Runaan and Ethari, Raising Rayla

chapter 21.

Pronunciations for names, just in case you don't know them!
Runaan = Roo-nan
Rayla = Ray-La
Aiden = Eye-Den (spelled like Ay-den, but pronounced Eye)
Ethari = Eth-are-ee

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Rayla knocked on her friend's door. She waited outside a beautifully painted house, tapping her foot excitedly. Almost a minute had passed and the door creaked open.

"Aiden?? Is that you??" Rayla called, but suddenly a hand covered her mouth. She tried to squeal but it blocked it.

"Shhhhh!!!" Aiden hissed. They were wearing their pyjamas and had their hair in two long flowing silvery white braids, down to their hips.
"You'll wake my family up!" They released Rayla from their grasp and led her into the living room.
"Sorry...!" Rayla whispered. They both sat down on the carpet on the ground.

"What do you need? And why are you out so late? Also what's with your overnight bag?" Aiden asked.
"Well," Rayla began.
"Runaan walked out on Ethari, and Ethari said he's just gone for a stroll but I think there's something else going on." Rayla grinned, excited that she's getting to go on an adventure and maybe just maybe take her friend with her.

But Aiden frowned.
"What do you mean, something else going on?" Rayla's grin wavered.
"Well, like. I don't know. A party? Finally getting to see my parents! Ooh!! Maybe they're bringing them home and I can see them!"
Aiden still didn't smile.

"Rayla, are you sure it could be to do with your parents? They've been gone for.. quite a while now. Maybe there's something else going on with them both." They said. Rayla tilted her head slightly in confusion.
"I'm just saying, maybe it's to do with Ethari and Runaan. Not your parents, or even you. Or anyone here."

Rayla's smile dropped.
"Are you saying they could both be.. in a fight?" She started to get defensive.
"They never fight! Well, not enough to make one of them walk out...!"

"I'm just saying!! It's possible, Rayla.." Aiden said. There was a silence.
"I-I'm sorry Rayla. Maybe it is nothing. I'm just worried about you getting your hopes up because, well. Not everything in life is perfect." They explained, shuffling closer to her. Rayla sniffed.
"C'mere Rae." Aiden pulled her into a hug.
They both sat there for a few moments.

"Even if they were in a fight," Rayla said slowly.
"I'm still going after Runaan."
Aiden sighed.

"I don't want him to get into any trouble!" Rayla started to get up but Aiden grabbed her hand.
"Rayla, it's dangerous out there. And I mean VERY dangerous. There could be another Sunfire attack. It's too late and dark. Maybe you should stay here toni-"

"NO!" Rayla hissed, almost shouting. Aiden was taken aback.
"No. Sorry Aiden, I'm going after Runaan. I came here to ask if you'd like to come with me." Rayla held out her hand, but Aiden didn't take it. There was a pause.
"Well, I'll be off." Rayla whispered, and walked to the door. She opened it, looked back at Aiden, waved them goodbye and then walked out, closing the door behind her.

She stood for a second, taking in the cool, crisp air of the night. She looked up at the stars that shone brightly in the deep blue sky. She sighed and started to walk off but she heard a door slam behind her. Rayla turned around to see Aiden standing there with a bag on their back and a worried expression on their face. Rayla smiled.

"I'm only going with you because I'm WORRIED about you.." They said to Rayla. Rayla cheered quietly and hugged them.
"Let's go this way! I think I saw Runaan go down this path but I can't remember. But it'll be fine!!" Rayla said excitedly. Aiden rolled their eyes but smiled gracefully.

"Right, let's go."