Moonlight and a breeze.

Double doors creaked open and the red curtains covering them drifted in the wind. The room was gently illuminated with cool light, the night time invitingly reaching into the bedchambers.

Ezran rolled over in bed, yawning. He blinked awake as the wind ruffled his loose hair. "Huh? Did you open the doors?" he asked Bait, but Bait was still fast asleep next to him. Ezran rubbed his eyes and slid out of bed, padding over to the doors leading outside to the landing. Raising his head, he took in the view of the night sky.

The stars were out.

One, in particular.

White hair shone in the starlight, cascading down the tall figure's back. Elegant curved horns glinted on his head, finer than most human kingdom's crowns. He stood with his back to Ezran, deep indigo hands clasped behind his back as the sheer material of his clothing caught the light. Ezran blinked again, the sight before him so surreal he wondered if it was a dream.

Aaravos spoke, still facing away from him. "I only wish to talk." Ezran snapped awake and alert, confirmation of the figure's identity sending adrenaline right to his core. "Calling the guards would waste both of our time and cause all of them unnecessary distress." He turned around, hands folded before him, expression unreadable yet beautiful. "I'm here in peace."

Ezran had one priority.

"Where's Callum?"

"He'll be here soon. Callum is completely unharmed." Aaravos gently inclined his head towards Ezran. "I wanted a few minutes to speak to you."

Ezran had many questions for Aaravos too, but he didn't even know where to start. He took a few steps forward, standing a couple meters from the mysterious elf. Apparently his life wasn't in danger or he'd be dead already. "What do you want?"

"I am curious about your relationship with the Dragon Prince, Azymondias."

Ezran angled his head up to face Aaravos despite having no crown on and bedhead, ignoring the unease inside him. "Zym is my friend. I've known him since before he hatched."

"Your friend. Are you sure?"

"Yes. I know him." Ezran hesitated, wondering if Callum had already told Aaravos about his abilities. "I can communicate directly with creatures, including dragons."

Aaravos smiled. "You're afraid I don't believe you. I do."

"Then believe me when I say Zym is my friend. My best friend. I trust him completely— and I know you tried to kill him."

"Yes, that was rather unpleasant business."

Ezran was usually slow to anger, but not when it came to his loved ones. "Call it what it is— attempted murder!"

"Yes, I sought to kill him and drain his power. My original plan was to conquer Xadia and enact vengeance on those I saw fit. However, though I have altered my course, the baby dragon perturbs me." Aaravos stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Viren was under the impression that Azymondias would rain his own wrath down on all of humanity after your father avenged your mother. He will outlive you for generations… are you willing to risk not only your current kingdom's lives, but also thousands of people in the future when he's fully grown?"

"Yes."

Ezran knew people saw a child when they looked at him, a child who didn't understand how serious the world was. It was true, he was a child, but he'd lost the lightness he used to have in his heart. The mantle he wore as king weighed more than that of the fabric it was made of. He bore the responsibility of the lives of many people he'd never get to even know.

Aaravos's point changed nothing about that.

"Yes," repeated Ezran. "Zym has been hurt, but so have I. We understand that hating each other doesn't do any good. We aren't just one side or another, we're all people. Things are changing, and I fully believe he would never use his power someday to hurt us."

"That's quite the emotional depth to come from merely talking to a dragonling." Aaravos studied Ezran, slowly pacing around him, circling with long strides. "You speak as though you understand his heart as well as his words."

There seemed no point in denying it.

"I do."

"I have to wonder what you make of me," mused Aaravos. He knelt on one knee, still managing to seem majestic while doing it. Eyes level with Ezran's, he gave him another unreadable smile, challenging Ezran to try and read it. "Well?"

His powers usually didn't work on humans or elves. At least, Ezran didn't think they did. Animals and dragons were easier to understand. A childhood of not being close to other children haunted him, and an early adulthood hadn't smoothed over all his awkward gaps.

Yet, he was curious. Willing to try.

Ezran stepped close to Aaravos, fear slowly dissolving. Aaravos's skin twinkled with stars, ethereal and almost cute up close, spots reminding Ezran of purple Xadian deer. He closed his eyes.

It wasn't like what Callum seemed to go through when he and Aaravos had fused. Ezran frowned, wincing as he felt turbulence pressing into his mind. It was like he was in the eye of a storm, and he was just brushing against the wall of it. One thing was for certain…

Ezran's palm found the dimmed star on Aaravos's chest. He gently laid his hand on it. "You're hurting."

"Yes."

Ezran opened his eyes, concern furrowing his eyebrows. "What do you need?"

Aaravos's gaze softened. "You really are a special boy. You have compassion, even for a being like me, one of the few you could truly see as a monster."

"I meant it, what do you need? How can we avoid more fighting and hurting each other?"

Aaravos pondered it. "A home."

"I'm sure I have room in the castle. You, Callum, and everyone else could just come home and we call a truce!"

Bittersweet, Aaravos shook his head, laying his hand over Ezran's on his chest. "Young King, it isn't so simple."

"It should be."

"Your brother has suggested I see how the world has changed in my time away. He came with me for our mutual education. Already, I've seen proof of the shift that's taken place in my few centuries of absence."

Ezran smiled. "So you see it! Things can be okay!"

"Even if I want to accept this world, it will not accept me."

That was true… at that moment. Ezran shook his head. "But if we could have a truce, if we could work things out, I think you could have a home and no one else would be hurt. I'm sorry you were kept for 300 years with no one to talk to."

Aaravos slowly smiled, but this time with an unnerving glint in his eyes. "You have no idea what I've done, little king. My punishment will never be enough for the dragons." He sighed. "I no longer want to approach the world in such a way, but I am locked into this cycle. Even the stars have abandoned me. For beings as old as I, millenia ago is within my lifetime. I do not have the luxury of generations before myself, or time healing any wounds."

"No! I've been told how impossible it would be to fix what happened between Xadia and Katolis, but it is better!" insisted Ezran. He stepped back, grieved but determined. "They meant to kill you with that imprisonment. But you can't just be expected to lay down and die or go back in there. There has to be another way to work this out. I'll try to find it. For my people, and for you."

Aaravos wasn't often surprised. "I'm amazed by how much you want to help me. Did Zubeia not tell you the horrors she blames me for?"

"She did… and I saw some of them. But Callum said he wanted to help mend wounds. If Callum's safe, you must have at least a little decency." Ezran glanced around. "Where is he?"

Aaravos was unconcerned. "He will be here any minute."

If Aaravos was any other visiting dignitary, what would he do? Ezran held up a finger for Aaravos to wait. He ran inside, grabbed a small container, and brought it back out, presenting it to Aaravos. "Um… jelly tart?"

"Hm." Aaravos angled his head, lifting the lid of Ezran's little stash of tarts. He held one up, examining it before biting into it.

The flavor hit instantly. Aaravos's ears twitched upwards and he inhaled the rest of the tart in his hand. The shock on his face was so novel that Ezran grinned while still holding out the box. "Aren't they good? Strawberry are the best." Aaravos snatched another so fast that Ezran barely saw it. Maybe if he was in a good mood… "Please tell me what Callum is doing."

"Those are delicious." Aaravos took a third tart. He slowed down to actually savor it, clearly pleased. "Callum is on a little rescue mission, is all."

-BREAK-

Callum felt weird about breaking into his own office.

He had a key, but still.

Callum and Terry quietly made their way through the castle corridors, avoiding the stray patrolling guard. Terry took in the decor with open awe, staring at paintings and suits of armor. Callum supposed that he'd gotten so used to the castle that none of it was that special anymore. Terry didn't have much of a frame of reference.

They made it to his office. Callum was relieved when his key worked and the door opened with a soft click. Terry closed the doors behind them, exhaling with relief.

"Made it," Terry whispered. "Is it somewhere in here?"

"No. This is really dumb of past me, but it's in the dungeon, behind that painting I nailed shut." Callum and Terry pried the nails out of the picture frame, working quickly. It seemed unlikely that anyone would find them in his office, and it was his office, but Callum was more worried about their other visitors being discovered.

Terry pulled the last nail free and Callum swung the painting open, wincing as it creaked.

"Woah," whispered Terry.

Callum lit a nearby lantern and held it out in front of them as they walked. "Yeah… I don't like it in here."

Terry followed close behind Callum. "This is my first time out of Xadia," he said. "I don't feel so good."

"Well, this castle has more creepy mage dungeons than average for buildings in Katolis. The correct average is zero."

Terry chuckled. "No, no I can deal with this." Their voices had a slight echo. "Mostly. It's just that I can tell you all were right about the ground not having magic in it. In Xadia, I always felt like I was charged with energy, that everything around me was brimming with life. Here? It's like walking on a giant corpse."

Ew.

"That's a really appropriate mindset to have to where we're going." Callum stood at the end of the tunnel. He reached out to the wall and pressed his hand against the stone. How did it go? "Rock stone rock… stone stone rock. Hm. Maybe it was stone stone rock-"

"Ooooh, I can feel it! Let me try." Terry took Callum's place, pushing the correct combination. The corridor rumbled and the spiral door opened next to them. Terry followed Callum down the steps. The mechanism was aging and the stairs stopped early. They jumped down the last few feet and Callum squinted, holding the lantern out.

"Viren said he left it sitting on a shelf or table." Callum walked over to a bookshelf as Terry examined the array of spell components.

Terry unscrewed a lid and sniffed. "Peanut butter?"

"That's probably the only non weird thing in here." Callum moved a pair of handcuffs aside, grimacing. He'd been in the hidden laboratory before when he'd found the mirror. He didn't like imagining all Viren had been up to. His palm brushed against a coin and he gasped, holding it up. "This is it!"

Callum held the coin in the light so both he and Terry could see the face on it. An older man with white streaked hair leaned against the edge of the coin, arms folded. He was scowling in his sleep.

But he moved.

Kpp'ar opened his eyes and stared at the both of them. Terry and Callum both flinched back, but all Kpp'ar did was silently knock on the coin's surface and then shrug.

"We'll get you out," promised Callum.

Kpp'ar looked doubtful. He closed his eyes again.

Callum carefully tucked the coin away. "Let's go."

They made it back out into the castle hallway, but Callum should have known that he could never evade the one person who was always on his mind.

"Callum?!"

Rayla stood a few feet away, a yawning Stella on her shoulder.

Callum waved. "Uh… hey."

-BREAK-

Soren was head of the Crownguard but even the head of the Crownguard got some nights off. The hour was late, but he wasn't in bed. He combed his hair in front of a mirror, frowning as he fussed with it. Shooting his reflection his best smolder, he flexed while he was at it. "Yep, the Soren original! Or should I shake it up? Hmm…"

There was a knock on his bedroom door.

He hurriedly smoothed his hair down one last time and shoved the comb in a drawer. "Right there!"

Soren opened the door with a slight smile. "Well hello th-"

His words died in his throat.

"SORBEAR!"

Claudia tackle hugged him, throwing her arms around him and squeezing hard. Soren stumbled, wheezing. "Wh- what are you doing here?"

"I'm so sorry that I didn't believe you." Claudia looked up at him and then just hugged him again, holding in a sob. "About dad telling you to kill the princes, about not understanding why you had to leave during the invasion… I lost you. I was so upset and I thought we weren't family anymore, but I know now."

Soren stammered, trying to make sense of what he was seeing. "I… Claudia, I don't get it. What happened?"

Heavier footsteps approached from behind Claudia, and one of Soren's nightmares walked in, closing the door behind him.

"I told her the truth."

Viren was calm, quiet, and he didn't have his staff, but Soren took no chances. He backed out of Claudia's hug and grabbed for his sword, shouting as he flailed, hurrying to defend himself. "Get out! What is this- if you told her everything, then why are you with him?!" Soren addressed Viren and then Claudia, fear pitching his voice up.

Claudia raised her hands. "Woah, look, dad told me everything because he wanted to make things right! And it made me realize that I owed you an apology too." She looked to the sword raised in front of Soren and back to his face. "Please."

"No!"

Viren looked pained. "Soren, I-"

"Stop it!" Soren was on the verge of tears. "It took me so long to see you for what you really are, but you can't fool me anymore! You can't lie to me and pretend I misheard, you can't convince me that what's wrong is right, and you can't control me! I- I have to arrest you!"

"You don't have any reason to believe I've changed," admitted Viren. He took a step forward, hands also raised. Soren had to admit it was odd seeing him dressed humbly in forest greens and browns, as if he was just a artisan or other commoner, but Viren knew how to craft his impressions for the effect he wanted. "I was terribly wrong for many years regarding many things. I cannot change my past. You saw the light long before I did, and I'm proud of you."

Soren shook his head. "Nope. I don't need you to be proud of me anymore. You're just Dark Mages on the wrong side!" The waver and pain in his voice said otherwise.

Viren shook his head.

"I gave up Dark Magic. I've come to my senses."

Soren hesitated. "No way."

Claudia wasn't having it. "Not like you have to give up Dark Magic to come to your senses…" she muttered.

Viren ignored her, taking another step towards Soren. "I'm not here to do anything except talk to you. I couldn't bear to think of even one more day going by that you thought I wished you'd never been born. I've never, ever thought that, Soren. And you aren't a failure." Viren sighed, shoulders low with shame. "Thank you for protecting King Ezran when I was too blind to see what was right."

Soren took another step back but raised his sword again. "You're still with Aaravos. You're still Viren, the worst thing that's ever happened to Katolis. I can't trust you. Come quietly, or I'll have to subdue you."

"Soren no!" Claudia reached into her pocket, but Soren never discovered what she was going to bring out.

There was a knock on the door, and whoever knocked didn't wait before pushing the handle and walking in. "Hey hon-"

Everyone froze.

Corvus, with a tray in his arms set for two, stared at Viren, Claudia, and Soren with his sword pointed at Viren. The tray had a bottle of wine, two glasses, a huge bowl of salad, breadsticks, and an arrangement of meat and cheese slices. All of it was complete with two yet to be lit candles.

Crickets chirped outside. Everyone glanced between everyone else. Soren blushed.

"Oh!" Exclaimed Claudia, tapping her nose and pointing between Soren and Corvus. "All of us have boyfriends! That's so cute."

Corvus carefully set the tray down.

Viren's hands were still up. "For the record, I'm supportive, but I think this is where I resist arrest."

Corvus habitually never went anywhere without his chain. His hand hovered over it, ready to grab it. "Thanks for the blessing. We didn't need it." He nodded to Soren.

Soren took the first swing at Viren and the fight broke out in earnest.

"Hya!" Claudia dived in front of Viren, eyes black, her arm coated in protective magical coral, taking the blow of the sword. "Time to go."

Viren nodded and drew a blue sigil. "Aqua Dulcis!"

A few tablespoons of water appeared in Viren's palm. He threw the water on Corvus with a weak splash.

Corvus patted his slightly damp hair. "What was that?"

"I'm new at being a rune mage," admitted Viren.

Corvus went for his chain and threw it wide, hoping to ensnare Viren as Claudia and Soren had their cramped duel in the other half of the bedroom. Viren ducked, barely evading the chain. "Claudia!"

Claudia grit her teeth. "Sorry Soren. I wanted things to be better! Daed eht fo sgniw!" Bat wings sprouted from her back and Viren jumped onto her, clinging tight. She crushed an object in her hand. "Dnibnu leets gnirehtils!"

Corvus's chain morphed into a huge snake. He dropped the coil and Soren shouted, swinging his sword at the serpent. He decapitated it in two swings, but it was all the distraction Claudia needed to shatter his window and jump out with Viren holding on for dear life.

Corvus grabbed Soren's arm. "We have to go check on King Ezran!"

-BREAK-

Rayla still seemed unable to believe Callum was in front of her. "Callum, come on! You're home . Don't go again."

He wanted to stay so badly. He didn't realize how hard it would be to leave again, just how much he'd missed her voice and seeing her. Callum swallowed hard. "I have things to do, but I miss you so much. Did you get my letter?"

"Yes, I got your letter, but I'm still worried about you!" Rayla strode towards him, eyes wide with a mix of hurt and concern, a concoction so potent Callum averted his eyes. "What are you, under a spell? Nothing but having you back with me could convince me you're safe!"

"I'm not under a spell! I'm me- I'm doing what's right."

"Hanging out with Aaravos? Plotting the world's demise or something?"

"No, it isn't like that." Callum held up the coin from inside his pocket. "We're making things right, we're trying to help! I'm here because this was another one of Viren's victims, and we can get him out! Your parents went through so much trapped. I can't leave this guy to that fate either."

Rayla winced. "You mean… you weren't even going to try to see me while you were here?"

Callum paled. "I… I wasn't sure that was a good idea, considering who I'm traveling with."

"Aaravos." Rayla's eyebrows shot up when the realization hit her. "Viren. "

"You're not gonna believe this, but he's changed-"

"You're right, I don't! I don't believe it! And you're making a mistake going along with whatever their plans are, Callum! You aren't just some human mage Aaravos can control, so what are you doing this for!?" Rayla got close enough to touch him, grabbing his shoulder.

Callum trusted her. She wouldn't hurt him, even when he'd asked her to, she couldn't.

"You killed Viren." Rayla was surprised into silence. "You really did. What's here now is a Viren that Claudia brought back, and he's completely different. It's a Viren who isn't into Dark Magic anymore."

"You've been with these people for a short time-"

"Aaravos hasn't done anything to harm anyone, and part of that is because of me!" Callum gestured to the nearest window. "What did your parents want to do after being imprisoned so long? Get to talk to people, try new foods, take in the fresh air, spend time with each other? Imagine after three centuries. Aaravos has done things I'll never really know about, but he needed a friend! Someone who was willing to give him a chance and listen. What if this means the world is saved, and no one gets hurt? He was cast out by all his people, and he doesn't have a home-"

"You're being manipulated, Callum!"

"His situation reminds me of you!"

Rayla stilled. She squeezed Callum's shoulder and looked away. She'd been Ghosted by her village, but at least she hadn't been Ghosted by the entire world. "You're kind and compassionate. You trusted me and saved me without even knowing me, even when I was trying to do something terrible. But Callum, that's Aaravos. And Viren. And I'm scared for you. I'm scared!"

Callum rushed forward and hugged her, knowing the admittance of any fear from Rayla had to be dug up from the deepest depths. She latched onto him, face buried in his shoulder. "I wish I could tell you where we're going, but I can't. Just that we want to heal, not harm, the world."

"I can't force you to stay." Rayla sniffed. "I could never bring myself to draw a weapon on you."

Callum squeezed her in his arms. "Me neither," he said in her ear.

"So I'm coming with you."

"Uh." Callum shook his head. "You can't, I mean it's Viren and-"

"And what?" Rayla held her head proudly with an expression that would send any sensible person running. "I can see for myself if he deserves to live or not."

Callum didn't blame her for the fury and hurt on her face. He would've wished for her to succeed mere weeks ago. Now, leaving again was making his chest seize. "I'm sorry. We'll see each other again soon."

Terry, who'd been awkwardly eating peanut butter a few feet away the entire time, sealed the jar. "Well. I guess we're running."

Callum conjured his wings and Terry jumped onto his back. Rayla ran after them as Callum soared through the halls, barely able to stay ahead of her as she leapt and sprinted. She didn't draw any weapon, only trying to reach them on foot.

"Don't do this, Callum!"

Callum blasted open a pair of doors with a gust of wind, flying outside and immediately gaining altitude. He flew to the balcony outside of Ezran's bedroom, relieved to see Ezran and Aaravos seemingly talking peacefully. "Ez!"

Ezran looked up, dropping his empty jelly tart container. "Callum!"

Callum landed, let Terry off, and swooped in for a hug, wings still conjured. "I love you, Ez. I'm sorry I have to go."

Aaravos shimmered and transformed into his bird form, impressive wingspan spread out. Terry climbed on as Claudia and Viren soared into view. Terry waved them down. "Right on time, hop on!"

Ezran folded his arms at the sight of Viren. Viren gave him a quick bow from Aaravos's back, between Claudia and Terry, expression pensive. "I'm sorry, King Ezran. For everything. Your brother is safe with me."

Ezran frowned. "You're getting away now, but next time I see you, he better still be okay."

"I will be," reassured Callum.

Ezran watched Aaravos take off with Callum in his wake. In a blink, it seemed that they vanished into fog as they flew, likely a moon spell to disguise themselves.

Rayla, Soren, and Corvus all burst into Ezran's chambers, running out to see him. Corvus put a hand on Ezran's shoulder, breathing hard. "They got away. Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm just fine."

"If anyone can track them, it's me." Corvus stood at the railing, hands on the stone, looking as if he was about to leap over it in pursuit.

"I'll go with you," said Rayla, right behind him.

Ezran held up his hand. The night had been long and confusing, but they were all physically unscathed. "Wait. They're already gone. I'm leaving for the Pentarchy tomorrow and I want all three of you with me. Even if you can find them, Aaravos has shown that he can just teleport away if he wanted to. Stay with me. Please."

Corvus sighed, stepping back. "Alright. As you wish, King Ezran."

Rayla sank down, sitting against the railing. She looked defeated. "I let him get away, and I feel so confused. I just couldn't convince Callum. I still don't know what to think."

Soren was unusually serious. "Yeah… it's been rough. I'm gonna go and eat my super salad, I guess."

Ezran perked up. "You have snacks? I'm starving."

Corvus smiled. "Yes, there's plenty. Let's go get them, Soren."

Rayla laid down with Stella in her arms, gazing up at the sky with Ezran.

Soren and Corvus walked for a few moments through the castle in silence. Soren sighed, trying to figure out a positive spin. It was difficult. "Sorry my back from the dead dad crashed our first date. Really didn't see that one coming."

"It's alright. Made it memorable, I guess."

Silence between them was comfortable, but it felt too heavy. Soren ran a hand through his hair. "I feel so bad. I mean really, really bad."

"That's understandable. A lot just happened."

"I know, but like… I should be able to be here for you too." Soren stopped and gestured to Corvus. "Like, you're so nice to me, but I want to be able to help you too! And the first thing I do is open my door to a crisis."

"Soren, if someone ever raises a family member of mine from the dead and lets them into my bedroom when we're trying to have a night in, I'll pour my heart out to you about it without any filter." Corvus patted Soren's back. "Right now, it's no trouble for you to lean on me. Even without this relationship thing, we're supposed to be there for each other."

He got Soren to huff out a laugh. "Okay, when you put it that way."

Soren carried their tray of snacks back to Ezran's bedroom. Rayla had gone to bed, but Ezran brightened up. "Woah, this looks great! Thanks guys." He took a breadstick and bit into it. "We can have a sleepover! Was that your plan too?"

Corvus and Soren exchanged a smile over Ezran's head. "Sort of," admitted Corvus.

"I would like a sleepover though," said Soren. "My sister conjured bat wings, jumped out my window, and shattered it. There's also a big dead snake in there thanks to her."

"And," added Corvus. "A little bit of really good tasting magic water on the floor."

Corvus, Ezran, and Soren held eye contact for a moment until the late hour and absurdity hit, and it was difficult to stop laughing.

-BREAK-

Kpp'ar hadn't seen so much activity from his coin for years. With some effort, he made an airless yawn, eyes fixed on the inside of the pocket of the boy who'd found him. If he wasn't mistaken, he could barely see sunlight starting to come through the top of the pocket. The boy had seemed so sure of his imminent freedom.

Interesting.