A/N: Sorry for being a bit late! Had a late start today! But here we go! Also happy Canada Day too I guess. Oh yeah, and Rayllum month day 1: Anniversary

And here is the full list also available on Tumblr:

Day 1: Anniversary

Day 2: Mistake/Amends

Day 3: Travel

Day 4: Baking/Cooking

Day 5: Nightmares/Comfort

Day 6: Dancing

Day 7: Written in the Stars

Day 8: Callum's B-Day

Day 9: Domesticity

Day 10: In Laws

Day 11: Alternate Universe

Day 12: Gift

Day 13: Growth

Day 14: Date Night

Day 15: Timeskip

Day 16: Rayla's B-Day

Remember, prompts are every other day, from July 1st to July 31st. So nothing tomorrow, but Friday yes! Also when my wisdom teeth are gone so oof.

Chapter Summary: It's been five years since Rayla and Callum met at the annual End of the War celebration. Everyone decides to celebrate the occasion! Some to the extreme, others more personally. At the end of the day, it's the togetherness that matters. Childhood AU.

Word Count: 3,289

Anniversary

"Mum, what should I get Rayla?"

Callum's mother shot her head up from out of her papers as she raised a curious brow over to her son, who was sketching by the windowsill. "For what, dear?" she asked, returning her attention to her papers.

"For our anniversary!"

Sarai dropped her pen as she stared at her son with wide eyes. His casual demeanor left her spirling with dozens of questions. If he wanted to get her a present, for an anniversary, did that mean… they were already together? When did that even happen? Were they just hiding it this entire time? How did this even happen? How far did it go, could it have gone toward betrothal—would they even know such a thing?

The Queen rose up from her seat in a haste, startling her son with the sound of her chair scraping against the floor. The frightened expression on his face bore a reminder into her mind: why wasn't she more concerned with the fact that they were still children and were far too young to be betrothed. Despite what Harrow, Runaan, and Tiadrin thought, both Lain and Sarai were aware that their kids were not mature enough to be romantically involved, yet. But all were obviously still rooting for them.

Carefully, she decided to question Callum about this. "Umm, Callum, when did you both uh, settle on this anniversary?"

His brief shock immediately subsided with a smile as he answered, "You know when Mum! The beginning of this coming month!" Sarai stared at her son in confusion. Picking up on this, Callum chuckled. "You're so silly Mum! Remember? End of the War Festival? When I met Rayla?"

Her eyes lit up as she gasped, "Ohhh! You mean when you and Rayla became friends? That type of anniversary!"

Her son tilted his head in confusion. "What else would I be thinking of?"

Sarai sweetly smiled as she shook her head. "Nothing, dear." She walked over to her child and sat beside him grooming his hair as he returned to his sketches—which were of Rayla of course. She chuckled at the thought. Of course they would want to celebrate their friendship anniversary, they once dedicated a random cake to it! "So, you want to get Rayla a present?"

Callum nodded with a hum as he began shading in Rayla's outfit. Saria swore he could practically sketch her in his sleep at this point. "It's been five years, already! What means five years in gift form?"

Sarai laughed at the question. "Sweetie, you don't have to specifically get her something related to the five years. She'll know. Just get her something to show your appreciation for her."

"Like a sword?"

She smirked. "She might have enough of those, but if you want to—"

"What about a whole bucket of Moonberry juice?"

Sarai laughed. "I'm sure she already has barrels full of them."

"What about another cake?"

"We'll have one at the dinner."

Callum quirked a brow as his mother rose up from her spot. "Dinner?"

"Yes! After all, this celebration is not just you and Rayla's friendship, but also Runaan's! We should have a big dinner together!" She clasped her hands together and excitedly as she hurried over to her desk. "Oh I must ask if Rayla's parents will be able to join us this time! Maybe Runaan will finally bring that husband of his!" She quickly began conjuring up a letter for Runaan, leaving her son to pout annoyedly.

"Mum, what about my gift for Rayla!" he whined.

She chuckled as she continued to write. "Sweetheart, as long as it comes from your heart and shows your genuine appreciation for Rayla's relationship with you, you'll be fine."

Although Callum smiled, he had no idea what his mother was on about. At all…

::::

"Hello! Anyone home?" Lain called out as he and his wife entered their home. He retrieved Tiadrin's sword and placed it on a stand along with his polearm. "Wonder where they are…" he muttered as his wife sauntered into the living room, diving onto the sofa.

"Ahh, they'll be fine, love." She relaxably kicked her feet up on their table—a very expensive table both Lain and Ethari told her was an antique—and released a content sigh as she relaxed into the chair. "Thunder knows those bastards ain't gettin' into any trouble soon."

A small gasp erupted from above, startling the couple onto their feet in alarm. They saw in their rafters two familiar individuals: their daughter and her mentor, one fiercely gripping onto the support beams while the other lounged like it was a bed. Rayla pointed her finger at mother, still maintaining her balance as she shouted, "Mummy cursed again!"

She rolled her eyes as she crossed her arms, whilst her spouse shook his head. "Why in the bloody Moon are ya up in the ceiling?"

"She wanted to surprise ya," Runaan supplied, now finding a sudden interest in a book he pulled out.

"And ya went along with it?" Tiadrin accused with a smirk. "Since when did ya get so soft Runaan?"

"I made him do it," Ethari's voice chimed in from the kitchen. He turned into the living room with a tray of Moonberry juice, smiling at the two. He set the tray down on the table and extended his arms. "Welcome back ya two!" he embraced them with warm hugs, leaving Tiadrin to look up at her daughter smugly.

"Now that is how ya welcome your parents!"

Rayla pouted then proceeded to drop down to the floor, startling Ethari and Lain's hearts for a moment, while Runaan and Tiadrin smiled proudly at her textbook landing. "Sorry Mum," she mumbled as she ran to her mother, hugging her tightly.

She laughed at her daughter's firm hug and lifted her up to peck her cheek. "It's aight darlin'." She winked. "Ya know Da and I aren't going nowhere."

"Now can I get my hug too?" Lain asked, holding his arms out with a smile.

"Better," Tiadrin replied as she walked over to her husband, hugging him with Rayla in between them.

"Fair enough."

As the three's hug came to an end, Rayla asked, "Da, did ya get the thing I asked for?"

He nodded as he pulled out a small bag, handing it to Rayla for her to inspect. Her eyes shined as the bag illuminated once she opened it, but after seeming satisfied she tucked it into her belt. "Why'd want that for a souvenir Ray?" Tiadrin asked.

"Secret!" she giggled.

Runaan dropped down and stood beside his beloved, holding his hand as he smiled at the sight of the happy family. The three began a round of whispers as her parents tried to pry the secret out of her. Watching over Rayla was a welcomed gift in their lives, but Runaan was glad Avizandum allowed his guards to holiday every now and then. Rayla deserved to have her parents in her life. And whilst they could try living vicariously through the letters both he and Rayla sent them, he knew they appreciated being her life to see and hear her tell the stories.

He smiled back at his husband, lifting their interlaced hands and kissing Ethari's, gently. He internally patted himself on the back for causing his spouse to blush, but outwardly beamed a brighter smile.

"Wow, Runaan showin' affection? War may long be over but seems like it's still the end times," Tiadrin jested, putting her daughter down as she smirked.

Runaan rolled his eyes. "Excuse me for enjoyin' the moment, Tia," her face contorted into a scowl, "but I like relishing in moments like these."

"True, I may be the softie but Runaan's a sentimental Elf," Ethari teased, chuckling alongside the rest of the adults.

"What does that mean, Da?" Rayla asked, looking up at him.

"It means Runaan has big feelings for personal things, things that make him happy," he happily answered.

"Like King Harrow and Queen Sarai?" she tilted her head.

Lain smiled as she rubbed his daughter's head. "Yes, I have no doubt they are a part of that."

Runaan rolled his eyes, "Speaking of, since ya are in town, we'll be heading back to Katolis again, for the End of the War celebration. Might be a nice time for ya to join us?"

They had already met the royal couple and their son before, on a delegation with Avizandum. The Dragon Guard were assigned there and met them, immediately becoming fast friends with the two. Also throwing their chips into their children's relationship—Tiadrin practically became their bard, she almost set up a date right on the spot but Lain reminded her they were on duty. It was a moment, but Runaan knew they wanted to meet again. Of course that was the only way the four would ever interact, was through delegation meetings only and only ever in Xadia. And Rayla, most especially, wanted them to meet again in the Human Kingdoms.

Which was no doubt obvious as at current, the assassin-in-training was bouncing in place, smiling at her parents. "Ma, Da, are ya comin'! Please, please, please, please come! Callum can show ya his drawings! He has some really cool ones of me," at that her parents' brows rose in interest, "and maybe he'll draw ya too!"

Tiadrin turned to her husband, beaming. "Well, ya always did say ya wanted to see the Human Kingdoms. And Katolis is known for throwin' the best celebration parties."

"Yeah! People from all over the Human Kingdoms visit for the festival!" Rayla chimed in.

Lain chuckled, "Relax darlin', we're going, we're going. We already planned on—"

The rest of the sentence was shortened by their daughter's loud cheer. "Yes! Yaaaay!" She hugged both her parents and pulled away in excitement, beaming brightly at them. "This is perfect! Ya can help me prep for my anniversary with Callum!" she announced as she ran off to her room.

All four adults froze on the spot, simultaneously shouting, "Anniversary?"

::::

"Ohh, thank Thunder, ya thought so too?" Lain asked, holding his heart as Sarai chuckled into her tea.

"Yes, I nearly thought they were playing us from the start!" she laughed.

Runaan rolled his eyes. "Ya should've seen her mother, Tiadrin was ready to starting collecting coins thinkin' she won the bet." He scoffed into his tea, rolling his eyes at the memory.

Harrow stopped eating as he shot a look at the Elf of topic. "What, no, I said before they're of marrying age!"

Tiadrin snorted, swallowing her massive bite of a baguette. "Aye, and I said before they're of marryin' age, but one year under yours. I don't know if ya every gambled, my king, but that renders all years under me under my belt, not yours!" she smirked, teasingly pointing her baguette at the man.

He gasped. "That's not how that works! If anything we should split the pool!"

"Are ya naff? Not on my life!" Tiadrin chuckled.

"Spar?" Harrow tempted, extending his hand out, "Winner can claim the pool, loser has to change their bidding."

"Deal," Tiadrin agreed, firmly clasping onto the King of Katolis' hand.

"Harrow," Sarai scolded.

"Tiadrin," Lain chided.

"If ya're forgetting," Runaan spoke up, "first of, they aren't dating. So no one even won. And second, we already agreed no one can change their bid."

Tiadrin scoffed. "Nah ya numpty, this is for later. We'll have to settle this eventually!"

"Can ya at least watch your language?" Lain sighed. "The children'll be back soon. And I already caught Rayla teachin' Callum how to say bastard."

Sarai and Runaan palmed at their faces whilst Tiadrin laughed, all while Harrow and Lain shook their heads. If there was ever someone who took Harrow and Sarai's advice of, "No formalities, please! We're all friends!" it would be Tiadrin. When she was Dragon Guard, she was serious—as serious as she could be—and respectful. But off the job, she was the most foul mouthed and irritable Elf one could encounter. Perhaps a good drinking buddy (yes there is rum at the table), but definitely not one to mince her words.

"Ahh relax, Ethari's with the kids. His virgin ears'll probably purify those darn kids more than I can corrupt them." she waved her hand casually, reaching for the cup of rum. Harrow hurriedly removed the beverage from her vicinity, causing a whine to erupt.

"I think we should cut you off tonight."

"Pfft, fine, I was giving ya the advantage for our spar later. Ya could use the edge."

Harrow narrowed his brows."

Sarai rolled her eyes again. "Harro—" he chugged the remainder of Tiadrin's drink, slamming the empty mug onto the table

"I don't need a handicap!"

The rest of the adults sighed as the two began a drinking competition.

Soon enough, the hall doors opened and only Ethari came strolling through. Lain was the first to acknowledge their children's absence. The tinkerer merely shrugged in response. "Callum said he wa getting his gift from his room and Rayla was getting hers from the guest room but when I went to the spot they said they'd meet me they didn't show." Runaan and Sarai exchanged a smile. Whilst Harrow howled in laughter Tiadrin followed suit, clearly not getting it but just enjoying the moment nonetheless. "What, what is it?" Ethari questioned.

Runaan sighed. "Ahh, beloved, ya've been played."

"So they were planning to exchange gifts in secret?" Lain deduced. Sarai nodded. "See it's things like that, that make me think they're already together!"

"Might as well be!" Tiadrin chirped. "Now pay me!"

"No no, no… no," Harrow slurred, "Must… fight first. Money later."

She nodded back. "Yes yes. Duels…"

Lain held his head as he sighed. "I'm gonna get a headache tomorrow."

"So will she," Runaan jested.

Sarai took the moment to step from out of her seat and sauntered over to the window sill, looking down into the courtyard. "Sarai?" Ethari called out as he moved back toward his seat at the table, near Runaan.

"You all think it's in secret, but come now, we all know where they like to play and meet." Without hesitation, the window sill was filled with all six adults, cramming the spot as they all looked down below.

Surely enough, at a lone bench underneath the tree, Rayla and Callum were sat together, holding their presents behind their backs as they smiled.

Callum had never felt so nervous before. Well, there was the time Rayla saw his drawings for the first time… and the time she saw his drawings of her for the first time, but this was definitely up there. After advice from his mother, he decided to stop asking people for help with Rayla's gift—his father suggested a ring, he wasn't sure why—and get her gift himself. He knew it had to be special, as his mother said, and hoped this would be something she liked.

"Here Ray," he meekly offered, extending the wrapped gift toward her. She put aside her gift and accepted the package.

She slowly unwrapped the present, her hands shaking with excitement at each pull of paper. And it was revealed: a book. It had a leather bound cover, black, and had a strap attached to its spine. She flipped through the pages, finding each one to be blank. She blinked up at him in confusion.

"It's a sketchbook. Like the one my dad got me, it has a strap too. You can wear it and take it with you." He sheepishly rubbed the back of his head he continued, "I-I, know you like my sketches and I thought you might want to try drawing too. So, I thought I'd get you something you can draw in too! I-I could teach you how to… draw, too. So we both can draw together?"

Rayla's look of confusion subsided instantaneously as she embraced her best friend with a tight hug. She really didn't know what to say. She wasn't much of an artist, but it was only because she never really had time to draw or try to. That was why when she met Callum she always wanted to see his drawings. She wanted to try herself, but she didnt' want to bother Callum with it. She started to understand his sketchbook meant a lot to him, which is why she handled it with more care as she held it when he let her see, but she didn't want to invade that space.

Her book. Her sketchbook, was practically similar to his. She smiled as she pulled away, whispering, "Thank ya Callum. I'll take good care of it." She whipped her body around and shoved her gift toward Callum, muttering a quick, "Here ya go!"

Callum managed to catch it, and carefully observed the container. It was a small, rectangular box. Elven wood obviously, but it seemed so… personal. Delicate for a wooden box, he felt like he needed to be careful opening it. Slowly, he unclasped the lock and pulled open the box. His eyes widened at the sight. It was a bracelet. A silver chained band that circled around a small glowing orb. It had a pulsating energy to it, it felt… alive.

"It's a Primal Stone."

His eyes grew wider at Rayla's elaboration.

"I… I asked Da if he could get one from Avizandum, and then I had Ethari make me a bracelet." She shyly shrugged as she hugged her new sketchbook close to her chest. "I put it together myself."

"Wh… Why?" Callum asked, "Aren't these super rare?"

"Aye," she nodded. "It's because... ya said ya didn't want to learn sword fighting. And that ya couldn't learn Magic. But, that's not true!" she pointed at the bracelet. "With that, ya can make spells like a Sky Mage!"

His fascination grew as he heard the words. He… could be a Mage? That was possible?

"I… I don't know much Sky spells but I can help ya! And then we can be a party! Like ya said—"

"The ones I drew about. Our adventures."

"Aye."

With an excited smile, Callum clasped the bracelet around his right wrist, feeling elated at its perfect fit. He turned to Rayla and gave her a big hug, whispering, "Thanks Ray. I'll learn as much as I can."

"Happy anniversary Cal."

"Happy anniversary Ray."

The two pulled away, taking a second to admire their gifts. Up above, their watchers were struggling as Tiadrin slipped and was now dangling outside of the window. "Lift with your back, ya bloody babies!"

"I can drop you, you know!" Harrow barked, as he fiercely pulled on her right hand. Lain had her left, whilst Sarari and Runaan attempted to pull by holding onto Lain and Harrow. Ethari had no room to help and found himself worriedly waiting aside.

"Good, ya could use the advantage for later!" she laughed.

"That's it!" Harrow released her hand and hopped out the window attempting to attack her in some way but slipping instead. Immediately, he found himself dangling alongside Tiadrin, bickering with her as Ethari rushed to pick him up, with support from Runaan, whilst Lain and Sarai focused on Tiadrin. Both spouses shouting at their respective significant others to stop swinging hands at each other.

"What are they doin'?" Rayla asked, staring up at the six in the window.

Callum shrugged. "You think they'll be okay?"

"Aye, your Da and my Ma can survive that." The two hopped onto their feet and began making their way out of the courtyard, on their way to join the dinner they ditched. "Do ya think they're having fun though?"

"TRY ME YOU ELF!"

Callum giggled. "I think so."

After all, they were all together. That was what mattered in the end.

A/N: Sorry I kinda got carried away with the adults segment, but I felt like they deserved some more background into this childhood friendship and plus, first MBTMS showing of Tiadrin and Lain! For those who don't know, these were the confirmed names from the Offical TDP and it's also confirmed Tiadrin has a truck driver mouth and cusses so I kinda had fun with that. If that was a bit much, sorry, but I don't think I've written anything too faint of heart.

Also, no, in case it wasn't clear, Harrow and Tiadrin don't hate each other they're just drunk and very competitive. Tiadrin obviously is more of an instigator but it's all in good fun.

Anyways, day one down! yaaaay! more to come! Yes yes! Hope you all liked! Next one is Day 2: Mistake/Amends. Also I will be calling it Day 2 even though it's day three of July, because it's technically Day 2 of Rayllum.

Stay safe everyone!

Until next time,

- Bleh