*Author's Note: I know this chapter may earn me the fire of hate, but please be respectful; I really enjoyed Season 3 when I saw it on Netflix, I know that Runaan have 'adopted' Rayla and thought of her like a daughter, along with the fact that he has a husband (Which I actually ship). But this story has been in my mind since before Season 2, so it would contain a head-canon that Runaan is Rayla's older brother and Ethari (Runaan's husband in the show's canon) is Runaan's childhood best friend who is a Sunfire elf. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed the story, so far (as well as keeping Runaan's character).*
Azura's POV
I stirred myself awake and looked around, realizing that the sun is already up. "I swear, if he didn't slee–" I began to mutter to myself, only to stop short when my eyes fell on Runaan sleeping on his side. Despite being a battle-hardened assassin with a ribbon cutting off the circulation in his arm, he seem to have a more… peaceful look on his face. A slight morning breeze earn a shiver from him, causing me to grab my cloak upon realization that he has been sleeping all night without something to keep him warm. "He can rest a little longer." I thought to myself as I cover Runaan with it, being careful not to wake the sleeping elf.
I strolled around, mostly taking in the scenery, but also making sure that no guards are patrolling nearby. From how they see it, the Moonshadow elf that murdered their king have escaped last night. I walked down to the river and was about to splash some water on my face when I realizes there is something familiar about the river. I looked at the surrounding forest, confirming my suspicion. And with that, I ran back to where Runaan is.
Runaan's POV
The sound of a bird singing filled my ears, disrupting my slumber. I became more alert when I felt something, along with the fact that the morning light peeking through the trees is too strong for it to be early. "How long have I been asleep for?" I sat up to find Azura's cloak draped over me, "Morning." I turn to see the woman approaching me. "In case you're thinking that I would rat you out, I noticed that you were sleeping, so I checked the surroundings and let you sleep a little longer." She said, "So that explains it…" I thought to myself as I glared at her for being defensive, along with the fact that she chose not to wake me. Still, she is travelling with an elven assassin… "I thought you would have murdered me in my sleep, considering how I almost had a dagger to my neck last night." I said half sarcastically, "Come on, Moonshine. Do you really think I could take on a fully trained warrior?" She asked with a slight chuckle. I glared at her for the nickname she gave me, but it did made me think back to that moment– had she follow through with the attack, I would have only receive a small scratch before disarming her. "…Point taken."
She then continues, saying that we were close to this Banther Lodge. According to her, it has shelter, supplies, a place to rest, and it's in the same direction as Xadia. While it is convenient, I was hesitant. What if it was a trap since the Banther Lodge is a human lodge. "The Banther Lodge acts as a winter home for the royal family. It's pretty much empty most of the year, and a hideout would provide us a chance to properly take stock of what we have and you the chance to recover– even if it's for a day or two. Besides, I have been there before, so I know the area. And unless they have any business going to the lodge, it's completely isolated since it was built with no towns nearby." She added.
Azura's POV
"And you're sure the lodge is empty this time of year?" Runaan asked skeptically, "I'm sure. But I can do another truth binding if you'd like." I confirmed as I dig for the Archangel Lunaris silk ribbon. "That won't be necessary. I'll take your word for it." He quickly stopped me, "If it makes you feel better, we can leave once there's a sign of trouble." I reassured him. Runaan thought long and hard, clearly weighing the pros and cons; and I wouldn't blame him. We both know that it was possible for someone to come to the lodge while he's hiding there, as well as the fact that there's a chance of running into a soldier with his current state. "I guess we can lay low for a couple days. But when I'm no longer a liability, we'll continue." He told me, I nodded my head before showing him the way.
Upon arrival, it was clear that the Banther Lodge is exactly how I remembered it. A quaint and sturdy cabin nestled in a private clearing with the river flowing next to it. There is a shed, which stores the boats in the winter, and a stable for the horses. Inside, the lodge is very comfortable and large enough for a family and a few other people to live in, complete with many fireplaces for the coldest of evenings. The staircase leading to the second floor were directly across from the main entrance, with two suit of armours positioned on the landing where a second set of stairs go off toward the upper level in two separate directions.
Normal POV
"The bedrooms are on the second floor, down the hall after taking the stairs going to the right." Azura informed Runaan before walking toward the kitchen to look for food, only to find a stale loaf of bread that is hard as a rock. "I don't think I'll be eating if that's what humans eat." A voice startled Azura, causing her to turn around and see Runaan standing there. "Neither of us will be eating it. The bread is so stale, that you can kill someone with it." She said, banging the bread against the counter to prove her point. "Never knew that human food can be versatile. I mean, who wouldn't love a club sandwich." Azura added as she jokingly spin it around like a weapon, earning a small smirk from the Moonshadow elf. "I hate to disappoint, but I don't play with my food." He said before emptying his contents on the table, with Azura deciding to do the same– to show that she had nothing to hide.
"You clearly have a one-track mind, don't you?" she asked, as she made sure that the contents from her satchel is separate from what Runaan laid out on the table. There, the Moonshadow assassin can see what the woman carries: a small cauldron, mortar and pestle, a small book with a pen and inkwell, flint and a fire starter, the ribbon Azura used when they first met, various plants and crystals, and bottles and containers; some of them full and others are empty. After looking at the combined inventory, Azura nodded and gathered the contents from her satchel. "Impressive." The woman commented as she repack her satchel, "The only thing missing is a map of the continent– to know exactly where we are and how far we've gone from where we started. And I think there's one in the library. I'll go grab it, so feel free to look around if you'd like." With that, she left the kitchen.
Runaan's POV
I watched her go up the stairs and waited a few minutes before repacking the satchel and deciding to go toward the bedrooms, "Down the hall after taking the stairs going to the right." I thought to myself as I followed the direction she told me. I looked into each bedroom; the one bedroom in particular made me realize that it must have been the king's room. I stepped in and looked around, the sheets are both crimson and gold– the kingdom's signature colours, and the shield displayed above the headboard bares a crest that resembles the castle's uneven towers.
I notice a bird stand beside the window, seeing it reminded me of that night before shaking my head. It was then I noticed a picture frame set on the fireplace's mantle. Picking it up, I realized that it was a portrait of the king and his family; seeing the portrait and thinking back to how I encountered the princes with the egg, I noticed that the family might have been blended since while the eldest resembles the queen, he bares no resemblance to the late king. "That would explain why Prince Ezran is the heir and not Prince Callum…" I then realized what I was doing, set the portrait back down exactly where it was and left the room, making sure to close the door behind myself. I mentally berated myself for going through the belongings of the dead, since it was disrespectful and I know better than that…
Azura's POV
After finding the map in the library, I realized that I'm close to the game room where I remember my father telling me that there's something hidden for me to have if anything were to happen to him. I entered the room, only to find it looking like a battle had gone through it. Two of the tables were destroyed; along with a wooden pillar, and on the wall and floor, there were a couple nicks that indicate that something was stuck there. I found the box empty with the keys inside it scattered, "What happened? Where is it?" I looked around, but to no avail; it was the only thing left of my father's, and it was gone before I even had it. With a heavy heart, I left the ruined game room.
I was almost at the bottom of the stairs when a sound echoed from the other hall. I raced toward the source and found Runaan unconscious on the floor, causing me to rush toward him. From how he have collapsed, he was leaving the room that he chose. While the room isn't big, it is well furnished. The bed has russet coloured sheet and is next to a window facing the river, toward the east. A mahogany nightstand was beside the bed while a matching desk is at the foot of the bed, the dresser with a washbasin is against the opposing wall, and next to the wall close to the door is a bookshelf. His coat and armour, his weapons, and the satchel he carried is set in the corner, "Good grief… It's barely noon and he's sleeping on the floor." I entered to set the map down with his satchel and pull the sheet back before I heard a coughing sound and noticed how much pain he's in.
Normal POV
Worried, Azura walked back to where Runaan is and pressed her hand against his forehead. Her concerns grew when she realize that the Moonshadow elf is burning up with a fever. Wasting no time, she got him into bed after some efforts, "His conditions are worse than I thought!" Azura left to grab a bowl of water and a washcloth, all the while making a mental note to add a blanket to the supplies for Runaan.
Upon retrieving the items including a blanket, Azura headed back to the Moonshadow elf– only to find him tossing and turning. "R-Rayla…" He murmured weakly before going into a coughing fit, causing Azura to set the blanket down with the map and the rest of the items down on the nightstand. She looked at Runaan with concern as she grab the chair away from the desk and brought it next to the bed for her to sit. Azura watches his face carefully when she dipped the cloth in the bowl, wringing out the excess water in the process.
Runaan's POV
The last thing I remember was feeling light-headed when leaving the room I chose. When I slowly came to, I notice Azura dabbing my forehead with a cloth. I wanted to swat her hand away, but I couldn't find the strength. "Oh, thank goodness." I heard her say out of relief, "Did she lied about her elixir?" I thought to myself as I struggle to sit myself up. "You shouldn't be moving too much." Azura told me as she place her free hand on my shoulder, that look on her face was the same as the one when she asked me how long it takes to reach Xadia. "So your 'elixir' is poison, after all…" I muttered, only for Azura to hear it.
"I told you before. Dealing with poison is never my specialty." She told me as she brought the cloth back to dip it in more water, "You were unconscious and burning with a fever. I wouldn't be surprised if you came down with an illness while you were imprisoned, and sleeping in the cold last night didn't help either." I looked away toward the window, realizing that I was such an idiot with my accusation toward her– especially when I've already felt the healing effects of her elixir. Though her stubbornness and the concern look on her face reminded me of my best friend, Ethari. I wonder how he's doing since I already destroyed the pendant he gave me to use after we succeeded with the mission– not before…
Azura's POV
"I just hate feeling so useless…" I heard him muttered before noticing trying to get up again, "There's so much to do–" I place my hand on his shoulder and gently push him back down. "I know how you feel, but you have to take it easy for now." I told him as I use my other hand to check his temperature, "Your fever hasn't broke through yet. So, you should stay in bed and rest until it has." I place the cloth on his forehead to emphasize my point. "But–" Runaan begin to protest, "No buts." I interjected as I dug out the amethyst, moonstone, and clear quartz. "You better not be planning to put me under that sleeping spell." He said warningly, "I'm just putting them under your pillow, so they will help you relax better." I told him as I put them in a little velvet pouch and did just that before something dawns on me. "Are you… trying to say that you're this fearless elven warrior who stubbornly defy his captor, but scared of a little human magic?" He opened his mouth to deny what I said, but closed it. "Now, you get some rest. While I'll prepare something for you to eat." I told him, "And don't worry. I won't poison you." I added before leaving the room.
Runaan's POV
I waited for another minute before removing the cloth from my forehead, grateful that Azura left the bowl of water on the nightstand. I managed to get out of bed, only to feel unsteady for a moment. Thankfully, I grabbed one of the bedposts– otherwise, I would have fallen onto the floor; and I am not planning to have her worry over me, again. I walked over to where my coat is, and pull out the pouch from a hidden pocket before sitting back down on the bed. With the memory of that monster showing the coins to me still fresh in my mind, I hesitated for a moment before gathering my courage.
The coins were either blank or have a vague silhouette, but the expression of complete horror and eyes desperately pleading for help are clear as day for three of them. One was a human male with his hair falling to the base of his neck, but my eyes are on the two elves; a male Moonshadow elf with his long hair pulled back into a ponytail, and a female Oceanmist elf with her wavy hair cascading down to her upper back. Not sure if they could see or hear me, I decided to try my luck.
?'s POV
When the coins tumbled from the dark pouch again, there was a brief, blinding light before I looked out to see a scenery unlike that of the dungeon. "Noctis…" I sensed Syrena worrying about me, "I'm fine… But what about you? Are you all right?" I asked my wife before she reassured me that she's as unharmed as possible right now; considering our conditions. I looked up to see a Moonshadow elf looking at us with uncertainty; I remember seeing him looking at us when the coins were shown to him in the dungeon, except his face was a little more bruised back then. With his left horn broken and the two markings across the bridge of his nose, I couldn't stop feeling that there's something familiar about the Moonshadow elf. "Could it be…?"
Then the Moonshadow elf moved one on his hand, *Mom? Dad?* he signed while his lips are moving. My eyes widen as I recognize him, "Noctis… It's him." I sensed Syrena signing a response. *Runaan? Is that you?* I could see that his eyes were on the verge of welling up with tears, *What happened? They say that you failed the King of the Dragons and ran away.* He signed, with his hurt expression clear as day despite his attempt to hide it. I felt guilty for not telling him, and I can sense her feeling the same.
Runaan's POV
*I'm sorry for not telling you, but it was to ensure both yours and your sister's safety.* Dad signed, *Your mother and I did ran, but only to retrieve the egg of the Dragon Prince after seeing a human take it. We would have returned to Xadia with the Dragon Prince, if their High Mage hadn't caught up to us, stolen the egg, and trapped us with dark magic.* It started to make sense to me as I thought back to how Rayla wanted me to call off the mission. Had I known that the Dragon Prince is alive, I wouldn't have bound ourselves. And now, my younger sister is paying the price because of me… *I saw the egg; Rayla did, too. In fact, she's travelling back home with the human princes at this moment to return the Dragon Prince to his mother.* I signed to them, seeing their eyes lit up with a spark of something. Hope, perhaps… *That's great to hear. But why are you not with her?* Mom signed, causing me to feel guilty.
*I haven't seen her since we fought.* I reluctant signed, *Rayla and I… We were part of a team sent to assassinate the king of Katolis and his heir as vengeance. Before Rayla and I found out about the Dragon Prince, we bound ourselves.* I even showed them the assassin's binding on my arm, causing Mom to bring her hands to her mouth in shock. *I continued with the mission and the king is dead, but I'm regretting it now; especially after being imprisoned for it.* I never once regretted my actions as an assassin until recently and was silent before Dad signed, *Runaan… I also regret having you take on such a heavy burden… I should have told you and Rayla that I was an assassin before being chosen to join the Dragon Guard. I… I never wanted any of my children to go through what I did. I'm sorry.* I honestly didn't know what to think; to make sure my sister and I wouldn't become outcasts, I had to quickly learn to take a life and not feel any remorse.
?'s POV
Runaan was quiet as he took in what his father had said before signing, *Do you have any idea how to undo this?* Noctis and I realize that he was referring to our conditions. I shook my head warily, *I'm afraid your father and I do not know…* I signed, causing Runaan to look upset. *I'm heading for Xadia to inform the Queen of the Dragons that her son is alive. Maybe I'll come across Rayla, I promise I'll look after her and find a way to help you.* He signed with a resolved look on his face; I smiled at how Runaan takes after his father when it comes to his determination, though some would say that he takes after me. *If you see your sister, tell her that we're proud of both of you and that we love you.* I sensed Noctis signed to Runaan, earning a nod from our son. *I will. And I love you, too.* He signed in response before turning his head for a second and quickly slipping the coins back into the dark pouch.
Azura's POV
I walked up the stairs with two bowls in hand; in the bowls consisting of a stew made with wild vegetables growing nearby, pieces of preserved meat and the bread found earlier; both softened by the broth. Considering what I had to work with in the empty lodge, it's a miracle that a decent and wholesome meal was created from almost nothing. I debated using the fireplace to cook the stew; just because the lodge is isolated, doesn't mean that someone would see the smoke coming from the chimney. I'm sure Runaan would agree that I can never be too careful… I shook my head when I approached the room he's in, only to see him sitting up– but still in bed.
"May I come in?" I asked, earning a nod when Runaan gave permission. I walked over to the chair, gave him his, and sat down. "I figured you'd might enjoy some company, since I don't like being in bed either." I added, trying to make a conversation. But the Moonshadow elf ignored me, he just took a scoop of the stew, and after hesitating for a moment, put it in his mouth. "I have to admit, this is really good." He commented before I pressed my hand on his forehead, but he doesn't protest or tried to swat my hand away like before.
Runaan's POV
"Oh, good. Your fever has broke and is slowly going down." Azura said before removing her hand, allowing me to continue eating the stew she gave me. "I'm impressed that you would go out of your way to nurse an enemy back to health." I said, "Just because we were on separate sides, doesn't mean that we have to be enemies." She told me. "My mother was a healer in the village where she grew up in; I've learn a few things from her, but it was my father who taught me everything I know." I nodded, mostly due to understanding her point; even if they are either friend or foe, no one deserves to go through what I did in that dungeon. "So… who's Rayla?" I nearly choked from Azura's question, realizing that she must have heard me said my sister's name… "She's one of the assassins that I was leading to avenge the King of the Dragons." I replied, wondering if Rayla is still alive or not.
"Avenge?" Azura asked, causing me to hesitate, since she would know that the princes would be in danger if I told her. "The only reason my team was here is because the humans attacked Xadia unprovoked and murdered the King of the Dragons." She was silent before speaking up, "I'm afraid it was provoked." Azura explained that nine years ago, the kingdoms of Duren and Katolis was plagued with a famine; and the humans only came into Xadia to search for an ingredient to a fertility spell that can save the kingdoms. The King of the Dragon killed the three queens in the process of retrieving the ingredient, and Katolis' High Mage convinced King Harrow to avenge the queens years later; especially his wife, Queen Sarai.
Normal POV
Runaan was quiet as he took in what Azura told him, remembering the famine she mentioned; though in Xadia, the famine was less severe, thanks to the efforts of the Earthspirit elves. Although he realizes that the reason behind the Dragon King's death is the same as the mission to assassinate King Harrow, just thinking of how the humans would capture elves or kill magical creature with no remorse for dark magic makes his blood boil. "Well, the humans should have thought about it before killing a magma titan for dark magic." Azura looked at the Moonshadow elf, "I know… if they were humble enough to ask for help, this whole war wouldn't have started. Humanity has been exiled because of dark magic, and this war's only a cycle of vengeance that has gone on for too long." She replied with a slight anger in her voice. Hearing her comment surprised Runaan. Here's a human who agreed with a Xadian and spoke of dark magic as if she's bitten into a rotten fruit. Yet, the Moonshadow elf could have sworn that there's a regretful look in her eyes.
Azura's POV
"I'm surprised that you don't like dark magic." Hearing Runaan's comment, I look up. "And you believed that all humans support it?" I asked, causing him to falter a bit, looking for the right answer. "I'll take that as a yes. Not all humans approved of dark magic; ever since Queen Sarai's death, King Harrow sees it as a shortcut that only delays the blood price." The Moonshadow elf was taken aback, "I apologize. I didn't mean to…" he began before I cut him off. "It's fine. I should have been more tactful."
"When you used that truth binding, you said that it wasn't dark magic." Runaan said after an awkward silence. I look at him with surprise, hardly anyone would ask about light magic; they rather avoid it, and the 'witches' who practice them, like the plague. The only person I know who was curious about it was King Harrow when he learned that my father was a light mage, yet he honoured my father's wish to keep it a secret; compared to the occasional elf, light mages have a more likely chance of being chased by a lynch mob. I hesitated for a moment, "That's because it's light magic." I notice him slightly tilting his head with confusion. "Light magic?" he asked, "It was discovered about 500 years ago, by a couple of disillusioned dark mages. Unlike dark magic, which only takes, light magic also give back; depending on the strength of the spell, it may require a bit of the mage's life force." I explained before looking out the window and saw that the sun had set.
Runaan's POV
"Well, I'm going to check the surroundings before calling it a night. And you should, too. I mean, call it a night." Azura changed the topic as she got up and gathered the empty bowls, washcloth, and bowl of water. She begin to walk before I decided to speak up, "Thank you." Azura stopped in her tracks and look back at me as if I have suddenly spoken a different language. "Even though I hate to admit it, I really appreciate you helping me. Not only in that dungeon, but also this moment." It was quiet for a second before she replied, "You're welcome… I may get killed for saying this, but I'm sure that you would have done the same." I thought about what she said, and know that she was right. "Good night." I nodded before she left the room; I decided to take her advice this time and lay down, facing the window so that I wouldn't ruin the pillows with my horns. The moment my head is on the pillow, I could feel the crystals' soothing energy taking effect. All the tensions melted away and I willingly let my eyes close as the soothing energy lull me to sleep.