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Castings
In the aftermath of the war, Katolis was slowly rebuilding. The scars of the conflict were still fresh, but there was a sense of hope in the air, a promise of a better future. And at the heart of this new era were the young heroes who had fought so bravely to bring peace to the lands.
Callum, in particular, had grown in ways he had never expected. The trials he had faced, the battles he had fought, had forged him into a different person. No longer was he the awkward, unsure prince he had once been. Now, he stood tall and confident, a true mage and a leader in his own right.
But with this newfound confidence came a realization. Callum had seen firsthand the dangers that lurked in the world, and he knew that he needed to be prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead. And so, he made a decision.
He would start wearing armor regularly, just like his Aunt Amaya did.
It was a practical choice, but also a symbolic one. By donning armor, Callum was declaring his readiness to defend his kingdom and his loved ones, no matter what threats might arise.
But he didn't want just any armor. He wanted something that reflected his unique identity, something that blended the traditions of Katolis with the teachings of his mentor, Ibis.
And so, Callum set to work. He spent long hours in the castle forges, sketches in hand, working with the blacksmiths to design and craft a suit of armor that was truly his own. The process was not easy, and there were many failed attempts and frustrating setbacks. But Callum was determined, and he poured his heart and soul into the project.
Finally, after weeks of hard work, it was ready.
The armor was a masterpiece. It was sleek and streamlined, designed for both protection and mobility. The breastplate was emblazoned with the symbol of Katolis, a nod to Callum's royal heritage. But the pauldrons and gauntlets were adorned with intricate patterns and etchings, reminiscent of the patterns on the armor that Ibis had worn.
The metal itself was a unique alloy, lighter than traditional steel but still incredibly strong. It had a faint bluish tint, like the sky on a clear day. And when the light hit it just right, it almost seemed to shimmer, as if infused with a touch of magic.
Callum couldn't wait to show it to Rayla.
He found her in the castle gardens, practicing her swordsmanship. She moved with the grace and precision of a dancer, her blades flashing in the sunlight. Callum watched her for a moment, a smile tugging at his lips. Even after all this time, she still took his breath away.
"Rayla," he called out, stepping into the garden.
She turned, and her eyes widened as she took in the sight of him. "Callum," she breathed. "You... you look..."
"Ridiculous?" he asked, suddenly self-conscious. "I knew it was too much, I shouldn't have—"
"No," Rayla interrupted, sheathing her swords and walking towards him. "You look amazing. Handsome, even."
Callum felt his cheeks warm at the compliment. "Really?"
Rayla nodded, reaching out to touch the breastplate. "This is incredible work, Callum. Did you design this yourself?"
"Yeah," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I wanted something that felt like... me." Something that honored both my human and elven heritages."
Rayla smiled, her fingers tracing the sky runes on his gauntlets. "Well, you certainly achieved that."
Callum beamed at the praise. "I'm glad you like it. I was hoping... I was hoping you'd approve."
Rayla looked up at him, her violet eyes soft. "Of course I approve. I'm proud of you, Callum. You've grown so much, in so many ways. This armor, it's a reflection of that."
Callum felt a lump form in his throat. "I couldn't have done it without you, Rayla. You've been by my side through everything, supporting me, believing in me. I... I don't know what I'd do without you."
Rayla stepped closer, her hand coming up to cup his cheek. "You'll never have to find out. I'm here, Callum. Always."
Callum leaned into her touch, his eyes fluttering closed. "I love you, Rayla."
"I love you too, my prince."
They stayed like that for a long moment, foreheads pressed together, just breathing each other in. It was a moment of perfect peace, a reminder of what they had fought for and what they had won.
Finally, Rayla pulled back, a mischievous glint in her eye. "So, does this mean you'll be joining me for morning training from now on?"
Callum laughed. "I suppose it does. I can't very well wear this armor and not put it to good use, can I?"
Rayla grinned. "No, you certainly can't. And I intend to make sure you get plenty of practice."
She drew her swords, falling into a ready stance. "Shall we begin?"
Callum smiled, unsheathing the Nova Blade. "Bring it on."
They sparred for hours, the clang of metal against metal ringing out across the gardens. Callum was rusty at first, unused to the weight and fit of the armor. But as they continued, he found his rhythm, his movements becoming more fluid and confident.
Rayla was a patient teacher, guiding him through the paces and offering encouragement when he faltered. And as the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, they finally called it a day.
They walked back to the castle hand in hand, tired but content. Callum knew there would be more challenges ahead, more battles to fight and obstacles to overcome. But with Rayla by his side and his newfound strength, he felt ready for whatever the future might bring.
He was a prince, a mage, a warrior. But most importantly, he was Callum. And that was enough.
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Bonds
It was a long flight back from Umber Tor to the Storm Spire, but Callum hardly minded it. It was nice to fly on Zubeia's back after days of nothing but walking, and even nicer to have Rayla's arms wrapped around his middle.
Unnecessarily, maybe, but... It meant he could feel her heartbeat, and that was nice, after almost... after finding her sword and thinking that she—
Nope. He wasn't going to even consider that a second longer than he'd been forced to. Not after she'd come back, again, and he didn't have to constantly worry or wonder if the worst had happened.
He just kept one of his hands over hers, squeezing gently whenever he wanted to remind himself that she was here now. That she was here, resting her head between his shoulder blades, probably hopefully asleep the way Ezran was up by Zubeia's crown, nestled close together with Zym.
Only Soren was still awake, looking away from the sleeping kid and dragonling and then to Callum. His initial smile morphed to a smirk. "Cozy?"
Callum glanced at him, a smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, it is."
"Aye, shove off," Rayla mumbled sleepily behind him, holding him closer. "You're a right dolt for standing there—do you want to fall off and plummet to your death?"
"Callum would catch me," Soren said confidently but quietly; none of them wanted to wake Ezran.
"I would," Callum agreed, his smile growing. "But maybe sit down, just in case?"
"So, does this mean you two are gonna be smoochy again all the time, too?"
Callum felt his cheeks warm, but he kept his tone light. "Maybe. We'll see."
Soren sat down with Bait in his lap, grumbling good-naturedly. Callum squeezed Rayla's hands over his middle, noticing the subtle changes in her breathing.
"Dozing off now?" he murmured.
"Think so. You make a good pillow." Then, a hint of smallness that tore at him. "Is that okay?"
"Of course it is," he said gently. "Just get some rest. I'll wake you when we reach the Storm Spire, alright?"
He smiled at the sleepy teasing in her voice. "Catch me if I fall off?"
He squeezed her hand again. "Always."
They touched down in Katolis two days later after a brief pitstop at the dragon queen's home, the sun still rising as Zubeia landed in the largest of the castle's courtyards. Callum scrambled his way down, the scales providing less of a foothold than he'd expected. Then he straightened up, smoothed down his rumpled hair and startled expression, and offered a hand to Rayla to help her down.
Rayla snorted, pushing herself up. "I think I can manage," she said dryly, making the jump.
And one of her legs immediately buckled upon landing. Callum's staff clattered to the stones as he caught her upper torso just in time. "I've got you," he murmured, hoisting her back up to her feet.
Rayla blushed, mumbling, "Thanks. Guess the rockslide did more damage than I thought."
"You're okay, though?" he checked, arms loosening. "Your ankle's not broken or sprained or anything, is—"
"It's fine," she said. "Those feel different."
"Okay," he said slowly, even if he didn't let go right away. "We can still make sure with the castle physician—"
"Callum, I'm fine. Really," she smiled. "A bit hungry, maybe, but—"
"Oh." He let go of her then, trying not to feel disappointed. "Well, we can go to the kitchens, then, and—"
Soren coughed, and they both looked up to see Ezran, Corvus, and Opeli standing there looking mildly amused to surprised or unimpressed. "After we finish telling everyone where we've been for two weeks?" he said mildly.
"Right. Breakfast, afterwards." Callum scooped his staff up from the ground and slung it along his back, shooting a tired Opeli and then Rayla an apologetic grin.
"Dork," Rayla said fondly, daring to take his sleeve by the elbow and tug him along.
The council meeting went surprisingly quickly, all things considered. Ezran explained most things, tending to be more succinct than his brother, although Soren chimed in to make sure his knightly heroics and recently acquired title of Gourd Guy wouldn't be forgotten.
Callum was preoccupied, his eyes wandering back to Rayla every few minutes. Rayla, to her credit, at least gave the appearance of genuinely paying attention.
"Well," Opeli said once everyone was done, looking as worn out as they all felt. "I can see you've had quite the journey. The priority for the rest of the day will be to rest and recuperate. Tomorrow, we can start discussions on what our next steps should be."
Their chairs scraped against the floor as they stood up, Callum catching Rayla's wrist in a loose grasp. "You said you were hungry, right?"
"Oh, yeah. I could wait till—"
"Come on. You remember the way to the kitchens, don't you?"
She hesitated, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I think so," she said.
Ezran slung an arm around her waist, butting in between them with a large grin. "Bait and Callum and I can show you! Come on." Ezran steered her toward the door, Rayla smiling a tad sheepishly, and Callum following with his hands in his pockets.
It was only after a hearty breakfast that they headed back upstairs to the main sleeping quarters.
"I'll walk Ezran to his rooms," Soren said. "Then I can show Rayla to the guest wing."
She looked at him, relieved and seemingly disappointed all at once as she smiled. Relief because she hadn't had to forge through an awkward conversation and had an easy out, as well as a real bed for probably the first time in a while. And disappointment because, well, the last time she'd stayed here, she and Callum had flat out shared a room.
"Oh, no need," Callum said brightly. "Nobody's used Ez's old room in ages. She can just stay there, if that's okay with you, Rayla?"
"Oh!" A faint flush brightened her features, even as she gave a shy nod. "Um, if that would be easier."
"Yeah! I'll go see if the castle seamstress is up, too. If we wanna wash up and change, or anything." He bounced briefly on the balls of his feet and then bounced away.
Soren whistled. "I'll just go with you and Ez till he gets back," Rayla said, fidgeting even if she was also fighting back a smile.
The walk back up to the king's chambers had to be familiar enough, and the tower was a distinct feature of the castle that it was easy to pick out.
Ezran gave them both hugs and then picked up Bait. "I'll see you guys at lunch," he yawned.
"See you," Rayla smiled, giving him another wave before he shut the door. She exhaled, shoulders slumping with fatigue as soon as she didn't have to put on a show for Ez.
"So, uh... you and Callum have seemed a lot better," Soren began as they meandered into the hall and down the stairwell. "Since Umber Tor."
"Yeah. I guess." She played with her hair again, still standoffish. She wouldn't face him as they entered the main halls.
"He could barely say your name, you know. While you were gone."
Rayla glanced at him, pursing her lips. Her eyes shone with guilt. "Soren, I know I hurt him. I knew it would, I—"
"Then why'd you do it? Cause I was also concerned about my dad, y'know? My sister. But I didn't leave."
Her face hardened. "Soren, I'm not having this discussion with you."
"I'm just saying, if you're planning to leave again—"
"I'm not. I would never—" She huffed, glaring at him. "Everything I've done has been to keep the boys safe. Including going after Viren. Both times. And Callum understands that. So don't trust me anymore, or whatever. I'm used to that."
"I'm just saying," Soren repeated more irritably, "he was angry and upset for two years, Rayla, and we had to deal with it. You've been back for like a week and he's already basically over it, just make sure you guys actually get your shit together this time. Don't run away from talking or in general and—"
"I've wanted to talk this whole time," she said, "to him, not to you. Just drop it, Soren, please—"
They'd reached the princes' doors now, Rayla arms crossed over her chest.
"You didn't even have the courage to face him when you left," Soren said haughtily. "Should I not think that you're being a coward again now too when he's already doting over you again?"
Her annoyance faded, replaced by something angrier and more raw, as she swallowed. "I am a coward," she acknowledged, "but I—"
"Soren," Callum's voice was firm, but not sharp or thunderous, as he approached them. He placed a gentle hand on Rayla's shoulder. "I understand you're trying to look out for me, but that's not a fair thing to say to Rayla."
Soren blinked. "Callum, I just meant—"
"I know what you meant," Callum said calmly. "And I appreciate your concern, but my relationship with Rayla is our business. We're working through things in our own way and at our own pace."
He turned to Rayla, his expression softening. "And you're not a coward, Rayla. You're one of the bravest people I know."
Rayla managed a small smile, leaning into his touch. "Thanks, Callum."
Callum looked back at Soren. "I know the past two years have been hard on all of us, and I'm grateful for your support. But please, trust me to handle this. And trust Rayla, too. She's here, and she's staying."
Soren held up his hands, taking a step back. "Okay. I'm sorry, Rayla. I shouldn't have said that."
Rayla nodded. "It's okay, Soren. I understand."
Callum smiled at both of them. "Why don't we all take some time to rest and regroup? It's been a long journey, and we could all use a break."
Soren agreed, heading off to attend to his Crownguard duties. Callum and Rayla stepped into the joined bedrooms, Callum's hand still resting on Rayla's shoulder.
"Are you okay?" he asked gently.
Rayla nodded. "Yeah. Thanks for standing up for me."
"Always," Callum said, pulling her into a hug. "We're in this together, remember?"
Rayla smiled into his shoulder. "I remember."
They spent the rest of the day resting and settling back into the castle. Soren gave them space, realizing that Callum and Rayla needed time to find their footing again.
That evening, Callum found Soren in the courtyard. "Hey," he said, sitting down beside him. "I wanted to apologize for earlier. I know you were just trying to be a good friend."
Soren shook his head. "No, I'm sorry. I overstepped. I just... I saw how much you were hurting, and I didn't want to see you go through that again."
Callum smiled. "I know. And I appreciate it, really. But Rayla and I, we're going to be okay. We just need time."
Soren nodded. "I understand. And for what it's worth, I'm glad she's back. I've never seen you happier than when you're with her."
Callum's smile grew. "Thanks, Soren. That means a lot."
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, watching the sun set over the castle walls. Things weren't perfect, but they were getting better. And with time, patience, and understanding, they would all heal.
Together.
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