#Hidden in the Moonshadow

[xboxissues]

New Xbox Games for January 8th to January 12th 2024

[uglyduskling]

( ' ')☕️

when life gives you nails, you uh.. you.. uh...

arrows.

where was i going with this...

[stuck-in-jelly]

Maybe I’m late to the party but the way The Art Of The Dragon Prince book describes the Sun and Moon as sisters is really cool especially when coupled with this art from Tales of Xadia book

But looking at them I’m surprised I hadn’t seen the similarities sooner.

Sunfire Elves are proud bold warriors, a lot of their culture revolves around hero’s and leaders. Not only that but they known are artisans and metalworkers who craft in gold. The heart of their city was literally known as The Sun Forge and their cities were intricate focusing on architecture.

Moonshadow Elves are discreet noble fighters/assassins, a lot of their culture revolves around honor in sacrifice and protection. They are also metalworkers who craft in silver, known for their weapon craft and beautiful jewelry. But their homes are equally discreet, being hidden from outsiders entirely.

They both value integrity and pride above all else and view themselves as guardians of some kind. Fighters in spirit, and ready to answer the call to protect Xadia.

Thinking about this also reminded me of two pairs of sisters accompanied with this quote.

“Unlike her sister, the shifting, unknowable Moon, the Sun is forthright, radiant, and immutable.

Edit:

I also wonder how close the Moonshadow and Sunfire elves used to be before the rule of Queen Aditi. We see that the Moonshadow elves helped directly with the banishment of humanity but then immediately afterwards were ordered and forced by Queen Aditi to destroy their most sacred place.

[raayllum]

was thinking about why the fandom focuses on callum's devotion to rayla more so than the other way around - even if they're equally nuts in a lot of ways and i do think the focus is 60/40 - and i think a lot if is really comes down to callum just being 'easier' to love than rayla like, objectively, especially in arc 1.

he's sweet and goofy and emotionally open, he can be insecure and get stuck in his head but that's very internal, he makes mistakes but never anything too major, at most interpersonal relationship wise he can be a bit pushy or momentarily cruel, he's a prince and wanted peace with the elves from the start, he never really causes massive disasters and when he does there was a 50-50 chance it was going to work out anyway or if he is taking a massive risk, thus far it's really only involved risking himself.

he's cute and caring and has never really broken her heart (as she maintains hope even throughout his bouts of cold shoulder in s4). of course she loves him. of course she'd risk everything and anything for him. and even in arc 2 when he's being cold, he's still caring and still knows when to step in and support her

rayla is like... a much more 'difficult' character and person from the start. she lies repeatedly, especially to cover up her failures, she can swagger without actual substance, she's snarky and stand offish and can be snappish. she breaks at the worst of times and often leads to other people being put at risk. she abandons him and breaks his heart. she showed up threatening to kill him. she blew up their lives together and repeats the same mistakes over and over again.

on a surface level and on an interpersonal level, she's far more of an overt piece of work, whereas callum's nastiness comes out more sparingly and is more hidden under the surface; it's not always so apparent. but rayla's typically is, she is a moonshadow elf who fundamentally cannot hide her flaws even when she's trying to so hard

and callum loves her anyway.

he's endeared by the snark, he persists past the standoffish, she pushes him away and he keeps coming back to try and help her, he gets angry but he ultimately (and always rather quickly) forgives her, he's had multiple people telling him that she's bad and cannot/should not be trusted and just flat out doesn't listen to them, because he believes so fundamentally in her goodness, even or especially when she doesn't believe in it because of all the reasons above. he knows she can be difficult and he either doesn't care or loves her not in spite of those things but because of those things. and that's what's so appealing about that aspect of their dynamic.

callum is a wonderful walk in the park when it comes to catching feelings with only a few hiccups, and so often rayla is a ditch with spikes, and callum just goes "challenge accepted" every time (and succeeds) because he knows/believes that she's worth it (and he's right)

[thatartiststudios]

I promised cuddles, and thus I provide (well, not really in the first chapter, but at least I'm starting to post it. We get there in the second chapter, so just bear with me)

There's Beautiful, And Then There's You

Chapter 1:

Rayla stood near the edge of the room, the lively chatter of the evening’s gathering buzzing around her. She tried to focus on the conversations happening nearby, but her attention kept drifting to Callum. He was across the room, laughing at something a noblewoman had said, his smile lighting up the space around him.

The woman in question was beautiful, with dark hair that fell in perfect waves down her back, and a dress that clung to her figure just right. She leaned in closer to Callum, her hand brushing his arm as she spoke. Rayla’s chest tightened at the sight.

Stop it, she scolded herself. Callum’s just being polite. He’s always polite. But the way the woman looked at him, the way she seemed so confident, so assured in her own beauty—it made Rayla’s stomach churn with an unfamiliar feeling.

She forced her gaze away, focusing instead on the glass in her hand. The drink inside shimmered with a golden hue, but it did little to lift her spirits. All she could think about was how out of place she felt here, surrounded by people who seemed to belong in this world of luxury and refinement.

She caught a glimpse of herself in a nearby mirror—a slim figure clad in her usual Moonshadow attire. The clothes were practical, fitted for stealth and survival, and while they suited her, she couldn’t help but feel out of place among the richly dressed women around her.

The sleek fabric, worn from years of use, didn’t hold the same elegance as the gowns worn by the noblewomen, their fine silks and intricate designs a stark contrast to her simple, functional garb. She looked... fine, she supposed. But compared to the women here, she felt like a shadow blending into the background, unnoticed and unremarkable.

Her thoughts spiraled further as she remembered the scars hidden beneath the fabric. If they could see what I really look like… She bit her lip, trying to push the thought away, but it clung to her like a shadow.

Continue on AO3

[ladyandherbooks]

In this 2nd arc of the show Katolis has been the base for the Stop Aaravos mission, but after Sol Regem's attack a new base will need to be established. Duren and the Sunfire elf camp are both potential replacements, especially the Sunfire camp, given Janai and Amaya's recent marriage and the fact that elves and humans are already living there together. However I'd like to offer up a third option, the Silvergrove.

Rayla could potentially be unghosted next season, and if she does, she go home for the first time in over 2 years. The Silvergrove is also hidden by illusion spells so it could be the perfect place for a group of characters to hide away and live safely while they devise a plan to stop Aaravos.

It would also be a nice flip on previous seasons with a bunch of mostly human characters finding themselves living in an elven community. Rayla would go from being the only elf in Katolis to being surrounded by Moonshadow elves in her hometown. Characters like Ezran, Soren, Corvus, etc. could stay in an elven community for a long period of time.

It could also be a bitter-sweet moment for Rayla as well as I imagine that she'll be returning to the Silvergrove with Runaan and Ethari but without Callum as he'll be Aaravos.

The Silvergrove and the Moonshadow forest are also close to the Sunfire lands so it would be easy for them to meet up with Janai and Amaya if they themselves do not also end up in the Silvergrove.

Plus, it would be a good way to learn more about Moonshadow culture and would be a good way to reintroduce the Kimdael plot to the show as she also lives in the Moonshadow forest.

[zuppizup]

Purgatory: Chapter 43 - Secrets

Summary: Almost three years ago, assassins came for Harrow. Callum was cornered, at her mercy and then… she let him go.The elf. He never even knew her name. She might be long dead, but Callum was determined to do as Harrow suggested. To reject the narrative of strength and instead embrace the narrative of love. To make a better future for all, humans and elves alike. But when he and Ezran stumble upon something hidden in Viren’s secret chambers, Callum realises he might actually be able to make up for the mistakes of the past. To make a real change, right here, right now. To free them both from their haunted past.

Pairing: Rayla/Callum

Rating: Teen and Up Audiences

AO3 Link: Purgatory

They hurried back to the gathering, though less people seemed to be around now.

“Where is everyone?” Callum asked, eyes searching every dark shadow for another one of those creatures.

“Finishing up for the night?” Ezran queried, still looking incredibly shaken. “That’s good. If there’s more of those things out there, then people are safer inside.”

Callum frowned, still watching. If there were more people around, they stood a better chance of defending themselves. He felt like a sitting duck out in the open like this. Unsurprisingly, it seemed like the people still up were Moonshadow elves, and he found himself actually happy to see Runaan for the first time ever.

Runaan clearly saw them coming, starting visibly and calling out over his shoulder. He rushed down the steps, meeting them at the bottom.

Read More On AO3 – Purgatory: Secrets

[theunchainedmelody]

New Rayllum Fic: The Royal Escort

I've been working on a new Rayllum fic these last 6 months and you can read it on Ao3! Here's the cover art showing a new OC named Caineth, King Harrow, Soren, Rayla, and long-haired Callum. Pairing: Rayllum Rating: Explicit Synopsis: What if Xadia never banished humans to the west? In a world, where Xadia and humans know peace, Moonshadow assassins have taken on a new role, that of a bodyguard to powerful human nobles. In a Moonshadow academy, spirited acolyte Rayla now approaches graduation where she will be paired with a new patron. And she has her eyes already set on one in particular: the handsome Prince Callum of Katolis.

This is a story of court intrigue, regal romance, tragedy, and hidden secrets. Most of all, this is a Rayllum-centric AU. https://archiveofourown.org/works/52151539/chapters/131908519

[thejadevampire]

Once upon a time, in the mystical realm of Xadia, a young and adventurous human reader found themselves in a most extraordinary situation. It all began when they stumbled upon a hidden portal, transporting them to a world filled with magic and wonder.

Lost and bewildered, the reader found solace in the company of the Moonshadow Elves. Among them were two individuals who captured their heart and imagination - Runaan, the skilled assassin, and Ethari, the talented blacksmith.

Runaan, with his piercing gaze and agile movements, was stoic and devoted to his duty as a member of the Moonshadow Elf assassins. His every step was calculated, his every action precise. But behind that hardened exterior lied a heart yearning for something more than the shadows. Little did he know, fate had something extraordinary in store for him.

Ethari, on the other hand, was a gentle soul, known for his exceptional craftsmanship and his ability to breathe life into even the most mundane of objects. His hands worked with grace and purpose, creating masterpieces that enchanted all who laid eyes upon them. However, deep within his heart, there was a void waiting to be filled by a love that would ignite his passion.

As the reader spent more time in Xadia, their paths crossed with Runaan and Ethari more frequently. They were drawn to the enigmatic assassin's mysterious aura, and the reader's curiosity and compassion began to thaw Runaan's icy demeanor. The reader's presence became a beacon of light in his dark world, and together, they navigated the complexities of their feelings.

Meanwhile, Ethari, with his warm smile and kind eyes, became a confidant for the reader. As they spent time together, forging a connection through shared laughter and heartfelt conversations, a deep bond grew between them. Ethari's unwavering support and belief in the reader's potential gave them the strength to face the challenges that lay ahead.

In this intricate web of emotions, the reader found themselves torn between two extraordinary individuals. Runaan, with his allure and the promise of adventure, awakened a sense of excitement within them. Ethari, with his tender heart and unwavering loyalty, offered comfort and stability. The reader's heart was torn, unsure of how to choose between them.

As their journey continued, the reader discovered that love knows no bounds and defies conventional notions. In a world where magic thrived and boundaries blurred, they realized that their heart could hold affection for both Runaan and Ethari. Rather than choosing one, they embarked on a unique path of love, where understanding, communication, and acceptance were the guiding principles.

Together, the reader, Runaan, and Ethari formed an unconventional trio, bound by the belief that love can transcend limitations, be they cultural or societal. They forged a bond that united the human world with the realm of Xadia, creating a harmonious balance between two seemingly disparate worlds.

And so, their story became a legend whispered through the ages, reminding all who heard it that love has the power to bridge even the most profound divides. In the realm of Xadia, Runaan, Ethari, and the human reader's tale was etched into the annals of history, a testament to the boundless nature of love and the transformative power it possesses.

#runaanxetharioneshots

#fanfictions

#thedragonprince

[newtthetranswriter]

Soulmates? Soulmates. Pt. 4

Word Count: 2127

Summary: History, Boats, Waterfalls, and missions to find the missing Princes

Warnings: mentions of Y/n’s history, canon typical violence, bad grammar probably, let me know if I missed anything.

A/n: Hello and welcome to part 4 of my Soren soulmate Au. I’m sorry if it feels a little rushed. I just wanted to get it out in honor of the new season dropping on Netflix, but I might come back and edit it later. Anyways, enjoy and as always remember to hydrate or diedrate.

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3

    After stepping out of the boat, Callum and Ezran pulled it on to shore so it wouldn’t float away while we rested. Once they were sure the boat would not be floating away, my companions all turned to look at me. “We found a place to stop so care to explain,Y/n.” Callum said he didn’t sound completely upset about the news.

   Sighing I sat on a log near the beach we had stopped on. “It’s a bit of a long story, but you guys have a right to know.” I motioned for the three to sit down before I continued. I explained everything, how my parents were a human and an earthblood elf that decided being together as soulmates was more important than the stupid feud between the kingdoms. I told them how for the first years of my life we were happy, I told them that when I was five my parents took me to see a Moonshadow elf who gave me the necklace I used to wear. Hell even cried when I told them about how soldiers killed my parents in front of me all because my father was an elf. I finished by telling them how Harrow and Sarai took me in.

   “Wow, I, just wow. I’m sorry you had to go through that Y/n.” Callum said, looking at the ground. I just gave him a gentle smile, it wasn’t an apology in the sense of feeling at fault but of sympathy.

   “It’s okay. Sure it was rough and I don’t think I’ll ever really be over it, but at least I got two of the best siblings I could have asked for.” I said moving to hug my brothers. “Now it’s late, we should probably get some rest before the sun comes up.” I told them, knowing we would all need sleep.

   As Callum and Ezran both curled up on the rough ground, Rayla moved to sit closer to me. “Does your soulmate know?” She asked.

   I smiled at the young girl. “Yeah, he knows. He’s known since we were younger, I had gotten hurt and was thinking to myself how it sucked that I couldn’t heal myself or I'd be found out, and he heard it. After that I told him the whole story.” I explained. “You know you should get some rest too. Don’t spend too much time worrying about me, I got this covered. Plus with the way your hand looks, you should save your energy for finding a way to get that binding off.” I told the girl nudging her to go lay down and sleep.

  She nodded before going and laying down on the ground. I stayed in my spot on the log for a few more minutes, just thinking of how much has changed in the last two days. Once I started to doze off from being awake for so long, I moved to lean against the log instead and fell asleep listening to the sounds of the nearby river.

  As the sun rose, I was awoken by the light shining in my eyes. I took in my surroundings, Callum was awake propped against the log messing with the cube he wanted from the Banther Lodge, Ezran was just laying on his back with bait, and Rayla appeared to be sleeping. Running my hand threw my hair, I paused when I was reminded that now my horns were no longer hidden. God I’m gonna have to get used to this. I thought to myself, before watching Callum move to hover his cube over Rayla.

  He had the dumbest smile on his face as he waved it over her causing the moon rune to light up everytime it was close to her. “This doesn't end well for you.” Rayla said, waking up taking hold of Callum’s hand.

  Callum stumbled back as he spoke up. “Last night, you thought the cube was just a worthless toy. But now we know-" 

  "It’s a glow toy.” Rayla cut him off looking less than pleased. I couldn’t help but laugh at the interaction. “I’m going to find some food.” She was about to walk away when Ezran popped up.

  “Wait, we’ve got food. We grabbed a sack of bread from the Banther Lodge.” He exclaimed holding said bag of bread.

   Rayla looked at me as if asking if he was serious, I only shrugged in return. “I thought this was a sack of clubs.” She said, grabbing a piece, swinging the bread like a weapon. After a moment of her swinging the bread, she yelped dropping the bread on a rock below her feet cracking the rock.

  I then watched with concern as my youngest brother picked up the, harder than rock, bread. “No, it’s food-ish.” He stated before attempting to take a bite out of it.

  Rayla just shook her head, “I’m good” she said before leaving to find something actually edible.

  Sighing, I walked to my brother. “Stop trying to eat that, it’ll break your teeth.” I said pulling the bread from the boy. I sat back on the ground near Bait deciding to wait for Rayla’s return. It was quiet for a few minutes as the boys did who knows what before I heard what sounded like crackling. Looking up I saw Callum holding the primal stone in one hand and a ball of lightning in the other.  “What are you doing?” I exclaimed trying to figure out the novice mage’s thought process.

   “I was trying to cast a spell I saw Caludia do but I think I only saw the first half.” He said before looking back at the ball of lightning in his hand and shouting. “Help! Help!” I stared at him in disbelief, how dumb can one kid really be.

   After Callum’s shouts, Rayla came running out of the woods with her blades drawn. She also froze seeing the stupid predicament the boy got himself into. “What Happened?” Rayla asked me.

   “He stupidly tried to copy a lightning spell, but he only saw the first half so now he’s holding onto a ball of lightning.” I explained.

   I heard her sigh as she thought about what she just walked in on. “When you release a spell, there’s usually a word or a phrase or something in ancient draconic.” She stated.

   “Okay uh, does anybody speak dragon?” Callum asked, looking around at the three of us. “I don’t speak dragon.” There goes Callum’s panicked rambling.

   I thought for a moment. “You didn’t hear Claudia say anything?” I asked hoping he had at least heard the beginning of a word that could help us figure this out.

   Callum paused for a moment thinking “No.” another pause “I mean, I think right when I grabbed her hand away, she might have called me a fool.” He looked to Rayla for help.

   “Yeah, fool seems about right. Okay, give me a second. I know some draconic words. Just let me think.” Rayla responded, rubbing her temples trying to think of what could possibly be the release word for the spell Callum was attempting.

   “Know what? I'm just gonna throw it.” Callum announced. And like the great responsible adult I am, I zoned out not wanting to deal with whatever was going to happen. 

   As Callum and Rayla bickered about whether or not he should throw the Primal Stone, I tried to talk to Soren. Hey Soren, any updates you can give me on what’s happening at the castle? I could tell he could hear me, but he didn’t respond. After trying a few more times I sighed wondering if he had been distracted and just forgot to respond. I can’t imagine he’s having an easy time being the captain of the crown guard and the princes being ‘kidnapped’. 

   I decided it was time to toon back into my surroundings when I heard Callum asking if Rayla was afraid of the water. “-but scared of a little splish-splashin'?” I watched as Rayla looked at Callum trying to think of a response. 

   “Aw, that’s cute.” Ezran said while holding Bait. I quickly looked around figuring out that everyone was ready to head out and we were just waiting for Rayla to agree to taking the boat.

   I looked over at the boat before looking back at Rayla. “I understand your fear, but I have to agree with them. The boat would be faster and isn’t it best to save as much time as possible in our journey when possible.” I suggested earning a groan from the Elf.

   “Fine, we'll take the stupid boat.” Rayla finally agreed before marching towards the boat, clearly feeling anxious about getting back on the water.

   After we all got on the boat and let the river lead us closer to Xadia, I just watched the trees pass by. For the most part the boat ride was uneventful. Callum was asking Rayla questions to distract her from the fact we were on a boat, and Ezran was keeping Bait from playing in the water. It was smooth sailing until I heard the unmistakable sounds of rushing water. Looking ahead of us I noticed we were heading straight for a waterfall. 

   “Hey, guys we should probably try to steer back to the shore.” I said, trying to get the group's attention.

   Callum looked up at what I was talking about, not hiding his smirk as he realized what was going to happen. Rayla also looked up, going pale at the sight of the drop off. “Pull the boat over.” She said, clearly fearing going over the edge.

   Callum and I shared a look before he spoke up. “There’s no time.” Hearing that Rayla started to plead that we pull the boat over admitting her fears. The boy chuckled as we got closer to the rapids, “It’s too late, Hang on.” Callum exclaimed as we started to tip over the edge of the waterfall.

   Time Skip

   After surviving the plummet from the top of the waterfall and Rayla managing to save Bait from the monster in the lake, we took a short break to dry off. While Ezran and Callum comforted Rayla about her being brave and facing her fears, I decided to check in with Soren. How are things going at the castle? I asked him hoping to get an update on what was happening.

   Things are going good I suppose. He quickly responded. Before I could ask what he meant by that he continued. Claudia and I are leaving in the morning to come search for you guys and bring you home. So could you tell me where you guys are so It can be done quicker? 

   I sighed, earning a strange look from traveling companions as we started walking again. I just waved them off before speaking to Soren again. I’m sorry, Soren but I can’t tell you where we are. You know as well as I do that I’m wanted and if you somehow magically find us without any struggle, it will be suspicious. I reminded him.  Plus i already told you that we are going to return this egg to xadia and there is nothing anyone can do to stop us.

   There was a pause before Soren responded. I guess you’re right. Can you at least still keep me updated on if you’re okay or not? He asked, and by the tone I could tell he sounded a little worried.

    I will make sure to tell you if anything happens that could hurt me or my brothers. I assured him before closing our connection. I knew going on this trip in the first place would be difficult, but having to make sure I didn’t share details of where we are on the journey with Soren was going to be even more difficult.

   Deciding it was best to not tell the others that we are going to be being tracked, I focused on making sure we got as far as possible before Soren and Claudia even began their journey. But as it was already quite dark out we didn’t get too far from where we had stopped by the river before having to call it a night. Stopping by a large tree with roots sticking out of the ground we all laid down for the night. Rayla and I each laid on the large roots of the tree, while Callum and Ezran chose to sleep on the ground.

  I woke up to the sound of a twig snapping in the forest around us. Sitting up I made eye contact with Rayla, silently agreeing that she would go investigate while I kept an eye on my brothers. I waited patiently for her to return, hoping she would be back before the boys woke up.

[self-spaghettification]

tdp overarching themes (redemption etc)

What will happen when Ezran/Harrow’s narrative of love and Aaravos/Viren’s narrative strength meet, who wins?

Will it be possible for Ezran to win the dark mages over to let go of pain and end the cycle of violence? Or is death the only way to protect the world and his loved ones? Will Ezran have to learn to become stronger himself?

is it even possible to kill a startouch elf? oor to convince him to maybe not, like, conquer xadia?

i don’t have these answers but i diiiid compile a bunch of relevant shit

I kind of went through Harrow’s letter to Callum and added related quotes or moments that seemed relevant to the overarching themes discussed and how they stand on opposing sides

orange is harrow’s letter, read in 1x06

red is ezran’s speech, given in 4x03

these are the main voices but there’s also

pink is ibis in 4x03

black is zubeia in 4x04

purple is various aaravos quotes

pink is various viren quotes

both from 2x09, 3x05, 3x07, and 4x04

green is soren, janai, amaya and rayla briefly (4x03 & 4x08 & tdp trailer respectively)

“Soon you will both face a lie. The great lie of history.

“His name was Aaravos, and yes, he was a star. One of the great ones, respected and loved by all. Until we uncovered a long hidden treachery.”

Advisors and scholars will tell you that history is a narrative of strength.

“Search your heart. There’s something that you want very badly. But something or someone stands in your way.”

They will recount stories of the rise and fall of nations and empires. They will be stories of armies, battles and decisive victories.

“And this bright future will require us to conquer Xadia?”

But this isn't true strength. It's merely power.

“I can destroy them all! I have all the power I need!”

“If you want to say something to the Dragon Queen, you should say it to her face. her real face, that can bite you in two!”

“It hurts! I feel pain about this and I am angry!”

I now believe true strength is found in vulnerability...in forgiveness, in love.

“We all want peace and we all want love. But violence tests us!

In a twisted way it converts us to their cause.”

“You tried to win them over with loyalty and friendship but they ignored you. those who fail tests of love are simple creatures who deserve to be motivated by fear.”

“Because pain and loss feel so terrible inside. You want to hate. You want to hurt someone else. so what do we do?”

So, what is the plan? To fulfill your wishes, of course. Is your wish to rule Xadia? I wish for humanity to flourish. And it cannot flourish with a knife forever at its throat.

There is a beautiful upside down truth, which is that….

These moments of purest strength appear as weakness to those who don't know better.

“These are the champions you’ve gathered to try to stop me? They’re nothing but pathetic children!”

“How can we stop this cycle?”

Violence.

Loss.

Pain.

For a long time, I didn't know better.

“In the name of love, you may perform acts so unforgivable that you may never forgive yourself.”

Violence,

“You must take down the Dragon Queen and capture the baby dragon. Then you will have the attention of all the world, and the power to do what you want.”

“Bring terror to Del Bar, to Neolandia, to Evenere, and to Duren!”

Loss,

As I write this, the sun is setting while Moonshadow assassins prepare to end my life. A few months ago, I took my revenge on Xadia. Tonight, it is their turn.

“I am going to destroy it, before it can be used to do any more harm!”

Pain,

“Every great crisis the world faced seemed the work of some ingenious and powerful leader, but in each case, it was secretly Aaravos, whispering in their ear.”

“Aaravos. A startouch elf responsible for more pain, death, and suffering than anyone else in history.”

“I am not a killer.

But if you seek to return that staff to its true owner, you pose a greater danger to this world than I can allow.”

You must die.”

stop! i just want to yell stop. but that’s not enough. it won’t work.”

“I do not mean to be cruel. But we must be ready to sacrifice. Even the things we love.”

“Well played. She will be a valuable asset.”“She is not an asset. She is my daughter.”

I ask you and your brother to reject history as a narrative of strength and instead have faith that it can be a narrative of love.

“I think about a positive vision. a faith we can all share, that we might build a future together in hope. a future where we can be safe with each other. but… it’s not that easy. or simple.”

“Everything I do, and everything I ask of you, is for the future of humanity.”

“The whining child king, in over his head and he knows it.”

because people are still hurting and they are still angry. we can’t ignore that, or pretend it will go away.

“Oh, my time is inevitable.”

somehow, we have to hold it all in our hearts at the same time. we have to acknowledge the weight of the pain and loss, but open our eyes and allow ourselves to hope and maybe forgive and love again.

“You cannot have your cake and eat it too.”

We have to give today’s children a chance to inherit a future filled with peace.

“I've tried to be selfless as a king, but as a father, I have a selfish wish. And that is for you and Ezran to be...free. Reject the chains of history. Do not let the past define your future, as I did. Free yourself from the past. Learn from it, understand it, then let it go. Create a brighter future from your own hearts and imagination.”

Destiny is a book you write yourself.

To give them that, we have to hold pain and love in our hearts at the same time.

“There is an aching pain mixed with love that you feel in these moments.”

“Just have two cakes.”

“This is called A Song of Love and Loss.”

I'm proud of you. And I love you unconditionally.

“If the fallen star is a danger the whole world will face, this is a chance to solve our problems together.”

“How do you kill a startouch elf?”

idk man. what if aaravos doesn’t have to die? what if it’s not too late for him to be redeemed? this is kind of a guilty pleasure hope of mine but still. the dragon prince is a story of letting go of generational trauma and past pain, of letting go of pain and differences, most importantly, of letting go of a narrative of strength, of a strong katolis, a strong lux aurea, a strong empire over xadia, and believing in a story of love and hope. if there’s anything that could drastically change things its the guy with a lot of power and a lot of ambition and pain ready to cause a whole cycle of pain all over again. if there’s anything that would drastically change things it would be changing his heart. and if theres anyone who can change it, it’s the kid who feels the most for him.

[mahpotatoequeen]

tdp - anastasia au

Thinking about a Dragon Prince Anastasia AU.

I don’t think I would change the universe very much- we would still have Katolis and Xadia, that long war and all those endless cycles of violence and grief within it. Moonshadow Assassins are still coming from the Silvergrove to enact their Dragon Queen’s vengeance. 

Here’s the difference: King Harrow and his sons aren’t home in Katolis. They’ve been travelling, visiting other dignitaries at a conference in some other human kingdom. It was presented as a way of family bonding, but there was something tight and drawn in Harrow’s eyes when he suggested it.

They go anyway. They meet other monarchs. They feast on fine food. Successful conferences are often followed by parties, and this one is no different. The music is lively and the moon is full.

Then the elven assassins come. It is chaos. People are screaming everywhere, Callum and Ezran get separated from their Dad, and well…. You know the rest is history.

FEATURING:

Callum: playing the amnesiac prince who only really has some thread-worn clothes and a small little chain with the symbol of Katolis embedded in what can’t possibly be real gold. He feels like he’s missing something, something important, and really wants to get the Kingdom of Katolis in hopes of figuring out his past. He’s sort of surprised when an elf shows up and claims he might be the missing prince though. It’s ridiculous. Preposterous. Straight up impossible. Even if it is a little weird that he can remember that the King’s favourite jelly tarts are the persimmon ones…. 

(Also, moonshadow elves with brilliant purple eyes are suddenly appearing a lot in his ragtag sketchbook??? No idea why. Really. It’s not like she’s pretty. It’s just. She’s very aesthetically pleasing. For art purposes. Ahem.)

Ezran: playing the child king who lost his brother and father in one fell swoop when he was nine years old. He’s twelve, and he’s exhausted, but he has managed to work together with the other kingdoms to broker something like a very, very tentative peace treaty with Xadia. Lord Viren is his advisor, but it seems more like he’s there to undermine and trip him up at every possible opportunity. Ezran’s trying to find a reason to fire him, but one of the constituents of his young rule was that Viren would be there to…guide him. So just straight up telling him to leave without reason won’t work. 

The last Ezran saw of his brother, he was alive. They had been running, and Callum had helped him up onto a horse and sent it cantering. He was supposed to have followed right behind him, but for some reason never did. He’s convinced that Callum must still be alive, though, even if that hope is dwindling. He’s offering a very high reward indeed for his sibling’s return.

(Ezran is tired. He’s tired, and he’s very, very lonely.)

Rayla: playing a moonshadow assassin who is desperately trying to redeem herself in the eyes of her people after letting the two princes get away through a hidden passage that fatal night. She’s been on her own for the last couple of years, ghosted from her home and more determined than ever to get this right. The protections around the palace have grown extensively since the attack, and If she has to use this nobody as a fake ‘brother’ in order to get close enough to King Ezran and finish the job, then so be it. 

(Rayla doesn’t plan on falling in love. Stupid humans.)

Bait: Has gone on a miniature quest to find Big Brother Human himself, cause his Human is SAD and HAS BEEN SAD for SO LONG and it’s Not Good. He’s surprised, then, after a while of mindless wandering, to actually find Big Brother Human, smelling and looking a little worse for wear and definitely older, but. He’s got charcoal on his fingers. He scratches under Bait’s chin the same.  His Human is gonna be so happy. 

Bait forgot how annoying it was, though, that Big Brother Human does not understand him. If the Two Idiots would listen to him, they would not encounter HALF the problems they did. 

(When all this is over, Bait’s gonna have some tales to tell.)

Viren: playing a royal advisor who is more than a little bitter that the crown has gone to an inexperienced child over him. He had been there, the night King Harrow had died, and he had made… sacrifices for his cause. This was not supposed to be the result. 

Still, he is making leeway in winning the council over. The ridiculous treaty Ezran has made with the elves is shaky, and he can use this to his advantage. You can imagine his frustration, however, when he hears rumours about that overprivileged mongrel surviving. Callum had seen something, that night, that could ruin everything Viren has worked for. Something he could not be allowed to remember, or to live and tell the tale. 

(The mirror in his basement has its own magics, its own way of reaching through miles upon miles and placing danger in an elf and a supposed prince’s path.)

Claudia and Soren: Working under their father’s orders, they’ve been given commands to make sure that the elf and a magical fake Callum never reach the palace, because they’re an endangerment to the crown and the kingdom’s safety. A trick from Xadia, according to Viren. A plot against the king. 

(Soren asks what they do if it is the real Callum. I bet you know the answer.)

Amaya: Has moved closer to home with the withdrawing military presence after the peace treaty, as an extra measure of security and out of guilt of leaving her only family left alone for so long. She started conducting initial interviews of potential ‘Prince Callum’s’ the fifth time Ezran had come to her room, frustrated tears in his eyes, shakily signing about how he doesn’t understand why people would lie about being his brother like that, don’t they get how cruel that is? To give him hope and wrench it away?

Does she believe that her nephew is actually alive? No. Not really. Is the experience of interviewing people claiming to be Callum its own twisted brand of grief? Yeah. Sort of. But she’s willing to do it so that Ezran doesn’t have to, in hopes of making it some of those missing years for him. She’s shoring herself up for when he’s ready to hold a funeral, to stumble her way through helping him with this grief. She wishes Sarai was here. 

(She also thinks that Viren is a piece of shit, but that is its own thing.)

[jump-wings]

Near the Thorpe Abbotts Air Base, hidden away in the melancholy stretch of East Anglia, there stands Moonshadow Hall, cloaked in a shroud of dark, thick trees, their green so deep they seem almost black, where neither sun nor creature nor even the slender-winged insects dare to wander. Even hope, that most fleeting of visitors, seldom strays into this shadowed realm, where souls, untended and unmoved, grow brittle, like forgotten relics gathering dust in a darkened attic. If you take the winding path that snakes its way through the woods and tread upon the dirt road that crunches and gives beneath your feet, there—you will find them: thirty-three steps, moss-covered, stone, slippery with the dampness of the ages, rising up like the vertebrae of some long-buried beast, leading ever upwards to Moonshadow.

You can read on AO3

[xsulsulnooboo]

🍂🎃 new sims townies ideas 🎃🍂

Halloween themed

1. Lilith Bloodthorne

Traits: Evil, Self-Assured, Ambitious

Lifestyle: Power-hungry witch with a thirst for dominance. She seeks to be the most powerful sorceress and doesn’t care about who she steps on to get there.

Clothing Style: Dark, Victorian-inspired dresses with lace, corsets, and lots of black. Wears a blood-red amulet that glows.

Appearance: Pale skin, long raven-black hair, and glowing red eyes. Sharp cheekbones and always wears dark, dramatic makeup.

Backstory: Born into a family of witches, Lilith vowed to outshine her ancestors. Her dark magic comes with a curse: she can never truly love.

Origin: Gothic town in the forests of Romania.

2. Serena Moonshadow

Traits: Loner, Perfectionist, Creative

Lifestyle: Mysterious artist who paints in a secluded tower, channeling the spirits of the dead for her inspiration.

Clothing Style: Flowy, bohemian-style gowns, often in midnight blue and silver, with moon-shaped jewelry.

Appearance: Light olive skin, wavy silver hair, and deep blue eyes that seem to glow in the moonlight. She often wears a flower crown.

Backstory: Serena was once a renowned artist until an encounter with a restless spirit drove her to isolation. She now lives alone, painting the faces of the dead.

Origin: An ancient village by the sea, cursed with spirits from a shipwreck.

3. Morgana Thorn

Traits: Romantic, Jealous, Hot-headed

Lifestyle: Seductive vampire who seeks eternal love but is cursed to never find it.

Clothing Style: Elegant, gothic-inspired ballgowns with deep red and black hues. She often wears dark lipstick and antique jewelry.

Appearance: Pale porcelain skin, wavy dark brown hair, and glowing amber eyes. Always elegantly dressed.

Backstory: Morgana has lived for centuries, constantly falling in love but unable to keep her partners from aging. She lives in eternal heartbreak.

Origin: An aristocratic vampire family from Transylvania.

4. Clarice Grimm

Traits: Bookworm, Genius, Insane

Lifestyle: A scientist obsessed with discovering the secrets of immortality. She conducts bizarre experiments in her haunted mansion.

Clothing Style: Steampunk-inspired attire with goggles, lab coats, and mechanical accessories.

Appearance: Pale skin with freckles, fiery red hair in a messy bun, and bright green eyes that gleam with madness.

Backstory: Clarice was a renowned scientist until her colleagues deemed her theories mad. Now, she works in isolation, trying to unlock the key to eternal life.

Origin: A secluded mansion in the misty hills of England.

5. Selena Darkwell

Traits: Kleptomaniac, Creative, Bro

Lifestyle: A street performer and master thief who uses illusions and magic to rob from the rich.

Clothing Style: A mix of leather jackets, ripped jeans, and fingerless gloves, with a sleek, mysterious flair.

Appearance: Tanned skin, short black pixie cut, and piercing grey eyes. She often has a mischievous grin.

Backstory: Raised in the streets, Selena learned to fend for herself through magic and theft. She uses her abilities to outsmart her foes and stay one step ahead.

Origin: The dark alleys of a sprawling city with a hidden magical underworld.

1. Victor Nightshade

Traits: Evil, Ambitious, Genius

Lifestyle: An evil necromancer who raises the dead to do his bidding. He dreams of world domination through his army of undead minions.

Clothing Style: Black robes with silver runes, often adorned with a skull-topped staff.

Appearance: Extremely pale skin, jet-black hair slicked back, and cold, piercing blue eyes. His face is sharp and angular.

Backstory: Victor was a bright scholar until he uncovered forbidden texts in an ancient tomb. Now, he seeks to control life and death.

Origin: A long-forgotten civilization destroyed by a necromantic plague.

2. Lucien Hollow

Traits: Loner, Paranoid, Erratic

Lifestyle: A haunted detective who chases supernatural crimes, often battling his own inner demons.

Clothing Style: Long trench coats, worn-out suits, and tattered fedoras, with dark, earthy tones.

Appearance: Light brown skin, disheveled black hair, stubble, and haunted green eyes that have seen too much.

Backstory: Lucien was once a renowned detective, but after witnessing a dark ritual gone wrong, he’s become obsessed with the paranormal.

Origin: A bustling city’s underbelly, filled with crime and corruption.

3. Sebastian Crowley

Traits: Snob, Mean, Noncommittal

Lifestyle: A wealthy vampire who indulges in the finer things in life but refuses to settle down.

Clothing Style: Tailored suits in black and red, with gold cufflinks and blood-red silk ties.

Appearance: Fair skin, perfectly styled blond hair, and sharp grey eyes. His smile is charming, yet dangerous.

Backstory: Sebastian enjoys the pleasures of his immortality, using his wealth to seduce and manipulate the rich.

Origin: A noble vampire family from the heart of London.

4. Dante Blackwood

Traits: Active, Hot-Headed, Self-Assured

Lifestyle: A cursed werewolf who struggles with controlling his temper and his transformations.

Clothing Style: Rugged and practical; torn jeans, leather jackets, and boots.

Appearance: Tan skin, short brown hair, and glowing yellow eyes. His muscles are toned from constant battle with his wolf form.

Backstory: Dante was cursed during a full moon. He now lives in isolation, trying to manage his rage and avoid harming others.

Origin: A quiet, remote village cursed by werewolves.

5. Damien Omen

Traits: Gloomy, Geek, Creative

Lifestyle: A dark poet who writes about death, loss, and the paranormal. He often isolates himself in his haunted mansion.

Clothing Style: Dark, Victorian-inspired clothes with long coats and poet shirts.

Appearance: Pale skin, long wavy black hair, and deep-set dark eyes. He often looks melancholy.

Backstory: Damien grew up in a haunted house and found solace in writing. His works are renowned, but he is forever tormented by the spirits that visit him.

Origin: A decaying mansion passed down through generations, haunted by its previous owners.

1. Avery Wraith (Non-binary)

Traits: Gloomy, Music Lover, Perfectionist

Lifestyle: A ghostly violinist who plays haunting melodies in abandoned theatres, attracting spirits with their music.

Clothing Style: Androgynous fashion; flowing black coats, scarves, and long boots.

Appearance: Pale greyish skin, short silver hair, and striking violet eyes that seem to glow in the dark.

Backstory: Once a concert violinist, Avery perished in a tragic accident. They returned from the afterlife, playing music that bridges the world of the living and the dead.

Origin: A crumbling, haunted theatre in the heart of a forgotten city.

2. Jasper Frost (Gay)

Traits: Outgoing, Charismatic, Goofball

Lifestyle: A charming vampire who uses his allure to make friends and seduce his way through high society.

Clothing Style: Sharp, modern suits with bold colors like deep purple and velvet.

Appearance: Dark skin, short curly black hair, and glowing silver eyes. His smile is always playful.

Backstory: Jasper comes from a long line of vampires but prefers to party and live the high life rather than involve himself in family politics.

Origin: A bustling city where vampires and humans live side by side.

3. Rowan Willow (Lesbian)

Traits: Loves Outdoors, Active, Freegan

Lifestyle: A nature-loving witch who lives in harmony with the forest and practices earth magic. She is fiercely protective of the environment.

Clothing Style: Flowy dresses in earth tones, floral headpieces, and barefoot or sandals. Her look is inspired by nature, often wearing leaves and flowers.

Appearance: Light tan skin with freckles, long wavy brown hair with flowers woven into it, and soft green eyes.

Backstory: Rowan grew up surrounded by nature, learning magic from the trees and animals. She’s known for her herbal potions and spells that heal the earth.

Origin: A magical forest hidden from modern society, where witches practice ancient rituals.

4. Skyler Ravenwood (Genderfluid)

Traits: Cheerful, Party Animal, Creative

Lifestyle: A glamorous, eccentric ghost who enjoys haunting nightclubs and throwing extravagant, supernatural parties.

Clothing Style: Bold, sparkling outfits that shift between masculine and feminine, with elaborate makeup and glitter.

Appearance: Translucent skin with a shimmering blue tint, short neon-blue hair, and bright, glowing eyes. They often wear dramatic makeup.

Backstory: Skyler was a renowned party host in life and continued to throw wild parties after their mysterious death. They love the energy of the nightlife and feed off the chaos of their parties.

Origin: An upscale city with a thriving supernatural underground.

5. Zara Moonbeam (Pansexual)

Traits: Geek, Bookworm, Unflirty

Lifestyle: A quiet and introverted necromancer who prefers the company of the dead to the living. She spends her days in a vast library filled with ancient texts.

Clothing Style: Dark academia-inspired clothing with oversized sweaters, long skirts, and round glasses. She has a love for deep purples and greys.

Appearance: Olive skin, long dark brown hair always in a messy bun, and deep violet eyes. She has a soft, dreamy look.

Backstory: Zara was born into a family of necromancers, but she shies away from the darker aspects of her power. Instead, she uses her magic to preserve history by speaking with the spirits of the past.

Origin: A hidden magical library, deep within the mountains, where necromancers study the forgotten arts.

6. Evelyn Haunt (Trans women)

Traits: Creative, Ambitious, Gloomy

Lifestyle: A renowned horror author who channels her dark imagination into spine-chilling novels. She thrives on the thrill of fear and enjoys a solitary life surrounded by her own eerie creations.

Clothing Style: Gothic-inspired with a modern twist; think high-necked Victorian blouses paired with leather skirts and knee-high boots. Often accessorized with silver jewelry featuring occult symbols.

Appearance: Pale skin, long, straight black hair, and piercing violet eyes. Her look is completed with dramatic makeup, emphasizing her dark, mysterious aura.

Backstory: Evelyn transitioned in her early twenties and faced many struggles, but found solace and success in writing horror fiction. Her novels have captivated and terrified readers worldwide. She maintains a reclusive lifestyle, living in a house filled with her creations and dark artifacts.

Origin: A remote, fog-covered coastal town with a reputation for ghost stories and strange happenings.

7. Alex Shadow (Trans man)

Traits: Adventurous, Charismatic, Self-Assured

Lifestyle: An urban legend hunter who explores abandoned places and investigates supernatural phenomena. Alex is known for his daring escapades and charismatic storytelling.

Clothing Style: Practical yet stylish; rugged cargo pants, fitted t-shirts with mystical designs, and a durable leather jacket. Often carries a collection of gadgets and tools for his investigations.

Appearance: Medium brown skin, short curly hair, and warm amber eyes. His confident demeanor is accentuated by a well-kept beard and a constant look of curiosity.

Backstory: Alex transitioned during his teenage years and developed a passion for exploring the unknown. He gained fame through his blog and documentaries about supernatural occurrences. His adventurous spirit and charm make him a popular figure in the paranormal community.

Origin: A bustling metropolis with a rich history of haunted sites and urban legends, blending modern life with an undercurrent of the supernatural.

[raayllum]

Anyway Runaan-Callum parallels slap so let's talk about 'em (semi requested by the lovely @hoothalcyon)

Although Runaan and Callum are about as different presentation wise as they could possibly be, especially in Arc 1 - one a stoic, serious Moonshadow elf sworn to duty over family, who believes wholeheartedly in a dastardly human enemy, and the other a goofy heart-on-his-sleeve prince who always believes elves may be worth reasoning with - they do have, at their steely cores, have a fair few similarities. This is largely in their respective relationships with Ezran and Rayla.

For starters, in spite of Callum's idealism, he does have a more skeptical core (just like Runaan) both in regards to potentially listening to / trusting 'former enemies' and in trusting the people they love with possibilities they've already deemed impossible.

Runaan: No. Humans are liars. This is a trick and a trap. You're a fool, Rayla.

Rayla: Just... trust me. Callum: Right, right. That makes sense. Since we go way back. Like that one time, ten minutes ago, when you chased me through the castle trying to stab me. Haha, good times!

You have Callum and Runaan both being terse/angry at Ezran ("Ezran, you don't get it, do you? Why do you think they're sending us away? Because they're coming to kill him!") and Rayla ("Of course he was afraid, but you had a job to do! You let him live but you killed us all") for not seemingly getting the severity of the situation they've found themselves in, even though Callum told Ez that everything was okay when the younger boy expressed doubts earlier, and even though Runaan didn't listen to Ethari's cautioning that Rayla wasn't ready for this sort of mission.

Runaan and Callum are both also lied to / betrayed by people they trusted, leading ultimately to disaster once the illusion has been revealed; for Runaan, it is his adoptive daughter, and for Callum, it is his childhood friend(s) in Claudia and Soren. And both turn away from each girl in the end, leaving them staring off sadly as Runaan and Callum devote themselves to the missions they believe have to be done that Rayla and Claudia were attempting to derail.

Callum and Runaan also believe that Rayla can be better than how she's presenting herself ("Why? You know this is wrong" / "You're better than this") even if they have opposite ideas of what 'better' is. For Callum, it's Rayla embracing her compassion ("You have a big heart") and for Runaan, it's largely shutting it off ("Your heart isn't hard enough to do whatever it takes"). Which is why I think it's nice that they are both the ones who label Rayla's said compassion, initially in Callum's case, as hesitation.

And of course, in Chasing Shadows, they are the two voices inside Rayla's head, helping her retain her identity (to a degree with Runaan, who is also paralleled with RedFeather in spite of the distance and/or fraught dynamic between them, as well as being the two people to pull her out of the water from near drowning.

“An island is land,” said a voice in her head, so playful and cheeky she could almost see his smile. [...] “A hidden dagger,” Rayla understood. It was something Runaan had told her time and time again: “a defenseless enemy may keep their daggers hidden.”

I love you. I wish I could say that we will see each other again, but I don’t know if we will. I hope so. 

Callum can also be determined bordering on stubborn, like Runaan (a trait many of the main cast share, given the adversity of their circumstances; "We have to keep going, no matter what" from 1x08; "Justice will not be denied" from 1x03) but he is ultimately more willing to change. He can be stoic (in S4) if not very well, and has his own self sacrificial tendencies, particularly if that means protecting his loved ones: "We'll be stronger as five" now that Runaan knows the mission will likely require sacrifice and "I need you to kill me" now that Callum knows Aaravos has turned him into a threat. Given the trouble that magic has recently brought Callum, I wonder if we will start to see him have similar doubts as Runaan in Bloodmoon Huntress over being an assassin, of "I wonder if perhaps I shouldn't have become..."

However, as Ethari lays out in BH: "Souls like that feel called to protect everyone as fiercely as those they hold close. I've known since we met that this is Runaan's calling, that nothing will deter him from his duty." When Runaan is offered freedom and a chance to go home to Ethari - to free himself and return to his loved ones, to ease their suffering - he doesn't take it. It is the end of his episode in which he states, "I will never help you," allowed to hold fast. (Even though, if he had been freed, he possibly could've taken the coins holding Lain and Tiadrin with him as well, if through force.)

But Callum has his "I will never help you" at the beginning of his episode, so it's unsurprising from a structural standpoint that Callum's vow doesn't hold (and doubly unsurprising from a characterization standpoint) since as we all know, Callum "values those close to him more than anyone or anything."

Now, we don't know what Runaan would've done if one of his loved ones' lives had been on the line, as opposed to Viren just further threatening his own safety, but he was willing to sacrifice the lives of all of his assassins (granted that they were equally willing of the risk), so there's a little grey room. We also know that Finnegrin had to meet a challenge similar to Viren's: Callum didn't fear his own lack of freedom, torture couldn't break him, and he wasn't scare either when it seemed he was assuming he was the one going to be fed to the giant sea serpent. So Finnegrin had to find something that Callum, likewise, would "fear more / find worse than death" and he did:

Magic is very important to Callum and it's what he absolutely wants to pursue, but he's not willing to risk his life or heavily bend his morals just for his calling (2x04, 2x02, 2x08); he is willing to do those things for his loved ones, time and time again (1x01, 1x02, 2x07, 3x09, 5x08).

The fun thing is that we see this sort of language (Finnegrin's whole thing about fair prices) reflected in BH with Runaan as well, specifically with Kim'Dael holding an innocent Skywing boy hostage and using him as leverage for Runaan to sacrifice himself (which, given Callum's subsequent dark magic use, is also a level in 5x08, because he's also willing to sacrifice/risk corrupting himself further to save Rayla):

Which we could see Callum consider if there's something that requires him to do dark/dangerous magic again in S6, since in his mind, he's already 'tainted' and stained by dark magic, just as Kim'Dael taunts Runaan over it (and those sweet assassin-dark mage parallels continue to persist):

I know you're brave. The kind of brave that would sacrifice your life to save the ones you love. Let's make it simple. Give me your blood, assassin, and those two you came with walk away free. You've killed, but they haven't. They can still have long full lives.

(I do still lean towards this ultimately coming back around for Rayla first and foremost because BH basically exists to hold up a sign like "Runaan and Rayla are similar" / her paying the price motif and sacrifice, but I do think ultimately both Callum and Rayla will end up in a situation similar to Runaan's above whether in structure or in how they process it.)

Where are all these parallels going, besides Callum being the one to free Runaan and co. in S6, and Runaan possibly encouraging the "You need to kill me" idea at first? No clue! But they're fun either way.

Other fun misc. parallels:

Guiding moon (Ethari and Rayla to Runaan and Callum respectively, parallel, maybe)

And last but not least, the parallel that gave me the tag for their foils / dynamic in the first place

[ask-runaan-anything]

you have an ask box too?!?!? oh deities this will be very amusing lol

Welcome. I do indeed. Apologies if it was very well hidden. Moonshadow habits, you understand.