It should've felt like a fairytale ending.

Rayla had long stopped enjoying fairytales with illusions of happily ever after with reunited families and smiles all around, but she recognized the scene before her as something out of one regardless. A day to regroup, and now they were nearly back to the Silvergrove. Both of her parents were alive. They hadn't run away. They, along with Runaan, were free and coming home. Ethari was going to be overjoyed. Runaan had an active key to let them all come back home again, and there was a chance she'd no longer be a ghost. It was a long lost reunion and maybe even a hero's welcome in one.

There was a weight in her chest every time she breathed, almost like the blight of grief that was so potent it felt as if it was a physical wound.

Callum should've been there.

At least, Callum should've not been in danger. She'd mentally retraced the past few weeks so many times over, every conversation they'd had, wondering if there had been just one thing she should've said differently that might've gotten through.

She tried to not take it as revenge for her own leaving. She tried to not read into it, she tried to convince the growing knot of anxiety in her heart that he'd kissed her goodbye and would never do anything to betray Ezran or anyone else, but it ate at her like poison from the inside.

"We don't have to talk about it," prefaced Soren, "but if you did want to, I'm here."

Rayla hadn't wanted to talk about it. She still didn't, really. Stella chirped on her shoulder and Rayla sighed, patting her head. "Callum knows destiny is a book he writes himself. I didn't think he'd write this."

"To be fair, it isn't finished yet."

Ezran had been taking the whole thing better than Rayla expected. He wasn't his usual self since Callum left, but he didn't seem nearly as worried as she felt. Rayla held her arms to her chest, the familiar path through the trees before her offering no real comfort. "I just have this horrible feeling that any minute, Callum could be possessed or killed or something else I haven't even come up with yet, and I've come up with a lot of worse case scenarios!" She rubbed her face, heels of her palms pressed into her face.

"I'd know if something like that happened," said Ezran. "I know what that sounds like, but I'd feel it. Even this far away." Ezran managed a smile. "Callum's alright. He made a choice I still don't understand, but nothing bad's happened yet, right?"

The situation had been hanging over all of their heads since the second Aaravos had taken Callum, Terry, Claudia, and Viren. How could it not? Rayla appreciated Ezran's innocent confidence, but she still felt sick. "I thought that connection only worked with animals."

"Callum is a brother, which I guess is close enough."

She smiled and shook her head slightly, chest a little lighter even if it wasn't solid proof that Callum was okay. "Did Callum tell you? Anything?"

"He said he was going to do something that might look crazy, but I didn't know what," admitted Ezran.

Callum had once jumped off the Stormspire without ever having conjured wings before, so she shouldn't have been surprised. Rayla groaned. "That's a little too vague coming from him, yeah."

Even though she was overjoyed to see her parents again, the euphoria had faded. Rayla still found herself turning to Soren and Ezran before her blood family. Even Corvus was more of a familiar comfort in some capacity than the other elves. Was that selfish, cruel? Could nothing in life be free of guilt? They had missed so many years that she felt almost like a stranger. They hadn't known anything about her becoming an assassin, her ongoing journey with her human friends, or so much of what made her Rayla.

They wanted to know her. Of course they did. She'd told them so much already, filling in the helpless silence she'd felt after Callum left with everything she knew. It still wasn't the same.

She could blame Viren for it. She could trace so many horrors back to Viren that it felt good to lay the blame for her problems at the feet of someone else. He'd looked about as well as washed up driftwood when she'd last seen him at Aaravos's side, and part of her hoped he felt terrible. She hoped he felt this guilt she had but worse. Her anger couldn't last all that long, though. It wasn't in her nature to keep anything at a steady boil. Two years of hunting Viren had been more than enough, spurned by a sense of duty more than a flare of fury.

As soon as the thoughts crossed her mind, her shoulders slumped. Wrath only left her exhausted. It was worry more than anything that kept her going. Carrying a grudge required effort she couldn't spare.

Finally, they came to the log overlooking the village. It was hidden from view, dimmed by the canopy of trees overhead, a dim blue tone over the whole valley. Runaan stepped forward. He danced in a circle, runes lighting up against the wood under his boots. As he finished, striking a pose, the illusion around the village faded in a wave, like a curtain was being pulled away.

Unlike when Rayla had come back from her journey, they were expected.

It was difficult to not notice the Queen of the Dragons, Zubeia, flying overhead.

Runaan's key allowed Zubeia to perceive the village as well. She circled in, landing in a small clearing as all of the elves gasped and waved both to her and Rayla's group. Some looked as though they'd seen a ghost, which to be fair, they had. Some of their expressions hardened at Lain, Tiadrin, and Runaan. However-

"RUNAAN!"

A blur whizzed by the other villagers and Rayla.

Ethari threw himself into Runaan's arms, holding him tightly. Runaan winced, still sore from his injury. It didn't dampen either of their spirits. He hugged Ethari back with his good arm, holding him like he never wanted to let go. "I told you I would return your heart to you," he said softly.

"Seems you took a detour." Ethari raised his head, staring at Rayla's parents. It was difficult for his expression to be more shocked, but he certainly tried. "Lain? Tiadrin?!"

"We have some explaining to do." Lain nodded to Tiadrin and Rayla. "Everyone needs to hear it."

The Moonshadow village owed allegiance to Zubeia, but they had their own leadership. A small group of robed elves Rayla had only ever seen from a distance, the council who had elected to banish her parents for running away, came to the center of the clearing within view of Zubeia and the others. Her jaw tightened, recalling that they must've given the order for Ghosting her as well. Their silver robes and ornamented horns commanded respect. Each had a different phase of the moon embroidered on their back, all the moon, none fully alike in appearance.

"Welcome, Your Majesty." The leader in the full moon robe bowed, as did everyone else present. Their eyes turned back to the gathering of visitors, expression neutral as they looked over Ezran. "We take it there are many explanations forthcoming. Of course, that our assassins failed you seems to be a blessing."

It was supposed to be a backhanded sting, but Rayla stood proudly by Ezran, a hand on his shoulder.

Zubeia inclined her head. "Yes, it is fortunate that things did not go as planned, but that fate guided us somewhere better for us all. In addition to formally introducing you to King Ezran, the best ally Xadia has had in generations, I also can formally vouch for the bravery of Tiadrin and Lain." She looked down fondly at where Zym stood at Ezran's other side. "They are the reason why my son is alive today."

"So what happened?" inquired one of the council members.

"We were captured." Lain explained. "We convinced the Dark Mage Viren to take the egg rather than destroy it. He imprisoned us inside of trinkets using Aaravos's staff."

"He speaks the truth," confirmed Zubeia.

Rayla fought down the sudden sense of loss that Callum, who had been the one to reveal the past to her and her parent's bravery and innocence, wasn't there. He'd done so much for them and wasn't there.

Runaan nodded. "This was the same manner in which I was captured. When Viren realized I would not give him information, he stored me with the other two." Raising his good hand, he carefully touched his injured arm, the binding marking still present on his skin. Ethari seemed to notice it for the first time, concern flashing across his face. "Time did not pass normally while we were frozen within. I would have lost my arm by now otherwise."

The leader of the council nodded. "Then it seems with the Dragon Queen and Runaan's testimony, Lain and Tiadrin will be the first Moonshadow Elves to ever be Unghosted."

The crowd cheered, but Rayla's heart pounded, a chill creeping down her spine.

"What about Rayla?" called out Ezran.

The full moon council member held his gaze. "What about her?"

It took everything Rayla had to not run, explode, or both with the village's cold eyes on her. Ethari looked away, ashamed.

Then he spoke.

"I understand that we have our traditions, but I've always regretted going along with the ritual." Ethari moved from Runaan, putting an arm around Rayla's shoulders. "Call me soft, call me biased because I helped raise her, but Rayla didn't deserve to have her entire people turn their backs on her."

The crowd murmured.

Runaan stepped forward, a backwards glance at Rayla before moving to address the village. She swallowed hard, taking Runaan and Ezran's hands. Confident, the image of a leader, Runaan made his declaration.

"Rayla disobeyed direct orders."

Rayla felt like the ground had given out beneath her. Even Zubeia's nostrils flared. Ezran gasped and Soren jumped in, "That's not fair!"

Ignoring him, Runaan continued. "She clearly had multiple opportunities to complete her mission. Instead, she befriended her target. She got to know Prince Ezran. She made the call on her own that the presence of the Dragon Prince's egg was more important than enacting revenge on an innocent child. Justice was not going to be served by fulfilling our duty, and she knew it. Her actions have ushered in a relationship between Xadia and that none of us dreamed was possible." Rayla stared blankly, wondering why it was starting to sound more positive. "Upon discovering new information, she adjusted her actions. Rayla made the choice she felt was right at great personal cost, risking losing her hand and her home for the sake of someone she thought her enemy, but was instead a friend to us all, as we see in King Ezran.

"She is no Moonshadow Assassin."

The crowd murmured louder.

Runaan bowed to Rayla, emotion making his steady voice tremble. "Rayla is a Moonshadow Hero. We should be welcoming her and hoping to be more like her, not casting her out."

Rayla sniffled.

Even if she was still Ghosted, even if she had to turn away never to return, she had what she needed. Support from Runaan, Ethari, her parents, Ezran, Zubeia, Soren, her family.

"That's right!" Ethari shouted. "If you're going to keep her Ghosted, then Ghost me too!"

Rayla almost jumped out of her skin. "What?!"

Runaan's expression faltered, concerned exasperation taking over. "Honey."

"Sorry," whispered Ethari. "But it's true. Every time I didn't believe in Rayla, I found out I was wrong to doubt her later."

"I know as her mother, my opinion is biased too." Tiadrin looked to Rayla with a smile. "But I've been able to catch up on some of the years I missed, and I couldn't be prouder."

Zubeia even joined in. "I try to not meddle in regional affairs, but I agree that Rayla has betrayed no one. My original intentions in seeking equal revenge are ones I regret. You need not worry that my wrath will come down upon anyone if you accept her back."

The council huddled for a moment. One of the half moon phases nodded, retreating from the circle. "We have much to discuss. Please, allow us to exercise our hospitality with a meal for all."

She wasn't in the clear yet, but it was something.

A couple of mages stepped forward and with a wave of their arms, a banquet magically appeared in the middle of the grove, set with chairs for all and including a dragon sized portion of fruits, vegetables, and a giant pastry at the end.

Ezran's eyebrows shot up. "Woah! That was fast."

For the first time, one of the council members smiled. "It was difficult to miss a dragon heading our way. We endeavored to be ready."

Soren whooped. "All right! Hey, I could do a little improv comedy to show our appreciation if you'd like."

The council didn't need to convene for that.

"No thank you," answered one of them, a little too quickly to be polite.

He bounced back instantly. "No worries! We're just over the moon to be here!"

Zubeia laughed deep from her chest, shaking tree branches with the force of her amusement. Rayla even smiled, shaking her head slightly.

It was good to be home, assuming she was keeping it. But…

She and Ezran walked up to the banquet table. Ezran took his place near the head of it with Zubeia, and Rayla left an empty chair between them. Ezran glanced from the seat to Rayla, a bittersweet smile on his face. "Habit, right? You can just sit next to me. I'd like that, actually."

That's right. Still no Callum.

"Right." She couldn't hide her dejected tone. "Silly me."

She got a lump in her throat that didn't go away all meal long despite the festive mood as everyone welcomed her and her parents back. Zym only grudgingly ate his vegetables, sometimes glancing at Ezran and then growling under his breath as he went back to his own dinner. Apparently others felt the subdued mood too, and the conversation steered back to business by the time they had little moonberry surprise pastries for dessert.

"We received word of a sudden wave surge off the coast of the Sea of Castout," remarked a council member to Zubeia. "Is it true he's escaped?"

"Yes." Zubeia's tail thrashed, hitting a tree by mistake. "There is frustratingly little to do about Aaravos's return except to be on guard for anything suspicious. He's unpredictable and can bide his time indefinitely."

The enemy was nearly invisible, and his company worried them too.

Ezran stopped eating with a moonberry surprise tart halfway to his mouth. "Well, I have no idea what he's doing, but Callum went with him. Before Aaravos took the mages with him, Callum said. 'I'm not joining Aaravos. Aaravos is joining me.' So… things might be okay?"

The council member gave Ezran a look he knew too well. Sympathetic, a false understanding on their face, as though they were addressing the personification of childish naivety. "I am sorry for the loss of your brother, but it is best to accept what it might be: a loss. Aaravos was known to us for being able to pull at strings far too close to our hearts."

"I know it sounds like Callum was tricked, but he wasn't!" insisted Ezran.

Lain and Tiadrin exchanged a glance and Tiadrin spoke. "It's been puzzling to us ever since we were released from those coins. Callum freed us… with Aaravos's help. At seemingly no cost."

Zubeia sighed. "There's always a cost. It's like an exchange. But for what? Callum himself?"

A different Moonshadow elf chimed in, "He's a human mage, isn't he?"

Rayla understood the anxiety which had settled all around the table, but she couldn't bear for anyone to think Callum was becoming a Dark Mage or against anyone. "Callum has saved many of the lives of people sitting at this table. He's brave, and smart, and strong. I wish I understood exactly what he's doing, but I know he isn't our enemy. He's trying to help us."

Runaan was only eating one handed. He pensively stirred his bowl of soup, expression torn. "I want to share your faith in him, Rayla."

"Callum isn't like Viren!" Rayla insisted. She stood up, bumping the table. "Callum is nothing like Viren! He's not like any human mage in history!"

Runaan sighed. "Aaravos may not give him a choice."

Zym made a scared, worried sound. Zubeia leaned her head down and nuzzled him. "If we find them, we will make sure Callum stays safe. He's been a friend to us, even when he's had reason to treat us with contempt. I only hope that won't change."

Rayla had faced down a fire breathing, angry dragon before for Callum. She'd do it again. Being onstage in front of almost everyone she knew was a small trial by comparison.

To stand up for herself would've made her want to freeze or flee again. To stand up for Callum was second nature.

"You think he's just another human mage. You think he wants power or cares more about magic than his friends. You're wrong! He's a great mage, but he's an even better friend!" She gestured to Ezran. "A better brother! When I first met him, I was trying to kill him. Callum lied and said he was Ezran to try and save his brother. Whatever he's doing with Aaravos, I know Callum wouldn't betray any of us! When we find them, nobody hurts him, understand?!"

The full moon council leader peered at her, gaze boring into hers. "You are only just back, and you would risk having a home to return to for this boy?"

Rayla folded her arms. "Yes."

Silence dragged on too long to be comfortable.

"Then you are truly loyal." They nodded. "Well done."

It seemed anticlimactic, but Rayla didn't have any other option but to sit back down and quietly finish dessert. Ezran shot Rayla a grateful smile for her speech. Then, he looked from the council to Zubeia. "We don't have any idea what Aaravos is doing or what he wants. It seems like it'd be revenge, but it's been quiet."

Soren snapped his fingers. "If I were him, I'd start a band."

Corvus coughed into his drink. "What?"

"Come on, the guy's been locked up for a long time, right? Don't you think it got stuffy in there? Grab a lute and just go on tour, you know?"

"I am not aware of any lute playing passion within Aaravos," admitted Zubeia. She couldn't deny the possibility of one existing either. In fact, even after centuries of knowing him, nothing was certain anymore. Every warm and cordial conversation, every smile, every talk late into the night, every time anyone had held him in their confidence, all was soured. Aaravos was older than them all. He had seemed to be their guiding light, the one all could trust. All of it was ruined. "But he does like attention. All we can do is try and be aware. That, and I would still like to have something of a Dragonguard for Zym. One thing we know is that Viren and Aaravos are able to take a dragon's power for their own."

"We'd be honored to resume guarding him," said Tiadrin.

"That's good," commented one of the council members. "Someone else has already moved into your house. Apologies."

Ethari gestured to Lain, Tiadrin, and Rayla. "Then all of you can stay with us, for now. We have so much to catch up on! I also still have Rayla's old room in one piece. There's a guest room too."

Rayla was glad Ethari hadn't cleared her things out. Maybe he hadn't known if she'd ever be able to come back, but even if it was from being paralyzed by grief, he'd waited. She finished her dessert feeling better than before, at least having some bed to go back to.

When she followed Runaan and Ethari back to their place, parents on either side of her, she still didn't know how she felt. Happy, relieved, but… empty.

"I'm going up to my room."

"I have to go and discuss some matters with the council." Runaan nodded to Rayla. "It'll be fine."

Was he going to convince them to let her stay? Rayla hugged her parents and then Runaan and Ethari, waving to Runaan as he left. She mindlessly walked up to her room which had been cleaned, but was still very much hers. Stella made a curious noise from her shoulder and Rayla held her arm out by her bed, letting Stella down. "See? This can be your home too."

Even to her own ears, it sounded hollow. Everything was so Moonshadow-y, it was different after spending so much time with humans or on the road. She set her blades aside in their old place by her bed. The last time she'd laid them on that shelf had been after training, years ago. Now, it was hard to believe she was back.

Rayla hadn't been able to let her feelings out. She'd gotten too good at stuffing hurt inside, hiding fear and anything else she felt didn't deserve to be aired. Curling up on her bed, she buried her face in a pillow and finally cried . Stella cuddled up with her, of course she would. Rayla didn't feel pressured by her presence, the anxiety and grief over losing Callum overtaking her like a wave. He'd be back. She had to tell herself that. They'd find him someday.

Suddenly, Stella chittered, tugging on Rayla's sleeve.

"Yeah?" Rayla raised her head, watching as Stella jumped around. "What?"

Stella opened a purple portal in the middle of her room.

A small bird flew through it, immediately singing and squawking with alarm.

"Woah! Hey!" Rayla jumped back as the tiny, hyper, flying little thing raced her around her room. She stood on her bed, using the bouncy, high surface to try and catch the bird. "Be still!" It didn't listen, racing around and forcing her to jump from the bed to the floor with a thunk, chasing it everywhere.

Downstairs, where Ethari was sitting with Lain and Tiadrin with a few drinks, they paused their conversation to look in the direction of the banging from Rayla's room.

"You think she's okay?" asked Lain.

"Yeah. She's got a new fluff monster, right?" Ethari laughed to himself. "Runaan never liked them being in the house, but it didn't stop from Rayla bringing home pets. Just like old times."

Upstairs, Rayla shouted and leapt into the air again, finally catching the bird as she landed hard onto the floor. The bird flapped its wings, tittering. "Sheesh. It's okay." Now that it was in her hands, she could feel a piece of paper attached to its leg.

No… it couldn't be from him. That was wishful thinking, right?

She untied the paper and held it tightly, heart hammering. She opened her window and let the bird free, turning back to the paper.

There was a drawing on it.

There was an entire letter, in fact.

She gasped, opening up the letter.

Dear Ezran, Rayla, Soren, Corvus, Bait, Everyone,

Hey, it's me, Callum. I tried to figure out how to write this so many times over. I tried to figure out what to say so you guys would believe that I'm alright. I guess I just have to say it.

I'm alright.

It's true, I'm staying with Claudia, Terry, and Viren. There's been no bloodshed! Er, yet. As it turns out, Viren only had a month to live after Claudia did a spell to bring him back. Aar The Sparkly One had to finish the job with his own Star magic. Aside from that, The Sparkly One has just been living life, I guess. I know this is frustratingly little information, and I don't want anyone running after me, but there aren't plans for wrecking the world or going on a rampage. I'm learning more Sky Magic and Draconic, and The Sparkly One has something other to do than enact revenge for how he feels he's been wronged. This is why I left- to make sure no one got hurt. I think it's working.

I miss you all so much. This isn't my first choice of company by a long shot, but I do feel safe. Viren has completely given up Dark Magic. Claudia concerns me, but her boyfriend Terry is cool! I actually wish you guys could meet him someday. Earthblood Elves really do say trees to meet you!

The Sparkly One had been visiting me in my dreams for a while. I'm sorry I lied about it. I'm sorry I kept it from you all. I couldn't stop it, but if it means you're safe, that's what matters. This is what we worked out, and it's only in exchange for being around him and figuring out how humans can learn magic too.

I'm sorry I left, but I'd do it again if I had to.

This is just weird, immersive diplomacy. I know his letter won't bring about international calm and I can't stop anyone from trying to hunt us. Sadly, I don't think there's a way for you to contact me for now. I hope this finds its way to you somehow. I picked a plain bird for the sake of the Crow Master's pants.

"What?" Rayla said out loud. She hurried to finish reading.

There's a drawing on the back to show it's me. A real Callum original :)

Love,

Callum

Rayla flipped it over to see the drawing, hands shaking.

It went with the letter, but it was still a surprise to take in its objects combined with its… coziness.

There was no background that could give away any kind of location, but there was a little campfire in the foreground. Terry, Claudia, Viren, and Aaravos were gathered around it, the point of view apparently from Callum's perspective. Viren was drinking deeply from a little cup of something that had presumably come from a small metal pot between him and Claudia. Aaravos was at his side, the two so close they were shoulder to shoulder, knee to knee with one blanket draped around the two of them. Aaravos was coyly taking a bite of cake from a plate sitting on Viren's knee, the two clearly sharing the meal as well as the blanket and personal space. Claudia was stoking the fire carefully while the Earthblood Elf who Rayla assumed was Terry was speaking animatedly, a bright grin on his face.

"Stella, how did you do it?!" Rayla covered her mouth, rereading the letter again. Stella shrugged. "I have to tell everyone!"

She ran out of the house, brushing past Runaan on her way to see the other guests. Rayla threw open the door to see Ezran, Soren, Corvus, and Zym sitting in their plain guest quarters living room, some cards on the floor. "Look at this! It's from Callum!"

The letter got passed around and Ezran threw himself into Rayla's arms. "He's safe! See? At least when he sent that, he was fine."

Corvus scratched his head. "I wish we had any hints. He really doesn't want to be found, but we aren't going to stop trying. Zubeia will be glad to know he's okay, at least. She probably thinks this could still be a trick."

Soren, usually full of quips, was quiet.

He was staring at the drawing on the back, expression unreadable.

Corvus laid a hand on Soren's shoulder. "You okay?"

Rayla realized Soren was holding not just a letter from Callum but a look at his family. "Hey," she said. "I don't know if that's good or bad silence, but you can keep it if you want."

"I don't know either," admitted Soren. "Dad having a thing for Aaravos explains a lot, actually." He ran a hand though his hair. "They seem happy… should I be happy for them too? Should I want them hunted down? If he's changed from how he was a couple years ago, should I be upset I'm not there with him? I don't know. I find what I'm seeing hard to believe. Maybe… he is happier without me. Better."

"Woah." Corvus shook his head. "Woah, no no no. Nothing Viren did was your fault. Look at you, you're a great guy! He just couldn't appreciate it."

"Really? I didn't know you felt I'm a great guy."

"Hey, I don't gush every day. Doesn't mean I don't think you're doing something good in this world."

Ezran picked up Bait and held him in his arms. "I agree! Bait and Zym do too. Whatever you're feeling must be complicated, but you have us."

Rayla sat on Soren's other side. "Alright, me too. I know I just got my own parents back, but all of you are something special. You've done the right thing when it was hard."

Soren glanced aside. " Done the right thing. Not always, but I realized I was wrong."

"Isn't that what matters now?" asked Rayla. "I started off trying to kill Ezran. We changed."

Soren was fixated on the drawing again, as if he could divine something more from Viren drinking coffee. "Claudia maybe hasn't changed. What if dad has? Who am I to say that if he means it, he does or doesn't deserve a chance to make things right? I don't know if he can even do that."

"We don't know him anymore," said Ezran. "Without knowing what Aaravos really wants, there's not much we can do but tell the Pentarchy what we know." Zym stood up and wandered over to Soren, putting his front feet on Soren's lap and licking his face with blue static sparks. "But we know you, and that's what matters!"

As Soren licked Zym back, Runaan came in followed by Ethari, Lain, and Tiadrin. "I was wondering what the commotion was about."

Rayla took the letter and held it up. "It's from Callum!" Ethari took the letter and read it as Runaan spoke.

Runaan hadn't come in empty handed either. A robe embroidered with a moon phase was draped over his arm. He caught Rayla's eye on it. "I have news as well. I'm retiring from being an assassin." He opened and closed his fingers on his left hand with difficulty. "I must've been too much in the heat of battle mindset when I was freed to be swinging blades around like that. Since the binding came off, gripping and certain movements are difficult. Numbness comes and goes too, though I'm glad to say I'll be keeping my arm."

"So, you're on the council now?" asked Rayla.

"Yes, they had a vacancy."

Runaan brought Rayla in for a hug, and he was followed by all the other Moonshadow elves in the room. Rayla thought that at this rate she should start sharing her four parents with Soren and Ezran. Runaan gave her a gentle squeeze in the hug.

"My first official task is telling you that you're Unghosted. Welcome back home, Rayla."