Okay another TDP thought because I just finished my third rewatch:
AANYA AND THE “BROKEN LINK”!!!! I screamed so fucking hard when she shot Prince Kasef in the hand and then the face and the heart and I was like “YAAAAAYYYYYY AANYA TO THE RESCUE” and when I saw Gren, Markos (is that how you write his name), Opeli, Corvus, the baker and the Kingdom of Duren’s army, I was just screaming like a huge fangirl because THAT’S A BIG to Viren boom in your face sucker!!!
What also made me tear up was everyone’s “FOR KING EZRAN” scream after the Broken Links and Aanya arrive. HOLY SHIT THIS WAS BEAUTIFUL.
Nyx said that the obelisks create a magical barrier around the oasis. Then “anyway, here’s the Wonderwall”. DID THEY JUST MAKE HER MAKE AN OASIS PUN?????
And I did it again! I was terribly bored and decided to try my favourites from @dragonprinceofficial, aka Rayla, Bait and Zym. ❤️
I am still terrible at drawing, please remember when you judge my art that this is the art of someone who doesn’t know how to draw and who doesn’t practice very often
AU where the rest of the Moonshadow assassins (excluding Runaan) escaped alive, and decided they weren’t too keen on losing a hand because of a child prince…
I want to talk about how significant it is for Callum to draw Rayla: As an artist myself, I can only describe choosing a muse as a kind of really special thing. It means that she occupied his heart and head at the same time and felt compelled to translate that into sight with his hands. With his time and his attention.
There’s a special kind of care and/or love that goes into drawing someone. Especially in Callum’s emotional state. To draw something means you want to know it.
“To know something truly and deeply, you must know it with your head,handandheart. Mind, body and spirit.”
I realize this was mainly for Callum and the sky arcanum, but tell me this can’t be applied to his relationship with Rayla.
Honestly, drawing another person is such an intimate thing. Darwing portraits and such can also border on uncomfortable to me, personally. You have to embrace the other’s unique characteristics, but also their every flaw. That’s what I can add to this. For this reason, this scene stood out to me as well. It’s a subtle thing, but very significant to me.
A few time ago, before the debut of season 3, I collected all the on-screen parallels between Rayla & Runaan (yes, I love these two). Looks like our girl took a lot after her mentor/father figure.
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 :[
The final gift for the TDP Exchange @tdpholidayexchange! It was Soren’s birthday yesterday and @gwenuine requested Soren x Happiness and honestly that’s all I want is for everyone to remember Soren’s birthday and give him ALL of the pancakes.
SO sorry for the late gift! I feel unbelievable bad but it’s here! I haven’t written for many years and it shows but I did try and I hope that shows through the rust. What you asked was also pretty vague so I hope this is what you can like. Enjoy!
P.s I was hoping to make this longer and well better written but writing was WAY harder than I remember it being so I apologize for that.
It was supposed to be a simple mission, well as simple as it gets when your task is to assassinate the royal family of the largest most powerful nation of a species that you haven’t gotten along with to say the least for well over a thousand years.
Unfortunately, there had been… complications. Mostly caused by herself Rayla would admit, and she did hold some guilt and shame over them. But that was why she was here now in the Castle by herself. She messed up by herself and she would fix it by herself. To make Runaan proud and redeem herself of her parent’s failures.
So here she was, stalking through the Castle seeking to fulfil her mission. Though while Rayla was unsure precisely of what her targets looked like, she was confident in her own ability to piece it together. Moonshadow elves were taught strongly from a young age to conjoin together clues from the landscape, her especially since she lived with Runaan. These skills included observing many different elements such as class, race, age, color, body language, speech and the local environment.
Naturally they came especially useful in situations like these, Rayla couldn’t exactly go around slicing the necks of anyone who could be the heir. She had to be patient and first locate and confirm his identity. Her target wouldn’t be a knight or wearing any major forms of armor, those in simple or plainly colored clothes would be servants and the such. He would be wearing fine and colorful clothing to signify to others his position and standing, which in a place like this and its expense to create is typically only worn by royals. Thankfully leaving Rayla with only a very slim handful in the Castle that would fit within her criteria, allowing her to be confident in her decision of who her target was.
Close to her Rayla spotted a young lone human wandering somewhat aimlessly down a hallway. “Ez is that you, hello?” he said to the empty hallway. Peaking from around the pillar covering her Rayla scrutinized closely his appearance. Upon him lay what she could tell was very fine clothes dyed in rare and royal colors, a large knapsack on his shoulders and around his waist lay a very large book. Clearly no one else of his age would be walking around the kings Castle assorted with these items other than the heir prince himself.
Rayla smirked to herself in satisfaction and pride for successfully deducing her target, while which she stalked up behind the human to take the kill. “you know you can’t sneak up on me..” the human had gotten out half his sentence mid turn until noticing she wasn’t at all obviously who he was expecting judging by his bewildered look.
After an awkward moment he quickly jolted off and Rayla gave chase. Moving throughout the castle and dispatching guards where necessary. Until finally they found themselves in a high study tower. “Lord Viren, Claudia, anyone?!” he desperately wheezed out, clearly exhausted by the panicked run for his life. But not a soul but her was around to answer him. Clearly recognizing the dead end, he had trapped himself into the human prince turned around to face her, slowing backing up until he hit the edge of a nearby study table.
This was it, avenging the destruction of the Dragon Kings egg and her parents’ shame was just within her grasp. In the doorway blocking any escape for the Prince, Rayla stood with both sleek assassin blades extended before her ready to both serve justice and revenge.
Callum had not had the best day looking back on it currently and getting chased around the Caste by a deadly bloodthirsty elf assassin was definitely the worst of it. He had hoped that by running in here he could have located Viren or Claudia and their capabilities with that creepy dark magic could have held back the assassin, but no avail. Even Soren with his excellent swordsman skills would have helped but no, and now Callum found himself at a dead-end staring at the sharp pointed blades that would likely end his story here.
Rayla slowly strolled her way across the room to her defenseless target, positioning herself right before him and just one of her blades just at his throat. “Prince Ezran you and your father King Harrow are our only targets tonight, accept your fate and your suffering will be naught”
“You can’t that’s not fair!” gaped out the Prince, “why would you hurt someone who has done nothing wrong” he finished. “Humans cut down the King of the Dragons and destroyed his only egg, the Dragon Prince!” Rayla spat out moving to the point her second dagger at a point of deadly precision “Justice will not be denied”.
Callum knew now that this was his end, and as the older brother to his sibling, was ready to make the sacrifice under his responsibility so that Ezran may live. “I see, well then you found me. I am prince Ezran” said Callum calmly accepting his fate.
Rayla herself was struggling to catch the nerve to finally strike. And while she always enjoyed training and honing her abilities, she always struggled with the thought of being an assassin, snuffing out the life in others. Tinker had always seemed to imply to her to consider something else but Runaan would have never allowed it, and Moonshadow culture was quite rigid when it came down to starting a path you finished it.
Now that this Prince had seemingly just accepted her fate, she couldn’t commit the act. This was not at all what she had imagined it would be like. “I have to do this, im sorry. I don’t want to but I have to” Rayla apologized.
“Why? You know this is wrong” said the Prince
“An assassin doesn’t quite right and wrong, only life and death” replied Rayla but the words tasted foul in her mouth.
“That’s very clever, but come on really. How does solve anything?” Argued back Callum
“This is justice!” explained Rayla “Humans attacked us an unprovoked”.
“So it’s okay for you to do the same thing?” said Callum.
“Well no, it’s not the same thing. Because we’re attacking you, Provoked!” finished Rayla.
“Then it’s a cycle!” Callum realized out loud. “You hurt me; someone will get revenge against the elves. It won’t end!” emphasized Callum.
Rayla couldn’t believe it but this human was actually making sense. And looking at him down there on the floor she realized she couldn’t do it; she couldn’t kill him. Not only did she not want to kill him but Rayla also realized it would be hypocritical of her to kill and judge a soul of their parents’ actions. Afterall she was already being judged by her parent’s failure and she hated it all.
Making up her mind Rayla raised her sword causing the prince to quiver in its fear only to quickly slam its but across his temple knocking him out cold.
“I will simply have to convince Runann to present him to the Dragon Queen” muttered Rayla as she hoisted the unconscious body across her shoulders, ready to travel back the camp.
Runaan was furious back at camp, he could see now Etharie was right and taking Rayla on this mission was a huge mistake. Compromising the whole mission almost entirely by herself due to herself reluctance. And then again when she took off in some vain attempt to redeem herself. BUT now she returns not only failing to complete what she set out too, but with what she claimed was the crown prince around her shoulders!
“Rayla have you gone completely mad!? Every action you have undertaken on this mission has directly undermined the whole operation, are you trying to sabotage the very will of the Dragon Queen!? He venomously spat.
“No Runaan wait you don’t understand” begged Rayla “We need to take him to the Dragon Queen since as the Prince he can make peace again!
“Rayla your comprehension skills are under some serious scrutiny after all this and it only since I trust you and the fact the mission is already compromised beyond any hope of completion, is why I am forced to take your suggestion” said Runaan much to Raylas relief.
And thus, the group of Elven assassins reluctantly took off back to Xadia and the Dragon Queen with one false human prince in tow. Hopefully to make peace and almost certainly bound for adventure. Leaving behind them one upset and confused brother, one furious step dad and one ungodly mad aunt when she found out of course. Using all available resources to find and retrieve Callum.
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^
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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.
