The Dragon Prince - Soren x reader (f)

- A 'Freed' Elf -

Nighttime fell quickly upon us.

Not much has occurred since Callum, Corvus and I returned with the lack of news. Soren and I have been taking turns keeping watch. Everyone is covered by blankets under the arched entrance from the bridge.

Everyone aside from Ezran.

Our King, who is perched on his throne. From where Soren and I sit with our backs against the cold, scarred stone, I could see him. Yet I knew that my friend does not sleep on that throne. The throne that belonged to his father. Then to the man buried in this rubble. Now to him.

We decided that we will leave for the lodge when morning comes. The darkness never used to frighten me, but without a bright moon, I am unnerved by the night. Evil can lurk in these shadows. I felt a lot better when my eyes were allowed to close as Soren took over. My head lulled to a sleep against his shoulder, his arm snaked around my waist.

It is now, that someone startles my own arm, that I am rudely awoken. "Soren it's your watch," I mumble, my eyes still closed as I chase the fleeting rest.

"(Y/n)," a soft accent replies. Not Soren's voice. "I thought you'd be a little more excited to see me."

My brows knit together before I dare look. I'm just dreaming. "Rayla?" I question to no reply. I sigh deeply, opening my eyes. Not a dream. My friend stands before me. "Oh skies," I yearn, practically tackling her as I jump into a hug. Rayla's arms slink around me as she chuckles. "You're okay," I decide rather than ask.

"Very well," my friend assures confidently. Rayla leans closer for comfort. "I'm so sorry about Katolis," she emphasises, sparing Soren a glance. I look to where he stands at my left side. Smiling. "But I'll help with the rebuild," Rayla says. Soren's grin is odd considering we are sleeping outside our ruins. "It'll-"

"Wait." I place my hands on Rayla's arms, pushing her gently away from me. My stare analyses those purple eyes. "Callum said that you freed-" Mid sentence I assess our surroundings and it leads me to one anomally. One figure that stands across from me, gazing into my heart and soul. "Runaan?" I deduce, half question due to my state of delusion.

I have strong memories of his long white hair. The intertwined braid that usually cascades down his back, now strung messialy over a shoulder. My feet are stuck in their places as his eyes break away. Runaan regards the rubble before looking back at me in silent question. Unspoken empathy travelling between us. Then he is limping my way. I can't wait any longer and my body kicks into action. "(Y/n)-" Runaan yearns as I run into his chest, careful not to knock us over. My eyes squeeze shut as if that could stop the overflowing emotion. "Oh, oh, my fierce one," Runaan mumbles.

"You're here," I say aloud to try and aid the disbelief. "You're alright? Skies you're alive!" I exclaim, drawing away. I don't recognise his blue shirt. It must have been a gift from Lujanne. Of course I recognise his beautifully sculpted face and the purple markings that trace across his nose. I push my body against his once more. My face imrpints into his chest as if this hug can heal all of the years we spent apart. "I remembered you but then then I lost you and I didn't fight for you-" My stress rambles out but Runaan soothes me.

"I'm here now, (Y/n)," he says soflty, putting me at arms length. His eyes are the furthest thing from critical as they survey me. Their turquoise depths are filled with a profound familial love. "My, how you have grown into such an incredible woman," he whispers.