Callum was once again jealous of Aaravos's sheer power as he examined his blue tinted hand. All of them were back in Aaravos's moon arcanum-conjured disguises again for the wedding. Even Terry was passing as human.
Although Callum had appeared as a Skywing elf before, the formal tunic he was in with golden feather motifs spanning his arms and across his back had him examining it in admiration. "Ooooooh, nice! I should get something like this for real."
"Isn't it real? At least to your eyes?" mused Aaravos, smirking slightly to himself.
"We're not doing this at this hour of the morning," grumbled Viren. All of their voices were the same, but Callum could barely tell it was Viren under the illusion. He had the same bone structure to his face, but his skin tone was also tinted blue and his features seemed a bit sharper. Viren being clean shaven and having coral horns and blue hair also helped him not seem very Viren-like.
Claudia examined her dress, admiring the deep green with flowers swirling up the body. "Ooooh, this is so pretty! Terry, we match!"
"We do!" Terry was also in a formal tunic and slacks with the same color and design scheme as Claudia.
Aaravos tapped his chin thoughtfully. "It just leaves one more."
Sir Sparklepuff stood nearby without any illusions on him. He angled his head and made an inquisitive sound.
"He should come with us," said Viren. "Surely they're on the lookout for us and not him."
Claudia did an excited little jump. "He can be fancy! Come on, it'll be fun!"
"Fancy?" Aaravos waved his hand. "If you insist." Sir Sparklepuff sat up straighter, sporting a new outfit in an instant. He was fancy indeed, complete with a top hat, monocle, waistcoat, buttoned dress shirt, and black slacks. He was still barefoot and his wings poked out through the back. Sir Sparklepuffprimly adjusted the monocle and flapped his wings happily.
"It suits him," commented Callum.
Terry grinned. "Heyyyyy, suits him! It does!" Claudia held her hand up for a high five, which Terry gave.
Aaravos looked around, picking up his pack off the ground. Even their staves had been transformed to plain walking sticks. Having to still haul their belongings to the wedding put a minor cramp in their style, but Callum still thought they all looked pretty good considering they'd been camping. Aaravos clapped his hands once. "Well, then. We should get on a main road to the Sunfire campsite. We can blend in with other travelers."
Sir Sparklepuff reached for Viren's hand. Viren took it, giving Sir Sparklepuff's hand a squeeze. "Alright. Lead on," said Viren.
"No time for hot brown morning potion?" pressed Claudia.
"Not if we want good seats," replied Aaravos. They made their way through a narrow forest trail. Suddenly, the treeline gave way and they were out on a well traveled road. No one else was around- yet. "People from both sides of Xadia have been invited. No doubt dignitaries from the human kingdoms and elvish territories have found places to stay within or nearby the camp, but more like us may be making the journey today. The ceremony will take place at exactly noon."
Callum pondered it, falling into step behind Aaravos. "When the sun is highest?"
"Yes."
He folded his arms. "Okay, seriously. How come you can keep these illusions up even at a time like this? All the way through noon?"
Aaravos chuckled. "Callum, you've seen my innermost connection to magic. From my vantage point, as a being of the stars, the moon is always the same. There is neither day or night, but just existence itself. True, my power can fluctuate while I'm on this planet, but not enough to render my connections null and void. Sun magic at night and moon magic during the day work fine for me."
"No wonder you couldn't teach anyone how to connect to an arcanum by yourself," muttered Viren. "We can't relate at all."
Rather than be offended, Aaravos kissed Viren's cheek with a grin. "I'm so sorry I'm too powerful and knowledgeable to begin to understand how it is for you."
Callum rolled his eyes but considered Aaravos's words. Maybe if he ever connected to the Star arcanum he could have the same connection to the universe. Or, more likely, he would only be able to know Xadia from the surface. He believed in pushing the limits of what people thought humans could do, but ascending to the stars was a bit much.
The sky brightened as they walked. A horse drawn cart passed them once in a while, but anyone who passed them by was in too much of a rush to get to the wedding on time to talk.
Finally, they started seeing more people as they got out of the Uncharted forest and passed into the ever-red trees around the Sunfire camp.
Callum should've been exhausted, but all he could do was barely restrain himself from shouting with excitement as they got closer. His steps had a slight bounce to them and he grinned, looking to the sky above whenever they got glimpses of it.
His aunt was getting married.
He'd known about it for months, but it was finally hitting him that he was going to get to see it. It was real. He was so close to seeing everyone again, even if they wouldn't recognize him.
Everyone else was worried about Aaravos blowing their cover, but Callum could feel his own resolve to keep their presence a secret slipping.
There was a line forming at the entrance to the encampment. A few guards flanked either side of the walkway, but there were also large planters of crimson orchids set out to welcome them. Red ribbon had been draped across the entire front wall of the settlement, elegantly accented with bouquets of flowers. Despite the distance from the makeshift city center, the scent of freshly baked sweets drifted by on the air.
Most people really didn't pay them any mind, except for a few glances at Sir Sparklepuff. All he did was stare back, which usually cut the contact short.
As the line moved forward, Callum could make out two small podiums by the gate, each with an open book facing the line. People were writing something down before being permitted to walk through. Thankfully, it all seemed peaceful.
Aaravos looked back at Callum, Claudia, and Terry with a sly grin. "I could do something quite funny to the guest book."
"Don't," whispered Callum, realizing what Aaravos was implying.
Maybe he should be more concerned about Aaravos's behavior.
"I'll sign for us," said Viren. He put down false but close names for all of them. Callum stood on his tiptoes and could barely read what he'd written over Viren's shoulder.
"Caleb," muttered Callum.
One of the guards looked at Sir Sparklepuff inquisitively, leaning down to get a look at him under his top hat. "And who is this?"
"Our son," replied Aaravos evenly. Sir Sparklepuff leaned against Aaravos, happily hugging him from the side, head resting against his hip.
"Yes, uh." Viren paused for a moment. "Spark."
The guard smiled, waving them through. "Enjoy the wedding, little one."
Sir Sparklepuff bounded ahead of them towards the central pavilion. The rest of them followed the decorated path. Humans and elves who resided within the Sunfire city waved to them from the sidelines, mostly talking with each other and putting up last minute decorations.
Aaravos's expression turned wistful. Viren gently nudged him. "Yes?"
"It reminds me of the old days."
Callum put a hand on Aaravos's shoulder. "This is now, and it's here to stay."
Claudia and Terry exchanged a glance, taking each other's hand as they walked. "It sure is," said Claudia.
The pavilion was already crowded. To be honest, Callum wasn't sure how the gathered crowds would possibly fit inside. Peering around the people in front of them, Callum could make out a few chairs set in the innermost circle around the center. He caught a glimpse of familiar hair and a crown-
"Ezran!" he exclaimed.
Aaravos, who had not bothered to make his disguised self shorter, nodded in affirmation. "Visiting dignitaries get the closest seats. We'll take the topmost edge of the seats, if there's still room."
Viren also looked around, clearly doing mental mathematics. "Everyone won't fit."
"Hm." Aaravos nodded. "They'll likely amplify their voices with magic so those on the outside can hear as well. Elves have gotten good at this sort of thing."
As luck would have it, there was room up top for them in the outermost ring of seats to watch with a perfect vantage point. Callum trailed behind, hesitating as he glanced again over at Ezran. Ezran was talking to Queen Aanya, the other three monarchs Callum didn't recognize not far away.
Ezran almost seemed to sense him. He paused his conversation with Aanya, turning with Bait held in his arms.
Their eyes met.
Ezran waved. Callum waved back awkwardly and thought better of anything more. He followed Claudia up to their seats, sighing as he sat next to Aaravos.
"That was close," remarked Aaravos.
He shrugged. "It was nothing." Despite trying to play it off, Callum leaned forward to get a better look at everyone milling around.
Gren and Kazi stood near the center of the red and gold sun banner underfoot. A Sunfire mage was busy painting a sigil on each of their throats- sound boosting magic, he assumed. "Why do you use Sun magic to make yourself louder?"
"Moon is about hiding," replied Aaravos. "Sun is about being obnoxious."
Callum coughed to avoid a laugh as he remembered how many Sunfire Elves were around them. Claudia leaned forward to talk to Aaravos. "Sun heals though, right? At least it's substantial."
"Not a fan of Moonshadow Elves?" asked Aaravos with an already knowing smirk.
Claudia glanced down at the gathering of people in the center. Callum followed her eyes and gripped his seat. Rayla. Even in her usual outfit, she was the prettiest person in his sight. Rayla and Soren were flanking one of the private entrances to the enclave. Was that where Amaya would enter from?
Corvus was seated with a few other musicians off to the side. They were presumably tuning and warming up, although it was difficult to hear over the chatter around them.
The biggest guest surprises of all were the biggest guests.
A shadow passed overhead.
A hush fell over the crowd and people looked up as Zubeia circled down, gracefully alighting next to the pavilion in a small clearing. She nodded her head to the crowd, easily able to see inside and over the walls even though she was a little ways away.
When Callum thought it was just Zubeia, a nearby small, rocky hill moved. Rex Igneous uncurled from his camouflaged form next to Zubeia, raising his head to converse with her quietly, as though they were any other guests.
Callum's hair stood on end. He looked at Aaravos, whose expression had darkened into one of simmering fury upon seeing Zubeia's face. "We're here to make things better," reminded Callum.
Aaravos took a slow, deep breath, and Callum could sense how much restraint it'd taken to force himself to be calm. "I know." People went back to talking and gossiping among themselves as the arena filled.
The sun climbed higher in the sky, finally hitting its zenith.
Corvus and the other musicians exchanged glances. He brought his bow to his cello's strings and the ensemble began to play a cheerful tune, signalling the start to the ceremony. The audience fell quiet again as the song continued.
Queen Janai and General Amaya stepped out from either side of the circle, approaching the center of the sun pattern with perfectly synced steps. Their wedding attire was white trimmed with gold. Janai was in a dress, while Amaya was in more of a suit, which Callum had to agree his aunt looked best in.
They stopped in the center together. Callum could swear he could see Janai's smile, despite how far away he was.
Amaya deserved that kind of love.
He squirmed in his seat with excitement, as did Sir Sparklepuff a couple seats down.
Kazi raised their hands up to the sun and the music tapered off. Gren interpreted beside them, facing Amaya. Their voice was loud enough that everyone could comfortably hear, somehow the perfect volume. "Elves, dragons, humans- we welcome all of Xadia on this special day. Today, we unite under the sun to join together two kingdoms. With these two kingdoms come two customs. We shall perform the blessing of the sun, followed by the human tradition of the vows of matrimony."
There wasn't a single cloud overhead.
Janai and Amaya mirrored each other's movements, clasping hands as Kazi spoke. "Oh great Sun, giver of all life! Today, we ask you to grant your blessing, of love and light, of warmth and growth." Janai and Amaya traded ruby and gold necklaces. Callum already had to wipe his eyes. "We ask you to shine down upon the love of these two people." Amaya and Janai leaned close, foreheads touching as the moment ended.
Callum sniffled as he applauded with everyone else.
Gren took Kazi's place, but where callum was emotional, Gren was already bawling. He gave a shaky thumbs up to the crowd as he rubbed his eyes with his other hand. He spoke as he signed. "Oh gosh. Okay, give me a second. Here we go:
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of General Amaya of Katolis and Queen Janai of the Sunfire Elves." Gren pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket, preparing to blow his nose as his eyes watered again. "Oh. Nope. Okay. One of you has to say something now," he said as Kazi picked up the signing for him and the audience.
Janai reached out to Amaya, holding her hands with a gentle squeeze before letting go and signing as she spoke. She, too, had a sun rune on her voicebox that let everyone hear her. "Amaya, since we've met, you've shown me so much about the world that I had never dreamed of. You've shown me what true courage, compassion, and strength are. Above all, you've let me experience for myself that none of these things should isolate us or make us feel we bear our burdens alone, but that they allow us to grow together with love and be brave enough to be loved in return. I promise to spend the rest of my life learning how to be a better version of myself because I have you at my side to inspire me. You're the perfect future queen not only I, but our combined peoples, need too."
Amaya signed as Gren, able to speak again, translated, "What she said."
The crowd laughed, and Amaya smiled and signed in earnest.
"Janai, I wish I could say we had love at first sight, but we tried to kill each other." Another laugh. "However, that made our love that was more at second or third sight that much more powerful. You put your trust in me when you had no reason to see me as anyone but an enemy. Together, we got through to who both of us really are. I'd be here all day if I tried to list everything I love about you. You keep adding more to the list. However, I can toss out a couple. Someone needs to put it on the record that you're beautiful." Amaya grinned and continued, "In seriousness, you lead with your heart, not your pride. I've seen your care and thoughtfulness behind the armor you wear, and I know you'll continue to be a light for both sides of the Xadian border. Our future gives me hope. If we can figure out how to get along and even fall in love, so can anyone."
Janai laughed at that, taking Amaya's hands in hers. She looked to Kazi and Gren, eyebrows raised. "Well?"
Kazi and Gren spoke in unison, Kazi bouncing on their feet as Gren stopped fighting the tears. "You may kiss your bride!"
Amaya and Janai moved in at the same time, embracing each other for a kiss as cheers erupted from all around them. A few Sunfire and human attendants threw pink flower petals over them and the surrounding area. Callum clapped and sniffled, heart soaring with joy. "I'm so happy for her- even if we have to stay in these, I need to go congratulate her."
Viren poked his head out from behind Aaravos. "I'll go with you. The procession to the reception should be imminent."
He was right. Amaya and Janai led the way out of the pavilion to a cheering crowd and more flower petals outside, down a path to the clearing next to camp where the archdragons awaited them. The dignitaries from the human and elvish kingdoms and areas came next, followed by the musicians and personal guards. Rayla was still with Soren, escorting the musicians.
Callum groaned as everyone started to file out slowly. This was the one instance where he wished he could take advantage of being royal and be down there with Ezran.
"There's plenty of cake for everyone," assured Aaravos.
Terry had been sitting the furthest away from Callum, so Callum hadn't realized that Terry was crying. He lifted his tunic collar and put it to his face. "Ooooh, it was so beautiful!"
"I know!" gushed Callum, voice still a little rough from crying as well.
It felt longer than it actually took for them to make their way out of the pavilion and to the clearing. The two dragons sat at the head of the assembly, with seating set out for the brides with distinguished guests to either side. The entire area was outlined by two large rows of tables ladened with wedding treats. The entire set up felt like an outdoor ballroom, expanded to let commoner and noble alike inside.
As the musicians settled off to the side and set up their chairs again, Zubeia and Rex Igneous exchanged a glance and Rex Igneous nodded.
Zubeia spread her wings, speaking above the crowd.
"On behalf of every dragon in Xadia, I am delighted to give my blessing to this new union between Queen Janai and our new queen, Queen Amaya." Zubeia inclined her head to an elf nearby to her. "We present you with a crown of Sunfire make, forged long before the time of Aditi. May you guide Xadia well."
Amaya knelt, head bowed as the elf attendant placed a ruby and gold crown on her head. She rose back up to more cheering and applause, taking Janai's hand and raising their hands together.
Rex Igneous spoke next. "Queen Janai already has her crown, so my gift is more personal. These horn cuffs were made before the continent was divided- by a human. They're yours now, so that we may return to happier times."
An Earthblood elf Callum wasn't sure if he recognized or not from a distance presented Amaya with a pair of horn cuffs. Janai knelt and Amaya carefully slid them onto her horns. When Janai rose to her feet there was more applause.
Janai started to speak. "Now, as is customary-"
Amaya gestured to the small orchestra with a motion that could only be interpreted as, "Hit it!"
Corvus and the rest of the group seamlessly began to play a waltz. Janai and Amaya took the center of the grass carpeted dance hall and completed one dance around it before bowing and retreating to their seats. Callum could barely see the sigils on Janai, Gren, and Kazi's necks fade- the speeches for the day were over.
Now the festivities could begin.
Couples began pairing off on the dance floor as others took the chance to finally start partaking in the finger foods and desserts laid out for them. Callum could hardly decide what to do first, but his choice was made for him.
Viren nudged Callum. "The line to greet the queens is already forming."
Callum followed Viren as Aaravos, Sir Sparklepuff, Claudia, and Terry split off and made a direct path towards the cakes. Everyone ahead of them got a few moments to present the queens with a gift or offer a greeting. Callum glanced up at Viren, trying to read him. "Are you nervous?"
"It's a risk to do this," replied Viren. "But I'm sure we should."
They finally got to the front of the line, Janai and Amaya seated regally before them with Gren and Kazi off to either side and Zubeia and Rex Igneous behind them.
Viren froze.
Callum elbowed him.
Amaya narrowed her eyes, leaning forward and peering at the both of them. Uh oh. Just when Callum thought he may have to leap in, Viren got it together.
"Congratulations!" signed Viren. His movements were technically correct, but his expression was a mix of concentration and confusion. Callum did his best to not laugh at Viren seeming so unsure as he kept going. "I wish you all the best in your future together."
Amaya's expression softened, all suspicion gone. She rushed forward and hugged Viren. Viren let himself be slightly picked up off the ground in the hug, awkwardly patting her shoulder back. Callum let himself actually laugh. Once he caught Amaya's eye and she set Viren down, Callum signed, "I'm so happy for you!"
"Thank you." Amaya smiled at him. "Love can overcome many barriers."
Callum and Viren walked away, avoiding the dancers for the moment and going for the food. Viren exhaled slowly, tension draining out of his shoulders. "Whew."
"That went pretty well," said Callum.
"Yes, it's obvious why she didn't recognize me." Viren's tone was heavy. "The old me had never tried."
Callum took a plate and grabbed himself a fruit tart with fruit arranged on top to look like a flower. "Then it's a good thing you're still here to make it right! Your signing was funny, though."
"Funny?"
"Your face made it seem like there should be a question mark at the end of every sentence."
Viren chuckled. "Ah. Oh well."
All seven cakes of Xadia were present and laid out in little squares at the most popular table yet. Viren looked at the gaggle of people clustered around it and shook his head. "I presume Aa- my partner got one of every kind to try, so I'll go bother him."
"Hey!" Callum opened his mental connection to Aaravos as Viren left, sending a thought through. Can I have some of your cake too?
No. Heart emoji
"How did you send that symbol to my head?" muttered Callum. "Whatever." So Aaravos would make him have to stand in line, fine. He set his sights on the rose champagne cake but nearly dropped the fruit tart he already had when he noticed who was standing at the end of the table.
Rayla loved dancing, but she seemed to be playing the role of posted guard, scanning the crowd around her every few seconds, eyes moving from the lines of people getting refreshments to the dancers in the middle with a slight scowl. For who, Callum had a self centered guess. For Aaravos was the obvious answer, but also, after all this time...
Callum ate the entire tart in one bite without even tasting it and set his plate aside on the first blank surface he saw. He rushed to Rayla the moment he could speak.
"May I have this dance?" he asked, extending his hand towards her, desperately hoping that she could see through his magical Skywing disguise with the same ease as she could see through his leaves and accent Earthblood disguise.
Rayla started, not expecting conversation, it seemed.
She stared at him.
"You've got sunberry on your face."
"Oh! Oh, sorry." Callum grabbed a napkin and wiped his face, spinning around to talk to her. "Better?"
Rayla fought down a smile. "Yeah, you got it all off."
"So… back to my question…" This was so much more difficult now that she didn't know it was him. At the same time, he was so happy to talk to her again that he felt lightheaded. No matter how many barriers between them, being with Rayla would always feel like being home. He extended his hand again. "Would you like to dance?"
"I just want to get something straight," said Rayla, arms folded. "You see an on duty Moonshadow guard in a less than stellar mood, and you ask her to dance? Are you brave, or just stupid?"
Oh, he was smitten.
Callum couldn't help but smile. "I'd like to think I'm the most endearing mix of both."
Rayla took his hand in hers, giving it a squeeze. Callum's stomach swooped with joy. Could she tell it was him? She smiled back. "Good answer. I like that."
He was rooted to the field, unable to process that she was with him again, holding his hand.
"Hello in there?" Rayla tapped the side of his head. "You asked me to dance, right?"
"Yes! Yeah, yes, I did! Let's go!" Callum almost tripped over his own feet as he led her out to dance. Rayla laughed behind him and he grinned, taking her other hand and settling into the tempo of the spirited song in the background. He caught sight of Claudia and Terry dancing away from them in the corner of his eye and he hoped they wouldn't notice him with Rayla.
Rayla was so natural to dance with that it was eerie how well they fell into step together. Callum had to begrudgingly admit that Aaravos's dance lessons had paid off. She seemed to finally relax as they got into the song. "So, you never told me your name."
"Isn't being a handsome stranger enough?"
She pressed, but with a playful lift in her voice. "Oh, but I'm still on duty. I'm investigating you. You're suspicious."
"Oh, really?" Callum found this new game of theirs to be more fun than he'd expected. "What else would you need to know?"
"Where you're from, for starters."
The truth, Katolis, would make no sense for his disguise.
"The- the sky," he stammered.
She chuckled. "Okay, sky boy. Got a good one for your name yet?"
"Caleb."
"You seem more like a Jack."
"Maybe I should be asking your name," he replied smoothly.
She blushed. "Rayla, of the Silvergrove."
Callum stalled. "Oh, you just answered both questions at once. I'd better get another one for you."
"Since when were you supposed to be asking me questions anyway?" teased Rayla.
"Guess it just happened." Callum held her out and spun her, savoring the moment she was fully in his arms. They resumed dancing and he, by some miracle, kept himself steady without blurting out his real name, address, and favorite food. "Was there someone you were looking for in particular, here?"
Rayla made a show of thinking about it. She laid her hands on his shoulders as the music slowed. "Well, there is one person."
"Try me."
"He's a human." Rayla smiled. The soft look in her eyes made Callum's chest seize with adoration. "So you probably don't know him. He's the missing prince."
Missing?
Of course, Callum had all but vanished from public life. It hadn't hit him until then. Not that he'd been that involved outside of court, but months away would make people worry. "You love him?"
"I do. I always will."
Rayla's eyes were his very favorite color, he decided.
Callum's hands rested on her waist as the music slowed. This throat was tight, but he managed to keep his voice level.
"It sounds just like a fairytale."
The world seemed to vanish except for just them, holding each other close.
Rayla laid a hand on his cheek, leaning close. "If this was a fairytale…"
Callum's heart pounded. "Then you'd know exactly what to do."
His lips met hers.
Rayla kissed him softly, but every motion seemed to radiate yearning. Callum guided her closer so they were flush against each other, eyes falling closed. He'd missed her so much he hadn't dared to dwell on getting to talk to her again, much less kiss considering the circumstances.
Unknown to them, Soren stood by Corvus, watching the dance. Soren scratched his head. "Hey Corvus. Rayla doesn't seem the type to get a new boyfriend without seeing Callum again, right?"
"Absolutely not." Corvus looked up from his cello. "Why do you ask?" He looked at where Soren was staring. "You don't think…"
"I'll go give the signal!" Soren took off running in the direction of the sun seed tree.
Callum smiled into their kiss, pressing his forehead to hers as they stayed close. "What gave me away?" he whispered.
"Your everything," replied Rayla. "The first look on your face."
"Really?"
"Well, I had my theories, but then it was all confirmed by one thing." She kissed his cheek. "I can feel you have five fingers under whatever this spell is, sky boy."
Callum laughed, realizing she'd known practically the whole time. "You caught me."
He didn't realize just how thoroughly they'd been caught. Moments later, a circle of sunlight blasted out from the main complex, the ray passing through everyone as it kicked up a strong wind. Callum looked at his hands, realizing he was back to looking human in his old clothes.
"Whew," exhaled Rayla. "Oh, I'm thrilled it really is you."
"You sounded so confident a moment ago!" exclaimed Callum.
"Yeah, but it was still weird not seeing you as you!"
Their face to face reunion was cut short by gasps and a few screams close by.
Aaravos, now in his full Startouch glory, was unperturbed as a circle of people suddenly gave him and Viren a wide berth. Viren tensed, staying close to Aaravos but clearly ready to bolt.
"Aaravos," stated Janai, rising to her feet, all eyes on the two of them. "So you did come here."
Aaravos shoved a final bite of peach frosting in his mouth, taking his time. He handed the plate off to Viren. "I was invited, wasn't I?" He stepped out into the now clear field, gesturing to everyone around them on the outskirts. "Your guests are awfully jumpy, Your Majesty. I would speak of their rudeness, but here I am, empty handed on your wedding day. It's a shame favors are intangible."
Janai kept her voice steady. "Yes, we worded it so you would be welcome."
"Welcome, but not as myself."
"What are your intentions?"
"Surely someone passed on my message that I'd repair your Sunforge." Aaravos spotted Ezran near Amaya and folded his hands. "And he's even here. Good. So you already know."
Amaya signed as Gren translated. "And what else?"
Aaravos turned his head upwards, facing Zubeia, mask of calm instantly devolving into a sneer. His hatred was palatable in his tone. "What indeed?"
Callum's stomach lurched.
Amaya gave a signal. "Arrest Viren!"
"No!" shouted Callum. Rayla didn't stop him as he ran to Viren, signing to Amaya as he yelled, "Don't! I'll vouch for him, you don't need to arrest him! He isn't a threat!" Claudia, Terry, and Sir Sparklepuff gathered behind Viren as well, everyone back to their regular form. Sir Sparklepuff didn't quite understand the gravity of the situation and took the plate of cake from Viren, finishing off the pieces on it.
Aaravos looked at his nails. "If anyone lays a hand on him they'll no longer have it," he warned.
Amaya hesitated but waved her hand down, calling off the guards who had tentatively assembled. "Callum, come here! You can be safe here!"
"No!" shouted Callum, signing it too. Rayla looked at him, dejected. He averted his eyes from her for the moment, too tense about Aaravos to think about anything else, praying it would fizzle into nothing.
Zubeia glowered down at Aaravos. "What is this, Aaravos? Do you trust your odds, two against one?"
"Zubeia." Reg Igneous growled.
"Who's fallen into whose trap, hm?" mused Aaravos. He started to hover above the ground, floating up as he addressed the dragons. A spark of magic crackled on his skin. "Those odds are good, now that you mention it."
Callum could see the barely contained rage inside of Aaravos. Zubeia tensed, as did Rex Igneous. People were already running away.
Callum couldn't believe it.
Aaravos went to strike first.
"STOP!" screamed Callum.
He didn't even hear himself conjure his own wings as he shot up into the air. Aaravos's entire body glowed with the power of a spell he only barely managed to hold back as Callum got in his way.
"Callum!"
Storm clouds swirled around them as Zubeia also crackled with energy, her eyes alight as Rex Igneous's body began glowing with fire. Zubeia thumped her tail on the ground, the lightning bolt she'd been conjuring shooting off harmlessly into the then darkened sky. "Callum, get down!" she commanded.
"Aaravos, stop it!" insisted Callum, close enough that he'd be stuck in the crossfire no matter what.
"Callum, stand aside." Aaravos's deadly calm sent a thrill of fear through Callum's body, but he shook his head, flying wherever Aaravos tried to go, spreading his wings wide so there was always a risk Aaravos or the dragons would hit him if they tried to go for each other.
"No."
Aaravos's jaw clenched, his eyes glowing with the full power of the stars. Callum had never seen him so determined or angry before. "I won't ask again, Callum-"
"Then hit me."
Aaravos flinched.
I swear I won't let you get hurt.
Callum was defiant, even if his heart was pounding and on the verge of breaking. He held Aaravos's loathing gaze, adrenaline keeping him afloat. It was like being in the eye of a hurricane, waiting for the storm to hit any moment. "Hit me and break your promise," he repeated. Even if Aaravos only tried to blow him away with wind, it could injure him.
Aaravos clenched his fist. "You don't understand, you never will-"
There was one last card to pull, one that Callum had never wanted to use.
"Do you love me?" he blurted out.
After all of their months together, he was certain he knew the answer. The answer was in the memories he had of Aaravos's cloak draped around his shoulders in the cold. The answer was in those early days when Aaravos hadn't let his patience wear thin. The answer was in his most prized tome, an entire manuscript by Aaravos from their time in Evenere. The answer was in the times Aaravos, despite everything, always made time for Callum when he sincerely needed it. The answer was clear every day.
He'd let Callum into a crevice of his heart, a crack which had grown into a sanctuary for them both.
Callum had always wondered why, why when Aaravos must have known he could use it against him like this. Aaravos of all people understood it was a certain power to have over someone, and he'd freely given it to Callum.
The isolation was worse than the trust, the trust Callum was testing at its most extreme.
Aaravos's expression softened, his eyes returning to normal.
"Dearly."
Callum felt near collapsing from the stress and Aaravos sensed it, sweeping him up in his arms, holding Callum close and safely as Callum trembled and rambled, begging into Aaravos's shoulder for him to not fight.
Aaravos gently landed on the ground, still holding Callum.
The silence in the clearing was thick. The clouds were still dark overhead, but Zubeia and Rex Igneous stood down, magic fading out as Aaravos's had.
"What is he to you?" asked Zubeia, amazement resounding in her tone. "I've never witnessed such a thing."
Aaravos stroked Callum's hair. He was affectionate when looking at Callum, but seethed as he met her eyes. "Someone kind. Unlike you."
Rex Igneous sighed. "There's no end in which everyone is appeased. What's done is done."
Zubeia's tail swished on the ground. "Is that what this is about?"
"Three hundred years." Aaravos grit his teeth, Callum aware that his body was the only thing stopping the dam of rage inside of Aaravos from breaking open. "Three hundred years of isolation after your betrayal, and not a single word to me. You're dead to me."
She inhaled sharply and Callum braced for a beam of lightning after all.
Instead, Zubeia spoke softly, words weighted with grief. "Do you know why?"
"Do tell," Aaravos bristled. Callum felt a droplet of water hit his cheek. Aaravos's tears.
Zubeia lowered her head, eyes held on them as she got close.
"One look at you like this, and I would have wanted to free you myself."
Aaravos stared. He broke eye contact first, lowering his face into Callum's hair as he took ragged breaths.
Rex Igneous looked to Janai, who nodded, and back to Aaravos. "Go," he said. "Prove the Wise One we knew is still inside you."
"You'll let us all pass," stated Aaravos. A command, not a question. "My family and I."
Amaya and Ezran both stared at Callum at the implication of those words. Aaravos finally let Callum go out of his embrace as the others gathered behind them. It was a straight shot out into the wastes between them and the corrupted skies of Lux Aurea.
Janai nodded to the nearby guards. "Let them go."
Aaravos led the way, not looking behind him or hesitating. Callum, Viren, Claudia, Terry, and Sir Sparklepuff followed.
Amaya and Viren locked eyes. She signed, Gren translating. "I've been mistaken to trust you before. Keep him safe, or else."
Viren bowed his head. "I swear it." Ezran also kept his eyes on Viren, only giving the smallest nod as Viren walked past.
They left and the guards remade the perimeter, the ceremony at an awkward close as Aaravos and his company departed into the distance.
Janai sighed, looking at everyone who'd stayed, which was still most people. "We avoided a fight, barely."
Corvus watched them closely. "Shouldn't someone follow them?"
"No," replied Amaya with Gren. "Lux Aurea is already steeped in magical corruption. It's too dangerous to lose most people to tailing them. I'm anxious, but we have to trust them. I trust Callum."
Soren and Corvus loitered near the other musicians. Soren sighed. "Should I say it? About my dad crashing another one of our dates?"
"You just did."
"Guess I did."
Janai took charge naturally. "Guests are free to stay as long as they need, and to help themselves to any remaining refreshments. Now as far as patrol goes…"
Rayla glared at the ground as everyone around her talked amongst themselves, determination growing by the second. It drowned out all else.
Callum seemed safe with Aaravos. She'd seen it for herself now.
But a deeper part of her was in anguish without him.
She was done letting him leave.
"Too dangerous?" she muttered to herself, pulling her hood up as Stella climbed onto her shoulder. Rayla made for the cover of the trees, sneaking out of sight and towards Lux Aurea. "Not if it's for him."
This is the final update before S7! Thank you for reading, and please leave a comment if you liked it! It helps a lot. The rest of the fic is planned out so I will keep updating.