#tdpholidayexchange

[sunflowercandie]

Here is my drawing for the @tdpholidayexchange my gift is for @elite-7ao3 ! I drew a college aged Rayla from your fic Katolis University: New Order for you and I hope you like it! Sorry it's a bit late tho <3 I also might make it digital later if I can. Happy holidays!!!

[moonshadow-memes]

guess who found one of those draw-ur-character meme blanks to use for the tdp gift exchange????

i matched with @netflixoxygenoxygen ! i hope they like it!!!!!!

@tdpholidayexchange

[netflixoxygenoxygen]

my heart with you

Ethari watches over the celebratory gathering with a lightness in his heart that he hasn’t felt in weeks. That is, until Runaan joins him to spectate. Specifically focusing on a certain moonshadow elf and her human lover. 

+ bonus scene as Callum wonders if Runaan hates him, Rayla tries to assure him he doesn’t, and he--well, it’s not like he can’t not listen to his girlfriend but it’s not like he can believe her either... (Ruthari, Rayllum, 1.2k words, fluff, S3 spoilers)

My secret santa fic for @the-answer-was-bi-klance in the @tdpholidayexchange! I hope you like this and happy new year!! :)

--

It had already been a couple hours since the celebrations had begun, but the mood was still soaring. 

Ethari couldn’t blame anyone though, not for the noise, or the rowdiness, or the crowds; he knew it was a big celebration, not just for him but for the whole of Xadia. The dragon prince’s birth and the newfound peace over the continent was something that would go down in history as the era’s legacy, no doubt. Even if it was Runaan’s return that would remain in the core of his heart. 

It was funny, though. He would have thought he wouldn’t have been able to stay away from his husband--the moon only knew just how much he had yearned for him, tears and broken heart not going unnoticed by those who knew him. But as Runaan made his way around the moonshadow elves, most giving him nods of acknowledgement and respect, Ethari stepped away and towards a tree at the edge of the clearing everyone had gathered in; all races of elves and humans, and earlier the baby dragon prince himself before he’d been taken away by his mother for his bedtime.

Despite the enormity of it all, it was really just a scattered gathering of joyful people, coming together for the first time in generations. 

Humans arm wrestled with elves on the tables that just an hour ago had been covered with mixtures of human and elven cuisine, and Ethari couldn’t help but spot the Katolian soldiers who had assisted Rayla in bringing Runaan back were engaged in sparring battles with some of their assassins and fighters. Though, he had to admit, it wasn’t that hard to miss the loud blond and the strawberry-haired kind one, not when the renowned general and the newly crowned Sunfire queen were often not far behind. 

His gaze swept elsewhere, finding itself on his niece and her new lover. Rayla and Callum were sharing a moment at the other edge of the clearing, the former laughing as the latter made a face at the food he was eating. Ethari smiled fondly; he was glad beyond words she had found someone who could be, perhaps, what Runaan was to him.

Speaking of…

“Enjoying the party, my love?” Runaan asked softly as he took Ethari’s hand and settled in next to him. 

“Of course. How could I not?” He smiled wider, thoughtful. “Are you?”

Runaan chuckled. “As much as I can be. I’d nearly forgotten how rowdy some of us could be.” They laughed together, the fitting sound of cheers from the audience surrounding the arm wrestlers carrying throughout the clearing. Runaan quietened though, when he saw Rayla and Callum, Ethari stifling his own laughter as the grip on his hand tightened. 

Moonshadow assassin or not, Runaan’s protective side over their pseudo-niece was one of the most obvious things about him, second only to his love for Ethari. “You’re not going over to separate them?” He teased, waving at Callum’s tense smile, the pair having noticed Runaan’s burning gaze-that-bordered-on-a-glare-Rayla-knew-far-too-well. He had to give it to Rayla; she was doing a very good job at dutifully ignoring it. “They’re not even three xadian leaves apart.”

Runaan inhaled slowly, giving Ethari a raised eyebrow. Nonetheless, the playful glint emerged in his eyes. “Are you trying to provoke me?” 

He only grinned back. 

Runaan shook his head, slowly, his eyes clouded with a whirlpool of emotion. “Rayla has grown. Faster than I would have ever expected… to separate her from her--Callum.” In this context, he could barely push the boy’s name out, Ethari noted with amusement, having witnessed earlier how Runaan had been fine praising the little group of their immeasurable achievements. “After all they’ve done, would be juvenile.” He paused. “Even if they’re far too close.”

But as he said that, Ethari knew the fond glimmer in his husband’s eyes. Protective or not, he was the proudest he’d ever been of Rayla, and though Ethari hadn’t been there, he could only imagine the tears when Runaan and her had first reunited; tears from both parties. 

He smiled, shifting closer to lean on him.

There was still much to be done; working on Runaan’s arm, for one, and figuring out the details of the newly acquired peace over Xadia, for another.

But as they took in the moment in that clearing, hand in hand, humans and elves celebrating as one, Ethari knew they would be alright.

His heart had gone out with his lover, and both had finally returned.

(Bonus) Earlier...

He really couldn’t help it anymore. He had to know, and he had to know now, or, at least, before they made it to Xadia else he’d never get another private moment like this. 

“Uh, Rayla, can I-uh, talk to you? For a sec?” Callum asked quietly, confusing the moonshadow elf as she raised her eyebrows at him. She slowed her steps to match his pace.

“Sure, Callum, what is it?”

He swallowed, glancing over her shoulder at something (or, she thought with a sneaking suspicion, someone) before continuing. “Does your uncle hate me?”

Rayla blinked. “My… uncle?” She turned around, eyes catching on Runaan’s figure, the older elf talking to Gren and Soren. Her eyes widened. “Runaan’s not my uncle!” She exclaimed, embarrassed. 

This time it was Callum’s turn to blink, mouth forming an ‘o’. 

“He’s--agh, never mind.” She groaned. It’s not like she hadn’t heard this all before and it’s not like it went the same way every time. He wasn’t really her uncle but she wouldn’t have minded calling him her uncle but she didn’t know if he would mind and--well, it didn’t matter. “No, Callum, I’m sure he doesn’t hate you.”

Callum nodded. “Oh, right, uh huh. Gotcha.” He paused, and for a brief, relieving moment Rayla thought that was the end of it. Until he continued. Humans and their big mouths. “Was that, um, sarcasm?”

Rayla felt herself halt to a stop, turning towards him again, eyes incredulously wide. “Are you seriously asking me that?”

“I don’t know! Was it sarcasm?” Callum retorted, shrugging helplessly as his arms went up in surrender. 

She slapped a hand over her face, groaning again. This time, she felt rather than heard the other three stop up ahead, probably wondering what they were up to. “How--ugh, whatever. No, it wasn’t Callum. Now would you calm down? Runaan doesn’t hate you.”

“Lover’s quarrel back there?” Soren called out, whistling teasingly as Gren laughed, before it trailed off at the look on Runaan’s face. 

Rayla rolled her eyes at the comment, taking Callum’s hand in response as they walked to catch up. Or, more like Rayla walked and Callum followed mechanically, smiling nervously at the newly freed elf. He raised his hand meekly to wave, stomach churning at the piercing stare. It was almost a glare but--he trusted Rayla, and if she said Runaan didn’t hate her then… he was going to believe her.

As best he could.

If fair was fair, he wondered if this was something he deserved, if only to repay the grueling re-assessment Rayla had gotten from his aunt Amaya as well (their first meeting hadn’t gone very well and everything after had been more a rush than anything else). Of course, she hadn’t been unreasonable and considering Rayla’s role in the whole scheme of things, Amaya wouldn’t have kept up the tough-aunt act for too long. But...

Rayla never said he liked me, though, Callum concluded with a resigned sigh as they rejoined the other three.

It was going to be a long walk back to Xadia, that was for sure.

[v1ren]

@seaglass-sunsets - Merry Belated Christmas and Happy Belated New Year, friend! I filled in for your Secret Santa and wrote you a little special something~! As it turns out, I, too, quite enjoy the found family trope so I kinda hope to play into that a bit. Hope it’s to your liking!! ^u^ 

/// \\\

Sitting up against the wall, lilac orbs admiring the moving bodies in front of her, Rayla frowned softly.

With the fighting over, their main enemy killed, and the sudden awakening of Queen Zubeia, they were thriving in a time of peace. It was meant to be a joyous occasion, a moment of calm after all that they endured. Everyone (on their side, at least) was safe. They were together. Elves and humans. The more she looked at it all, sat within it and absorbed it, the more surreal it all felt. Looking at Callum now, laughing and playing with both Ezran and Zym, it was hard for her to believe that just days ago, they were falling from the Storm Spire. One of them already content with the thought of dying, accepting the death that would come for her, while the other defied it. Fell with her and saved her. 

He sprouted wings, and looked so happy about it too.

The thought pulled a small laugh from her, a finger gliding across the stone floor in awkward circles. She dropped her eyes to her feet, pulling her knees closer against her chest. 

They were safe here and yet...something felt wrong. Like she was dressed in someone else’s skin or wearing someone else’s boots. Did she really belong here? With them? With Callum?

“Hey.”

She looks up at the voice, unfamiliar to her ears for the briefest of moments, but as soon as her eyes fall upon the blonde man in front of her, she sighs with recognition. She rolls her eyes and turns her gaze back to the boys several feet in front of her.

“Yeah, what?”

Soren had done his fair share of aiding the Xadians, despite the distrust Rayla still felt for him. Who knew when he might turn on them. Maybe this was all some ruse. Some sick, twisted plan to ease into their trust before ripping it out from under them.

Leave it behind you, Rayla. 

Right. This was different. He was different. Despite their ‘history,’ he’d proven himself a worthy ally. Proven that he could be trusted.

“Sorry,” she murmurs. “Didn’t mean ta snap at ya.”

The blonde returns the words with a soft, wholesome laugh. He takes a step toward her and crosses his arms over his chest, shoulders rising and falling in a nonchalant shrug.

“Nah, man-- er...uhm...well, just, don’t worry about it. I get it.”

She raises a single brow, shifting her gaze over to him.

“...Ya do?”

He keeps his eyes on the young princes, shifting onto his heels.

“I mean, yeah. I’m tired too. Beating up baddies and partying with elves and dragons is a lot of work.”

She snorts with laughter, following his gaze and watching the way Callum lights up whenever Ezran calls out to him. The soft cries of joy springing from Zym fill the room, small zaps of excited electricity dancing along his tail. She supposed it was a lot of work; meeting and introducing yourself to everyone, celebrating in their newfound peace.

“You should join ‘em, y’know?” 

Soren’s speaking again but this time, she keeps her gaze focused. Eyes unwavering in their current position. 

“I mean, Callum would probably melt into a puddle of gushy, oozy embarrassment, but it’d be so worth it.”

She opened her mouth to protest, but the boys were moving toward them now - both pairs of eyes locked on her. A giggle came from Ezran, a sound so remarkably soft and warm that she couldn’t help smiling. Couldn’t help the calm that came over her, reassured her that things were okay.

But when Callum looked at her, with eyes so loving, shining with both ease and comfort, Rayla felt safe. She felt welcomed and serene; like returning home for the first time in ages. It was a feeling she only ever found in him. The boy that was brave enough to fight for what he believed in and kind enough to accept for all that she was, and all she had ever been.

“Hey guys. We’re going to get some food. Maybe you want to come with us?”

Ezran is the first to talk, Zym cradled against his chest. They’re both looking from their elf friend, to the guard standing beside her; both of which are giving the young prince an awkward stare. It seemed Rayla wasn’t the only one struggling to decide whether or not she belonged. Thoughts asking, ‘Should I?’ were a bit too loud in each of their heads; their hesitation recognized by those staring back at them.

“C’mon, Rayla. You haven’t eaten anything since like...what? Last night?”

She blushes at the blunt comment, shooting an immediate glare over to her prince.

“No, I had...berries for breakfast.”

Now it was Callum’s turn to react; a brow raised as he stares her down. She was always so unbelievably stubborn. Eager to hide her own pain or needs in an effort to appear strong. Appear brave and infallible. It never worked. Not on him.

“So like, what? Six berries?”

“Eight, actually.”

“Oh, wow. Nearly a handful.”

The response is layered in sarcasm, both of the lovers staring each head-on and attempting to break the other. Truth be told, Callum was just as stubborn as the Moonshadow. As infuriating as she was to him at times, he had the same effect. More so when he was putting his life in danger for something stupid.

“Awe, c’mon. Food is great!”

It was Soren’s turn to speak up now, shifting away from the wall and focusing his attention on the elf. He gives her a soft smile, nudging his chin toward the boys.

“And they really want you to go. Go have a good time.”

“You too, Soren,” Ezran pipes in almost immediately, earning everyone’s gaze. “We’re all going to eat now. Because...we’re a family.”

A silence lulls over them, everyone’s eyes pulling away from the young prince as they absorb the phrase. Run it through their head repeatedly and allow it to sink it. Find a place within their heart and mind and call it a home. Settle in comfortably as a reminder that things were different now, but they didn’t have to be feared.

“Yeah...” Soren is the first to speak, stretching a hand out toward Rayla. She looks to him, eyes wide and heart skipping a beat. It’s a remarkably kind gesture and she hears the words even before he finishes with:

“We’re a totally cool, totally hungry family.”

Callum stretches out his own hand, eyes softening ever-so-slightly, just for Rayla. For the love of his dreams and the reason his smile shines just a bit brighter these days.

“All of us.”

Ezran nods proudly, Zym yipping with glee.

She feels the sudden warmth of tears behind her eyes, but swallows down the emotions that swell in her chest. Ignores the beating in her chest and the relief that pumps through her veins. 

She takes both hands, pulling herself up and stepping beside all of them; carrying herself beside them. With them. 

Her hand slips into Callum’s, the boy giving it a tight squeeze as he offers her a gentle smile. She leans against him, finding an extra bout of strength in his warmth. In the way he leans back against her. She feels the vibrations of his laugh as Soren rattles off a joke, Ezran adding on to it and eliciting laughs from all four of them. 

This was where they belonged. Right here. Right now.

For the rest of their lives.

[beautifulterriblequeen]

You Are My Shelter

Happy Winter’s Turn, Rori! Here is my finished piece for @tdpholidayexchange. I matched with Rori, who requested some Janai/Amaya goodness. I’ve always wanted to see someone getting to use the Banther Lodge in winter time, so this was a perfect opportunity to let Amaya take Janai to see it.

And I’m so excited to present @random-fandom-ramble​‘s bonus art, custom drawn for this fic, as well! Posted with permission. Thanks, friend!

Happy holidays, Rori! Hope you enjoy!

Title: You Are My Shelter

Series: The Dragon Prince

AO3 Link: Read me!

Pairing: Janaya

  Janai stood on the snowy steps of the Banther Lodge and studied the front doors from beneath the golden ruff of fur on her scarlet cloak’s hood. She’d been excited to share Winter’s Turn with Amaya, but she hadn’t expected their first winter holiday to be spent at such a cozy family location. Or that it would be so sun-blightedly cold in Katolis. The snowstorm had been howling for hours, and she’d forgotten what it was like to be able to feel her toes. She’d have used her heat-being to warm up if it wouldn’t have spooked the horse Amaya lent her.

Amaya threw open the front doors, and then she strode back to the steps and took Janai by the hands. Her smile was wide and mischievous, promising soft adventure within, and Janai let herself be pulled inside.

The lodge wasn’t much warmer on the inside than the snowstorm outside, but it was nice not having the wind cut through her cloak anymore, and she shivered in relief. The lodge held a quiet dignity, smelling of leather, books, and the ghosts of desserts past. She took in the high rafters, the thick carpet runners, and the broad staircase leading up to the second floor. And she smiled at the sight of an enormous fireplace on her left. “Do you mind if I—” she began.

Her sentence ended against Amaya’s lips as the shorter woman pulled her down by the edges of her hood for a sudden kiss. Janai’s eyes widened, and she felt Amaya smiling against her lips. She slid her arms around Amaya’s thick cloak and held her close, enjoying her warmth.

Amaya pulled away with a soft smile. She gently lowered Janai’s hood and signed, Welcome to the coziest cabin in Katolis. I’m so glad you’re here.

Janai bit her lip and smiled. “I can tell. Shall I start a fire?”

Amaya nodded eagerly and showed Janai all the fire-starting supplies stacked next to the edge of the massive stone fireplace. Janai pulled off her thick scarlet mittens and began sorting through the pine cones and selecting the kindling, and Amaya trooped in and out of the lodge with armfuls of firewood. Janai finally had to tell her to stop. “I’m building a fire, Amaya, not a miniature replica of your lodge.”

Amaya grinned sassily. I just want you to be warm enough.

Janai pointed a kindling stick at herself. “Amaya, I have a heat-being.”

Amaya’s dark brows flicked upward. That’s not what I meant. You’ll see. Wait here. She pulled off her dark blue gloves and headed across the main hall.

Janai heard porcelain clanking from the kitchen as she finished building her fire base just the way she wanted it: circles of pine cones supporting slender kindling sticks in a rough outline that resembled her palace in Lux Aurea. She picked up another pine cone, held it against her finger, and invoked her heat-being for just a moment.

The pine cone flared with a ribbon of golden flame, and she tucked it in with the others, catching them on fire one by one. By the time Amaya came back carrying a tray with a stoneware pitcher and two mugs, the hearth was blazing with the warmth and light of a wooden Lux Aurea engulfed in flames, and Janai was standing in front of it, holding her bare hands out to its welcome heat.

Amaya set the tray on the red-upholstered couch and took Janai’s hand, turning her until they faced each other. Flickers of gold played over their faces as she undid the lacing on Janai’s cloak and tossed it onto the back of the couch with a dramatic swirl. She followed it with her own deep teal cloak, and the fabrics draped in soft contrast together.

I want you to try something, Amaya signed. An old family recipe that King Harrow wooed my sister with on cold winter nights. Amaya picked up a sturdy mug of steaming hot cocoa and pressed it into Janai’s hands. Her hands cupped Janai’s, and their eyes met.

Janai’s breath caught at the steady confidence and warm comfort in Amaya’s expression. She’d been so used to leading alone in Lux Aurea, with no real confidants to speak of, that having a true equal who understood her on so many levels still took her breath away. She’d have been proud to simply call Amaya a friend. To have the brave and capable general fall in love with her, too? The bright light of the Summer Solstice was a flickering candle compared to the radiance of Amaya’s smile.

Without even looking into the cup, Janai let Amaya lift her hands until its rim brushed her lips, and she sipped at the hot liquid. Spicy sweetness rolled over Janai’s tongue, and she hummed appreciatively and took a few more gulps.

As they lowered the sweet cup together, Janai closed her eyes in bliss. There was something deliciously familiar about this cocoa. It tasted like her mother’s favorite bedtime-story drink, and Janai’s mind flooded with happy memories. She eagerly added one more: sharing this sweet moment with Amaya, feeling welcomed into her life and embraced by her heart in equal measure.

“I just want you to know,” she said softly, “that you already wooed me before I drank this cocoa. Its spicy sweetness in no way affects my feelings for you. In case you were wondering if human love potions work on Sunfire elves.” Her dark eyes twinkled.

Amaya’s eyes widened. Love potion? she signed dramatically. She grabbed Janai’s hands again and brought the cup to her own lips, draining the rest of the spicy cocoa in a few big gulps. Then she swiped her hand across her mouth and grinned saucily. Well, it’s working on me.

Janai giggled and picked Amaya up off the floor, kissing her enthusiastically. Gradually, she lowered her back down, and their kiss softened, breaking only so they could stand with their foreheads pressed warmly together, holding hands, intertwining their fingers in the embrace of the fire’s warmth.

Amaya tugged on Janai’s hands, and the women sat together on the floor against the couch, ignoring the traditional seating option. Janai cuddled Amaya against her shoulder and draped them both with her scarlet cloak. Its golden fur trim blazed in the firelight, and they shared cup after cup of spicy cocoa. Janai reheated the pitcher on the tray every time it cooled too much, and Amaya played idly with a few of Janai’s braids, booping her on the nose with one of them before smooching the same spot with a soft kiss.

Janai caught one of Amaya’s hands as the merry firelight played across it. She turned up Amaya’s palm and studied it somberly. The burn there had scarred over, and Amaya had healed, but she bore the mark of Janai’s anguish and rage the day her sister Khessa had perished, and she always would.

Amaya sat up and turned Janai’s face toward her with her free hand. It’s not your fault.

“It is. I did this to you.” Janai’s brows bent, and she looked down.

Amaya lifted Janai’s chin with a finger until their eyes met again, and she signed again. No, sweetheart. You felt what you felt. And I did what I had to do to save your life.

“I’m sorry I hurt you, Amaya. You’re so precious to me. I never want to hurt you again.” Janai lifted Amaya’s scarred palm to her lips and pressed a soft, heartfelt kiss there. Finding Amaya—finding her love—had done wonders to heal Janai’s heart. She would take back all Amaya’s pain if she could.

Amaya slid her hand to cup Janai’s cheek. She didn’t need to sign a thing to let Janai know that she was forgiven. Their lips met once again, silhouetted against the fire, and they wrapped each other in warmth, safety, and trust, protected from the storm by the shelter of each other’s love.

[araavos]

“Stiiillll, just a bit longer and you’ll be through.....”

“Valuable advice, do you expect to follow it come your turn?”

My @tdpholidayexchange gift for @balsa-hime! I had a lot of fun with this and I hope you enjoy it! 

Based on this

[axregularxgirl]

I’m so ashamed for being late to the @tdpholidayexchange​. The reason is a long story but here is my gift for @genesisacronical​ ^_^ I wish I could digital color it properly but it was taking too long and as I’m a bit busy with college issues it will never be ready at time :( Anyway, merry christmas! Happy new year/decade and long life to rayllum! P.S: Rayla is taking a little nap with her animal friends and dreaming with Callum, so I called it “Dreaming”.

[samurithecat]

As part of @tdpholidayexchange

My gift for @effthisnothingworks