How to Date Your Moonshadow Elf

12 Easy Steps for Fellow Humans

A The Dragon Prince Fan Fiction

By Starlight Wanderer

So, you've managed to catch the eye and admiration of a Moonshadow Elf. Congratulations! But what now? This guide, How to Date Your Moonshadow Elf: 12 Easy Steps for Fellow Humans will provide you with all of the crucial information you need to make your elf the happiest she can be.

A Note on Continuity

Before we begin, I want to address where this story takes place in the timeline. We will begin after the end of Season 3, but before Through the Moon. In fact, if you wish, you can pretend this is an alternate timeline in which Through the Moon will not occur, as it will not be referenced.

Dearest Rayla,

Words are difficult at a time like this. It feels like only yesterday you came back to me, the only survivor of the mission to Katolis, with a human by your side. Now the Moon tells of change; the Dragon Prince, Azymondias, returned to his mother's side. Humans and elves fighting side-by-side, hand-in-hand. Most intriguing, they say you offered up your own life to stop the mad Lord Viren. Full glad am I to hear that your human friend is as brave (and foolhardy) as you.

I have spoken at length with the others, and we agree that new and uncertain times are upon us. Humans and elves may, finally, be able to live in peace with one another. It is undeniable that you, Rayla, have been instrumental to this. I will speak plainly: the elves of Silvergrove welcome you back with open arms. For the first time in our long history, a Moonshadow Elf has been named a Ghost, and subsequently un-named.

Your past failures are forgiven, as your tremendous spirit has ushered in a new age for Xadia. Please, return with haste, as a grand celebration of peace is being planned. We also wish to extend our invitation to the human princes, should they wish to dine with elves.

I cannot wait to see you, my little Moonbeam.

-Ethari

Step One: Visit Her Family Home!

Family is an important aspect to the culture of your Moonshadow Elf. Even if her birth parents were horribly murdered by a hot dad mage, she strongly values the elves she has grown up with. Within the Moonshadow culture, bonds of love are formed to last a lifetime, so don't be surprised when your elf isn't sharing stories of your first kiss anytime soon. Don't worry, she still absolutely enjoyed it, you sly devil, but her Moonshadow family will expect some serious commitment.

"So let me see if I understand," Callum's voice once more broke the peaceful ambience of the Moonshadow Forest. "There's not going to be any meat? At all?"

Rayla took a deep breath, centering herself as her horse strode along. It was a skill she had developed specifically for Callum's more annoying moments. "Yes, Callum, that's what vegetarian means."

"What about fish?" he countered.

"That's also meat."

"Okay, okay… birds, then!"

"Who eats birds?" Rayla let a smirk creep onto her face; she was riding in front anyway.

The trip from Katolis Castle had taken nearly a week on horseback with minimal stops. Rayla had made plans to leave the moment she received Ethari's letter. Callum, naturally, was all too eager to go on another adventure. Ezran, however, seemed more intent on staying home and resuming his role as King. It was completely selfish of her, but Rayla was glad to have the time alone with Callum. He, on the other hand, clearly missed his brother; the non-stop talking was a dead giveaway.

"And those grubs that Lujanne fed us?" Callum continued. "You ate those, so do they count?"

"Sure," Rayla chuckled nefariously, "I'll have the cooks whip you up a nice big plate of grubs when we get to the Silvergrove."

"Somehow, I feel like you're not joking."

"Maybe I am, maybe I ain't," Rayla turned to stick her tongue out at Callum before returning to her less enthused center.

It was mid-day in Xadia, but even the direct sunlight had trouble piercing the canopy of the Moonshadow Forest. Isolated sunbeams cut through the foliage and gave some small illumination to the well trodden path. Impossibly thick trees spread their arms in wide arches above while long flowing grass danced ever so slightly. The calls of small birds never ceased, and the rustling of nearby bushes would warrant a quick glance, but nothing more.

The entrance to the Silvergrove was getting closer with each passing moment, yet Rayla's gleeful excitement had long faded. The last time she had entered should have been a magical experience; letting her friends and family know she was safe, showing Callum all of her favorite childhood climbing spots, and enjoying a fresh Moonberry Surprise.

Instead, Rayla had been named a Ghost.

Learning that her people had turned their collective back on her had shaken Rayla. Even Ethari, one of the men who was like a father to her after her parents went away, had cast her out. How could she blame him? His husband died at the hands of Katolis soldiers because of her. All of them did.

And yet he was the one who rallied the elves of the Silvergrove to allow Rayla her homecoming. Was it really that simple? Returning the young Dragon Prince to his mother's side was no trivial feat, but could it really erase all her failings?

"Man, Ezran is lucky he stayed home," Callum thought aloud, "I don't think he even knows what a vegetable is."

Callum was another issue entirely.

Returning home after all that had happened weighed heavy enough on Rayla's mind, but her heart bore a similar burden. No humans had ever been allowed inside the Silvergrove, barring a makeshift Earthblood elf disguise. Now Rayla was about to walk through the front gates hand in hand with one.

"He did like the moonberry juice you gave us, so maybe I should bring him back some. But then Bait would probably get into it again, there'd be a big mess… "

How could she break the news to her fellow elves: she was in love with a human.

"Hey, Rayla?"

It had been just over a month since the battle at Storm Spire; the peace between humans and elves was just beginning to spread. What if they rejected Callum? What if they made her a Ghost again?

"Rayla!"

"Yes, Callum, what is it?" Rayla snapped, spinning around to him.

"Uh…" the boy stammered, pointing behind them, "I'm pretty sure we passed it."

"Don't be stupid," Rayla scoffed, yanking the reigns of her horse around, "I know where I'm—" As her mount turned she could make out the large fallen tree that served as the footpath to the Silvergrove. Had she really been so distracted?

"Good," she ignored her misstep, "We're here." Leaping from her horse, Raya tugged the beast's reigns once more, leading it along. A series of thick posts were firmly planted in the ground near the entrance, and she began to tie the horse to one. "We leave the horses here. I'll send the stable master to fetch them."

She felt a hand on her shoulder. "Is everything okay, Rayla?" Callum's voice had softened. She hated when it did that, it meant he was onto her.

"Everything's fine," Rayla shrugged off Callum's touch and marched towards the entrance. She stopped just short of ascending the fallen tree; there would likely be a welcoming party this time. She had to address her concern with Callum, lest they risk being run out of the village before the first night.

"You know," Callum caught up to her, "that's usually the kinda thing you say when everything isn't fine."

Rayla took another deep breath; she was busted. Taking Callum's hands in hers she began reciting the speech she had been planning since they crossed into Xadia.

"Callum, I need you to listen to me, very carefully."

The boy nodded; his expression sharpened.

"There's no easy way to say this," Rayla continued, "so I'm just gonna let it out. I don't know how people are going to react to… us."

"React?" Callum's head tilted slightly. "Rayla, humans and elves are at peace now, right? We saw it with our own eyes; we shouldn't need to—"

"No, we shouldn't," Rayla interjected, "but Moonshadow Elves are more traditional than the others. It would take longer than a month for them to truly accept things."

"I don't understand," Callum sounded defeated. "Ethari invited Ezran and I here…"

"Because you're important. To this world… to me." Rayla averted her eyes. Assassin training had not prepared her for emotional exchanges.

Callum didn't miss a beat, bringing her in close and wrapping his arms around her tightly. Rayla returned the embrace; she would endure hours of annoying questions for moments like this.

Yet, it would be her last for a time.

"I want to keep us a secret." The comfort of Callum's touch let the words flow right out. There was a brief moment where Rayla felt as if everything would be just fine.

Then, Callum pulled back to look her in the eyes. "Wait, why?" The look of confusion on his face now had hints of dejection.

"I already told you why," Rayla replied. "And it's only for a few days. I promise, I'll more than make it up to you when we leave."

Her vague promise did little to pique Callum's interest. "I was really excited to meet everyone this time," he pouted.

"Trust me, you will. I'll introduce you to everyone myself."

"As your regular human friend…"

That hurt. "Please, Callum," Rayla begged. "I just don't want to see you get hurt, or get myself exiled again."

Callum let go and seemed to shrink into himself. "Okay…"

It was definitely not 'okay', but Rayla knew one way to try and salvage the mood. She pulled Callum back towards her and planted her lips firmly onto his. As they kissed, she felt his touch once more, the icy chill of her position melting away.

"This means so much to me," Rayla said as their lips parted.

"I know," Callum replied. "Maybe one more kiss before we go in?"

"I think I can do that," Rayla grinned, obliging once more in a tender kiss.

"You know," Callum said as they parted again, "that was great, but maybe just one more…"

"Don't push your luck," Rayla gave a playful shove before turning towards the entrance once more. Just beyond them, hidden by a magical illusion, was Rayla's entire life.

And this time, open arms ready to accept her.