#and when ezran and aaravos meet

[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.

[raayllum]

timeskip Ezran headcanons bc why not

Ezran enlists architects from all over the Pentarchy and Xadia to help design Evrkynd. He wants cultural influences from everywhere and for all types of people to feel welcome and at home. Aanya lends him old documents from Duren to draft a similar agreement about Evrkynd as there is about Allhaven Hill where the hold the Summit meeting. Evrkynd isn't meant to be a part of Katolis, but a meeting point for everyone. Something new. Something good, and it reminds Ezran that there is always good worth fighting for in this world.

Although he doesn't carry it everywhere with him, Ezran keeps the Nova Blade and often has it in his new throne room. It's both a reminder of Aaravos' return and a comfort that even if it may claim their lives this time, if they can find a way to strengthen the blade, perhaps they can find a way to kill him permanently... though some part of Ezran wonders if that is the way, after everything.

On a similar note, Ez finally gives in and lets Soren (and Corvus) teach him how to fight. He'd had some lessons before but never put a lot of stock/time into it. Now, though, he can see more of the value. He learns both their weapons, but prefers swordsmanship for practicality and becomes proficient with spears, too, like his mother

At first, Ez wasn't sure if he wanted to rebuild the castle exactly the same, or to make adjustments — bigger hallways for larger magical creatures like a rapidly growing Zym to be able pass through, less stairs as the castle staff and guards continue to age. In the end, he settles somewhere near the middle. (He has Claudia's room rebuilt, as he thinks of Soren, and of Terry. Just in case.)

That said, Ezran doesn't change his throne. He doesn't refurbish it, doesn't have a new one built. He's never been one for grandeur or pomp & circumstance, and when anyone comes to Katolis to see him, he wants them to see that he is a king who survives. Who, like his kingdom and castle, rises from the ashes.

In Katolis, you generally 'come of age' when you turn 16. It's a big birthday. Ezran cries and just wants his dad. (After 4 years of searching, Ezran wants to believe that they will find his father's songbird, and bring his dad back. He's just also doing his best to prepare for the alternative.)

His and Callum's hug at the Valley of the Graves in 7x09 is a start at repairing their bond. They talk. They go back to the bridge and this time when Ezran cries, his brother is there to lean on. Apologies are made on both sides. Ez thanks Callum for being there for Rayla when he couldn't be. As a result, his and Rayla's hug at the Banther Lodge isn't the start of their friendship's reconciliation, but the end of it.

Ezran and Terry get along swimmingly. He translates for Aaron and Sam regularly, which Terry is delighted by. He tells Ez about how animal-speaking is a rare ancient gift some Earthblood elves are blessed with, though they can't figure out why a human would be able to. Ez puts Terry in charge of overseeing the royal gardens and Terry will come sit in on Ezran's sparring matches and cheer for him.

It takes two years for Ezran to make the trek out to the Silvergrove (aka a little over one year post choosing to forgive Runaan). It's awkward for everyone, but necessary, and Ethari, Callum, and Rayla help smooth over choppy waters and keep conversation flowing. Callum takes Ezran out for walks in particular when it feels like maybe the anger is coming back. They're on one when they see Runaan helping out one of the little Moon cubs with a booboo, gentle and smiling. It reminds Ezran of Harrow, the grief and anger and love hitting him like a wave all that one, and he doubles down on his resolve. He asks Runaan to a game of cards (though he will never be able to stand watching Runaan spar/fight with anyone). His smiles become less strained.

On the last night of the visit, he and Callum sit on the back porch of Ruthari's house. "You think you can handle it? Being around Runaan more?" Callum asks softly.

"It's... not perfect," Ez admits. He thinks of Zubeia's wrath, and her kindness, too. "But it's something. Yeah. I can handle it."

Callum exhales. "Good." Nudges Ezran's shoulder with his own. "Cause I was thinking of proposing soon, and I want both of you at the wedding."

Ezran embraces him with tears in their eyes. This part, at least, is easy.

[tategaminu]

Fic WIPS

I finally joined the cool kids and decided to start writing fic, yeah I should have started way sooner but heey it's never too late. Here's my profile, I only have one fic so far because I'm very, VERY slow. This is also serves as some kind of checklist for me.

List of fics I'm working on and having a lot of fun with!:

The Punch: Callum punches a noble over his wife and is overall insane and loyal (sweet).

The Very Long Night: Based on the latest interviews about Callum trying to find Rayla's presence in the time skip.

Accidental pregnancy fic 1: one shot, dramatic.

Accidental pregnancy fic 2: now it's personal: six short chapters? help??

Babysitting: Soren, Corvus (unwillingly), Terry and Ezran taking care of Rayllum's baby for a day (goes wrong).

Starscrapper smut: I started this months ago but I'm too shy to continue it lmao (some day).

The Couch: Callum's first night in The Silvergrove (goes wrong).

Marriage proposal fic: Callum having incredibly self doubt about being enough husband material for Rayla (he is).

Ten Babies: The talk about after that scene, ofc.

The House: Callum and Rayla talk about their future cozy house.

Not working on but ideas for the future:

Princess Braid AU: As the title says. I would have to rewatch the movie, fit characters roles and adapt it to their personalities and world setting, it will be very very difficult but some day! I think it's an interesting enough idea.

Untitled: After Aaravos comes back, Callum asks Runaan again to kill him if he gets possessed. Runaan knows Rayla is expecting (Callum doesn't) and he's like "oh fck I can't be a dad killer again, less so of my own grandkid."

Future: A fic exploring teen rayllum kids in the anniversay of Aaravos' defeat (or Zym's birth, you know something important)

Future 2: Callum sees a possible future where he meets a glimpse of his teen daughter, something that won't happen if they don't defeat Aaravos and hes like "oh sht she seems like a sweetheart we have to make our happy future happen!"

???: Rayla and Callum trying to get freaky in the silvergrove but sharing the house with her dads makes it incredibly difficult. Lots of UST

Sol Regem killing his wife: listen this would be so interesting to explore

Sol Regem ditching on Elola

Sol Regem and his mom, how he became the asshole we know today. I love Sol Regem guys.

Zubeia and Avizandum: just them being cute like damn

Rex Igneous being a third wheel: Rex falling for Zubeia and seeing how Avizandum "takes" her from him and goes incel mode lowkey.

Rayllum kids doing whatever: my rayllum fankids in their teens being silly and exploring a world of peace. Maybe rayllum babies shenanigans as well

Stabby stab: Callum stabbing a pregnant Rayla while possessed. Pure evil.

Kidnapping: Rayla kidnapped (while pregnant as well fck we balling)

Kissing under the rain: rayllum being disgusting and making out under the rain

reunion au?: before S4 came out my daydream about Rayla and Callum reuniting was her crying in a cave all alone and Callum finding her. I'm happier with the canon but maybe I should write that vision lol

Pottery: Callum and Rayla make a baby when they finally hit 30. Twitter style AKA, no sex just pottery. That's how babies are made right?

Btw if you like some of these ideas and want to write go ahead. I don't get gatekeep with fic ideas and I'm so slow some of these won't see the light for months (years? Oh god). No fic will come out the same way even with the same concept anyways.

[youruinedmylifebynotbeingreal]

It's Been a Long Time Coming

AO3

Summary: "I’ll let Soren and Terry know to start getting packed.”

Ezran gave him a funny look. “Corvus… Soren isn’t going with you.”

Corvus slowly turned back towards Ezran, head tilted in confusion. “I’m sorry?”

“There’s… well, there’s no reason for him to tag along. You’re the tracker. Terry is the Xadian nature specialist. Soren… well, he wouldn’t have a role.”

Note: One day I was thinking about how Corvus could really just go search for Harrow on his own since pre-season 3 he seems to be a bit of a loner. But he doesn't!

Sure, Terry could come in handy due to his connection with nature. But why is Soren there?

Because Corvus wants him there. Duh.

So, then I thought about Corvus asking Soren to go with him "Changing of the Guard" style. So I pulled up the short story and got to work.

And thus, a fic was born. And maybe even my favorite fic I've written so far.

...

Corvus and Ezran were in the meeting room of the Banther Lodge figuring out the final details of his search for Harrow.

“You’ll leave by the end of the week.”

Corvus nodded and turned away, getting ready to walk out of the room. “Of course. I’ll let Soren and Terry know to start getting packed.”

Ezran gave him a funny look. “Corvus… Soren isn’t going with you.”

Corvus slowly turned back towards Ezran, head tilted in confusion. “I’m sorry?”

“There’s… well, there’s no reason for him to tag along. You’re the tracker. Terry is the Xadian nature specialist. Soren… well, he wouldn’t have a role.”

Corvus stood there, processing this information.

Wouldn’t have a role? What couldn’t Soren do, was the real question.

“And he’s… aware of this?”

Ezran nodded.

No wonder Soren had been clingier than usual, then. Corvus hadn’t even considered Soren not going with him. It just hadn’t even seemed like a possibility. He could barely remember the last time they’d worked separately since before the momentary defeat of Aaravos.

Corvus thought of the quiet, lonely tracking of his youth. He’d enjoyed it at the time, and still needed his alone time. Things were just… different now.

Not that he’d be alone, he reminded himself. He’d have Terry, who was great and a close friend now. 

But he wasn’t Soren.

Ezran noted the disappointed look on Corvus’s face.

“While I can’t send him officially as a Crownguard on the mission… he does have plenty of vacation days he’s never taken. I couldn’t stop him from taking that time off and tagging along as an individual,” Ezran suggested.

Corvus shook his head. “He’d never do that.”

“Maybe if you just asked him. If you told him about how much you want him to go with you…”

“But, Your Majesty, what about you?”

Ezran raised an eyebrow. Corvus thought it looked suspiciously like one of his own facial expressions. He couldn’t help but remember the time the young king had come to him near tears when he wasn’t sure how to style his hair in a “kingly manner,” asking for help. Corvus had assured him that regardless of hairstyle, he was a king, and therefore his hair was inherently kingly. Corvus had also shown Ezran how to take care of his hair and put it up so that it wouldn’t get in his way as he hunched over paperwork and decrees.

Ezran had grown so much since then.

Ezran looked around the room, making sure they were alone. “You can’t tell anyone I said this, but you and Soren are my favorites,” he said in a stage whisper. “Yes, I’ll miss you both while you’re gone. But it’s not for good. I know you’ll both return to me. You’ll keep each other just as safe as you keep me. Why do you think I’m always sending you on missions together?” Ezran attempted to end his statement with a wink. Not a very successful one, but an attempt nonetheless.

Ezran eventually gave him a knowing smirk. Corvus chuckled and shook his head. “You’re too kind, my King. Fine, I will ask him.”

…

Corvus was nervous. He was rarely nervous, so he wasn’t quite sure what to do with himself. It was just a talk with Soren. He talked to him all the time. He’d talked to Soren mere hours ago, before his meeting with Ezran.

Then why did this feel so monumental?

It wasn’t like they were together together, but it wasn’t like they weren’t together, either. They hadn’t exactly had time to label anything, what with the almost end of the world and all, but they knew how they felt about each other. “Love” was a normal word between them, even before the connotation shifted. They’d exchanged their fair share of stolen kisses in hidden hallways between council meetings and during shift changes.

He took a deep breath and knocked on the door to Soren’s room in the Banther Lodge, begging the moon moths fluttering in his stomach to settle down.

Soren opened the door, appearing distracted, but his whole demeanor changed when he saw it was Corvus. His face lit up, and he pulled Corvus into a hug, as flush against him as they could be in armor.

“Hey,” Soren finally said, head on Corvus’s shoulder. “Why’d you knock?”

Corvus cleared his throat and stepped out of the hug. Soren looked dejected, but brightened again when Corvus put a hand on his shoulder.

“Soren, it’s time.”

Soren raised an eyebrow.

“Time for…?”

“A challenge. Just like old times.”

“You act like I didn’t challenge you at pushups the other day.”

“Hush, let me finish.” Corvus dramatically cleared his throat. “First one to the bridge wins. Go!”

…

Corvus tore off, leaving Soren standing in the doorway, gobsmacked. Corvus had never been the one to initiate a challenge. Soren couldn’t help but grin and follow after him. This would be fun.

Soren thought Corvus had an unfair advantage because he was able to jump into the rafters of the Lodge, therefore avoiding all the people, and escape out the upper windows. Inside was a bit of an obstacle course for Soren, trying not to run into any of the other people going about their days.

Luckily, it was Soren. Nobody really thought twice about seeing him barreling through the hallways. They instinctively moved out of the way.

Soren burst through the front doors. Corvus was right in front of him, nearing the bridge. Soren urged his legs to go faster, and he just barely made it to the center of the bridge before Corvus.

“Haha! Beat you!” Soren said, pumping a fist in triumph. He leaned back against the railing of the bridge, not even winded. “Still, your time has to be better now than the last time we did that. And your leg must be nicely healed now, thanks to the Sunfire elves and Mukho’s salves!”

Corvus rolled his eyes but smiled. Soren was always overly concerned about his legs ever since the Great Bookery and having to carry him through the mushroom forest. “That’s what I get for hanging out with you for years now,” he said, mirroring Soren’s position and bumping their shoulders together.

Soren leaned his head on Corvus’s shoulder, looking out at the water.

“So, why’d you race me out here?”

Corvus avoided the question. “Have I mentioned this is my favorite spot at the Lodge?”

Soren shook his head. “No, I don’t think so.”

Corvus cleared his throat. “I love the fresh air. Looking out at the water. And the, uh, trees and stuff.”

Corvus wrung his hands. That was odd, Soren thought. Corvus wasn’t usually one to fidget. Something was bothering him. Something was bothering him very badly.

“Is… everything okay? Corvus, what’s going on?”

Was it something that happened at his meeting with Ezran? Had something happened to Callum? Rayla? Claudia?

Or was it something Soren himself had done?

Corvus nodded. “Yeah, uhm. Everything’s… well, not exactly fine. It’s just…” He let out a sigh. “I just found out from Ezran that you won’t be coming with me to search for Harrow.”

Soren lifted his head, anxious thoughts settling down at the admission. “Wait. You just figured that out?”

Corvus groaned and buried his head in his hands. “I didn’t figure it out. I didn’t even realize it was an option; I’m so used to having you by my side. Ezran had to break the news to me, the man who prides himself on noticing every little thing.”

Soren’s heart melted at the muffled words. They had become a bit like a package deal over the years.

“I really like you. Heck, I love you. I trust you,” Corvus started, removing his hands from his face. “And I… I’d really like it if you came with me. And Terry. On our mission. To Xadia and the Pentarchy. For Harrow.”

He sounded like he’d been rehearsing.

Soren’s eyes widened and he positioned himself in front of Corvus so they could look at each other. “Really?”

“Ugh, I’m messing this up. That wasn’t the speech I’d planned to give.”

Soren grabbed Corvus’s hands in his and gave them a squeeze. “Then keep going.”

Corvus nodded. 

“I know I could do this on my own. With Terry. I will, if I have to. But I don’t want that. I’m trying to get better about asking for the things that I want. And I want you.” Soren couldn’t help his blush at the words. “I want you to stick with me, even though you’re more at home here and probably feel obligated to stay with Ezran since I’ll be gone. After everything that’s happened… I just hate the thought of being apart. You matter a lot to me.”

“You matter a lot to me, too,” Soren responded quietly, bringing their joined hands up to his chest. “But what would Ezran think?”

…

“Ezran actually suggested I ask you to come with me, once he saw how confused and sad I was,” Corvus admitted. He should probably be embarrassed that his king and young friend knew the details of his romantic life and the fact that he had fallen for not just a coworker, but his captain. However, he couldn’t find it in himself to care with Soren looking at him like that. Like he was a revelation. “He said that you’ve got a lot of vacation days you’ve never taken.”

Soren nodded, thoughtful. “He’s not wrong. There was never much of a reason for me to take any days off, what with all of my family being here,” he said, gesturing at their surroundings with their joined hands. Corvus knew Soren didn’t just mean his birth family, but also the family he’d chosen.

“I mean, you don’t have to come with me -”

“Corvus.”

“I get it if you don’t want to, I know changing schedules this last minute would be a pain -”

“Corvus.”

“And just because I want you with me all the time doesn’t mean that you want to be with me all the time -”

The rest of Corvus’s words were swallowed by the press of lips against his, forcing him to stop his nervous rambling. Corvus closed his eyes and let out a low groan, sinking into the kiss. Soren released their hands and Corvus wrapped his arms around Soren’s waist. Soren’s breath hitched as his hands gripped Corvus’s scarf, pushing Corvus into the railing.

Once they broke apart, Corvus felt his face flush. That was the first time they’d kissed out in the open. Partially because Corvus wasn’t usually a fan of public displays of affection, and partially because what they had was still so new. His feelings about public displays of affection might be changing, though, if it made Soren keep looking as bright as the sun itself, radiating with happiness.

…

“Who knew I’d be the one kissing you to make you be quiet,” Soren chuckled, leaning his head on Corvus’s chest. When Corvus had his boots on, the little heel on them made him juuust a bit taller than Soren, and Soren liked to take advantage of that when he could. Like jumping into Corvus’s arms a little bit when they hugged. He also liked when Corvus took advantage of that extra bit of height.

Corvus chuckled. “Yeah, it feels like a bit of a reversal of our usual roles.”

Soren laughed and straightened, placing his hands flat on Corvus’s chest. He spread his fingers over the leather, enjoying the warmth. If he focused hard enough, he imagined he could feel Corvus’s heart beating nervously. As plainly as he could, Soren said, “Alright.”

“Alright…?”

“I’ll go with you.”

Corvus’s face lit up. “Really?”

“Yes. Really.”

Corvus let out a giddy laugh, picking up Soren by the waist and spinning him around. “Yes!”

Soren felt dizzy from joy (not being spun around, he swears). He didn’t even realize Corvus could pick him up. It was ridiculously hot. Soren didn’t think he could find Corvus any more attractive, and then he did things like that. They’d have to talk about it later.

As soon as Corvus set him down, Soren pulled Corvus against him and gave him another kiss. “I love you too, ya know.”

Corvus nodded, closing his eyes and leaning their foreheads together. “I know.”

They enjoyed the closeness for a moment, both thinking of their adventures to come.

“Well, I guess I should go put in my leave and start packing…” Soren said, pulling away, starting to pace the bridge and counting the things he’d need to get done on his hands. He’d need to make an actual list when he got back inside. “I’ll have to fix the schedule, too, and ask Opeli to take it over while I’m gone…”

Before he could get too lost in his thoughts, Corvus broke through.

“Soren?”

His head shot up, stopping mid-step. “Yeah?”

“I’ve got one more question for you.”

…

Corvus knew there was one more thing he had to do before they left. Might as well rip the bandage off now.

He already felt happier than he’d been in a long while, and only one thing could make it even better. And it had been a long time coming, if he was being honest with himself. This time, Corvus crowded Soren against the railing, hands resting on either side of him.

“Will you be my boyfriend?” he asked breathlessly, before he could lose his nerve.

Soren gave him a confused look, cocking his head. “Weren’t we already…?

Corvus’s thoughts froze to a halt. His jaw dropped and he took a step back. Soren grabbed at his hands to keep him from going too far. “What?”

“I mean, I guess we never talked about it, but since you sleep in my room more than yours, I just assumed -”

Corvus burst into laughter. Of course it was just that simple. The way Soren’s mind worked fascinated him. Corvus had been obsessing over their relationship status, stressed about talking to Soren, for nothing. He brought their joined hands to his mouth to lay an appreciative kiss on Soren’s knuckles, before releasing him. Soren promptly turned red at the sweet gesture as Corvus proceeded to rest his hands on Soren’s hips. “Yeah, I guess you’ve got a point.”

“But that doesn’t mean I mind making it officially official. Even though I’ve definitely already told people we’re dating. And introduced you to people as my boyfriend. Or partner.”

Corvus’s eyes widened. “That’s what you meant when you’ve been telling people we’re partners?!”

“Yes…?”

“I thought you meant professionally,” Corvus groaned, burying his face in Soren’s neck.

This time it was Soren’s turn to laugh. He brought a hand up to the back of Corvus’s neck, stroking the strip of skin between his hair and his scarf. “Well, I guess that’s not wrong. But, no, not the way I meant it.”

“Can you ever forgive me?”

“Forgive you…? For what?”

Soren sounded genuinely perplexed. Corvus wasn’t sure how he could love the man in his arms any more than he did right now.

“I’m supposed to be the observant one! That’s my whole job. You thought we’ve been dating for months, while I was still thinking that we were friends in an oddly serious situationship.”

“Well, if you’re going around kissing other friends like that, I think we need to have a talk.”

Corvus blushed and rolled his eyes. “You know what I mean! If I’d known you were my boyfriend, I’d… I don’t know, make you breakfast in bed. Spend every night with you. Bring you flowers. Things like that.”

“Corvus, I’m pretty sure Ezran gave your bed to somebody else because you haven’t slept there in so long. Did you not notice that all of your things are in my room now? And you literally brought me flowers last week. You told me they reminded you of my eyes. It was the most romantic thing I’ve ever been given.”

“Well, yeah, but -”

“Nope! No ‘buts.’ I will not have anyone talking poorly about my amazing boyfriend,” Soren said, briefly placing a finger to Corvus’s lips. “And if this has been you thinking we were just friends, then I am very excited for what’s to come.” A moment of silence. “Also, you should be so proud of me for not laughing because you said ‘butt.’”

Corvus pulled away, crossing his arms and shaking his head in mock aggravation. When he reacted so over the top, Soren knew he was joking. “And there we go, you wrecked the romantic moment. My big romantic gesture. And to think, I’d been about to kiss you.”

“No, no, come back!” Soren said with a laugh, grabbing his wrist and pulling him back to him.

Soren brought their lips together giddily. Corvus thought it barely counted as a kiss because they were both smiling so wide, but he knew it would be one of his favorites.

“Well then. I guess it’s time to go get ready for our next adventure.”

Soren sighed. “Yeah. I do have a lot to get done before we leave. At least it’ll be easy for us to get packed, since you’ve been living with me and somehow never noticed.”

Corvus nodded seriously. “Yes, there is that.”

“I can’t wait to tell Ezran.”

“Don’t you dare!”

“Oh yeah. He’s gonna find this hilarious. I can’t wait to tell this story at parties in the future. Its place will be right after the story about that surprise party I threw you and you punched me.”

“You just love embarrassing me, don’t you.”

“I do! Love you, that is. And I don’t think these stories are embarrassing. I think they’re cute. You so often project this air of being so serious. You’re good at everything. It can be a little intimidating. It’s nice to be reminded that you’re human, too.”

Corvus felt his face go warm. He was turning into such a sap around Soren and they’d only been officially dating for five minutes. He gave Soren one more lingering kiss.

“Okay then. Come on, let’s go tell Ez the good news.”

—

Author's Note: Did I reference my own fic in my own fic? Yes, yes I did. Welcome to the TDP Fanfic Cinematic Universe (Victoria’s Version).

I'm obsessed with the idea that Corvus can be SO SMART and always good at his job, yet somehow when Soren is around he loses all rational train of thought about anything else.

Anyway, hope you enjoyed <3

[theredhairedmonkey]

What Dark Callum Means

And what it doesn't.

So, I think it's worth discussing what the appearance of this particular guy at this point of the series means and symbolizes, as I'm sure many people are going to have a field day with his.

And by "this particular guy," I mean Dark Callum.

Who, funny enough, is actually still more reasonable and moral than the psychopathic gremlin known as "snake boi callum" found across the fandom (as he acknowledges that he loves and cares for more people than just Rayla and Ezran), but I digress. In particular, I think what some fans are zeroing in on is that the show confirms (and it actually does confirm) that there’s always been this part of Callum that is willing to abandon his sense of right and wrong for the sake of those he loves.

But...that actually plays to the larger part of this season's themes in a way that ends up enriching Callum's position as the show's moral center. Let me explain why.

Book Dark (i.e. season 7) is about the loss of innocence, told not just through symbolism (the Garden of Innocents being where Unicorns went to die being a bit on the nose) but directly by Aaravos:

Aaravos: All children have a true heart. But as we grow up, we are forced to take choices, sacrifices, compromises. And they change us forever. Childhood innocence gives way to something...complicated.

The fact that Ezran is shown here as Aaravos speaks is not a coincidence - no matter how pure, life wears all of us down.

Then Aaravos' next speech contextualizes this further - not having a dark side isn't an attribute of goodness, but innocence. Eventually, all of us develop a dark side, and inevitable outgrowth of being forced to make compromises, harsh decisions, and sacrifices.

Aaravos: The true heart is a gift of childhood. For a few wonder-filled years, we each have innocent eyes to experience the world's beauty in a simple way. Terrestrius, you were lucky and held that innocent wonder longer than most. I have seen generations of humans and elves accept the darkness that lurks inside all of us beside the light. There is no black and white, only shades of gray. We must all carry complexity. But please believe me that there is beauty in this burden. Your heart will be a little heavier. But now, there will be no more half-truths, Terrestrius. Together, we will do what must be done. However dangerous. However vile.

It is worth pointing out how many people are shown together with the quote about "humans and elves accept the darkness that lurks inside of all of us." So when Callum meets Dark Callum, who tells him he's always been inside him even before he used dark magic, we shouldn't be surprised.

But his appearance actually tells us something different - that Callum had not yet accepted him. That the Callum we have been seeing throughout the show is not the one who would do whatever he had to for his loved ones "however dangerous, however vile."

And that is the critical part here, and why despite seeing the world as Aaravos does, understanding the need for compromises, Callum nevertheless opposes him - being good isn't about lacking the capacity for darkness, but about choosing what to do with that capacity. Callum's strength isn't that he never feels the pull to abandon principles for love, but that he develops the wisdom to channel that impulse in ways that ultimately serve good rather than evil.

In short, he sees the world as Aaravos does...yet chooses differently.

Consider how this differs from Aaravos's prediction. Aaravos sees this willingness to compromise for love and assumes it must lead down the same path of progressive moral erosion that he took. What he misses is that acknowledging this capacity doesn't mean surrendering to it entirely. Callum shows that you can recognize this part of yourself while still choosing how to express it.

This makes Callum's role as a moral center more complex and meaningful. He's not a moral center because he lacks dark impulses or the willingness to break rules for love - he's a moral center because he shows us how to acknowledge these aspects of ourselves while still making choices that serve rather than destroy our principles.

[flaming-thing]

I've just seen someone say that Ezran and Zym have the same eyes

And like? Does this represent anything? As far as i can remember, Ezran is the only one in his family (and the whole show I'm pretty sure) who has these blue eyes, and he's also the only one whose able to speak with animals. But is this because of his link to Zym? Does his understanding of animals come from the connection he shares with Zym, or is he able to speak with Zym because he can understand animals?

Him being able to communicate with animals is probably a very rare thing in this world, as Callum most likely would've believed him about it in s1 if it was something that happened regularly. It's also odd that he can see through Zym's eyes, as this isn't something he can do with other animals. Obviously he's able to do this because of their connection, but do the eyes represent that connection? Or is it just a coincidence? Because if they do, I feel like that opens up a whole new perspective on the events of the series.

Ezran was born with blue eyes, which suggests that he was born not only with his link to animals, but with his connection to Zym, which shows how he was always supposed to be one of the ones to return Zym to the storm spire and then play a part in defeating Aaravos.

Does his gift come from the orphan queen? I know she had brown eyes, and as far as we're aware she couldn't talk to animals, but she was the one who helped to defeat Aaravos the first time, so maybe she passed down to Ezran a gift that would allow him to defeat Aaravos when he returned? And that gift was the ability to understand and communicate with Zym?

And it just makes me wonder if there's anything else in the show that I've missed that also points to the theory that the main trio were destined to meet and return Zym together? I know there's that one scene in s4 with rex igneous where we see the orphan queen in Ezran's place, but is there any more than that? Or anything that shows the theory for the other characters? The theme of destiny and a path being set out for you to follow isn't really a theme in this show that I've thought too much about, but maybe it's time to start

Hopefully arc 3 gets greenlit and we get some more information on how/why Ezran is able to do this

[m4rs-ex3]

ALLLL RIGHTY YALL

if u haven't already seen.............. guys i was late i was fucking late for the panel give me a break

BUT here is a play by play of everything from the second i got in

[A GOOD CHUNK OF THE SECRET SCENE] if you saw this post within the first few *hours you got to see but you know what? they got to me i don't wanna be the snitch (i did on accident but its the though that counts)

opeli is being led blindfolded (which we see from opeli's pov. riveting visuals i tell you) by soren to the ✨secret meeting location✨

when she comments on the fact that it is literally just callum's office soren shuts her up bless him

opeli's like "DID BAIT GIVE BIRTH??!?!?" and soren's like no these are "rescue baits" and opeli gives them the greatest fucking look i can't even describe it to you

you've seen that leak "look it's the pearl :D""WHA""yep he's in there :)))))"

rayla says it like "per-al." just thought you should know

soren suggests forming a Fellowship of the Pearl and going to throw it into a volcano i fucking hate this show

they're all debating what to do with it meanwhile the most cryptic-ass shots of callum with the pearl like we get it he's fucked (i take it back i want more)

they finally get to him and he's like "uh????? destroy it obviously?????"

he suggests--and these are 100% his words (not actually cuz u know but its the general idea)--"smash it? throw it off a cliff? take a big ol axe and just--KA CHOP." i love him so much

rayla asks how they know it won't just release him

the way callum is so confused and conflicted and he just says "i... i don't know" oh my god by precious baby

cool ass top-down to the pearl whirlpool esq transtion into the next scene hello??

zym is being emo at a painting of his mother (the one from 4x03 yeah they just stitched that shit up it's all good)

ezran's like. huh. we oughtta do smth abt this

callum is Thinking Thoughts on the turrets(?? yk where soren does his lunges) and tossin the rune cube when he sees the star rune light up......................................

it's stella stella's there and the way he reacts to her is so precious 😭 he's not the step dad he's the dad who stepped up type shit

enter rayla "they told me u would be up here brooding"

(in a tragic turn of events the rayllum of this scene had my brain fuzzy so i can't remember a few chunks here and there have pity my brain has rotten)

callum's like "we have to do something i'm scared he's gonna use me. i know what we need to do ok we need to go to the starscraper"

it's honestly hilarious the way he says "and *WE.* should go" he's like "don't be gettin any ideas now this is an us thing"

and then ohoho "they have something there for you, too" (THAT was an exact quote)

he's like "PLSPLSPLS i've studied star magic i know the spells i know the runes i just need the quasar diamonds!! LET ME FREE UR PARENTS AND RUNAAN PLEAAAASSSSEEEE"

rayla is veryyyyyy opposed she's like "NO i want to help my parents as much as you"--honestly i don't think ANYONE wants to as much as him--"but i don't want my biases to affect that" BIASES?!??!! like that was the word she used i can't stop thinking about it

zym has entered his wolf child era his ass is HOWLING at the moon

soren hears him and goes "aww little guy misses his mom :((( sometimes i wonder where my mom is...." WHAT AWHAT WHAT AWHAT PJARDON SAY IT AGIAN YOU WAHGTS SAY IT AGIAND HUAH HUWH A

ok. yeah callum does not have pajamas BUT I THINK WE HAVE BIGGER ISSUES HERE????????????? HE WAS SLEEPING IN HIS OFFICE

THAT COUCH THING THAT THEY WERE ON WHEN RAYLA CAME BACK IN 4x03???? HES JUST SLEEPING ON IT I CANT MY GUY WHAT R U DOINGGG

in other news

bruv is tossing and turning and then just. ~stops.~ this can only mean good things (i think you know where i'm going with this)

he sits up. hobbles over to the door. there was a really cool transition (can u tell i respect the cinematography) and he's in the cellar holding the pearl.

he wakes up in aaravos' prison and is like "well this looks neat!" until he sees the mirror and screams and wakes up. when he realizes where he is he goes "what have i done" dude you fell asleep?? god he's never sleeping again (<- me when i lie 😈)

the description we got of this next scene did NOT do it justice it was fucking incredible

callum kicks down the fucking door (not actually) screaming for rayla

rayla TUMBLES OUT OF BED ON TO THE FLOOR, pillows in hands and unafraid to use them

"WHOA. HEY HEY ITS OKAY ITS ME! it's just me rayla. it's me. callum" i feel like he was saying the same 5 words for 7 hours it was beautiful

rayla: "callum?? jeez i could have-" *looks at pillows*

callum giggles the cutest fucking giggle and says something along the lines of "yeah, it would've hurt real bad :)"

oh yeah DE-LAYERED PONYTAIL RAYLA CONFIRMEDED??!?!?!?!?!

she sits back on the bed and my guy KNEELS DOWN AT THE CORNER OF THE BED TO PICK UP HER STUFF BEFORE HE SITS DOWN NEXT TO HER and they say chivalry is dead romance was birthed and ended with this scene

he tells her about it and she goes "callum, you're exhausted. you had a nightmare. if i thought you were in any real danger you know i would-" and then ironically i forget the same line that the person from nycc did wouldja look at that

can i just mention how close they were sitting in this scene i mean i jsut thikn i should mention hwo clo

yada yada he has a lightbulb and runs off with her blanket

the iconic "i know stella.. he took our blankie :("

god knows why barius is up in the middle of the night whispering sweet nothings to his jelly tarts

callum comes in with a certain proposition mwuhahaha

rayla comes into his office and sees his aesthetic ass sewing by fireside and graciously says "ah i get it! you're taking your mind off things by peacefully knitting" so iconic for both of them

callum explains that he's stitching runes to create a protection spell when barius comes in with the """"""""pearl""""""""""

rayla DIVES in front of callum and says "what r you doing get that thing AWAY from him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" she got SO protective SO fast it was blessed

callum's like au contraire 😈

ok so obviously we had all heard about the fake pearl but. you know that one guy who makes insane sculptures out of nothing but chocolate? that's what they did the pearl is brown sludge with a candy coating 💀 i'm losing my mind that is so funny to me

so yeah with the decoy out the real pearl is protected by--and callum literally said this--"a magic blankie >:)"

he also pops in to tell ez and omg GUYS BAIT HAS HIS OWN LITTLE ROYAL CANOPY BED ITS SO FUCKING CUTE

dawn in the courtyard--ez is saying goodbye to soren, zym, and pyrrah who are going to look for zubeia (i almost just typed zendaya i need sleep) and callum and rayla who r going to the starscraper

my roman empire is this: callum was acting all eepy and then when they get going hE RESTS HIS HEAD ON RAYLA'S BACK AND FALLS ASLEEP. I CANNOT FUCKING MAKE THIS UP IT WAS PHENOMENAL SHE LOOKED SO FUCKING HAPPY I I I I I I HAKJSDHFKJASHFDKJHSADKFHKJASHFIHASEKFH

on a slightly lower note

scene from teaser except they did cut a couple lines in the teaser. mainly just terry going "didn't see you there,, cuz i was asleep. with my eyes closed"

he does not in fact get impaled but claudia tells him she's gonna leave him first and does just that

as she's going omfg terry's cries and pleas and "I LOVE YOU"s and "I WILL WAIT. I WILL WAIT HERE FOR YOU" was absolutely insane idk what was in the air in that recording studio but shout out to ben

i am so tired goodbye!

[adashulaz]

A new AU because I'm a loser who desperately wants a tft relationship despite being cupioromantic, this one is silly I promise though

Leola lives because she isn't accused of teaching humans magic

There is no border so there are elves within the human kingdoms and humans within elven towns/villages

Callum, Ezran, and Rayla still meet because of Rayla, Runaan, and the other elves from the first episode going to Katolis(have yet to decided why)

Soren is still sick in this AU, this is due to his lungs not being permanently healed/fixed with dark magic, his spine is also a little messed up because he was doing some trick and fell on it weird

Soren is commonly seen with Mukho(Mushroom Mage) and the mushroom critters because they are his main caretakers as they help ensure he can still breathe properly and that his spine doesn't get worse

Viren and Lissa don't get a divorce since she doesn't end up seeing Viren as a monster

Claudia and Terry still end up together, they meet earlier though

Leola, Claudia, and Soren are all friends/siblings due to Aaravos and Viren being close, it's very hard to tell if they kiss romantically or not

Corvus and Soren do kiss romantically though, they also hold hands romantically, no one knows how or when it happened but it's a thing now and no one is questioning it

Harrow and Sarai live happily, along with Aanyas moms(I can't remember their names)

There is conflict but only because Sol Regam believes that Aaravos and Leola will end up teaching humans magic

This comes to a head when Callum ends up doing magic

It all goes downhill from here, Sol Regam is going after that boy because of it

That dragon will end up dead at some point but it will take a bit

Janai and Amaya end up together still, they meet while Sol Regam is trying to remove Callum from life

Kazi and Gren as well perhaps

Thats all I fear, this will seem much more interesting as a fic I swear

[random-remzy]

The Dragon Prince is starting to remind me an awful lot about a different magical mystical fantasy franchise-

watch Wonderstorm pull a "Tales of Arcadia" and recreate the world when they're on the verge of complete destruction.

watch the last lines be smt deep and harrowing like. "Maybe its better to live in a world where we might never meet... rather than live in a world where everything reminds you of death and loss."

watch Ezran/Callum die in the others arms, with some weird deep brotherly bullshit, them crying which leads to the desicion to remake the world.

basically.

Watch Aaravos win. Then to fix it, (cus its a fantasy show about traumatized children) The writers will give them the difficult choice of being destroyed or recreating the world and living life differently.

Imma sit here and wait.

And i hope, for the life of me, with every fiber of my being-

That I am wrong. And they DON'T do what they did to Tales of Arcadia.

[sorinethemastermind]

After the End of the World

They stopped the end of the world. Callum doesn't know why he's having a panic attack now. #Rayllum @endergriffin444 thank you for participating in the Review Fic-Athon! I hope you like it :)

 They had stopped the end of the world. Callum didn’t know why he was having a panic attack now.

 Lack of logic didn’t seem to be stopping it, though.

 His knuckles were white as he gripped the edge of the table, breath coming in short, shallow gasps. He knew he shouldn’t have hung that mirror there. It had been stupid. A stupid idea.

 Why was he always so stupid?

 He made the mistake of glancing up, spotting the white streak in his hair again before jerking his head back down to stare at the desk. He tried to focus on the positives; he wasn’t horribly scarred, the way Viren and Claudia had been.

 Maybe that would come later. After Aaravos came back and possessed him and he did who knows what to his friends and everyone he loved in the world and they all died because of him and it was all his fault because he was that horrible, twisted version of himself he’d seen in the forest and that was his destiny and-

 The door opened, almost as silently as the footsteps that followed.

 “Callum? Are you okay?” Rayla’s voice was low, concerned. He didn’t turn to face her.

 “I’m fine!” he forced out, voice oddly high pitched as he tried to sound cheery. The footsteps grew closer.

 “Oh, Callum.” she stopped beside him, reaching out a hand to cup the side of his face and tilt it towards her’s. He didn’t meet her eyes. “It’s okay. Whatever it is, it’s okay.”

 “It’s nothing.” Callum said, trying to look away even as she attempted to meet his gaze. He didn’t want to see the way she looked at him now that he was-

 She brushed the hair out of his face, tucking the white streak away. She didn’t flinch as her hand touched it, just smiled at him a little sadly.

 “Do you want to talk about it?”

 She wiped a tear from his cheek. He hadn’t realized he’d started to cry.

 “I did Dark Magic, and for what?” he asked, bitterly. “It didn’t even do anything. And now- now…”

 She wrapped her arms around him, burying her face in his scarf. He could feel her hair tickling his neck as she held him. “It’s going to be okay.”

 “How could it be okay!? It is not going to be okay.” Callum maintained. “I couldn’t stop him then, and when he comes back, I won’t be able to stop him then. We only have seven years, Rayla. Seven years and fifteen days! I know it sounds like a lot, but it’s not. It’s really not and-”

 “We’ll be ready this time.” Rayla assured him, giving him a squeeze before pulling back to look him in the eyes. The corner of her lip twitched upward into a small smile. “And we’ll have each other.”

 “No, we won’t.” Callum pressed his palms to his eyes. “Everything I did, I only played right into his hands. I’m so stupid. Stupid.”

 “Callum-”

 He threw his hands into the air, gesturing wildly at everything and nothing. “I did Dark Magic again! What did I promise you? That I wouldn’t do Dark Magic again. And now look at me! Corrupted forever, ruined all over again. And what did I get for it? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. And now when he comes back…”

 “We’ll figure it out, Callum. We can… we can banish the darkness inside you again!”

 “No, we can’t.” he shook his head. “I already asked Astrid. It’s a one time thing. One second chance! No third chances. No third chances for Dark Mages who can’t learn from their mistakes.”

 He slumped into the chair behind him. “I screwed up. I screwed up again. You all should have left the first time.”

 “We’re not leaving you.” Rayla said, placing a hand on his shoulder. “I’m right here with you.”

 “Maybe I should leave, before one of you gets hurt. Before I hurt you. Ez probably won’t even miss me and-”

 “Ezran would definitely miss you.” Rayla cut him off. “And then he’d have to send Soren and Corvus to go and track you down instead of finding King Harrow.”

 Callum groaned. “Our Dad. What am I going to say to him? How am I supposed to tell him that I abandoned Ezran when he needed me most and-”

 “Callum, stop this! You and Ez made up. Your Dad loves you. He’ll love you no matter what.” she knelt down, throwing her arms around him again. “Just like I love you.”

 Callum wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.

 “I love you, Callum.” she said again, voice muffled by his scarf. “And I’m here for you. Just like you’ve always been there for me. And for Ezran. We’ve got you. But we need you to trust us to help carry this burden.”

 “I do trust you.” Callum sighed, taking a deep breath. “And I love you. So much.” 

“Then we’ll figure it out. It’s like you said. So long as we love each other, no one can control us. We write our own destinies.”

 Callum tried to take a deep breath. To focus on that. On the fact that, even when Aaravos did return, they would have each other. They would write their own destinies. He didn't know how, but he would make sure that Rayla was safe. That all of them were.

 They would carry their burdens together.

[sarasade]

I'm marathoning The Dragon Prince for the Grand Finale and it's giving me some new perspective on some things but mostly confirming the opinions I already have.

I really love s1-2 (sometimes applies to s3) mostly because of something that I've always considered very unique to TDP: the atmosphere.

It really feels heavy and dangerous. Ezran, Rayla and Callum are just some kids who get abandoned by their parents. The world feels so hostile and cold. it really makes me feel for them. Kids being abandoned and neglected always really gets to me.

This danger also applies to the introduction of Aaravos. The mysterious world of TDP really expands when we meet him. Even the Big Bad of s1, Viren, feels so out of his depth when interacting with him.

I'm actualy kind of surprised that TDP didn't use Harrow as the emotional center of the show more. Maybe I'm biased because I really enjoyed his presence. Rayllum took that space which is fine I guess. But Harrow really was the emotional center of Ezran's story so his character kind of suffers for the lack of call back to that story beat in s4-6.

If I have to pin point my main criticism of TDP it's how in seasons 4-6 the atmosphere never matches that of s1-2.

[raayllum]

Trailer Breakdown time

Important notice: There will be spoilers from 7x01 mentioned as well from NYCC as well as screencaps that were previously released. Read ahead at your own risk!

So what a trailer am I right?

For this meta I'm gonna divide into sections in terms of episode order (largely 7x01, 7x02, and speculation to the mid season point) and then also talk about voice overs / clip placement from previous seasons when I think it's relevant. Let's go!

What we know

These shots of Callum and then Ezran and co. touching down in Katolis, as well as the vision Ezran has of his parents (which the fact he's seeing like that rather than how they actually were, sitting on the thrones side by side, is life ruining let me tell you) are all from 7x01, "Death Alive".

We know thanks to 7x01 that Runaan is arrested and everyone goes to the Banther Lodge to set up a temporary camp / plan their next moves, hence a makeshift council meeting (which Ezran having the throne brought with him... baby boy really isn't doing well). So it seems the following screencaps are all from 7x02.

We can also place this Callum and Rayla handhold at the Banther Lodge by the bridge outside.

They are probably (for whatever reason) conspiring/deciding to free Runaan and leave, leading to this scene with matching sky / colours - Soren and Rayla squaring off before Ezran arrives with more guards.

He might let them go or try to hold on, but they successfully flee / get away. I could also see Rayla and/or Runaan stepping in like "I'll stay behind, you go to the Silvergrove" (and if Rayla offers, that might melt Ezran enough to let them leave). Either way, I think Ezran's conversation with Aanya on the Banther Lodge bridge will either influence the choice(s) he makes here if it's before, or reference this crossroads if it comes after before we leave the Banther Lodge for the season.

We also know from 7x01 that Aaravos wants a Moon primal stone and to likely corrupt the Moon Nexus in order to invert life and death, destroy the Cosmic Order, and bring about eternal night. It seems likely Claudia and human Aaravos will achieve these aims by the mid-season point-ish. After 7x01 they have to go to the Puzzle House to get the map to the Garden of Innocence with unicorns, and they will likely require Terry's Pure Heart (my interview with Aaron Ehasz) to read the map to get them there. If 7x02 is "pure heart" that could be a nice parallel between Callum-Rayla and Terry-Claudia about a willingness (or lack of) to help and why.

From there, it's all speculation, so let's get into it.

What we can speculate

So first things first, we get Claudia and Human Aaravos at the Moon Nexus doing the Nexus inversion, presumably, and bringing people / creatures back from the dead. One looks rather like Ziard and brings up a staff, which Aaravos takes.

We also know this is earlier on in the season because Claudia's har is more white. During the spell, we also see Soren, Terry, Allen, and what seems to be Aanya holding a dead / unconcious Lujanne on the ground. It seems both Soren and Terry are running to stop her, though I don't know what Allen is doing (maybe holding back Ezran for some reason, if Ez is there).

Then we have more of the dead coming out, including a dragon that almost squashes Soren but does not have a rider, so it's not the same (assumedly) as before.

Later on, we see more creatures crawling out of the water at what seems to be the Nexus, since it's bordered by the same walls as the lake.

We also see Aanya and Ezran surrounded by the dead at the Valley of Graves (hi Sol Regem skeleton), but the moon doesn't look as... corrupted / taken as it does at the Nexus shot, so this could be happening in the early stages of the spell. Then Ezran could send Soren, who gets there too late, and who knows how fast Aaravos can travel on his own.

There seems to be some kind of confrontation between Ez, Aanya (hi exploding fire arrows), and Aaravos at the Valley of the Graves either way.

Since like I said the Moon isn't in the right spot, I'd wager the Ez-Aanya fight here is from 7x03 or 7x04, with the Moon Nexus inversion in 7x04 or 7x05. In the same timeframe, Rayla (and Runaan + Callum?) is going back to the Silvergrove and being put on trial.

The little tiny mushrooms here and in the section with her and one of the fallen assassins makes me think that rather than just standing around and talking, there could be an underwater dream-like portion to the trial as well. Something like "You touch the assassin and get blood on your hands (literally)" because they love their on-the-nose symbolism.

So I don't think the screenshots here are Rayla getting injured... Yet.

Now onto the harder to speculate sections, or what I like to call

What the Fuck is Going On

It seems, since Callum and Ezran learn that, "Aaravos is back. He wants to bring about eternal night. He's unleashed the spirits of the dead" (Callum) that the kids regroup and plan for what to do next. This could be 7x05 or 7x06. The trio (broyals / Rayla and Ezran) reconcile maybe from the Runaan fall out, with Ezran asserting that, "We have to be ready. We have to build our defences." (This could also be where Callum's line as a "the three of us have been through a lot together. We'll get through this, too" comes in as a parting goodbye before the group splits, as well as Callum's heroic rallying speech that is very reminiscent of 3x08: "There is a way out of this. With good people doing courageous things. Doing what's right!").

This "building our defences" could mean that the trio splits up to go get allies from prior seasons, like Rex Igneous (Ezran and co. shot) and Akiyu. They could also be fetching sun crystals for Aanya's arrows.

We see Callum defending an unconscious Akiyu (by the water) and Runaan (just under his tunic flare). His ice spell seemingly responds to Claudia's fire spell, and she has more white hair and is standing likewise near water. So it seems we'll get a Callum Claudia duel face off sometime in the mid to late season!

It also seems that Claudia's Laurelion dragon-scale necklace is just a dragon-scale, but gives her the super armour / fire power-up.

At some point we also meet up with the Sunfire elves, not just at their ruins / make-shift camp, but at the Sunforge palace itself, since Khessa's throne is in the background in these shots with Rayla. The purple background and Phyrrah also indicates that Soren and Corvus are in the same area.

Presumably, they've gathered all their allies (end of 7x08?) and are preparing for their final attempt to defeat Aaravos (and free Callum?). And Callum is going to get possessed, so when do we think it's happening?

Well, if the gang is travelling to get allies, Callum (and Rayla - and maybe Ezran or others?) have gone to get Zubeia perhaps from the mushroom mage. While there, shit goes down, and we get this shot of Callum (presumably from 7x06-7x07):

While the cube is angled the way it was in Callum's dark magic dreams, I don't think this is a dream. The background doesn't match up with previous, we've never seen this form of corrupted face for him with his eyes not black, and he has a white streak, which was never present when dreaming of himself as Aaravos' puppet last season.

I also don't think Callum is going to do dark magic to coin Aaravos (at least not for the initial corruption). Not only is it a little wonky pacing wise, it's a bit too clean, as it takes away the #1 threat Callum is scared of when it comes to doing dark magic. While he of course doesn't want to be corrupted at all, it was primarily the fact the corruption would make him Aaravos' puppet that scared him. It's also a bit too thematically contradictory for Aaravos to be successfully defeated in a 'bad way' rather than in a good way (teamwork, etc) nor does it work with the 6x03 set up for him and Rayla, but that's just me.

That all said, the fact that the trailer highlights his parallels to Viren and Claudia not just once, but twice (god bless that "however dangerous, however vile" and another "I would do anything for you") and through Kosmo's 6x06 voice over ("If you ever do dark magic again, the darkness and corruption will overwhelm you") makes it pretty clear that even if it hasn't happened here, it will happen in the season eventually. I don't think i have much to say on this plot beat / characterization that I haven't been saying for, well, the past 4 years, cause if you know, you know! (And I'll probably do a post just screaming about this + the cube later anyway.)

We also have some misc screencaps that could go about anywhere (Terry running, him + Aaravos and Claudia in the woods with the flying primal stone? Seeker or guider?) even if I do think they continually point towards Terry defecting this season.

Conclusion

If I missed any screencaps or you have any questions feel free to send them my way in my askbox! What do you think is going to happen and what are you most excited for this season?

[tategaminu]

Some predictions for S7

It seems some people are concerned about Rayla and Callum being separated for half the season when I honestly don't think that will be the case. They have never been separated more than two episodes, you could say "well it could happen now!" but I doubt they would do that in the same season we will fully see them together for the first time.

Now some proof or my own guesses to favour this:

In this screenshot Rayla isn't with Callum, she could be out of frame but I don't think so.

I'm guessing he went ahead since maybe Rayla's wings weren't working anymore (they said they didnt't last forever if I remember correctly)

Look how sad he looks, he has no gf to cheer him up over Katolis' destruction.

Now, we see Rayla and Ronaldo standing up in front of the Banterlodge, why are they here? I think Callum told them to meet there since it's a place both him and Rayla know.

Why is she in attack mode?

Looking at the trees it seems Ezran, Aanya and the animals seem to be around the banterlodge. Maybe Rayla sees the katolians coming or Ezran asking Corvus and Soren to arrest Raul and she gets defensive ofc, tho it doesn't seem to be an overly agressive stance.

We have confirmation that Callum and Ezran will have a conflict and Ezran is gonna be mad about Runaan, so maybe Callum defends Runaan here and confesses that he is the one who fred him, making the brothers fight. An upset Callum then leaves with Rancher and Rayla.

My guesses are, Callum and Rayla separate in episode 1 and reunite in late episode 2 or early episode 3 (they tend to "meet" in the second episode lol) maybe ep 2 ends with them meeting and the cliffhanger of Ezran finding out about Ronald.

Callum, Rayla and Richard arrive at the Silvergroove (perhaps is on episode 3 to parallel season 3) we get the Ruthari reunion and Rayla's trial in the same episode, a confirmed to be a very emotional episode.

The place Rayla is having her trial on seems to be the lottus pond thing, we only see her, The Keeper (I didn't know moonshadows could have beards okay dude) and the ghosts of the deceased assassins. I'm guessing she will have to be forgiven by them to be accepted back on The Silvergroove and she will need a lot of emotional support, I don't see why Callum wouldn't be there since he was there when she found out about her ghosting so he being there when she gets unghosted makes all the sense.

Callum, Stella and the other ones are out of frame probably watching this, unless this is another place where they aren't allowed.

I wouldn't be suprised if Rayla doesn't want to go with the trial at all but we get a little callback to this with Callum saying something similar, maybe even more agressive this time.

Now onto the next clue, this oopsie leaked scene by the animation company:

Stella jugglinga adoraburrs! look how cute!

I'm fully convinced this is a rayllum scene, it screams romance with the flowers and singing baitlings "oh it could be ruthari!" yeah? maybe? but let's look at the clues shall we:

Stella is there, Stella is always with Rayla

Callum and Rayla love adoraburrs

Sneezles is there, Sneezles is always with Callum

There are two lovebirds and Rayllum tends to attract animals (very disney princess/prince if you ask me)

The baitlings are singing, screams Rayllum corniness (kiss the girl!)

Rayla and Callum have something going on with boats

Maybe Callum and Rayla decided to take the rest of the baitlings with them to the Silvergroove (for some reason)

Maybe this scene isn't before the mid season at all and it's at the end! but for now I choose to believe it's kind of the calm before the storm scene. Maybe Rayla and Callum are celebrating her unghosting, before Aaravos starts fcking shit up and they have to leave and go back to Ezran. I don't think this will happen in the way to The Silvergroove because 1) third wheeling Runaan would be uncomfortable and I don't think Callum would prepare this at all in the way unless he wanted to annoy him hard idk 2) Rayla and Callum didn't need to cross water to arrive at TS the first time.

I'm choosing also not to believe this is at the end because them leaving The Silvergroove mid season for them to come back at the end wouldn't make much sense to me unless they are getting married right in this scene mostly because I don't think Rayla and Callum will choose to live in there, at least for now, and this will be the end of the arc not the series so yeah, they could be visiting tho and this could be a chilling ending scene.

In a summary, I don't think rayllum will be separated for a lot of episodes and Callum is totally going to The Shitlvergroove maybe they will get separated again when she gets kidnapped

listen you can't separate them for much unless it's against their will

[romancemedia]

Runaan's Return Will Cause Drama!

Things are gonna be REALLY complicated for Team Zym when The Dragon Prince returns for Season 7... particularly about Runaan.

Rayla has at long last been reunited with one of her adoptive fathers and that is great, but people are bound to remember how it was also Runaan who killed King Harrow aka Callum and Ezran's dad and I have no doubt that is gonna cause some conflict for the group.

With the fall of Katolis, Ezran is grief-stricken and devastated and when he meets Runaan, the person who KILLED his father, it's only gonna cause even more heartache than the poor kid is already facing. Although Ezran is one of the kindest and most understanding cartoon characters I've ever seen, even he can have his limits and I'm not prepared for what his state of mind will be when he'll eventually come face to face with the elf who took away his beloved father.

Not to mention, other members of the group will also be dealing with feelings of their own about the subject. I'm not too sure how Soren or Opeli will feel and eventually Callum might also have to face his feelings too. He was so focused on helping Rayla and worrying about his fears on Aaravos that he really hasn't thought about how Runaan played a role in his dad's death. Also no surprise, it might even force Callum to choose sides between his family or Rayla.

Like I said things are gonna get complicated when Season 7 airs, but on the bright side I look forward to the day Runaan and Ethari will be reunited.

[anon16783]

chapter three : the prophecy

aaravos x moon guardian reader (?)

+ rayla x callum

summary: a new threat arises compromising the safety of xadia.

(important !! : this is not canonically correct and for the sake of the story i’m gonna say that it takes startouch elves 600 years to enter teenage years even tho it’s probably wrong. also look at the previous chapters otherwise this will not make sense 🥲🥲)

(click for masterlist and synopsis)

<< prev // next >>

—

“leola! don’t run too far!” aavaros spectated as his daughter ran off to meet her human friends, he relaxed with a solemn grin plastered on his face knowing she’d be safe with them.

he looked up and saw the same cloudy sky that had been there for months; a dark grey, murky cloud shaped like a giant ring rested in the middle of the sky. It was highly unusual for clouds to cover the sun for months on end, but then again, nothing had happened these past months so aaravos assumed it would clear up… eventually.

—

it had been 300 years since xadia was removed from the rule of the celestial guardians’, after leola introduced humans to primal magic -which the humans abused and cultivated into a stronger form (dark magic), the queen decided that for punishment of their sins they were to live in exile from the other continents.

the queen was doing her daily tasks which now was reduced to one: removing the dark clouds in the sky. but nothing would work, she’d ask her council of advisors, high mages, and scholars for aid but there was no answer to the mysterious cloud -but it did omit a dangerous feeling. one of the queen’s high mages had a prophetic vision the day the cloud appeared, but it was impossible to understand. “in the first hour of the last quarter the world will unzip and order will be scattered, the brightest beings must come together but only one star can continue to shine.”

under closer inspection, the mysterious cloud had runes that were industrious -newly created. no primal mage could decipher the secret text and the council understood what this meant: the source for the ominous cloud came from within xadia.

—

“we must bring forth a new age, a new day where elves and humans fight together instead of against.” king ezran had proposed a new plan for unity instead of division and distrust, queen janai and queen aanya endorsed his beliefs which quickly caused everyone else to follow suit, -except for the startouch elves.

the startouch elves felt ostracised and bitter towards the mortals because they were once revered as the heralds of the celestial beings but were now cast out because of leola’s decision to teach humans magic. they could never forgive her for this teachery and they sentenced leola and aaravos to a life beneath the heavens where they could live with their sin. the fact that no one else in xadia could remember this chapter in history made the startouch elves even more resentful and unwilling to help the mortals.

“king ezran! how can we live in unity if we are divided by land and sea?” cried a little elf. “king ezran how can we eliminate dark magic for good?” “king ezran!”

callum sighed at the questions hauled at his little brother and realised that he’d have to answer more questions on being a human mage that can use primal magic.

“it will be alright callum,” rayla pulled him in for a hug and whispered “we can live in harmony now, viren is defeated.”

“i guess you’re right.” callum wrapped his arms around her and rested his head on her shoulder, “i just have this feeling that our fight is not over, you know?”

they both looked up at the cloud in the sky, “it’s nothing callum, just smoke from the dragons when they helped us defeat him.”

“mmm you’re right.”

—

aaravos was getting ready for bed as he finished his work for the day, he spotted a little crack with light shining through his daughter’s door and went inside to find her staring at the sky.

“leola sweetheart, it’s 12:58 shouldn’t you be in bed?”

“daddy, when will the stars and moon come out again?” leola looked at her father worriedly, “the cloud looks like it’s getting bigger.”

“hmm, i’m not sure unicorn, i don’t think it’ll be leaving anytime soon at this rate.”

“daddy, what does the moon look like tonight?”

aaravos pulled out a thick, blue book encrusted in gold and shimmer, he flipped the page to a diagram of moon phases and took a seat on the edge of leola’s bed motioning her to come, he pointed at the seventh picture. “it should be the last quarter today.”

suddenly, the cloud dissapated and the stars were revealed, this sight lasted for a moment until the a crack began to open causing the stars to melt and manifest into an immense light.

—

the queen awoke to a bright light outside her window and realised the sky had changed, it was now a bright pink and purple with the stars quickly disappearing. she looked at the clock on her wall reading 1:00 and her eyes flitted to something of her sister’s, a moon chart.

“the first hour of the last quarter.”

—

rayla frantically shook callum awake and pointed to the sky “i think you’re feeling was right.”

—

on the outskirts of xadia someone was also watching the sky, this mysterious character was hidden behind a dark, royal blue cloak with a hood that covered her face.

she let out a breathless sigh, “only one star can continue to shine.”

[catcherwrites]

TDP S7E7 Rewatch (feat. my commentary)

Everyone’s suiting up for a hero shot! I love the owl griffons

Number one rule in media: if you explain a plan before it’s been executed, there is a 95% chance that the plan will fail

“Big help” callback to Ezran’s line in S3?

The fact that Soren and Corvus were explicitly sent on the Zubeia mission and Terry just…tags along without being asked. He’s just happy to help :)

I absolutely ADORE Astrid asking everyone she meets if they’re Aunt Amaya and complimenting them anyway

This scene between Karim, Janai, and Amaya originally made me think that the show would be redeeming Karim, which is SO funny in retrospect

Ethari baiting Rex Igneous with a hallucination-inducing berry pavlova was not on my S7 bingo card

I find it so fascinating that Aaravos proclaims innocence by telling Ezran essentially “well I never hurt you [humans]. Everything I did was for you [humanity]". He and Viren were so alike in that way – constantly minimising/justifying the pain their ‘allies’ suffer due to their actions. They’d argue that hurting you is a worthy sacrifice (or compromise, in Aaravos’ words) so long as your shared enemy is also hurt

Side note, Aaravos’ star markings are completely unblemished by the dirt, scratches, and bruising. Idk, just a cool detail I noticed

“Have Zubeia back in a week” yeah…about that

Truth be told, the first time I watched this episode, the hints about what happens when a Startouch elf dies went over my head. Now that I’m rewatching it, I can really appreciate Aaravos’ manipulation. You can tell he’s intentionally sowing the seeds in hopes that Ezran will act rashly and unleash a nova

Claudia looked soooo creepy standing in the shadows! I absolutely LOVED it!

The animation for the mage battle was fairly well done (I do wish Callum and Claudia were moving around and interacting with their environment more though? They both just stood there casting spells at each other)

“We wait for Callum … Then he will decide whether you live or die” was a fantastic response from Runaan. He’s an assassin, it’s his job to kill, but only when he’s been ordered to

I really want to know what these dragon-winged elves are! The wing placements are different from standard Skywing elves

Genuinely, truthfully, I lost my mind when I saw the magma titan the first time…

…And then doubly lost my mind when I saw Ziard summoning Avizandum’s spirit

Overall thoughts:

There’s so much about this episode that I love, and I think it’s one of the episodes that is benefited most by a rewatch. The highlight for me is definitely Aaravos and Ezran’s interactions, but I have to give a shoutout to Akiyu for being our first major character death of the season (sorry Lujanne). Unfortunately, this episode was also the one that made me realise a slight issue I have with TDP Arc 2 overall; the battle sequences. Arc 1 had some really dynamic fights, and from what I remember of Arc 2’s fight scenes, they just don’t hit as hard. Don’t get me wrong, every battle in Arc 2 has at least one standout moment for me, but the average sequence tends to be ‘flat’ and ‘stiff’ (I can’t think of better words to describe my memory of them). If we get Arc 3, I hope that’s something the team gets to work on in the future! That tangent aside, this episode did a great job of raising the stakes and setting us up for the last two episodes.