TDP-Tober2025

Corvus and Soren had a serious job today: babysitting.

Rayla and Callum were visiting Katolis Castle for the first time since having Sarai, and, well… they had lots of official events they had to attend as the Prince and Princess of Katolis. Usually the new child would also be required to attend, but everyone worried for her safety.

Hence Soren and Corvus on babysitting duty.

“I don’t know what all the fuss is about, she seems easy to entertain,” Soren said, making funny faces at the baby in his lap. Sarai let out high pitched peals of laughter. Rayla had been worried about him babysitting, and for what? Sarai loved him!

Corvus snorted as he prepped her next bottle, sure that she’d soon be hungry. “How much time have you spent with children? Babies, specifically?”

“Uhmmm…” Soren’s expression turned thoughtful. “Well, Claudia. But I’ve entertained kids around Katolis plenty of times!”

“And how old were you?” Corvus asked, not even deeming the second half of that statement as worth a reply.

“Uhm… close to two.”

Corvus shook his head. “I rest my case. You were a baby yourself.”

“Oh, because you know so much about babies?!”

“You know I do,” Corvus said plainly, glaring at Soren. Then he quickly had to look away. Seeing Soren with a baby… it was too much for his heart to handle. “Having multiple little siblings I helped take care of.”

“Oh.” Soren tilted his head, watching Corvus as he switched from bottle duty to tidying the room and making sure it was safe for a baby. It made Soren’s heart feel funny. “Yeah, I guess that makes sense.”

Soren lifted Sarai above him. “If you want more funny faces, you have to pay the toll.” He told her quite seriously. “One tummy zerbert!”

Just like his father had once played with him. The thought didn’t hurt as much as it once did, not after all these years.

Sarai squealed in glee at the action, breaking Soren out of his thoughts.

He smiled at her, bringing her back down and holding her against him.

Sarai reached out to tug at Soren’s hair. He was surprised by how hard she could yank. “Ouch!” He cried out, playing up his reaction to give her more of those funny faces. “Oh, fair maiden, you are so strong!”

Sarai giggled at him and clapped her hands, nearly hitting him in the face.

“You’re just lucky she’s in a good mood,” Corvus grumbled.

“Why don’t you come sit with us for a minute?”

Corvus looked up. Soren, sitting on a sofa, with a baby in his arms, the sun streaming in the window… it made him want things.

Not that they hadn’t talked about children; Corvus thought it was only right to lay out the expectations of a relationship early on. It was important to talk about if one was looking for marriage, children, and so on. Or if they were not. It wasn’t fair to either person if they weren’t what the other was looking for long-term.

Soren had told him that, while it had never been a priority, he was not against having children. In fact, sometimes when taking care of Ezran when he’d been a young king, Soren had wondered what it would be like to take care of his own child.

But they hadn’t spoken about children since getting married. Hadn’t actually talked about the possibility of adopting a child. Hadn’t talked about if they were ready for that.

Corvus was slowly learning that he absolutely was ready.

Corvus stopped what he was doing to walk over with the bottle he’d prepared. He slowly lowered himself onto the sofa. He’d left some space between them which Soren quickly eliminated, leaning into Corvus.

“Missed you,” Soren said, passing Sarai over.

“We’ve been together all day.”

Soren shrugged, stretching out his arms from being bent for so long. He slyly dropped one around Corvus’s shoulders on its way down. Corvus had to hide his smile.

“Okay, sure, but you weren’t right here.”

Corvus leaned over to kiss Soren’s cheek. “But now I am.”

Soren nodded, pleased. “But now you are.”

Suddenly, Sarai screamed. Then came the tears.

“Oh no what’s wrong what’s happening do we need to call the doctor -“

“No, Soren. She’s okay.” Corvus lifted up the bottle experimentally. “Are you hungry?”

Sarai made grabby hands at the bottle. Corvus helped guide it to her mouth and assisted her in holding it as she drank her fill.

“Wow. You really are the child whisperer,” Soren whispered.

“You don’t have to actually whisper,” Corvus replied just as quietly. Corvus smiled at Soren and then down at Sarai.

“Who knew it was possible to love a little bundle this much?” Soren said.

A moment of silence. Then:

“Imagine if it was our own.”

“Soren, I want a baby.”

Both men paused and looked at each other. Then they released a relieved, nervous laugh.

“Really?” Corvus said softly.

Soren nodded. “Yeah, I…” he shrugged. “It might not be the best time right now, but… soon?”

Corvus nodded in reply. “I agree. Soren, I’ve imagined having kids with you for seven some odd years. I can wait a few more.”

Soren’s jaw dropped. “That long?! We haven’t even been together for five!”

Corvus felt his cheeks heat, focusing on Sarai. “I don’t know when exactly it started, but… in the mushroom forest. On the search for Zubeia.” A moment of silence. “You imitated rocking a baby, and, well…” Corvus looked over at his husband. “I’ve been head over heels for you ever since.”

Soren was overwhelmed with affection. “Can I kiss you?”

“Please.”

Soren brought his hands to Corvus’s face and kissed him. Corvus wished his own hands weren’t otherwise occupied for a moment.

Suddenly, Soren pulled back, wrinkling his nose and looking ready to gag. “What is that smell?!”

“That’s the thing about babies. They do their duty. A lot.”

Soren pouted, crossing his arms. “It’s only funny when I joke about it.”

“Well then, get ready to learn about the magic of a diaper change.”

…

“So there I was, roguishly handsome with my prop mustache and fancy cape with furs…” Soren was saying, telling Corvus of the thrilling escapades of one Smort Longpocket. They were in the middle of the mushroom forest eating dinner on their search, so Soren had volunteered to entertain. As he usually did. Not that Corvus could complain; without a cello he wasn’t one for entertaining much.

Zym had started dozing off, having lived through the story and having heard Soren regale others with the tale already, he thought he didn’t particularly need to hear it again.

“And then I jumped on his desk, spouting some nonsense about my goods -”

Corvus snorted from his log. “I’m sorry, this bit actually worked?”

“Hey, don’t doubt my acting abilities!” Soren defended, pouting. “Plus, I know you’re just jealous that I talked about my goods with him and not you.”

Corvus floundered for words. “I’m - Soren - you - what? I am not.”

“Don’t worry, I can hop onto your desk when we get home, too,” Soren added with a wink.

“You’re ridiculous.” Corvus grumbled, turning his gaze to his makeshift plate. His neck was hot from the fire burning in front of him, that’s all.

“Hey, don’t be too upset - if you’d been there, I had a great disguise and persona ready to go for you, too!”

“Do I even want to know?”

Soren didn’t even wait for Corvus to finish the sentence.

“Dennis Trackerman. Smort’s burly partner in crime - sometimes quite literally in crime. Part bodyguard, part best friend, part genius. All in all, the best partner in the world! Dennis is smart, handsome, talented - truly a triple threat.” Soren nodded seriously. “More likely to wear earth tones and no cape - too easy for someone to grab it and trip him up. Dennis isn’t as flashy as Smort; he can’t be, with being a tracker at heart. And having to save Smort’s hide most of the time.”

“I think Smort is pretty capable of taking care of himself from what I’m hearing.”

Soren shrugged, looking at the ground. “Smort is pretty great, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t need help sometimes.”

Suddenly, Corvus understood. Smort wasn’t just a literal disguise - it was yet another attempt from Soren to deflect his true feelings. Smort wasn’t just Smort: Smort was both Soren’s ideal persona and his deepest fears come to life. He was fierce and got the job done. But he was also a headstrong, egotistical guy who didn’t care how his actions impacted others.

Corvus reached over and put a hand on Soren’s knee. Soren looked up. “Well, I think Dennis will be there as much as he can to support Smort and keep him in line.”

Soren smiled at him. A true, real smile; not the fake one he so often wore around others who expected it from him. The beauty almost took Corvus’s breath away.

“Thanks, Dennis.”

“Sarai, do you know the story of your parents?” Soren asked, leaning over her cradle. She’d been on the verge of sleep when she’d started crying again.

Corvus and Soren’s night of babysitting was coming to a close; the only thing left on the to-do list was to make sure she was asleep by the time her parents came back. Hopefully.

Sarai cooed at him from her crib, still on the verge of getting fussy again. Soren was planning to expertly distract her with a tale. He’d lulled Ezran to sleep plenty of times when he was younger with a soothing voice. Soren picked her up and sat in the nearby rocking chair.

“Well, once upon a time, there was this fearless elven warrior - that’s your mom - and a human prince who didn’t quite know how to use his limbs yet - that’s your dad. I’ll spare you the full details, but eventually, that prince became a fierce mage.” Sarai let out a squeal. “I know! Shocking, right? Anyway…” Soren kept rocking and talking, until Sarai’s eyes slowly closed and her breathing evened out. Soren’s eyes started to flutter closed, too.

…

Corvus had finished cleaning up and had gotten to listen to the latter half of Soren’s storytime. How Rayla and Callum had gotten back together after years apart by fulfilling a prophecy. How they stood up for what they believed in, even if others disagreed - including their own family. How they’d given the world an extra 7 years and 19 days to prepare for Aaravos. How they got married, making Rayla the first elven princess of the human kingdoms. And then, Sarai: the first known human and elf baby.

Soren never noticed him - Corvus was too quiet and sneaky for that - but Corvus watched, enraptured by his storytelling abilities. Corvus also watched as Soren slowly nodded off, right alongside Sarai.

Once they were both officially out, Corvus rushed forward for Sarai. Not that he was worried Soren would drop her… but it did linger in his mind. He gently lifted Sarai from Soren’s arms to carefully place her in her cradle. He continued rocking her for a moment to make sure she stayed asleep. Then, he turned back to Soren, laying a hand on his shoulder.

“Soren, my love, she’s asleep.”

Soren snorted awake. “Hm? What? I wasn’t asleep.” He mumbled, eyes shutting again.

Corvus shifted his hand to Soren’s cheek, running his thumb along the stubble. At that action, Soren’s eyes opened as he nuzzled into the fond touch. “Soren, we’ve gotta be quiet so we don’t wake her.”

Soren slowly nodded, grabbing Corvus’s hand and carefully getting up from the rocking chair. He looked over the cradle at Sarai sleeping peacefully. Soren tugged Corvus over and grabbed his arm, holding onto Corvus’s bicep with both hands, and resting his head on Corvus’s shoulder.

“Can we just… enjoy this, for a moment?” Soren whispered groggily into Corvus’s ear.

Corvus shivered, and nodded. “Soon,” he replied. “This will be us full time.”

“I like the sound of that,” Soren said through a yawn, slowly depending on Corvus to keep him upright.

Corvus rolled his eyes with affection. Instead of trying to wake Soren again, he lifted Soren into his arms, one arm under his knees and the other under his back. Soren instinctively brought his arms up to Corvus’s neck, latching onto the scarf there.

Corvus slowly deposited his husband onto the couch in Callum and Rayla’s royal living quarters.

Soren awoke upon landing. “Corvus?” He asked immediately.

“I’m here,” the man in question replied, kneeling next to the couch.

“You should join me.”

Corvus smiled and shook his head. “One of us needs to be awake for when they get back.”

Soren pouted. “But I want you now.”

“And you have me,” Corvus said, placing a kiss to Soren’s nose. His nose wrinkled adorably.

“But I’m cold. And lonely.”

“How about…” Corvus unwrapped his scarf from around his neck. “This?”

Soren made grabby hands - Corvus couldn’t help but think of Sarai.

Soren looped the scarf around his neck once, then bundled the rest into a ball by his chest for him to cuddle into.

“G’night Cor…”

“Good night, Soren.”

…

A couple hours later, the couple in question made their return.

“We’re so sorry for being late!” Callum said, rushing in. “How is she? Was she too much trouble for you?”

Corvus shook his head, snapping his book shut and getting up from his spot by the window. He’d been using lamplight and moonlight to read in some peace. “She’s a baby, she did baby things. Nothing I didn’t expect.”

“And did she go to bed okay? She’s been so particular about bedtime…” Rayla asked, rushing over to the doorway of Sarai’s nursery.

“Soren told her a story and put both of them to sleep,” Corvus said, gesturing an arm to Soren asleep on the couch.

Rayla gasped and rushed over. “Okay, who has some paint? It’s prank time. What do you think? A mustache might be a good addition.”

“I’ve got paint with my spellbook!” Callum added helpfully.

“Alas, I must ask that you do not paint on my husband,” Corvus chuckled, leading Rayla away.

Rayla pouted.

“He has a point, especially if Soren’s storytelling skills help her sleep. We might need him on our side rather than planning pranks on us,” Callum said.

“Fine, fine. But next time he’s vulnerable with neither of you around…” Rayla pointed at Soren. “It’s happening.”

“Well, we’ll get out of your hair.” Corvus said, changing the subject before Rayla could plot too much more.

“Ooh, can I at least wake him up?!”

“No Rayla, I’ll just carry him to our room.”

“Can you -” Callum started asking as Corvus easily picked up a sleeping Soren.

“Yes,” Corvus deadpanned, “I can pick him up. Everybody underestimates how heavy my chains are.”

Callum shrugged, opening the door for him. “Well then, have a good night you two.”

“Thank you!” Rayla quietly called as she walked to Sarai’s room.

Soren had never much believed in destiny. He’d always been more of a believer of what he could see with his eyes or do with his own two hands

But Claudia had always believed in destiny. She’d held firm in her knowledge that she was meant for something more, something better.

At first, she and Soren had just assumed that magic was her destiny.

Now Soren wasn’t so sure.

Claudia had always speculated what his destiny was. Protecting Katolis? Guarding the king?

Soren had disagreed - being a Crownguard was his calling, not his destiny. Claudia had argued that they were close enough.

He still didn’t think being a Crownguard was his destiny.

No, Soren was pretty sure his destiny was to die.

Example 1: His childhood. His breathing sickness. He’d been marked with death as a child, and it seemed to forever be chasing him down, trying to claim him.

Example 2: If Pyrrha had thrown him just a tiny bit harder, he would’ve been more than paralyzed: he would’ve been dead.

Example 3: “The failed son, whose father wishes he had never been born.” The words still echoed in his head. Never been born.

Example 4: When he’d offered his heart up for the Kingdom of Katolis, but Viren turned him down. Honestly, that whole day death had lurked over his shoulder. He’d expected to die in that castle, whether by sacrificing himself or being burned to a crisp. The fact that he did not do either of those things still surprised him.

Example 5: At the Storm Spire, facing off against Claudia. He’d been meant to fall. He knew it deep in his bones. But… Corvus. Corvus caught him. Corvus was there. Always.

That thought broke him out of his stupor. Corvus.

Sweet, fantastic, loving Corvus. The man who would scold him if he knew the thoughts running through his mind. Soren’s husband.

Soren leaned back on his elbows against the picnic blanket, watching Corvus search for their daughter, Nadia, and Hat. Hat was “hiding” on Corvus’s head; Soren could hear Corvus musing about where oh where Hat could possibly be.

And Soren saw their daughter’s face peek out from behind a tree to giggle at the silly sight. Soren let out a chuckle as well.

Corvus spun towards him at the noise. “You! Have you seen these bandits I’m tracking?”

Soren sat up, raising his hands in a placating gesture. “Why no sir, I haven’t seen anybody come through here in ages aside from you.”

Corvus walked closer. “Hm…” Corvus kneeled down (Hat gripped his locs tightly to stay situated and not topple head over heels into Soren’s lap) and gave Soren a stern stare. “How do I know you’re telling the truth?”

“Would these eyes lie to you?” Soren widened his eyes, batting his lashes.

“Maybe not those eyes, but those lips would.” Corvus replied.

“Well, you might just have to check them for yourself.”

Corvus rolled his eyes, but grinned. He leaned forward, capturing Soren’s lips in a kiss.

Before they could get too into it, an exasperated “EWWWWW.” Came from behind a tree. And Hat joined in, making a gagging noise.

Corvus jumped up, spinning around. “AHA! I found you!” He reached up, extricating Hat from amongst his locs. “And you! So sneaky!”

Hat let out the Glowtoad equivalent of a laugh before scampering over to Nadia.

“And you,” Corvus said, stalking back towards Soren. He held out a hand, pulling Soren up until they were chest to chest. “You lied to me. And liars have to be punished.”

Soren raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Well then I’m looking forward to tonight.”

Corvus just blinked at him, waiting for words to come back to his brain. While they waited, Soren stood on his toes (Corvus had gotten taller boots. Soren was sure it was just to spite him.) to give Corvus a kiss. It seemed to wake Corvus back up as he kissed Soren back.

“Have I at least paid the price of my crimes for now?” Soren asked, looking up through his eyelashes.

Corvus groaned. “You’re diabolical.”

They shared one more kiss before separating. Corvus squeezed his hand once before making his way over to their daughter and Hat.

Soren relaxed again, tilting his face to the sun.

Soren still wasn’t quite sure he believed in destiny. But if his destiny was death, he was certainly glad it hadn’t caught him yet. He’d like some more time to watch his husband play with their children.

…

Soren put down the letter. Viren had finally told him the truth. The whole story. From Viren’s side, anyway.

Soren… Soren wasn’t quite sure what to do with this information.

Viren had looked relieved handing it over, like it was his penance for all of his crimes. Soren wasn’t quite sure why.

Now, Soren was angry.

How dare Viren?

Soren had been happy, he’d been moving on with his life. Then Viren showed up at Soren’s home.

And now Soren was supposed to… what? Pity Viren? Understand him?

No. Soren was just angry.

“Callum… Soren… what did you do.” Corvus said. Not a question. A statement, because they both knew something had gone very wrong in the potion Callum had been attempting to create.

It had all been Soren’s idea, really. He’d asked Callum if he could come up with some sort of magic goop that made swords and weapons more difficult to drop. He’d whipped up a batch of… something; Soren wasn’t quite sure. All he knew is that Callum had hunted Soren down in the halls to drag him to his office to try his first batch. Callum had carefully applied some to Soren’s sword, said some words, and then followed him to the courtyard to see how it worked in a sparring match.

Corvus had of course volunteered, aware that he was part of the testing of something new, but not knowing quite how close he’d get to the situation.

The goop worked great, Soren never lost his sword during the match yet was still able to switch hands when needed. But then, after Soren won…

Well, let’s just say that afterwards when Soren had been going to grab Corvus’s hang to tug him into their next adventure… Soren couldn’t let go.

“I-I don’t know,” Callum panicked. “It must be something with the compounds, I… it doesn’t stick permanently with the object, just helps keep ahold of it, but put it into contact with another human…” he continued, staring at their hands, linked fingers and all. “It must warm something up in it that I didn’t account for.”

“Okay. How do we fix it?” Corvus asked, failing to hide his growing impatience.

Soren fought back a frown. Was hanging out with him really that awful?

“I don’t know,” Callum responded cheerily, “but I will find out!” He started to rush off. “Give me 5 minutes. No, 10. 15 minutes, tops!”

Corvus groaned and went to scrub his left hand down his face when he realized it was attached to Soren. He switched hands, letting out a groan.

“We could take a walk!” Soren offered, swinging their arms between them in lieu of whatever nervous tic Corvus was sure he was actually looking to do. “Or… or pick flowers? Go bird watching? I don’t know, what only takes one hand?”

Corvus refused to answer that. He felt like Soren must purposefully set him up for dirty jokes sometimes, but then Soren acted bashful as soon as Corvus made the joke or Corvus said he refused to engage in such crude humor.

In sum, Soren was a fascinating individual.

“A walk would be great.”

…

Soren being Soren brought them up to the rampart. Soren’s favorite spot in the castle, as Corvus was near positive he’d mention at some point.

It was endearing, truly. Just repetitive. But Corvus liked repetition.

“This way, if Callum finishes earlier, we’ll see him!” He insisted. Corvus actually couldn’t argue with that logic.

“So… how’s your day been?” Soren asked awkwardly.

Corvus shot him a smile, trying to ease Soren’s apparent nerves. Soren was almost never awkward, always suave and charming and, well, irresistible. His newfound nervous energy was entirely too lovable, though. “It was good. Then, you know,” he raised their hands, “this.”

It wasn’t like this was their first time holding hands for a bit. Obviously, it was Soren’s preferred way of dragging Corvus around. Not that Corvus wouldn’t follow willingly.

But Corvus was afraid he’d say something stupid, something incriminating, something that would make Soren uncomfortable. Something that would make it obvious just how head over heels Corvus was.

Soren frowned, stopping mid-step. Corvus was tugged back to his side. “I… didn’t realize spending time with me was so rough.”

Soren had always thought out of everyone that at least Corvus genuinely liked hanging out with him. He knew he could be too loud, too talkative, just too much, but he’d thought that Corvus liked that. Liked him, at least a little.

“I’ll leave you alone once Callum breaks us apart,” Soren added glumly.

Corvus’s eyes widened, playing back his words. He wanted to kick himself. Breaking them apart for good was the opposite of what Corvus wanted. “No, Soren, that’s not -”

Corvus took a breath, trying to gather his frazzled thoughts. Soren’s warmth just made him feel like he was going to buzz out of his skin. “I’m sorry. My day is going great. Sparring and spending time with you has been the highlight.” Corvus gave their joined hands a squeeze. “I promise. It just wasn’t what I expected, and, well…” Corvus shrugged. “You know how I am when I’m off of my planned schedule for the day. As cliche as it sounds, it’s not you, it’s me.”

Soren searched Corvus’s eyes, trying to make sure he meant it. Those big, brown eyes, with those eyelashes, and that darned scar… what would it feel like if he reached out and touched it?

What was Soren doing again?

Corvus, Corvus…

Oh! Right. Corvus was groveling.

Soren paid attention again. Corvus looked genuinely upset.

Soren gave his hand a squeeze. “Hey. It’s okay. I… might overreact a bit, sometimes,” he admitted, reaching back with his free hand to scratch his neck sheepishly. “You’re just so important to me and the thought of you not wanting to hang out or talk or anything like that is just… the thought makes me sad.”

“Oh, Soren, I -” Corvus shook his head. “I never want to make you purposefully sad. Ever. Okay?”

Soren felt a warmth in his chest. He nodded. “Okay.”

Corvus looked relieved.

Then, Corvus led Soren over to the wall, looking down at the courtyard. “I’m so used to looking the other way, to the trees and the land, that I often forget how beautiful it can be inside the castle, too.” Corvus said as he watched the hustle and bustle of people going back and forth, members of the guard sparring, and… Callum!

But Corvus didn’t point him out quite yet, if Soren hadn’t noticed him yet, Corvus wanted to spend as much time up there as he could get.

“Yeah, it’s certainly a beautiful sight.” Soren said simply, staring at Corvus.

Corvus turned his head to smile at him, then realized that Soren hadn’t moved.

Oh. Corvus felt his skin grow warm. Suddenly, he wanted to genuinely be holding Soren’s hand, not because they were forced to.

“Look, it’s Callum!” he said, pointing him out.

Soren whipped his head towards the spot with a wide grin.

“Callum!” he shouted, jumping up and down and waving his hand. Callum spotted them and gave them a thumbs up, heading towards the stairs.

“Well, we’ve got a healthy 5 minute minimum before he gets here,” Soren joked, “What would you like to do in that time?”

Corvus shrugged. “Just this; just being with you is fine.”

…

Callum made it to the top only slightly out of breath.

“I think I figured it out!” He panted. “I just -”

“Callum, whatever you say next will not make any sense to either of us,” Corvus said. “As long as it doesn’t make this permanent, or change our fingers into snakes or something, give it a try.”

Callum just shrugged, sprinkling flakes of his concoction over their joined hands. It felt cold, then warm, and then tingly. Their hands unlinked.

Corvus stretched his fingers experimentally. Soren, on the other hand, let out a cheer, pumping his fists in the air.

“Thanks man!” Soren said, patting Callum on the back. With Soren’s strength, Callum accidentally ended up hunched over and pushed a few inches forward. Soren didn’t even notice.

Corvus nodded. “Yes. Thank you.” Then, he looked at Soren, offering up a hand. “Shall we continue our walk?”

Soren’s face lit up. “Yes please!” Soren grabbed his hand and they continued on their way.

Callum stood there, bewildered by the sight. “I went through all of that for you two to just hold hands again?!” He shouted after them. “If it happens again, I’m just leaving you like that!”

Corvus and Soren made eye contact, smiling.

Stella was bored, which meant she was portaling things again. And a portaling Stella meant bad things were about to happen to the items in your pockets.

Bothering the people of the castle seemed to bring her joy. Soren understood; he loved a good prank. But, stars above, her timing was awful. 

He had the day off for… reasons, and was in his casual wear. Soren patted his pocket. The ring he’d just picked up was still there.

Stella was running down the hallway when she skidded to a halt at his feet.

“I know what you’re up to. Others have warned me,” he said, watching her climb his leg to chatter in his ear and play with his hair. “Don’t think your cute eyes will distract me.”

She pouted and he sighed. “Fine, you can have…” he stuck a hand in his pocket, searching for a harmless item for her to hide in her portal stash. He pulled out everything - including the ring - to dig through his options.

Stella’s eyes widened.

“What about this pretty rock?” He asked, holding up a pebble he’d found on his walk into town. Corvus was quiet about it, but he kept a little collection of pretty rocks he found on his journey through life. So, now Soren also added to the collection with his findings. 

Stella shrugged and grabbed it, throwing it into a portal. Soren rubbed under her chin and she practically purred as he put everything else back in his pocket. “Okay, now be on your way.”

Stella scrambled back down his leg. She was so sneaky, he never even noticed she pocketed the ring as well.

...

Author's Note: If all goes well this will be connected with another day and fleshed out a bit more!

Soren bringing home a rock for Corvus inspired by this post!

Day 2: Moon

The Bloodmoon Festival was beginning. The Festival holds a lot of strange and complicated emotions within Rayla, usually she tries to avoid the festivities all together but this year was different. This year she had Callum. And the human brimmed with delight, gasping and awing at things as simple as their flying lanterns and moon kites.

It was enough to bring a giggle out of her as he gawked and poked at the lantern, earning a raised eyebrow from a nearby elder who gently moved the lantern away from the human without so much as making eye contact.

Regardless, Callum's eyes trail it in delight.

“How do they work?” Rayla crosses her arms tilting her head at the lantern she never gave much thought to.

“I dunno, they just...do?”

“Who makes them? Do you know? I’d love to see if I could copy the runes and ask them a few questions.”

“It's a festival, Callum. Don't you think you could put down your book for a minute and just...enjoy it?”

“Trick question, this is me enjoying it.”

“Yea, that’s true.”Rayla concedes with a smile, finding his poking and prodding as endearing as ever.

“But how about we leave the questions till after the shows?”

Callum gives her a soft pout glancing back at the lanterns before closing his book and latching it back into his belt.

“Yeah, alright. Show me the way.”

Their hands interlock as Rayla tugs him through the busy streets, children run past their feet laughing and carrying trays of sweets. Most of the games and stalls were meant for the children but regardless Callum took delight in all of them.

“Oh look! Bone Biscuits! I haven’t had any in forever.” Rayla stops them in front of a stall, every year this merchant and her family sold these biscuits,

“Bone biscuits?” Callum hesitantly asks, with a raised eyebrow. In response Rayla playfully flicks the spot between his eyes.

“They aren’t actually bones. Dummy.”

As Rayla picks up a biscuit she continues with a smirk,“besides aren’t ya the one who eats bone marrow’ in that squishy thing?”

“They are called marshmallows and that’s totally different.”

“Whatever you say, bone snatcher.” When Callum opens his mouth to protest Rayla shoves the biscuit into his mouth. After a few tentative chews he hums in delight.

“I think I can get behind this bone stuff.” with a soft chuckle Rayla passes a few coins to the merchant thanking them in Moon’s Elvish before guiding Callum away.

They get to look at a few more stalls, and try various snacks Callum has never tried before, then bells chime and children from all over the camp rush away to follow the sound. Callum looks around, in shock stepping aside awkwardly to allow children to pass.

“Uh what's that?”

“Ah it's just the Harvest Play, it's about the Bloodmoon Huntress and fighting her. The kids love it.”

Callum glances over to where the children had gathered by a wooden stage, music playing and adults ushering children into seats on the ground or cradling them on their laps.

“You want to watch it?” Rayla asks, seeing the curious twinkle in his eyes.

“I-I mean well, if you want to.” Rayla rolls her eyes and takes his hand to drag him to the back of the crowd, urging him to sit on the grass beside her.

Rayla leans her head on Callum’s shoulders with a happy sigh, in response Callum places a hand on his hip and shifts her closer as they watch the play. The squeals of children fill the air, some ducking behind each other and peaking through their fingers in a fitful of giggles. The adults on stage tumble through their performance making the children all the more amused.

Rayla peaks up to Callum, he’s soaking in every moment. This is all so familiar to her but all so new to him. It’s like watching the festival for the first time through his eyes.

She has long stopped paying attention to the play she's seen dozens of times, and instead watches all the new faces in the groove seeing this for the first time as well.

“Ya know...I don’t think I’d mind this either.”

“What do you mean?”

“You know, you me, the Silvergrove and maybe…” as Rayla trails her words, she watches a child rush into her mother’s arms squealing in delight over the prize she won at a booth.

“Maybe a little one.”

When Callum doesn’t say anything Rayla turns back to him, worried she said something wrong. But when she meets his eyes, she finds him brimming that goofy smile.

Callum brings a hand to cup Rayla’s face, rubbing a thumb along her ears in a motion she’s come to love. The touch lulls her into closing her eyes. Callum presses his lips between her eyebrows, then on her nose, then her lips.

Despite herself she laughs into his mouth, pulling away with a grin.

“Is that a maybe from you as well?”

“Maybe.” Callum teases before he captures her lips again.

Day 1: Harvest

Corvus breathes in the October cool breeze. It’s strange being back home. Home, home.

Home where old red dirt meets even older ash deposits, where the birds have learned to whisper instead of sing and where nights are full of naught but a hum of zaphoppers.

Stranger yet is his company, however.This place, at heart, is his home. It is where he learned to hunt and play at strings but Soren almost feels alien here, he sits straight on his horse, almost ridged as he glances around really taking in the scenery around them. For the occasion he traded in his armor for something more form fitting and fancy, silks decorated with all kinds of Katolian Royal designs, his hair slicked back and braided with jewelry adoring his ears and hair.

He’s far too formal for the rural outskirts of the borderlands, he sticks out like a goat in a sheep herd but it's what he wanted to wear and Corvus was not going to spoil it for him.

They’ve just gotten engaged after all, and this would be the first time Soren meets his family.

They’ve passed the canyons and their raging waterfalls, a place Corvus escaped to from time to time to bathe and rest, and steadily head downhill on the slightly worn path, mostly indistinguishable from the rest of the forest.

It is here where they find Corvus’s family’s house, warped and changed through the years, larger than when he had left it and yet feeling so small compared to the life he’s lived now.

For the entire ride Soren has fidgeted with pieces of his outfit and clothes, mumbled about gifts and recited questions he plans on asking and talking about but now is worse than ever. Soren squirms on his horse and it seems the nerves have taken over the excitement.

“Are they usually home at this hour? If we need to come back, that's totally okay.”

“They are home,” Corvus points to the smoke trailing out of the chimney, “and by the looks of it we’re in time for lunch.”

Soren nods, flashing a nervous smile. Briefly Corvus wonders if he should’ve brought Soren to meet his family before they got engaged but life had just happened so quickly. One moment he was laying under the stars in the woods somewhere in Del Bar and next he was engaged to The High Guard of Evrkynd.

By the time they've made it to the door, Soren's nerves seem to have taken over as he takes on the house. Though it is larger than when he had left it, it is still smaller in comparison too...well most places Soren knew. Even the smallest vacation home of the Royals was far larger than this.

"Are you ready?" Corvus asks as he finishes tying a knot on the horse hitch. 

"Yeah, totally!" Soren says, as he shuffles nervously at his feet. Corvus gives a nod and what he hopes is a reassuring smile to him. It doesn't take long for the door to fly open when Corvus lays the few two knocks. In front of him his mother stands, a wide smile on her face, behind her the warmth of the house envelopes him as does the scent of freshly baked pastries inviting him back in as if he had never left.

"Crow." 

“Mom.” Corvus breathes, it feels natural to fall back into her arms though he’s surpassed her in height he lowers himself to nestle into her shoulders. It’s the familiar rumble of her chest when she chuckles that makes him smile taking in the scent of apples and cider on her clothes.

“And is this the boy you’ve told us so much about?” Corvus turns to see Soren staring, his eyes are soft and searching, nervous as ever before he snaps into his own body and beams widely. 

“Unless Covus has someone else he wants to tell me about, I am.” Corvus gives him a playful smack of his arm, as if there'd ever be anyone other than him to make him roll his eyes. Soren continues after tossing a wink his fiance's way “It's nice to meet you ma’am.” 

To Soren’s delight Corvus’s mom giggles in amusement and offers her hand.

“Linet. Welcome to our home.” Soren takes her hand in both of his and nods.

"Thanks for having us-well me. Say it smells great in here!" 

As the two chat Corvus glances around, his eyebrows furrow before he faces his mother once more “Is father not home?” No sooner do the words leave his mouth does Corvus’s ears catch the distantly familiar sound of his father’s shuffling.

“M’here.” The gruff voice responds from behind them, it startles Soren as he spins around surprised. 

His father steps through the doorway, trudging leaves behind him as the wind announces his coming with a gentle howl. Corvus was at a decent height but he had not inherited his father’s impressive height. He looms over at about 6 '4, head almost touching the door frame, face and arms scattered with old burn scars and various hunting wounds.

He turns to look at Soren, his eyes flat and stern, an unaccustomed eye would not be able to tell what he was thinking or even feeling. At the corner of his eyes Corvus catches Soren swallowing a lump in his throat. But before either of them could speak, his father slumps with a pained grunt, his legs trembling with effort to remain standing straight.

“Dear…” Linet mumbles with an exasperated sigh, rushing over to put a hand on his shoulder and back, in an instant he relaxes, leaning down against his cane with a shaky exhale.

“You don’t need to do that.” she whispers into his ear, draping her hand over his.Her husband shakes his head, facing Soren once more.

“We have a guest. I wanted to greet him properly.” His voice is rough as ever, and as a matter of fact as ever. Corvus moves to his father’s other side, slipping the tied bundle of rabbits he slung over his shoulders. He shouldn't be carrying things for too long even if they were light weight.

All Soren could do was blink, taking in the sight of the pair fussing over the man.

Corvus’s father was a large intimidating man, this was no secret, but he’s a gentle and loving soul.

It takes Soren a moment before he comes to his senses.

“I can help Sir.” When Soren reaches over, Corvus’s father clears his throat and adjusts himself on his cane.

“You can call me Trackerman. No need to worry yourself. I can handle myself ‘ust fine,” he responds curtly, and strains to rise a bit more from his slump to hobble over to the table. 

“You're in time for the harvest feast. Lord Soren.” his father responds simply over his shoulder before he sits. In Trackerman’s trail, several girls and dogs bolt through the door, all shouting.

“Corvus!” It takes less than a half moment for Corvus to be engulfed by his little siblings and dogs, all hanging off of him making teasing remarks and sweeping Corvus away. The oldest appears about 18 and the youngest somewhere around 14 or 15. 

They have baskets of fruits and vegetables, one has deer legs and hide over her shoulders. Soren finds she reminds him a lot of Corvus, wielding a very similar weapon to her older brother. It’s not long till they are all at the table, the hounds yap and play in the living room and Corvus’s mother serves them their harvest favorite. Apple Tart pies, and rabbit stew. The table is lively, Corvus’s sisters tease him endlessly and blurt out embarrassing stories from their childhood, Linet laughs along and brings in her own memories. 

All the while Trackerman hums in agreement, lets out deep rumbles that pass for his laughter, and silently pushes extra servings to his children and Soren. 

In turn Corvus is sure to nudge his father to remind him to eat his fill as well. 

Corvus can't help but smile looking around the old home. Since he had gotten the job in the military he had always sent money home to his family, to ensure they would be okay. Plenty of times they attempted to decline but it feels good to see the money has gone to good use to repair old wood and purchase fruits from their farmer neighbours.  

However there is a silence where usually there wasn’t. Beside him Soren laughed and smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

By now Corvus could do what Soren is thinking with just a glance or even a shift in the air. There’s the darkness in his eyes that takes him over on random days or finds him through his restless nights. Having a family again, after all this time, is scary. 

Would they accept him? Would it be alright to settle himself into a new space beside them? 

It’s been a while since he and Soren had been able to have lunch with lots of people, let alone family. These people were now a part of Soren’s family, in a way. 

Corvus reaches over and places his hand over Soren’s. The motion draws Soren’s attention at last and he offers a soft squeeze. 

This was Corvus’s promise, words he’d say in their vows, no matter what happens or what life throws their ways he will have Soren always, in all ways, on his worst days and his best days, through it all he will always be there. 

They’ve spoken this way a hundred times, glances that last seconds but speak hundreds of words. Soren squeezes his hand back with a true smile now. 

When Soren leans in and pauses, Corvus allows him this bit of public affection and gives a quick but tender kiss that he hopes will go unacknowledged by his family.

“Ew, get a room.” Tita teases quickly, and Corvus immediately regrets the peck. 

“Not in this house.” Linet quickly adds playfully, pointing her fork threateningly to the pair of them with a smile.

“I'm sure we can find a nice quiet place out in the woods.” 

Corvus flushes, “Soren!” 

His treacherous fiance laughs, “What! They said not in the house.” 

The table rumbles with laughter along with disgust groans from Corvus’s siblings. Even as Corvus shakes his head, he can't help but smile as his mother laughs and Soren finds it contagious and joins her.