She blushes at the blunt comment, shooting an immediate glare over to herprince.
“No,I had…berriesfor breakfast.”
Now it was Callum’s turn to react; a brow raised as he stares her down. She was always so unbelievably stubborn. Eager to hide her own pain or needs in an effort to appear strong. Appear brave and infallible. It never worked. Not on him.
“So like,what? Six berries?”
“Eight,actually.”
“Oh, wow. Nearly a handful.”
The response is layered in sarcasm, both of the lovers staring each head-on and attempting to break the other. Truth be told, Callum was just as stubborn as the Moonshadow. As infuriating as she was to him at times, he had the same effect. More so when he was putting his life in danger for something stupid.
“Awe, c’mon. Food is great!”
It was Soren’s turn to speak up now, shifting away from the wall and focusing his attention on the elf. He gives her a soft smile, nudging his chin toward the boys.
“And they really want you to go. Go have a good time.”
“You too, Soren,” Ezran pipes in almost immediately, earning everyone’s gaze. “We’re all going to eat now. Because…we’re a family.”
A silence lulls over them, everyone’s eyes pulling away from the young prince as they absorb the phrase. Run it through their head repeatedly and allow it to sink it. Find a place within their heart and mind and call it a home. Settle in comfortably as a reminder that things were different now, but they didn’t have to be feared.
“Yeah…” Soren is the first to speak, stretching a hand out toward Rayla. She looks to him, eyes wide and heart skipping a beat. It’s a remarkably kind gesture and she hears the words even before he finishes with:
“We’re a totally cool, totally hungryfamily.”
Callum stretches out his own hand, eyes softening ever-so-slightly, just for Rayla. For the love of his dreams and the reason his smile shines just a bit brighter these days.
“All of us.”
Ezran nods proudly, Zym yipping with glee.
She feels the sudden warmth of tears behind her eyes, but swallows down the emotions that swell in her chest. Ignores the beating in her chest and the relief that pumps through her veins.
She takes both hands, pulling herself up and stepping beside all of them; carrying herself beside them. Withthem.
Her hand slips into Callum’s, the boy giving it a tight squeeze as he offers her a gentle smile. She leans against him, finding an extra bout of strength in his warmth. In the way he leans back against her. She feels the vibrations of his laugh as Soren rattles off a joke, Ezran adding on to it and eliciting laughs from all four of them.
This was where they belonged. Right here. Right now.
Hey there @cruxisma! I was your fill-in santa for the @tdpholidayexchange! You said you were a fan of elves and were interested in a wintry scene so I thought this would be fun! Happy holidays and I hope your New Year is wonderful!
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!
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.
Winter time in Katolis was a … strange experience for Rayla. Yes, they did have winter festival in Zadia, and yes, there were a time of fun and festivities, but the katolian winter festival was nothing like what she was used to.
For one thing it covered 12 days, not two.
12.
12 whole days of the whole kingdom, from farm labours to royalty, downing tools and having near enough two weeks of games, feasting and flat out merriment. It had been a bit of a shock to the system to learn about.
But Rayla was having fun. So much fun.
It was only two days in, and she had already seen a winter play at the theatre, eaten her own wight in food (repeatedly) and ambushed Soren and some of the other crown guard with a bombardment of snowballs, with the aid of Callum and Ezran. And there was all of the dancing, singing, pageantry and fireworks the night before.
“on the 12 day of yuletide, my true love sent to me…” her ears pricked up at the sound of the brilliant, dorky and too cute for his own good human mage she was in love with signing his heart out somewhere in the crowd. It was a cold, crisp, overcast day, and the two of them had made the decision to visit the frankly huge yuletide market which had sprung up like a field of colourful mushrooms in the capitals parade grounds and central park, to have a shop around for food and gifts to take to the Banther lodge over the coming days, and to send to people who could not come for whatever reason.
Rayla had spotted a massive plush yule goat with a derpy look on its face that she was highly tempted to sent to Runaan and Ethari, just for the novelty value alone. It was as tall as Ezren.
Runaan would hate the thing, but Ethari would love it, and probably find some place to put it were his husband could not get to it.
Now all she had to do is fetch the person who she left her bag, and coin purse with, also known as Prince Callum of Katolis, and work out a way to send it across the fire stream. And work out which one to get. The blue one?
Rayla mulled over the decision as she tracked the sound of Callum singing down the avenue of stalls selling everything from candied fruit and mulled wine, to a kaleidoscope of glass ornaments and some of the warmest cloaks and gloves that she had ever worn, to were her loving boyfriend was singing along with a choir.
She hung back for a moment, savouring the sight of the look of pure joy on Callum’s face as he sang, breath billowing into the air in clouds as the song came to the end.
“ ……….and a partridge in a pear treeeeeeee!” the assembled crowd around her started applauding loudly as the prince and the choir bowed to there audience. Callum soon spotted her, and saying his goodbyes to his new friends, jogged over to join her.
“having fun?” Rayla asked, taking in his slightly flushed face.
“huh? Oh. yes. Yes I was.” He beamed at her, making some part of Rayla’s insides melt. He was too cute at times, for his own good. Now was one of those times.
“well, whilst you were being a very pretty song bird-“ it was Rayla’s turn to grin as Callums already flushed face went a deeper shade of crimson “- I found something! Come on!” She led him back the way she came, hoping that the goat she was after would still be there when she got back.
-
“why goats?”
The question just slipped out of nowhere as the tow of them sat together under one of the covered seating aria, just off of the main shopping aria. They had stopped to watch a horse jumping show that was going on, and had taken the opportunity to just sit and enjoy some of the food that was on offer. At Callum’s slightly confused look, Rayla made a motion down at her new plush friend, and repeated her question.
“why goats?”
“well, they are the animal associated with the spirit of winter. They pull her sledge for her.” Callum explained between bites of grilled sausage and relish. “when she’s put delivering gifts and spreading snow and such.”
“they must be very big goats” Rayla said after a minuet of thinking.
“huge” Callum replied.
“massive, considering how many gifts must be in that sledge.”
“big strong goats.” Callum nodded in agreement, smiling.
They sat back together, and watched as one of the crown guard, started there go at the horse jumping course, the chestnut mare they were riding making short work of the jumps.
“big as a horse?” Rayla ventured.
“ok, that would be… no. just no. they are bad enough regular sized.” Callum shook his head, grinning and reaching down to pat the horns of the Ezran sized plush goat.
Rayla had to laugh at that.
Then she kissed him, and laughed again at the blushing mess he turned into.
-
It took two of them to get the goat back to the castle.
it was not heavy, being made of velvet and sheep’s wool, garnished with ribbon, but the size of it made it kind of … well, awkward for two lanky teens to drag half way across the city, even when said lanky teens are working together.
Callum spent half the trip asking her, repeatedly, to why she had to get this one. There were smaller ones in this colour, after all. Rayla just shot back that he was just as bad as her when it came to snap decisions and impulse buys. Need she bring up the canvas incident again?
Thankfully, by the time they got as far as the bridge separating Katolis castle from the rest of the city, Soren appeared out of the blue to offer some help.
He happily greeted them, and propped the goat over his shoulder and started a happy little jog back inside, making the bells on the goats harness jingle in a very festive way as he did. Callum and Rayla both giggled at the sight, as they ran to catch up with the boisterous blond.
As they did, the snow that had been threatening to arrive trough out the day finally started to fall around them.
“Where are you taking me?” Ethari asked, stumbling over tree branches and rocks as he was dragged through the forest. The blindfold over his eyes prevented him from seeing anything other than the glowing of the runes dotting the path they walked along and the full moon lighting up streaks of white hair just enough for Ethari to see through the blindfold. Hair belonging to Runaan, the one pulling him through the trees like an excited child.
“Calm down, you’ll love it.” Runaan chuckled in front of him, only pulling Ethari more. “I’ve been meaning to bring you here for quite awhile.”
“Is- Is this an assassin place?” Assassin’s had little hang out and training spots that were practically forbidden for non-assassins, Ethari didn’t want to cause any issues, especially not with-
“Maybe, maybe not. It’s called the Whispering Brooks. I can’t believe you haven’t heard of it.”
Ethari gave an unsure sigh, pulling out of the assassin’s grasp “I have a bad feeling about this.” He admitted.
Runaan stopped momentarily. Before Ethari could even register, he was being kissed lightly.
“Dont.” Was all that was said before Ethari felt Runaan draw back, then began tugging him once again.
At some point, they strayed from the path entirely. Ethari could see absolutely no light at all, only relying on touch and a few of Runaan’s warnings in order to not trip or fall. He was absolutely sure of nothing, he kept his ears strained for odd sounds or alarming noises but all he heard was their footsteps over the leaves and the sound of his own breathing. He was sure he was digging his nails, at least what he had of them, into Runaan’s hands but if the assassin had a response, Ethari couldn’t hear it.
“We’re almost there.” Runaan said after a time, and sure enough, things became considerably lighter shortly after. So much so that Ethari had to blink even behind the blindfold because of the sharp contrast to the near black moments earlier.
A hand on his chest stopped him from walking. Runaan himself had stilled. All was silent, except for the crickets and an occasional frog. Ethari tried to focus on that instead of how uneven his own breathing was. Specifically because he suddenly felt Runaan breathing on his shoulder.
“Keep your eyes closed.” Runaan warned in his ear. His voice was clear but quiet, not much more than a whisper. Did he sound… Worried.
Ethari felt a hand reach back to the blindfold’s knot, then slip it off. Ethari almost flinched as even more light filled the area, only to blink once it dimmed.
He gasped in shock and adoration as he laid his eyes on the scenery in front of him. They were in a clearing filled with many small streams and rocks that cut through the grass.
A single tree with many glowing blue crystals dangling from it like glowing weeping willow leaves hung over the spot and coated everything in a gentle blue light.
Oh wow…
“What do you think?” Runaan asked beside him. When Ethari glanced back, the assassin was smiling brightly, though worry was definitely there, hidden in his eyes and the way he seemed to be fidgeting with his coat. Runaan never worried…
Something was wrong. Or at least off…
“Runaan, is something up?” Ethari asked with concern, forgetting the scenery for a moment to focus solely on the assassin, who seemed startled at the question.
“Why would something be ‘up?’” The assassin asked haltingly. Well by the reaction, something wasn’t wrong, but clearly Runaan was hiding something!
“You’re acting strange is all.”
“No I’m not.” Was all Runaan said for a moment, only boosting Ethari’s suspicion.
“Fine, then swear on the moon’s face.” Ethari watched Runaan freeze, smirking. Runaan was far too serious and ‘moonshadow-like’ to actively lie in the moon’s very name.
Runaan simply stared for a moment, his ears twitched in alarm before sighing. “… fine. Something is ‘up.’”
“Well?” Ethari prompted.
The assassin went quiet, looking serious as he always did when making decisions, with his eyebrows bunched together and a frown almost like a pout on his face. It always had been adorable for Ethari… When Runaan finally spoke again, it was a quiet fact, leading to an admittance Ethari was sure. “The other assassins like to call this the Promise brooks.” Runaan stepped forward, reaching into his pockets. “They call it the Promise brooks because this is where whispered promises become truth.” Suddenly, the assassin was getting on one knee.
Ethari’s eyes widened in surprise and shock as Runaan pulled something out of his pockets, only to gasp once he saw the large, cylinder-like horn cuffs in Runaan’s hands.
Engagement cuffs.
Ethari brought a hand up to his mouth in surprise, tears were actually begin to form because…
Was this actually happening?
Runaan continued with a smile, seemingly unshaken by Ethari’s reaction. “I want to promise my heart to you. If you will accept it.”
This was actually happening!
“Only if you accept mine in turn.” Ethari managed out. His own voice sounded like it wasunderwater, second to his own heart beginning to thump wildly in his chest. All he could focus on was Runaan’s eyes and his smile-
Oh dear Lunaris Ethari was in so deep…
Runaan rose and stole another kiss, a proper kiss. Deeper and longer than the small pecks of earlier. Ethari held onto Runaan’s hood for dear life, only working to make the kiss continue as Runaan slipped the two clasps onto his horns ever so carefully.
The crystals glowed even brighter than before above them, almost as if they were acknowledging what was happening and blessing it. Now Ethari realized why Runaan brought him here of all places. Not just pretty sights… This must be an assassin thing after all.
When the kiss broke, they stayed like that for a moment, holding each other close and simply standing in the light of the crystals and enjoying the moment of joy.
Ethari was engaged… To Runaan.
That actually happened!
A giddy excitement overtook him, causing him to giggle.
Giggle, of all things.
With a laugh of his own into Ethari’s cheek, Runaan finally asked “How about we go tell everyone? I’m sure Tiadrin and Lain are waiting to see if you said yes.”
Wait what?
“You told them you were going to propose?” Ethari asked, drawing back with a confused tilt of his head. The clasps on his horns jingled from the movement, not yet properly fitted, but that could be done in time.
“They were the ones who suggested it was time.”
“Oh really?” Ethari asked with a light huff, letting go to cross his arms. He wasn’t mad, just.. interested. “They had to tell you?”
Runaan laughed once again, then left a kiss on Ethari’s cheek next.
Damn those kisses…
“I would’ve been too nervous to do it without them pushing me to.” He admitted. “But whatever the reason, do you still accept?”
Ethari gave a sigh, despite the smile on his face. He rolled his eyes.
Hello everyone! Quick reminder that TODAYis the deadline for the exchange! I’ve tagged those I have not received a gift from yet - no pressure (well, a little pressure), but if you can’t complete your gift or need a few more days, let me know ASAP!!
Some of you HAVE said to me that you’re facing some difficulties IRL and I understand (hence the extension). Additionally, if you’ve posted your gift somewhere and I haven’t seen it/posted it, please send me a link to the post so I can share it and check you off the list! ESPECIALLY let me know if you posted your gift on Twitter or Instagram - I’m not great about checking there!
Here is my finished piece for @tdpholidayexchange. I matched with Rori, who requested some Janai/Amaya goodness. I’ve always wanted to see someone getting to use the Banther Lodge in winter time, so this was a perfect opportunity to let Amaya take Janai to see it.
And I’m so excited to present @random-fandom-ramble‘s bonus art, custom drawn for this fic, as well! Posted with permission. Thanks, friend!
Janai stood on the snowy steps of the Banther Lodge and studied the front doors from beneath the golden ruff of fur on her scarlet cloak’s hood. She’d been excited to share Winter’s Turn with Amaya, but she hadn’t expected their first winter holiday to be spent at such a cozy family location. Or that it would be so sun-blightedly cold in Katolis. The snowstorm had been howling for hours, and she’d forgotten what it was like to be able to feel her toes. She’d have used her heat-being to warm up if it wouldn’t have spooked the horse Amaya lent her.
Amaya threw open the front doors, and then she strode back to the steps and took Janai by the hands. Her smile was wide and mischievous, promising soft adventure within, and Janai let herself be pulled inside.
My TDP exchange gift for the lovely silvered unicorn! They’re located here, as I couldn’t get the tagging system to work. All the same, this was a fantastic event to take part in. I really hope my Janaya wedding is well received! :)
Hi Lyn, @lodestarting here is your Secret Santa, a long fic where Callum tries to impress and keep his cool around Runaan. I hope that you like it. - @ladyandherbooks.
Callum was annoyed, this was not how he envisioned his journey to the Silvergrove going.
‘‘Ez are you sure that Opelli can’t handle this? You appointed her your regent while you’re away, let her deal with it.’’
Ezran sighed ‘’I’m sorry Callum but the delegation from Neolandia requires an extra day to finalise their new trade agreements with the elven territories and I need to be there to help them. After what happened with Prince Kasef his father wants to ensure that he mends the bridges that his son tore down in his quest for revenge. I need to be here.’’
‘’It’s okay Ez, I know how important this meeting is to you. Don’t worry I’ll be fine, it’s only one day. One day in the Silvergrove with Rayla and her four scary parents being my only company will be fine.’’
‘’ They aren’t that scary Callum, especially not Ethari, Bait loves him.’’
‘’You weren’t there when he saw Viren try to kill Runaan after he was freed from the coin. Runaan, Tiadrin and Lain might be hardened assassins, but I’d rather go up against them in a fight than Ethari when he gets angry. I think Aaravos might have even been a little bit intimidated.’’
‘’You’ll be fine, they’ve known you for a year and a half now. They know how much you love Rayla, how much you desire peace for Xadia and how much you are willing to risk and sacrifice for both. They like you Callum, they trust you, I’ve seen it.’’
It appeared that he had no choice. Hugging his brother quickly Callum then turned and made his way to the end of the balcony. Strapping his bag around his chest he climbed onto the ledge, raised his painted arms and spoke, his arms turning into wings as he stood in the early morning light.
‘’I’ll see you tomorrow Ez.’’
‘’Bye Callum.’’
He leapt and immediately feeling the wing beneath his wings, soared away from the palace, towards his destination, the Silvergrove.
As they entered the Grove Callum could feel is nerves returning, what if his brother was wrong? What if the four of them decided that he wasn’t a suitable match for their daughter? What would they do to him? Was there an ancient Moonshadow elf test to prove your worth to your girlfriend’s family? He wasn’t as accomplished in Moon magic as he liked but he’d give it a shot if it meant he could show them just how much he cared for Rayla.
‘’Callum.’’ Rayla looked at him, one eyebrow raised as she silently judged him. She knew him too well, he couldn’t lie to her.
‘’Okay, fine I’m a little nervous. I just didn’t expect to be spending a day alone with your parents. What if I mess up, say something stupid or offensive? What if they something funny and I laugh so hard that whatever I’m drinking comes out my nose?’’
‘’Has that ever happened before?’’
‘’No but it might.’’
‘’Callum,’’ She said taking his hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. ‘’It’ll be okay, I promise. And you won’t have to spend time with all four of them. Mum and Dad had to take a quick last-minute trip to Whitegrove to get some supplies for the festival. They won’t be back till tomorrow it’s just Ethari, Runaan and I until then.’’
‘’Oh, okay well, I guess…’’
‘’Callum, it’s going to be okay.’’ She kissed him on the cheek.
‘’Now come on I’ll race you to the tree house.’’
The last time Callum had been here he had only ever ventured into Ethari’s workshop. He had hoped to see Rayla’s childhood home, since she had already infiltrated his and to have a chance to sleep in a bed for the first time since he had left the Moon nexus. However, it wasn’t meant to be, and they left the Silvergrove less than two hours after their arrival. Now however, his reason for visiting were guaranteed to be a much happier instance. Finally, he would get to see the place where Rayla grew up, where she went to school, were she played, he would get to see everything. He was excited.
As he reached the top of the curving staircase he bent down, resting his hands on his knees catching his breath as he tried and failed to keep up with his athletic and acrobatic girlfriend. He looked up and was met with Rayla smirking down at him, the look of triumph plastered all over her face.
‘’You cheated.’’
‘’Did not.’’
‘’Did too.’’
‘’No, I, unlike you just used all the skills I had to win. You for some reason decided not to use your magic to fly to the top. That way you would have at least stood a chance at winning.’’
‘’I thought that it was a running race.’’
‘’I never said it was, you just assumed. Always a fatal mistake.’’
Callum was about to reply when the door behind Rayla opened to reveal Ethari.
‘’Ah Callum you’re finally here, come in, Runaans in the kitchen helping me prepare food for the festival.’’
‘’That sounds dangerous’’ Rayla said as she entered her home.
Ethari laughed ‘’Don’t worry, he’s only helping with the prep work. I’ll be the one doing all the cooking. He is planning on making you a giant Moonberry surprise though.’’
‘’Really? Are you serious?’’
‘’That’’ came a voice from the kitchen ‘’was meant to be a surprise.’’
Callum rounded the corner and entered the kitchen and paused as Rayla rushed past him to Runaan, excitement radiating off her as she approached her second father of her heart.
‘’But you only make it for me on my birthday.’’
‘’Well this going to be the first Solstice festival that we’ve all been together since you were three so I thought that I might surprise everyone.’’
His eyes, which had been bright and full of love for Rayla suddenly turned dark and hard as his gaze found and fell on Callum. Callum gulped and stepped into the kitchen.
‘’Hello Runaan, lovely to see you again. You have a lovely home, nice panelling, sturdy.’’
‘’It is a tree house. We live inside a tree.’’
‘’Of course, yes, how silly of me.’’
Feeling his ace heat up with embarrassment Callum looked around the room, hoping to find something to comment on that wasn’t tree related. As he did, he could feel Runaan’s eyes burning into the back of his head. He turned his back so that the older elf could not see how nervous he was and tried to compose himself. He could do this, he could handle a day or two without his family and friends to distract and take up Runaan’s time. He’d endured and survived much more dangerous and stressful missions than this. Yes, he thought, straightening up, this would be easy.
‘’What are you doing?’’
Callum jumped and spun around to see Runaan standing right behind him.
‘’Oh, uh nothing, just uh looking at things.’’
‘’I see.’’
‘’Yeah, uh, lots of things to look at here.’’
‘’You’re looking at a sink of drying dishes.’’
‘’Oh, well, they’re very interesting, so ahh white, yes, very white and pretty.’’
Runaan didn’t reply, instead he just stood there, arms crossed, one eyebrow slightly raised as he watched him, silently judging him as he bumbled through an obvious lie. Then, as if by magic, and he very much hoped that it was, a smiling Ethari approached the pair and told him to put his bag in his room. Thankful for a chance to escape he hurried away to his bedroom to unpack his things. Once he unpacked Callum made his was back to the kitchen and found the three elves sitting around the small kitchen table, a glass of Moonberry juice in front of each of them as they chatted. Ethari noticed him and smiled.
‘’Runaan and I were about to go to the market to stock up for the festival. Would you two like to come?’’ He turned to Rayla.
You could show him the centre of the Grove.’’
Rayla smilled and nodded.
‘’I wanted to show Callum around the Silvergrove so I guess that would be a good place to start as any. Let’s get going.’’
Callum sighed, this was going to be a very long day. He couldn’t wait until Ezran arrived.
The Silvergrove was much bigger than Callum had imagined. As the four of them made their way to the market Rayla pointed out various buildings and landmarks, recounting different memorable moments she’s had at each. Despite his nerves and the knowledge that Runaan’s judgemental gaze was constantly fixed on him he soon found himself falling in love with Rayla’s childhood home. His gaze was constantly switching, never lingering, Silvergrove was incredible, filled with such wonder and magic that he felt a slight twinge of jealousy and longing for a childhood filled with such wonder. Then his gaze fixed upon the market and Callum’s awe and excitement grew. This was the place to be. Beside him he felt Rayla gently tug on his arm, guiding him to a fruit stall located on the left side of the market’s entrance.
As they made their way around the market and the various shops found in the heart of the Silvergrove Callum could feel Runaan’s eyes burning into the back of his head and could feel his judgment as if it were a brand on his skin. Runaan may have been a Moonshadow elf but his gaze had the burning intensity that one would expect from a Sunfire elf. More than once Callum found himself stuttering or dropping whatever he had picked up, his nerves were getting the better of him. They followed the two older elves as they walked through the market, stopping every now and then at a stall or a shop to examine and purchase some of the produce and wares on sale. It did not take long for Ethari’s basket/bags to fill up with food for the festival in two days’ time. Adjusting the strap of one of the bags he had slung over his shoulder Ethari turned to them.
‘’We’ve gotten everything we need for the moment so if you two want to head off you better go now. We’ll meet you back here at the Blue Moon in an hour for dinner. Have fun you two.’’
Beside him Rayla grinned and waved to her father’s as they headed off back in the direction of home.
‘’What’s the Blue Moon?’’ he asked.
‘’Only the best place to eat in all of the Silvergrove.’’ She pointed to a large white building on the opposite side of the town square.
‘’This was the place I told you about the first time you came here. This is the where you can get the best Moonberry Surprise. Before my parents left for the Dragon Guard we used to eat here once a week. Runaan and Ethari used to take me there too but not as often, they prefer dinner in. It was the first place that they ate together as a couple though, so we did come here quite often, they even let you order food and take it home with you to eat.’’
‘’That’s unusual.’’
‘’It’s the best, when I was growing up Runaan would take me here after a long day of training and he’d order dinner for us to take home. Now hurry up, there’s still so much of the Silvergrove that I must show you.’’
Over the next hour Rayla led him around most of the grove, showing him her school, the training grounds and parks where she’d learnt to be an assassin, the thermal pools where the elves liked to unwind and the shopping district where Callum saw shops catering to every and any need that a Moonshadow elf might have. Suddenly his eyes fell on one shop and he gasped in excitement.
‘’Rayla, a bookstore. Can we go in?’’
‘’We have a little bit of time left before dinner so as long as we don’t take too long, I don’t see why not.’’
Nodding in agreement Callum raced over to the shop, dragging a surprised Rayla behind him. He opened the door, the little door bell ringing as they entered and Callum immediately felt at home. There were so many books, so much magical knowledge that Callum almost squealed in excitement. He ran over to the nearest bookshelf and grabbed a thick, leather bound book and opened it, finding a book filled with illusion spells and charms for daily life. He grabbed another book, this one a spell book filled with protection charms and runes. Beside it was a book dedicated to illusions to change one or more of an elf’s physical features.
‘’This is incredible, I’ve never seen so many magic books. I want them all.’’
Every other shelf and bookcase had at least one book that caught his eye. From basic spell books, to tomes on potions to gigantic, leather bound box sets that told the history of the earliest uses and developments of Moon magic, this book store had everything that he could have wanted. Each shelf and bookcase was dedicated to a different field, level or speciality of Moon magic. He didn’t want to leave, he could spend an eternity here. He grabbed the books that had first caught his eye, made his way over to the nearest table, pulled out a chair and began to read.
‘’Easy there Callum, you’ll be here for a week remember. There’s plenty of time to find the perfect book or three.’’
Callum looked up from a book on the basics of Moon magic and instead of seeing Rayla’s face he found himself surrounded by a very tall wall of books. Somehow, in all his excitement he had managed to build himself a book fort without realising what he was doing. Glancing around the carefully constructed fort he found his now exasperated girlfriend watching him. Behind her stood an elf that Callum guessed was the owner of the bookstore. Rubbing the back of his head he jumped up quickly, grabbing the books that he had bumped in order to prevent them from falling.
‘’Sorry, I’ll put these all away right now.’’
The elf chuckled and shook his head ‘’It’s perfectly fine my boy. If there’s one thing, I’ll never be/get angry about it’s someone’s love of books and knowledge. Take all the time that you need and don’t worry about the books, I’ll put them back when you’re done.’’
Fifteen minutes later Rayla, with a great deal of difficulty, managed to drag Callum through the shop’s front door with the promise of spending as all day in the bookshop later in the week. Walking away from the shop Callum heard his stomach growl loudly and he realised just how hungry he was. He didn’t have to wait long as within a few minutes he found himself in front of the restaurant that Rayla had pointed out an hour ago.
‘’Rayla, Callum, perfect timing.’’
Callum turned and saw Ethari and Runaan walking hand in hand towards them. Callum saw Runaan’s gaze go from happy and content to intense and hard as he looked from Rayla to him. He gulped but stood his ground nervously as he felt Runaan’s scrutinising gaze give him a once over before settling back on his husband, a small smile now replacing the hard lines that had just graced his features. Ethari giving no indication that they had noticed the look Runaan had given him smiled at him and led the group inside. When he entered Callum temporarily forgot his nerves as he took in the restaurant and it’s interior. The restaurant was airy yet cosy, filled with, to Callum’s surprise comfortable couches and big cushioned chairs surrounding large and small white tables decorated with traditional Moonshadow patterns and designs. Rayla gently tugged his arm and guided him through the restaurant to a small table nestled in a back corner near a large window.
‘’Best seat in the house.’’ She stated as she made herself comfortable on one of the small couches. Callum went and sat beside her while Runaan and Ethari took the couch opposite them. On the table in front of them were 4 menus, written in elvish. The others picked up their menus and began perusing the meals available, debating what they were going to eat. Callum picked up the final menus and tried to decipher the elvish before him. He’d tried, over the last year and a half to learn as much elvish as he could but there were still many words that he still didn’t know. As he tried to decipher the words in front of him a young Moonshadow elf with a purple apron tied around their waist approached their table
‘’Hello everyone, can I get you anything? Drinks? Food?’’
Ethari looked up at the young waitress and gave her a warm and friendly grinmaking the young elf blush.
‘’Just drinks now, I’ll have a pint of Moonberry mead please.’’
‘’Moonberry juice for me and the same for Callum’’ Rayla replied.
‘’I’ll just have a water.’’ Runaan replied simply.
The waitress nodded and left, promising that she would return with the drinks shortly. As she left Ethari turned to Runaan and spoke
‘’Only a water, you’re being very boring tonight.’’
‘’Well I know what you’re like when you drink, someone has to be the responsible one and make sure that you get home safe.’’
‘’I’m not the lightweight Runaan, I can handle more than few drinks.’’
‘’You know what I’m talking about.’’
Ethari smiled and put an arm around Runaan’s waist and placed a kiss on his cheek.
‘’Don’t worry Runaan, the only one I’ll flirt with tonight will be you.’’
Looking over the edge of his menu Callum saw Runaan’s face soften and, in that moment, he saw all the love, a love which had grown and deepened over many years appear on the former assassin’s face. This was what true love, real love looked like, the kind that his mother and father would have had if tragedy hadn’t struck and taken them far too young. The kind of love Callum hoped that he and Rayla would have one day. It was truly a beautiful site to behold and Callum found himself unable to look away. That is until Runaan, sensing another’s gaze upon him turned to look at Callum, his expression now stern and hard, displaying none of the softness it had had mere moments ago. Not wanting him to know that he had been staring Callum ducked behind his menu, his face almost certainly turning bright red in embarrassment. He couldn’t afford to annoy or upset Runaan, not when he was to be a guest in his house for an entire week. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Rayla look over at him, her eyebrows raised.
‘’What’s wrong? Why is your face red?’’
‘’Nothing, nothing’s wrong I’m perfectly fine. My face just does this sometimes.’’
Rayla didn’t appear to be convinced but she didn’t press the issue, merely shaking her head and muttering about how weird humans could be.
‘’I think’’ Ethari began ‘’that we should just get a few dishes and a few extra plates so that we can pick and choose what we want. Then Callum can really see and try Moonshadow cuisine for himself.’’
Callum smiled at the older elf as the others nodded in agreement. He’d been struggling to read the menu and even if he had been able to read it, he knew he would have had trouble deciding on one dish. Just then the waitress returned with their drinks and Ethari and Runaan thanked her before giving her their order. The waitress left promptly, and the two adults turned back to the two teenagers and asked them about their tour of the Silvergrove. Soon Callum found himself in a lively conversation as he recounted the last hour as well as all the wonder and amazement he had felt as he had finally explored/toured/discovered Rayla’s childhood home.
‘’We haven’t finished yet though.’’ Rayla continued. ‘’Tomorrow I want to show Callum my old/first home. Not to mention that I promised to take Callum back to the bookstore he found this afternoon.’’
‘’Just if you don’t stay out too long. We need you to help us prepare for the festival in two days’ time. Ethari’s going to need help in the kitchen tomorrow and I need someone to help me set up the pavilions and help with the decorations. So, go out and have your fun in the morning but make sure that you’re back by lunchtime.’’
‘’That shouldn’t be a problem, if all goes well Ezran, Aunt Amaya, Corvus, Gren and Soren should be here by lunchtime tomorrow.’’
‘’Mum and Dad should be back by tomorrow afternoon too so by then we should have more than enough people to help you get ready for the festival. This is going to be the best festival ever. I can barely remember the last festival that I spent with mum and dad.’’
‘’Well you were three at the time so it’s very surprising that you have any memories of that festival at all.’’
‘’I remember being wet.’’
‘’That’s because you decided that you wanted to play with one of Ethari’s floating decorations in one of the pools and you fell in when you tried to grab it. Lian looked away for a second and when he heard the splash dove in right after you.’’
‘’When he pulled you out you were soaked through, miserable and terrified and that was the end of your time at the Solstice festival.’’
‘’I felt so terrible after you fell in that I fished one of those flowers out of the pool and gave it to you as your parents took you home. You grabbed the flower and didn’t let it go for days.’’
‘’Well I almost drowned to get it, there was no way I was letting it out of my sight.’’
Listening to this story from Rayla’s childhood Callum wanted to laugh or at least smile but was too nervous, especially with Runaan sitting right in front of him. He didn’t know what to do, his nerves told him to try and find something witty and enlightening to share and add to the conversation, but he knew that if he tried, he’d almost certainly ended up rambling and he knew that this would not help in his quest to get Runaan to like him. So, in order to save face, he kept silent, watching the conversation happening next to him as he did his best not to buckle under Runaan’s harsh gaze. Finally, after what felt like a lifetime of silence their waitress returned carrying three different dishes, each sending out a different but very appealing smell. Behind her another elf followed, carrying one final dish and four plates, setting each of them down in front of them before giving them a small bow before retreating to the opposite end of the restaurant. In front of them sat four very different dishes, each looking and smelling just as appealing as the others. The first dish was a savoury pie, filled with Moon Stag venison, vegetables and herbs was hearty and filling. The next was a curry, vegetarian, with a thick, spicy sauce, served with rice and pickled cucumbers. The third was a salad, made with what Callum believed to be various leafy vegetables of green, red and purple, Xadian oranges and nuts with a simple dressing. The final dish was fish, a type that Callum had never seen or heard about during all his months in Xadia. It was battered and crispy with a large serving of thick cut chips beside it, with a generous serving of a tangy and creamy sauce beside it which Rayla informed him was known as Tartare sauce. Eager to try everything he piled his plate high with a generous helping of each dish, an act which would have made his little brother proud. Each dish was so delicious that he found it very hard to pick a favourite, the flavours were so different yet so complimentary he loved them all.
‘’I think that it’s that time, Moonberry Surprise time. I knew the chef when we were children and I’ve helped him out now and then when he needs, he needs heat protection charms or a new utensil. In return for my services I’m allowed into the kitchens where I can get fresh Moonberry Surprise straight out of the oven. Come on Rayla, let’s go and get some.’’ He gave Runaan a quick peck and left with Rayla at his heels, leaving Callum no time to protest or to stop his girlfriend from leaving him with her most intense parent. Callum nervously looked over and found Runaan staring at him intently.
‘’So, uh, dinner was nice. How’s retirement? Must be nice to finally relax and take things slowly. Not that I’m saying that you’re old, you’re still very young, real young, I’m sure you have many more years ahead of you.’’
‘’I need to say something/I want to talk to you.’’
Callum shut up.
‘’Something that I’ve wanted to say for a long, long time.’’
Callum panicked ‘’You see I’’
‘’Thankyou.’’
‘’Wait what.’’
‘’Thankyou for helping Rayla, for saving her life, for helping her and for being there when I could not. I’m glad Rayla found you, that you found each other. It’s all I’ve ever wanted for her, to grow up and find someone that loves her and cares for her as you do. Someone willing to risk it all for her, someone who is willing to die for her. That is what my daughter deserves.’’
‘’So, you like me, you approve of me.’’
‘’Yes, I do. I have for some time now.’’
‘’But what about all your scrutiny and all those scary, Moonshadow death glares?’’
‘’That was Rayla’s idea, not mine.’’
‘’What?’’
‘’You see you aren’t the first non Moonshadow to fall in love with a Moonshadow elf and in these situations a certain tradition must be followed.’’
‘’Moonshadow death glares.’’
‘’The tradition is to put pressure on the outsider in order to determine if they are worthy of the love of a Moonshadow elf. If you can withstand the pressure then you’ll win the respect and approval of your love’s friends, family and community. If you fail, well, your love was never strong enough to be worthy/to withstand/weather life with one who walks between life and death. All who have failed this test have proved that their love was not as great or enduring as they believed.’’
‘’But if you already approve of me, then I must have already passed your test.’’
‘’Yes, but I’m not the only one you must impress and seek approval from. Lain and Tiadrin have expressed their intent to test you during your stay. Rayla though that it would be a good idea to give you a taste of what was to come, to see how you would handle such pressure and scrutiny when you aren’t in a life or death situation. So, she asked me to put some pressure on you as soon as you arrived to see how you would react.’’
‘’How did I do?’’
‘’Apart from the rambling I believe that you did quite well. I have no doubt that whatever Tiadrin and Lain’s tests are you will pass them with flying colours, just as Rayla predicted.’’
‘’She knew that I’d pass.’’
‘’Of course, she had faith in you. She just wanted to make sure, as did Ethari and I. Lain and Tiadrin can be very intense and stubborn, believe me, I’ve known them for almost my entire life. We all needed to know for certain if you were going to be able to handle them.’’
Runaan stopped and observed him for a moment.
‘’Callum, you earned my approval and respect a long time ago and many times over since then. You earnt it when I leant that you flung yourself off the Storm Spire to save Rayla. You earnt it when you helped free me and tried everything you could to help me heal and recover. You earnt it when you tried to help make Ethari smile when I could not. You earnt it when you let go of the hatred and anger you felt towards me even though you were completely justified in never letting it go, never forgiving me for killing your father. You do not have to prove that you are a worthy recipient of Rayla’s love.’’
‘’Thank you Runaan. That means a lot. But I must ask. If Rayla asked you to do this in secret, why tell me?’’
‘’Well I thought that you might like a bit of a heads up. As I said before I know Lain and Tiadrin. Lain and I have been best friends since we were five years old and I’ve known Tiadrin almost as long and I know that they’ve been planning for this week for quite a while/some time. This is not something that you should be going into unprepared.’’
‘’What are they going to do to me?’’
Runaan was about to reply but closed his mouth quickly, leaning back into the couch as Rayla and Ethari finally made their way back to the table.
‘’Try and look nervous, remember I wasn’t meant to tell you that this is a test.’’
Luckily this wasn’t difficult at all and by the time the other two had returned Runaan and Callum had schooled their features back into that of a judgmental and disapproving father and their nervous, rambling boyfriend. When they got to the table, they set down three plates of what Callum guessed was the famous Moonberry surprise. Ethari also set down a streaming hot cup of tea in front of his husband before snuggling up next to him/sitting beside him, legs touching and offering Runaan the first spoonful of his dessert.
‘’Runaan isn’t a big fan of desserts so he usually just has a bite or two of Ethari’s or mine. He does like fruit tarts though, but they didn’t have any today so we couldn’t bring him one.’’
Callum picked up his spoon and dug into the deep red mousse and its golden crumb base and took a bite. As he bit down something burst inside his mouth. He looked down in surprise but found nothing.
‘’What?’’
‘’Isn’t it great’’ Rayla said, her mouth filled with the surprising dessert.
‘’Why am I tasting pomegranate? I thought that this was Moonberry Surprise.’’
She grinned ‘’ That’s the surprise in Moonberry Surprise, you think you’re going to get a secret Moonberry treat but surprise, it’s pomegranate. You hide the pomegranate with an illusion so that every bite is a surprise.’’
‘’It is very surprising, but a very tasty surprise. Ez would love this, I can’t wait for him to try it.’’
‘’Just wait until you try Runaan’s, he makes a syrup from unripe, tangy Moonberries and drizzles it on top. It’s the best.’’
Out of the corner of his eye Callum saw Runaan flash him a very quick smile before his face returned to that of the stern and disapproving father, a persona that Callum now knew to be a charade/façade. He fixed his face into what hopefully looked like that of a nervous and awkward teenage boy, a feat which, after the events of the day was not too difficult to achieve.
As they made their way slowly back to the tree house Callum smiled, today had not been as bad as he had thought it would have been. Silvergrove was beautiful, he’d gotten to spend the afternoon with Rayla, he’d found an amazing bookstore, finally tried Moonberry Surprise and Runaan didn’t hate him/actually liked him. If he had dreamt of a perfect day in this place, then today would have been very close to perfect. Taking Rayla’s hand he strode forward more confidently than before. A few paces/strides behind them Runaan smiled, the small act catching Ethari’s eye.
‘’You told him didn’t you.’’
‘’Of course. Did you expect me to let him deal with Tiadrin and Lain totally unprepared? Rayla might have faith in him but she doesn’t know her parents like we do. The boy needed to know.’’
‘’Of course he does. But what happens when Rayla finds out that you told him what you were doing?’’
‘’She won’t. Callum can keep this secret. I have faith in him.’’
Ethari leaned into him, wrapping an arm around Runaan’s waist.
‘’You really like him don’t you. You wouldn’t have let him in on Rayla’s plan if you didn’t.’’
‘’He’s a good man, loving, protective, smart, creative. He reminds me of you. How could I not like him?’’
Ethari smiled and leant in, giving his husband a gentle kiss.
‘’I’m proud of you.’’
Runaan smiled and returned his husband’s kiss.
‘’Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to tell him what Lain and Tiadrin had planned for him.’’
‘’Oh dear.’’
‘’Yes’’ Runaan agreed, pulling Ethari closer ‘’Suffice it to say that this week is going to be a week none of us will ever to forget.’’
