The Dragon Prince - Soren x reader (f)

- Family -

"Why don't you two go on ahead?" Rayla offers, her tone of voice gentle.

"No," I twirl, closing the distance between us quickly. "I need to experience this with all of you," I emphasise.

"(Y/n) is right," Runaan doesn't hesitate to agree. "That talk is nonsense, Rayla."

My friend continues to shake her head. Soren and Callum's eyes flick between the conversation, remaining reserved. "You two deserve a minute with Ethari, a minute alone," Rayla voices. "For different reasons, of course. We will be right behind you." She looks towards the men at her sides. They nod in understanding of their situation.

Soon enough, my head is inclining, too. "Look after Soren," I have to say as Runaan and I step away. I've seen how he's eyeing up the blue toadstools and really don't want anything consumed. Rayla nods in understanding whilst Soren sputters in a sort of offence. I offer him his own wink, and carry on my way.

"Do you recognise any of this?" Runaan asks me after we have been walking for a while. I feel quite alive despite it being the middle of the night. I'm sure that excuses the lack of any Elves out and about. Although, the Silvergrove is quite small in comparison to other Elf homes - such as the city of Lux Aurea.

"Everything and nothing," I tell him honestly. "It seems smaller..."

"You are older," he reminds me reassuringly. We stroll along the winding paths, my eyes fixed on every blue flower that glows faintly in this moonlight. "Lunablooms," Runaan tells me. He must have followed my sights. "Ethari's favourite."

His comment sticks with me as we ascend the stairs up to their house. A home that I played in and learned in. One that I didn't think I would visit again. There is slight burn in my thighs when we finally crest the top, and I take the moment to breathe. I regard their moon pool. Only one flower remains in it. For a moment I wonder why. The surrounding stone is carved in mythical ways, depicting the flows of rivers and twisting vines. I remember those patterns. But time touched it and made it chipped and worn? I wasn't here to see it age. "I don't think I can do this," I murmur under my breath. Rayla isn't at my side. Soren isn't holding my hand. Runaan remains quiet until I turn to face him.

"I know how you feel," he tells me. "I promised him I would be back, and now I can fulfill that." I nod in understanding. Yet my situation remains different. I didn't promise Ethari anything. One day, I simply disappeared, and they assumed me dead. Rayla didn't even mention if she told Ethari I was alive when she visited last and I completely forgot to ask. "He'll be in his workshop," Runaan comments knowingly with a faint smile. I follow his silent movements up some more stairs until we both halt at the sight of the entrance around the corner. "You go in first, fierce one," Runaan instructs.

"But you made him a promise?" I mumble. From inside I can hear the faint clanging on metal. He must be the only person awake.

"Which will come later," Runaan says.

I manage to put politeness aside. These Elves helped raise me. I love them like the fathers they were. Much time has passed but that doesn't need to make me shy. "Thank you," I choose to say, whispering the words earnestly.

Runaan inclines his head. He extends an arm, ushering me forward. I step into the entryway. It is out of the nights lights, but there are dangling glowing balls that illuminate the room with a gentle glow. I analyse the bookshelves that I crave to dive into. The three arched walls that are covered in delicately placed weapons - a mix of bows and blades. Although the room is not what I'm amazed by.