248"What if…you came back to Katolis with me?"
"What if you stayed here in the Storm Spire with me?" she retorted, rolling onto her stomach and stretching out her arms. Rayla hadn't meant her words to sound…sharp. Not…entirely, at least.
It wasn't the first time he had asked her to come go back with him. In fact, it was seeming to become a tradition. Whenever Callum visited her in Xadia, he would just shy of beg her to return with him. She did visit sometimes—when she got time off from being the leader of The Dragonguard. But it was far and few between and though Callum was busy enough with his ownduties as High Mage of Katolis, it often was up to him to make the trip.
Probably wasn't fair, she had to admit. And she did make the trip herself—often enough. But she had a duty. A duty that she could not forsake. And that duty required her to stay in one place. The Storm Spire.
"Yeah, but," Callum began, sitting up.
Rayla sighed. "Callum…" she began. "I have a—"
"Duty, I know." Callum's voice was tense. "It's just…we've been together for almost twelve years now, Rayla. And…I just think…we should probably…"
"Probably what?"
"Think about where our relationship is going," Callum said these words quietly.
Rayla frowned, before propping herself up on her elbows. She glanced at Callum with raised eyebrows. "Like…?"
"You know," Callum was blushing now.
Oh no…Rayla knew what was coming next. She knew, because it had happened once before. Once before, when they were far, far too young to make it a reality, even for humans. "Callum…"
"I love you Rayla," he blurted out. "And you love me, and we love each other—and we're no longer kids, and I just think it's time that you and I…you know…stand-before-an-alter-and-declare-our-love-for-each-other-like—publicly, you know, in front of all our…friends and family…"
She stared at him, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Callum…" she began.
"And I know, you have a duty but—"
"Callum," she tried again.
"And I know that we're still pretty young to marry, by elven standards," he continued.
"Callum" she said, "I...I need to think about it."
He blinked, before nodding slowly. "Think about it," he said, frowning. "Right."
"It's not that I don't want to," she added.
"No, no—I think you said something like that…the last time, too," he said, now pointedly not looking at her.
"Callum," she said, sitting up and and reaching out for him. "It's…I want to marry you. I do! I love you, and…i want to spend the rest of our lives together, what time we have together…"
"Yeah?" he asked, turning away from her just as her hand reached him. "Why does it seem like that's not true?"
She frowned. "Callum, that isn't fair. We both have—"
"Don't say 'duty'," Callum said, a little bitingly.
"But it's true," she said, drawing back her hand. "Callum, I do want to marry you—but I have responsibilities."
"Did you ever think about the fact that you're an elf? And I'm a human?" he asked.
"Of course, I'm well aware of this," Rayla said, a little humorously.
"Did it ever occur to you that there might be a time where you'll be alive and I'm not?"
That sobered her. She was aware—they talked about it at times, and she thought about it often. She hated being far from each other. She hated that their responsibilities kept them apart from each other. "I know," she said, quietly.
"I know you do want to marry me," he said. "It's just…sometimes it feels like our responsibilities are more important than…us."
Rayla drew her knees to her chest, hugging her legs to herself.
"Lately I've been thinking about what my dad told me once," he said quietly. "About how children are freer than a king. About how kids think being an adult will give you all the freedom in the world. But the truth is, that's just not true. And he was right."
Rayla let out a breath. "He was, I think," she said. She tucked her chin behind her knees, hiding her face from Callum—though she was fairly sure he wasn't looking at her. "Callum," she said, "If I ask you to wait for me—wait for me to…make my decision. I promise I won't take long, I just have to find a suitable replacement for the head of the Dragonguard and…But I don't want to promise you anything until I know I can find someone who can keep Zym and the Storm Spire safe. Can you…wait for me?"
Rayla felt Callum's hands on her arm, and she looked up, to see him gazing at her with a smile. A sad smile. "Yes," he said, quietly. "Yes, Rayla. I'll wait forever."
She returned his smile, and he kissed her.
"Just don't make me wait too long," he added, breaking off the kiss. "I mean, I have a sub-century life expectancy after all."
Rayla let out a small laugh, and they kissed again, laying back down on her bed, their hands entwining.
Callum's visit was only three weeks, less than usual. He could only usually take off a month or two a year to come visit her, and her even less time to visit him. It was grueling—but they tried to make the most of their visits together.
Rayla ran the whetstone across her blade, enjoying the echoing ring it made in the large hall, before wincing when she felt a nauseating twinge in her gut. Damn that Yehven, she thought bitterly. She should never have let the newbie cook dinner. He was horrendous apparently.
She looked up, realizing with a shock that Callum had entered the room. "Callum," she said, standing up. "I thought you had left."
"I…wanted to say goodbye before I left again," he said. "It'll be a long way back and I while I can fly, I'm afraid my companions…don't. They still need to finish preparations."
"Right," she said, walking up to him. She threw her arms around him, kissing him heartily.
"Are you alright?" he asked, suddenly, as if remembering something. "You were sick last night."
"Oh," Rayla frowned, placing a hand on her stomach. "Yeah, there was something wrong with the meal that Yehven made. He must have used a spoiled ingredient."
"Really? What did you eat—I'm fine," Callum asked, frowning.
"Bummer," Rayla said, giving him a hard nudge in the ribs. "Otherwise you'd have to stay longer and I could tend to your wee little human body."
"There's nothing 'wee' or 'little' about this human body," he said, a little huskily as he grabbed her and pulled her into a kiss.
She smiled against his lips as she returned his kiss.
"So," he whispered. "Have you thought about it?"
"About…?" she asked, her heart sinking as she realized what he was asking.
"You know, about my question," he said, and his hopeful expression made her heart sink more. And almost shatter. He looked so hopeful. So eager. "My…proposal."
"It's only been two weeks, Callum," she said. "And technically, you haven't done anything official—not by Moonshadow Elf standards at least."
"Okay, that's not my fault," Callum pointed out. "No Moonshadow Elf will tell me what those are and Ethari only told me when we were drinking once and—I was drinking so I don't remember much." Callum gave a small, boyish pout. "You elves are super secretive with your proposal rituals."
"I know," she said, enjoying his frustration a little too much.
"Plus," Callum added, "I can't wait until a Blue Moon to propose to you, Rayla—I mean, I'm twenty-seven. Do you know how rare Blue Moons are?"
"Yup," Rayla said, smirking at him.
"If this is some elaborate scheme to tell me you're not ready to get engaged then—"
She kissed him, and he seemed to melt again into her embrace. She loved when he did that. "Right," he said, a little dazed as she drew away. "But still, how much time do you think you'll need?"
"Not a lot," she said. "Just…give me a year." At his disappointed face, she bristled. "Callum—you're asking me to give up...everything I've worked for. To marry you! And I want to—to marry you. It's just…" she sighed. "This is so important to me. I can't give it all up just to marry you. Not yet. I'm sorry if that's harsh, but it's the truth. If I asked you to give up being High Mage—to leave Katolis and Ezran, and friends and all your people, and come here and live here in the Storm Spire with me, for the rest of your life, would you be able to just…give it all up just like that?"
Callum let out a frustrated breath through his noise. "No," he said, finally.
"Exactly," she said, firmly. "So…I've got to make sure I'm ready for this. So I don't end up resenting you—resenting us, someday. And, I have to make sure that whomever replaces me has the same standards and sense of duty that I do."
He didn't say anything for a short while. "I know it's a lot to ask of you," he said. "And I wish I could just drop everything and come here and live with you here—I do! So…I get it. I get why you can't just up and leave. I get why you have to do the right thing, in the right order. But…I can't wait forever, Rayla," Callum said. "And if we have this many doubts about our future—if we're both this hesitant about it…then…"
"Callum," she said, her eyes widening. "Callum, what are you saying?"
For once, Callum said nothing.
Her jaw tensed. "Fine," she said. "Fine—that's…just fine. If that's how you feel."
He looked up at her, his own eyes widening. "Rayla, that's not what I—"
"Oh, I think that's exactly what you meant," she said, taking a step away from him. She met his gaze. "Because I'm not willing to give up my entire life to marry you, our relationship but not be 'going somewhere'."
"Rayla," he tried to cut in.
"Well," she said, crossing her arms. "Then here's my answer. Since you're not willing to give up your entire life to marry me…Then my answer is no."
His mouth fell open slightly, his eyes widening more. "Rayla…" he began. "I didn't mean it like—"
Footsteps interrupted him, and one of his traveling companions stepped into the hall. "My lord," the man said, bowing. "Our preparations are finished. We are ready to return to Katolis."
Rayla kept Callum's gaze, refusing to break it first—and refusing to let herself cry. They stood like that, gazing at each other for what seemed like eternity.
"Fine," Callum said, a bit forcefully. "I'll be right there."
The man glanced between them, clearly feeling awkward, before quickly making his escape. Callum and Rayla continued to glare at each other, before Callum turned on his heels and left the room, his angry footfalls echoing in the cave-like hall.
Rayla let out a frustrated groan, pulling at her hair slightly, before sending one, last, frustrated glare in the direction Callum had left in, before grabbing her weapons and their cleaning supplies and heading out of the hall in the opposite direction.
Callum held off reacting to the fact that he and Rayla had apparently just…he didn't even want to think about it. Not in those terms. Not in anything definite.
He and Rayla had split up before—twice. Once when they were still young and still not ready or mature enough for a long-term relationship, and second…the last time he had proposed.
She must really not want to marry him. Callum nose twitched in frustration. It was frustrating, because he knew that she loved him. He didn't doubt that. And he knew that she knew that he loved her.
So why did it have to be so hard for them to be together? The capitol of Katolis was weeks away from the Storm Spire. A month, at least, when traveling with other people. Which dwindled down the amount of time he was able to send with her each year.
But did she make such sacrifices when visiting him? No. He was lucky if she came once every two years. He nudged his mount ahead, leaving his companions behind a little ways.
Yes, it was unfair of him to ask her to leave her position as leader of the Dragonguard to come and marry him. To leave her home and come live in the human realms. Though humans and elves were able to pass freely from one realm to the other…there was still some animosity between the two races, and Katolis and Duren were the only safe havens of the human realms where elves could live in peace. The other human realms were…tolerating of elves. Barely. Not really. And did not allow elves to step foot in their lands. Not without explicit permission.
And even in Katolis, there was still some levels of mistrust amongst some. Rayla's life wouldn't be easy. And he knew how much being part of the Dragonguard meant to her—how it kept the memory of her parents alive and honored them.
He let out a frustrated groan. Why did it have to be so complicated? Why couldn't they just be kids again where they could do as they pleased and not have to worry about the fate of the world resting on their responsibilities and duties, not just their actions and beliefs?
They made camp that night, and Callum sat against a tree, not feeling up to joining in conversation with his traveling companions tonight. He looked up every time he heard something in the forest—expecting Rayla to appear.
The first time they broke up, they had made amends a week later, after heated feelings had cooled and they were able to see things clearly. The second time, she had chased him down that night, apologizing and asking for time.
He wouldn't care if she asked for time again—he understood why she needed it, even if it hurt. He just wanted to see her again. He just wanted to know, and to assure her, that everything would be alright. That he loved her and while he hated being so far apart from each other, he would wait forever for her. Even if the day they were able to be together permanently never came. It was enough to be with each other from a distance.
That even though he couldn't give up his responsibilities right now, he still loved her more than anything.
But she never came that night. Nor the night after.
Rayla straightened her back, gritting her teeth as she felt the urge the hurl again. "Damn that Yehven," she growled, gripping the sides of the bucket she had nestled between her legs. If she could help it, she was never eating anything Yehven made ever again.
The newbie was clearly a monster in the kitchen.
There was a loud knock at the door, and Rayla instantly reached for one of her daggers, ready to throw it at the door and punish whomever was trying to disturb her already unrestful night. When she heard another knock, she forcefully took the bucket and placed it on the ground next to her, before getting out of bed and walking to the door. She pulled it open, seeing Uvyno standing before her.
"Well?" she demanded. "What is it?"
"It's Yehven," the Earthblood Elf said, looking distraught. "He's missing."
Rayla frowned. "He never came back from patrol?" she asked, suddenly feeling concerned. Yehven was a capable young elf—but he was young and a bit reckless. And not as capable as more seasoned warriors such as herself and the other members of the Dragonguard. "Hold on," she said, closing the door and rushing over to get dressed. She felt another bout of nausea.
When she found Yehven she would tell him he was never allowed near the kitchens again.
Three of the Dragonguard, including Rayla and Uvyno, set out that night—looking the reaches around the Dragon Spire for Yehven. But there was nothing in sight. Even Zym, how was no longer a baby hatchling, but had grown into an adolescent dragon, almost big enough for Rayla to ride, joined in the search, eager to help and be of use—but he was unsuccessful as well. And soon they shooed him back to Queen Zubeia, who was uneasy whenever her still very young son was away for too long.
They found no trace of Yehven.
"Do you think he deserted?" Uvyno asked.
"No," Rayla shook her head. "No, I personally recruited Yehven. He wouldn't do that. He was passionate about being part of the Dragonguard. He would never just run away. I mean, he used to ask permission for bathroom breaks during dinner."
"Yeah, but…how come there isn't even a sign of a struggle?" Uvyno said.
"We must have missed something," she said. "Or maybe he found something is is scouting it out. You know how good Earthblood Elves are at covering their tracks. Maybe he's onto something big."
"If so, we should be careful," Uvyno said. "And wait his return."
Rayla nodded, before turning away from her fellow guards and placing a hand on her churning stomach. It was daybreak, and morning was here. A week of nausea had exhausted her. Luckily it was only in the early hours of the—
Rayla froze, and Uvyno almost bumped into her.
"What is it?" Uvyno demanded worriedly.
Rayla shook her head, her eyes widening, before she took off at a run, heading towards the Storm Spire.
She must have realized what it would have looked like, booking for the Storm Spire with as much panic as if a battalion of enemies was marching up to it. By the time she reached Ibis' chamber, half the guard were alarmed enough to follow her, demanding to know if they were under attack.
"No," she said, spinning on her heels. Uvyno, who had followed her all the way to Ibis' chambers, frowned as she continued to speak. "I'm ill, and I need to speak to Ibis. Please go back to your posts or beds."
She spun on her heel and opened Ibis' doors, stepping in and closing it behind her, ignoring the people on the other side.
She let out a shaky breath, before calling out Ibis' name.
The door on the other side of the room opened, and Ibis stood in the threshold, looking thoroughly ruffled. "What is it?" he asked, narrowing his eyes at her. "You do realize what time of night it is?"
"It's morning, actually," Rayla corrected, not sure if she was feeling nauseated because of…or because she was scared of what she might confirm.
"Right," Ibis said, a little flatly. "Now, what is it that has you rushing in here in such a state?"
"I'm…" Rayla swallows hard. "I think I'm pregnant, Ibis. Can you check? Make sure?"
Ibis' eyes widened. "Callum's?" he asked, a little shocked.
She nodded.
"Interesting," he said, turning and walking over to one of his work tables. "Though you are not the only human and elf to be in a relationship, there have been no known successful pregnancies before…and even those who do manage to succeed in conceiving are…usually never long in a permanent state of pregnancy."
"I know," Rayla said, a little shakily, feeling her heart suddenly constrict. What if she was pregnant and…and…
Ibis had the grace to look slightly abashed. "I'm sorry, Rayla. I didn't mean to make this situation more—"
"Just," Rayla put up her hands to silence him, "Just check and see."
"Right," Ibis said, walking over to her with a book. "Sit down—you'll be more comfortable."
Rayla walked over to a chair and sat down, waiting for the verdict. She nearly shook with a concoction of emotions and feelings, as Ibis knelt down before her. He reached out for her, before glancing up at her with a questioning look on his face. She nodded, and he placed a hand on her belly, closing his eyes.
She felt warmth as gentle magic pulsed through her midsection.
"Fascinating," Ibis said. "You are indeed pregnant."
"What?" Rayla felt almost faint. She was pregnant? With Callum's child? Well, of course with Callum's child, but…with a child that was half human?
Ibis was correct—humans and elves turned out to be more difficult to procreate with each other than originally assumed. And though some humans and elves were able to conceive, rare as it was, as far as she knew none were successful pregnancies that last more than a few months.
Ibis stood up. "It's still too early to tell if…" he began, before breaking off what he was going to say and glancing at her, looking apologetic. "But still," he said. "I feel that the life inside you is strong. It might survive."
She nodded, swallowing again. She placed a hand on her belly, feeling both nauseas and excited and petrified and… "And…" she began, "What should I do to ensure the child does survive?" she asked.
Ibis shook his head. "Don't do anything too reckless—at this stage, even a normal pregnancy might not be successful. Once we are past the first trimester, we will know how big a chance there is."
Rayla nodded, before standing up. "Thank you, Ibis," she said, turning and heading towards the door.
"Rayla," Ibis said, stopping her in her tracks. She turned to look at him. "Congratulations," he said, smiling at her.
She nodded, not smiling back, and headed out of his workroom and towards her own chambers.
When she reached her own chambers, and had closed the door behind her, she leaned against it, breathing heavily.
She was pregnant.
She was actually pregnant.
She wasn't sure if she was more petrified or happy. She and Callum sometimes spoke of having a family—it was unrealistic, given how far away from each other they were, to have children. But it was something they both were open to.
She had to tell him.
She sprang towards her desk, sitting down and drawing out a piece of parchment. If she sent a message now, she would catch him before he leaves Xadia. Then he would have time to turn around and return, and they could discuss what to do next.
After all, her being pregnant did solidify her resolve. She smiled slightly as she began writing.
She would say yes. She would marry him. Not just because she was pregnant, though that the catalyst for her finally making a decision. But because she wanted to.
But also because she was pregnant.
And their child should grow up with both of them raising them.
She kissed the seal of the letter, in it the news of wondrous, amazing life and the answer to the question he had long been waiting for.
She hoped he was not too angry with her still, as she watched the messenger bird fly towards the west. Hopefully he would return, or send word, and they could figure out a way to be together.
She heaved a breath, before looking down at herself. It was still too early to see any difference physically. She could only be four or five weeks pregnant at most.
She slowly rested her hand on her belly, wishing she had magic so she could feel the life inside her like Ibis could. Perhaps when the pregnancy progressed...if it—No. She couldn't think like that.
When the pregnancy progressed, perhaps the Moon Arcanum would allow her to have a connection to the child. After all, the child was half Moonshadow elf.
And half human.
She let out a small smile, watching as the messenger bird disappeared into the clouds.
She wondered how Callum would react. And how soon it would be until he returned to her.
To them.
The messenger bird flew tirelessly, for almost six hours in the bright sunlight. Soaring high above in the sky, its eyes trained on the ground for any sight of the human the elf had set its tracking on.
The bird let out a squawk of surprise as a sudden blast of magic shot out from the ground and nearly tore its wings off. Dodging a few more blasts, the bird let out a cry of pain, which cut off suddenly, when a blast of magic was successful in hitting it, killing it instantly.
The bird fell to the earth, landing on the ground with a heavy thump.
Two hands—human hands—picked it up, turning it over until the tube carrying the message was revealed. "Interesting," the man holding it said. He took the tube and dropped the bird unceremoniously onto the ground. He removed the message from the tube, and unfurled it. "Very interesting."
"What is it?" a woman's voice asked, from somewhere behind him.
"It looks like a happy family is forming," the man said, as the letter burst into flame in his hands. He tilted his hands once it had finished burning, letting the ashes fall onto the bird. "Our dear old friends have created something precious."
"Oh?" the woman stepped up beside him, glancing at the ashes. "And what is that, Dad?"
"An abomination," the man said, a greedy tone in his voice. "A powerful and useful abomination."
To be continued…?
Thanks for reading!
As mentioned in the story, it takes place 12 years after season 3, and as of right now, Season 4 hasn't even been announced or confirmed, so if s4 does eventually get released, and debunks everything in this fic, that's why lol!
Anyway, thanks again for reading! Hoped you liked it so far! Let me know if you'd like me to continue!