Still Here

High Mage Stuff

"Elves and humans are here? And they've... brought back my baby? My love, and my hope."
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Rayla sat listening to the pitter-patter of rain outside. An oddly relaxing sound, for one who hated water. Just then, the door swung open, and Callum strode in. "Hey," he sighed. She looked at him, concerned. "What's wrong?" she asked. "Nothing! I'm just... tired," he answered, plopping down on the bed. "High mage stuff is not easy." Rayla sat down next to him. "You could ask Ez, sorry," She cleared her throat and said in a sophisticated manner, "King Ezran," she continued, "for a break." Callum chuckled. "It's not too bad. Just a bunch of problems I need to solve with magic.

Callum was only 16, and he was the first human primal mage in centuries, and the high mage of Katolis. Rayla was the first elven head crownguard of Katolis. A less impressive feat, but she was proud of it. She was also the last dragonguard. Now that was something to be proud of. They were both some awesome teenagers. Of course, Rayla would be an adult next year. She was 17 now. She was tired too. Today was her day off. Ezran said Soren and Corvus could handle it. She wasn't quite sure if he was right.

Callum had gifted Rayla her own sketchbook, so he could teach her to draw. So far, she knew only the basics. But she was improving, and Callum was always so nice when something wasn't quite right. He would point it out and, gently, tell her what she needed to do to fix it. Her drawings were that of a novice, but that was okay. Callum didn't care. Rayla stared at the ceiling that towered above them. Encrusted with gold. What did I do to deserve this? She tried to push the thought down, but it only grew worse.

She knew Callum might have an answer. He always did. "Callum?" "Yeah?" "What did I do to deserve a life like this?" Callum sat up. "What?" "What did I do to deserve..." She gestured around the room. "...this! Half of this room is made of solid gold! This vase," she said pointing to a beautiful piece of pottery, "is probably worth more than both of my butterfly blades! Why do I deserve that?" Callum furrowed his brow. "Rayla, you deserve this for three reasons. 1, you saved Azymondias from Viren's grasp. 2, you saved me from an endless loop of prince stuff. And, 3, you're the last freaking dragonguard!"

She looked away from him, knowing he had a point. "Listen to me when I say, that you deserve everything that has been offered to you. This room, this castle, and, heck, even that vase!" She chuckled. "See? See, you know you're amazing. You're smart, and fast, and beautiful. Rayla, you're the most amazing person I've ever met." The door swung inward. Opeli stood in the doorway. "High Mage. The king wishes to speak with you. Alone." He bolted out the door yelling, "I'll be back!"