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Chapter Text

  The moonlight was dim, and so were the two men’s energy. Runaan sighed softly as his husband wrapped another lap of a bandage around his arm, wrapping away a large gash he’d gotten in his arm during the battle with the Bloodmoon Huntress. His eyes were droopy as the crackling of the fireplace engulfed him in warmth.

Ethari sighed as well. “I’m glad you did what you could.” he whispered softly, caressing his husband’s arm lovingly.

Runaan stepped off the dining table which he had been sitting on. He smiled tirelessly at his husband.

Runaan looked at him with the same compassion, glancing down at his arm. “I’m just glad we got there in time. But, I’m also happy all three of us are here.” he ran a hand through Ethari’s white waves, not moving his gaze from those light brown eyes that glowed amber near a fire.

The craftsman smiled, and their lips were gently pressed together in seconds. Runaan held his husband’s waist with his free arm, his bandaged one embracing Ethari in a small hug. Their tongues slowly and electrifyingly glided against each other, their eyes shutting in pleasure and overall tiredness. Ethari moved his hand to Runaan’s cheek, running his thumb along the blue patterns on his husband’s nose. His low moan was muffled in the kiss.

Ethari’s hand traveled down to his husband’s chest. He himself was just wearing a pair of midnight-blue pants, just slightly hanging off his waist.

Their kissing drastically increased in passion, biting and nipping at each other’s lips, tongues sliding against one another, small tugs at white strands of hair. Ethari wrapped his arms around Runaan’s neck, continuing the kiss for a few electrifying moments before pulling away, panting softly.

“Are you sure Rayla is asleep?” the craftsman breathed against his husband’s tender lips, to which Runaan licked them eagerly.

“I’m sure,” Runaan assured him. “She must be equally exhausted from tonight. She needs her rest for tomorrow’s training as well.” the assassin continued, not removing his gaze from Ethari’s parted lips that had a drop of his own saliva on them.

Ethari’s eyes turned thoughtful for a moment, before he nodded. He murmured in agreement before turning his amber eyes to Runaan’s lips.

Runaan grunted and readjusted his bandaged arm. “Now, my love, I’d like to move us to the comfort of our bed.”

⋆ ⁺₊ ⋆ ☾ ⋆ ⁺₊ ⋆

Ethari moaned eagerly as his bare back was shoved against those familiar silky bed sheets. Runaan instantly pounced on him in less than a second. Their lips instantly met again, although this time in a less gentle manner— it was a more fiery, desperate kiss. Ethari’s fingers cleverly slid down to his husband’s loose pants, not willing to waste any time when the moon was so full and gorgeous, which he was about to be as well.

Runaan’s lips trailed down Ethari’s jaw, kissing and licking along the violet patterns on his skin. He bit and sucked on his husband’s throat, while the craftsman focused on getting Runaan’s pants off. He unzipped them and moaned, tossing his head back and sprawling his white hair over the pillow.

Runaan’s lips were ruthless. He sucked on Ethari’s throat, leaving small love marks and playful nips, kissing at his jaw, and caressing his growing bulge. The craftsman trembled beneath him, biting his lip and shutting his eyes. They hadn’t had much time to themselves since Rayla moved in, and now that she was beginning training, Ethari knew there would be even less time for him and Runaan. But that all left his mind as he felt his husband’s sloppy kisses moving down to his abdomen.

The assassin’s pants were undone, but had lost Ethari’s touch. Although that didn’t matter as Runaan slowly removed Ethari’s pants, pulling them down to his thighs. The craftsman whimpered softly. He uncovered Ethari’s already hard cock, throbbing and leaking, and most certainly sensitive. Runaan’s lips met with the head, not removing his gaze from Ethari’s eyes at all. He sucked earnestly and with passion, his saliva dripping down the rest of Ethari’s length.

The craftsman was already a mess. His thighs trembled as Runaan used them to balance his bandaged arm, his mouth moving further down on that bulging cock. Ethari moaned, his face not visible to Runaan as his body was already arched off the bed in pleasure. The assassin sucked harder, his movements unrelenting. His turquoise eyes had the same loving intensity, the one only reserved for his Guiding Moon.

Ethari’s hand slid down to grip a handful of Runaan’s thick, white hair, moaning endlessly into the air. He looked down and made eye contact with Runaan, who already had the entire length in his mouth and was bobbing his head. 

“Fuck— Ru!” the craftsman whined, grunting and tightening his grip on Runaan’s hair. He was about to finish soon.

Runaan furrowed his brows, bobbing his head in a faster pace and making sure to suck each inch correctly, glide his tongue just the right way, all to make sure this experience was as electrifying for Ethari as it could be.

In an instant, he felt his husband’s warm and immediate cum fill his mouth, and he did not hesitant to swallow every drop. He licked his lips, his cock throbbing against the thin fabric of his pants when he heard how erotic and loud Ethari’s finishing moan had been. He removed his mouth from the craftsman’s cock, saliva mixed with cum gliding down the corners of his mouth. He licked them as well, looking down at his husband’s cock with longing yet satisfaction.

Ethari panted in tandem with his husband, the two men only staring into each other’s eyes while they knew every inch of each other’s body. Ethari rubbed his forehead with his sweaty palm.

“Oh moon,” he gasped. “That was loud, Runaan.. I could’ve woken—”

“It was perfect, darling.” the assassin whispered sensually as he sat up and leaned back down to kiss Ethari lovingly. “And now I’m going to make you even louder.” he licked his lips.

Ethari’s moan was muffled by Runaan’s lips smashing against his in an instant. The craftsman’s hands wandered up Runaan’s back as the assassin began to unzip his pants and toss them to the side. They landed with a thud on the wooden planks near the bed. Ethari’s legs were instantly spread, inviting his husband in, a feeling he would never get tired of. His head titled back as Runaan worked on lubing up his cock and kissing Ethari’s already-wet jaw. Ethari shuddered with pleasure.

Runaan’s hand left his cock, now slipping one finger into the craftsman’s hole. Ethari shut his eyes, a soft whine escaping his pursed lips. He slipped another finger in, moving in and out earnestly. Runaan’s lips once again met Ethari’s, muffling his whimpers and low moans. He added a third finger, cautiously, and opened an eye to analyze his husband’s expression for any discomfort, but the only thing on Ethari’s mind and face was pleasure.

The assassin removed his fingers with a satisfying squelch, wrapping them around his cock to line the tip with Ethari’s hole. The craftsman slightly shifted his legs further apart, his hands already clutching the silky sheets beneath him tightly.

“I’d prefer it if you would be gentle tonight, darling,” Ethari breathed with a light chuckle. “I have commissions to complete early in the morning tomorrow,” the craftsman murmured and pressed his cheek against the fluffy pillow beneath his head.

Runaan loomed over him with a seductive glare, a twinge of tenderness in his teal eyes. “No worries, my love.” he kissed the tip of Ethari’s nose with a grin, holding his husband by the waist to slowly insert himself in.

With a satisfied moan from both men, Runaan’s cock throbbed as it slowly entered the craftsman’s entrance. Ethari tilted his head back and moaned, his chest rising and falling quickly as his heart began to race. Runaan gently thrusted his hips upwards, holding him tightly by the hips and thighs. The man squirming beneath him looked ethereal, moonlight gleaming through the tall windows and illuminating the beautiful parts of his body. The craftsman’s bare chest had swirling blue patterns, just like his face, neck, and arms, and it seemed that the designs glowed more in the moonlight than anything else.

“Oh, moon,” they both breathed and moaned in sync, grinning softly at each other’s pleasure. Ethari always felt so special and loved whenever they made love, especially Runaan’s gentle nature towards him.

The assassin’s movements increased in passion, his hips softly slapping against Ethari’s. Runaan’s face was filled with concentration, and also admiration for the man under him which he adored and cherished for many years. Ethari’s moans and Runaan’s grunts filled the dimly lit room, the bed creaking and slapping against the wall.

Ethari’s hand reached out to grip the back of Runaan’s head and pull him down for a desperate kiss, their coupling turning frantic as they panted into each other’s mouth. Ethari could feel every pound deep in his soul, his body rocking back and forth in pleasure.

“Just a little faster,” Ethari breathed in between moans, his lips pressing against his husband’s eagerly. He wanted Runaan to be tender, but also as passionate as he usually is.

Runaan grunted and increased the pace of his thrusts significantly, the sound of skin slapping against skin evident in the room. His cock slid in and out of his husband’s hole with satisfying squelches, his breathing turning unsteady and ragged the more he pounded into Ethari. He held himself up by grasping the sheets, not even caring about his bandaged arm anymore.

Runaan breathed out a groan, his hips relentless. They were both getting close. 

His lips smashed against his husband’s shoulder, kissing all of his perfect skin. Ethari moaned loudly, louder than he would have intended, and bucked his hips in the air. His cock bulged and throbbed, eventually spewing a trail of cum over his own stomach. Runaan finished at the same time, shooting his cum into his husband with a satisfied groan.

Ethari panted, his head tilted back and his legs twitching. The two men laid there in each other's mess. Runaan pulled out his cock with a wet noise. The assassin groaned softly and rolled onto his side by Ethari. He embraced his equally tired husband, and they both shut their eyes to breathe, waiting for their hearts to return to a normal pace.

Ethari glanced up and kissed the tip of Runaan’s nose, muttering the words he would always know were true to himself.

“I love you.”

Chapter Text

The cold breeze swept up dark-green leaves from the ground and carried them along the racetrack of morning air. The sun was slightly peeking behind quickly shifting blankets of clouds, yet it was enough to illuminate the earthy houses and market center in Silvergrove. Trees swept with the wind, branches twitching as a series of birds landed on them.

The town was truly missing the moonlight, only a few elves wandering around the market and some resting in their homes.

It was an early hour, though, and the day had just started to begin.

Rayla had just woken up. The young Moonshadow elf rubbed her eyes, tossing around in her new but oddly familiar bed. She still hadn’t gotten used to waking up and seeing purple and blue brightly-colored walls around her in Runaan and Ethari’s home. Her packed clothes were sprawled out on the plank floors and the fuzzy magenta carpet, a few hanging out of her suitcase, which was also lazily placed near the bed.

Her pointy ears pressed against her pillow uncomfortably, something she found very annoying when she slept. That must’ve been why most of the other elves she grew up with slept very little, especially Runaan. The assassin was like a hawk or a morning owl, always sitting at the wide table in the main kitchen no matter how early Rayla woke herself up.

She squeezed her blue dragon plushie to her chest tightly before groaning softly and reluctantly rolling out of bed. Sure, she was excited for Runaan’s assassin training, but she was still disturbed with the whole killing thing, and Ethari would be way too overly worried.

If he had everything he loved at home, why would Runaan leave each day with the weight of possibly not returning again? Ethari had explained it to Rayla thoughtfully, but if she were in his shoes, she’d be pretty upset with that.

Rayla sighed softly and slipped on her midnight-blue boots that thumped against the wooden planks beneath her. Her usual teal shirt never failed to make her white hair glow, contrasting with her accusing and young magenta eyes. She snapped on a silver necklace that had a crescent moon charm, tapping against her collarbone when she walked. It was given to her by her mother, and yet, after almost 3 weeks of staying with Runaan and Ethari, she couldn’t find herself understanding why they left. She knew Tiadrin and Lain were such good friends with the two men, trusting them with their child. But Rayla knew it was different.

The young Moonshadow elf quickly stepped out of her bright, eerily void room and headed for the wooden stairway leading to the main kitchen and the other rooms she boringly explored, which were mostly guest rooms, or small offices and tiny libraries.

Rayla traced her fingers along the railing, boots echoing through the large house. Vines were draped anywhere they fit, making the home look earthy, more like one that belongs to an Earthblood elf. Tall, tinted and ancient-looking windows were also on almost every wall. They allowed the golden morning sunlight to shine through and cast stripes of light along the lines of rooms. She turned swiftly, finally seeing the doorway to the main kitchen.

A soft smell entered her nose in a small puff of air, and she instantly felt even more somnolent than she had waking up. She could sniff out buttery biscuits with Moonberry jam spread across fresh toast, and also Runaan’s repetitive cup of coffee. The house was always filled with a dazy, whimsical feeling soon after the moon hid away again during the day.

Ethari was patching up one of Runaan’s bandages, wrapping the silk carefully around his husband’s extended arm. It truly pained the young craftsman to have to do this for Runaan, to see the effects of his husband’s occupation, but there was nothing he could do, really.

The dishes seemed to all be washed, and Runaan had a mug of his signature coffee that Rayla could smell from a mile away in his free hand, which also had an older looking bandage. Rayla found herself wondering how Ethari felt about that. He must feel terrible having to treat Runaan for stuff that happens almost everyday, she thought. Maybe being an assassin isn't all that fun.

Ethari quickly noticed the young moonshadow elf in the doorway, his usual bright and cheerful smile growing on his face.

“Rayla! You’re awake,” he grinned, tightening the bandage around Runaan’s arm with a gentle tug.

The assassin’s expression did not change, but he glanced at Rayla and nodded. Today would be the time to be her mentor, to teach her to fight like a true Moonshadow elf, and possibly, a future assassin. But that stays in the future for now.

“Good morning,” Rayla smiled back, already making her way to the wooden table where the two men were, and her fresh plate of breakfast.

“A good meal is important, especially in the morning. You need to be energetic for today’s training.” Runaan stated, nodding at Rayla’s plate. She immediately dug in.

Breakfast with her new guardians before training was quite important. Ethari ran a finger along Runaan’s now tight bandage, before moving away to the kitchen counters to prepare something for himself. Rayla stuffed the biscuits in her mouth and chewed until her cheeks were full. After swallowing, she stuffed a more reasonable size of food in her mouth.

After a few moments of devouring a flavorsome and delectable breakfast, Rayla turned to Runaan. “What happened to your arm?” she already knew, but she was quite curious. Was being an assassin all that dangerous, since Runaan had so many bandages? Would she have those some day if she started the training?

Runaan did not glance back at her. Even after the whole Harvest Moon thing, he still seemed as frigid as always, even after revealing his caring side to the people around him at that moment. His taciturn nature made him seem mysterious to Rayla.

“I damaged one of my past wounds from training.” the assassin stated plainly. Rayla tapped her foot against the floor, looking at Runaan thoughtfully.

“Will that happen to me during training? Is that what usually happens to assassins?” the young Moonshadow elf exclaimed with wide eyes. She was quite excited for the training, and she felt she would be a fierce future warrior, she wouldn’t let that stand in her way.

Runaan looked at her with a complex expression.

“It is possible you will get hurt by training. But, I will absolutely be as careful as I can,” he glanced at Ethari for a split moment. “As for an assassin, this is just what happens to keep everybody around me safe. I fight and kill, after all. It isn’t an easy job.”

Rayla nodded thoughtfully. She didn’t want to seem puerile or pusillanimous on her first day of training, especially to her skilled mentor, so she tried her best to understand. Runaan was an assassin. Assassins kill people, like he said. And he was going to be her mentor.

Before the young Moonshadow elf had a chance to think of a seemingly innocuous response, Runaan abruptly stood up and adjusted his leather armor, gently tugging on that silk bandage wrapped around his purple-tinted skin.

“Now, I want you to be prepared. We will be leaving in a few minutes. Finish your breakfast.”

With that, he walked out of the kitchen, ending the conversation. Rayla’s halcyon days of summer were now going to be spent training with cool weapons crafted (or maybe even enchanted) by Ethari, and Runaan teaching her awesome fighting skills. She smiled as the craftsman approached her with a cup of tea.

“I crafted a wooden arch bow just for you, Rayla. Runaan will teach you to use it safely and improve your aim,” he spoke softly, holding out a small bow (just perfectly Rayla-sized) to show the young elf.

It had a glowing aura to it, a blueish tinted light emitting from the wood. Thin, prickly vines were wrapped around it, even a small pink flower popping in some ethereal color. Rayla fingered the silver chains of her moon pendant with a gaping grin.

“It looks so cool! Did you enchant it with a cool spell? Can I tell it to shoot arrows? Is there magic in it?” Rayla beamed. Ethari fluttered his eyes in surprise with a slight chuckle.

“Well, you’ll have to see. It’s a surprise.” the craftsman smiled.

“What will I be shooting arrows at?”

“That’s for Runaan to decide.”

Rayla tilted her head. “Will it be people? Or animals?”

“Goodness, no. He might just make some targets out of wood to get a sense of how good your aim is before moving onto other objects. Assassins only shoot at people to kill. Don’t be thinking so darkly,” Ethari ruffled the young elves’ white hair with a parental smile.

Rayla nodded and stood up, pushing away her empty plate. She took the bow in her hands and smiled brightly. “Do you have your backpack?” Ethari asked, picking up the dishware and gently placing it in the sink.

“Uh, I think it’s up in my room.” she gasped. “Are there more cool weapons for me? Do they have magic?” Rayla beamed once again. The craftsman could conclude that the young Moonshadow elf was certainly expecting to see some sort of weapon enchanted by magic, judging by her purely puerile bursts of excitement. She is certainly going to enjoy training, he thought.

“Partially,” Ethari chuckled, holding up a small box of food that looked like it contained yummy fruits and berries. “I have your lunch.”

The large wooden doors snapped open, and Rayla stepped out alongside Runaan. The assassin had a similar steel arch bow slung over his shoulder as he went a few steps down the wooden staircase leading to the rest of the Silvergrove. His brown belt was securely tied around his waist, sleeveless coat flowing with the boundless breeze. The fit assassin turned back, intense turquoise eyes glancing at Ethari and Rayla, who were at the doorway.

“Rayla, this is the other weapon I wanted to give you,” Ethari said with a soft smile.

In his gloved hands, he held a small, silver dagger. The handle had an engrained pattern of the moon and stars, the craftsman running his finger along the lines as if to reimagine all of his work. He smiled at the sanguine expression on Rayla’s face.

“It’s shiny,” she grinned as Ethari carefully placed it in her palm.

“And dangerous,” the craftsman warned. “Runaan will teach you to use it.” Ethari patted Rayla’s head lovingly.

Rayla inspected the dagger in her hand for a few moments, the comely patterns glimmering with the dim morning sunlight. “I thought you would be worried about me using weapons,” the young Moonshadow elf murmured, glancing up at the craftsman.

Ethari slightly tilted his head. “I am,” he said. “But I know I can trust my husband to teach you to use them effectively in training. He is the leader of the assassins, Rayla. You can trust him too.”

She nodded and tightened her grip on the silver dagger.

“Now, go find some Adoraburrs to play with while I speak to Runaan,” Ethari smiled. The young elf smiled back and bolted down the stairs, stuffing the weapon in her teal bag.

The craftsman sighed as Runaan approached him with those intense turquoise eyes. “Are you sure you want her to begin using such weapons on her first day of training?” Runaan asked cautiously, rubbing his husband’s arm.

Ethari’s cheeks grew red at just the sight of Runaan, let alone his touch. He sighed and placed a hand on Runaan’s cheek, rubbing his thumb along the blueish violet patterns along the assassin’s face. Runaan gently covered his husband’s hand with his own.

“I believe she’s ready,” Ethari sighed once more. “She showed much courage during the Harvest Moon, and you saw her, darling.” His amber eyes met with Runaan’s. “I want her to be a trained fighter under your mentorship.”

Runaan stared into the craftsman’s eyes thoughtfully. He nodded. “I will do my best, my Guiding Moon.” he kissed Ethari’s hand.

Ethari exhaled deeply and still kept his hand on Runaan’s cheek, not willing to cease their loving touches.

“Please, be careful, love.” the craftsman muttered with warm eyes.

Runaan nodded and squeezed Ethari’s hand, bringing their intertwined fingers to their side. He nodded and gently pressed his lips against his lover’s, his free hand moving up to caress Ethari’s side. The fiery yet compassionate touch of each other’s lips never failed to let the craftsman know how true his words were. They could not use up too much time, since Rayla would be waiting eagerly, so he separated their lips with electrifying slowness.

“I will,” Runaan smiled.

Ethari watched his husband descend down the stairs and eventually out of sight. He reached up to run his finger across his lips, like a teenager that had just been kissed by their first crush. He longed for the assassin’s touch, but he knew he’d soon receive it after a long, hard-working day. He inhaled deeply, watching the golden sunlight peek further and further from behind the curtain of clouds. He stepped back into the house.

⋆ ⁺₊ ⋆ ☾ ⋆ ⁺₊ ⋆

Runaan inhaled sharply, strengthening his shoulders. He glanced at the watching Moonshadow elf sitting on a boulder nearby. The sunlight grew stronger and firmer against his skin, and he clutched his bow tight.

“Watch as I aim the bow precisely,” Runaan said, aiming the arrow exactly for the middle of a target. He waited for a few moments to recapitulate every single one he’s hit in his career. He released his pressing finger and shot directly into the middle of it.

Rayla wowed and stepped off the boulder. “That was cool,” she squealed. “Will I get to use the bow Ethari gave me?”

“Yes,” Runaan said plainly, slinging his own bow over his shoulder. “Come here.”

She went to the same spot Runaan had been standing in. “Is it enchanted with something?” Runaan asked, placing his hands on Rayla’s shoulders to put her in the right position. He knew his husband would probably have put some sort of spell on the bow.

“Ethari said it was a surprise,” Rayla giggled as Runaan adjusted her elbows, shoulders, and stance.

“I see.” he sighed softly. “Now, press your finger tight to hold the arrow there. Take your time to aim correctly.” Runaan spoke in a somewhat calming voice.

Rayla nodded with determination in her eyes. Runaan sighed and stepped back. He knew his work as an assassin wasn’t clear to her— it was much deeper than just his simple explanation. But she was only a young Moonshadow elf, and she had much to learn.

She narrowed her eyes and waited a few moments with her finger pressed firmly against the arrow, holding it back and hoping she’d hit it right in the middle of the target. She quickly let go.

It hit the target, only by a few centimeters. Runaan stepped up beside her. “Much better than your last.” he nodded.

Rayla slung the bow over her shoulder the same way Runaan does. She smiled.

“Uh, Runaan?” Rayla muttered. The assassin turned with a raised eyebrow. “Do you know how to control your Moonshadow form?” she said awkwardly.

Since the Harvest Moon, and her first time actually preforming her Moonshadow form correctly, she had been curious about how to control it. And she had watched him train another assassin to master the form, and she recalled something about ‘life and death.’ Perhaps Runaan wouldn’t mind teaching that again, she thought.

Runaan furrowed his brows curiously. “Of course I do.”

“Well.. on the Harvest Moon, when I left to go to the forest, I actually did go into Moonshadow form. That’s how they didn’t see me.” Rayla confessed.

“Hm..” Runaan nodded slowly. “That is impressive. It usually takes much time, preparation, and focus to do it correctly. I’m guessing you must want to know how to control it,” he adjusted his steel bow.

Rayla nodded with eagerness and excitement. “Yes! It was so cool, I got to be invisible. The moon felt so nice.” she smiled brightly. Runaan glanced at the sunny sky.

“Moonshadow form is only achieved when we understand the balance of life and death,” he started. “We shall begin at nighttime, after we practice your aim further.”

Chapter Text

Ethari woke up with a soft groan, his arm conveniently placed over his already aching hot forehead. Was he ill? Or feeling strange? He had no time to think of that, only the plans for the bright day ahead. He glanced over at the open curtains, exposing an almost blinding amount of sunlight to his sensitive eyes. He grasped them with a grunt, tussling himself in bed.

He had a love/hate relationship with the sun.

He wasn’t even sure if Moonshadow elves were supposed to like the sun, since— you know— Moonshadow elves. They like the moon. But for him, he liked both. (at least sometimes.)

Ethari glanced to the side, raising his arms to stretch eagerly, and noticed that Runaan was not in bed. He narrowed his eyes and sighed, absolutely no motivation for the day coming to him.

It was a lucky weekday for Rayla— since Ethari always took her with him to the marketplace to help with groceries in the mornings on Sundays, making her miss a bit of practice with Runaan.

The craftsman had noticed she’d been struggling slightly, since the use of unfamiliar weapons and some pushing from Runaan might’ve been too much for her. So, he decided to help her unwind in the morning at least.

Ethari sat on the edge of the bed, the wooden frame squeaking with every small movement. He wrapped some usual dangly bracelets around his wrist, along with thick rings and small jewels for his horns.

He heard some faint chattering coming from the ground floor, suspecting that Rayla and Runaan had already begun breakfast.

Ethari lifted himself off the bed, clutching his sleeveless coat to his chest as he picked up his boots. Small stripes of sunlight gleamed through the blinds and illuminated the room in a golden light. The day seemed angelic, or at least the morning was. He’d be spending his afternoon (and perhaps even night) working on lengthy commissions for weapons and jewels.

It wasn’t that he disliked his work— he was quite passionate about it— but he felt a lot freer when his afternoons weren’t so crowded with different projects.

Ethari was already half way down the long staircase, his boots thumping over the wooden planks. A thick scent of food entered his nostrils, although he didn’t find himself quite hungry. He usually didn’t have breakfast until noon.

He walked past the large doorframe of the kitchen, setting his gaze on the two elves conversing and eating. Runaan was standing in front of the sink, washing a few dishes, while Rayla sat at the dinner table with an exhausted look.

“Oh moon,” Ethari exclaimed. “You look tired.” he said with worry as he approached her. She had a glass of moonberry juice and a fine plate of scrambled eggs, toast, berries, and sliced bananas.

Rayla glanced up at him with a soft smile. “Kind of,” she shrugged, taking a spoonful of jelly into her mouth. Runaan’s stoic expression did not change as he dried off a mug with a small rag.

Ethari sat in the chair across from Rayla with a sigh. He snatched a tiny piece of bread off her plate, earning a small giggle from the young elf.

“Today you’re going to the market with me, so you’ll miss morning practice with Runaan.” Ethari informed before biting into the toasty, warm bread.

Rayla nodded. “I know.”

“You do?”

“You take me every Sunday, Ethari.”

Ethari giggled in slight embarrassment. “Right,” he ran a hand through his hair, fingering the dangly jewels on his horns.

“But today you’ll have noon off— and possibly the afternoon— so practice will be around eight.” he said.

“Eight?” Rayla exclaimed. “Don’t you practice with the other assassins at that time, Runaan?” the young Moonshadow elf turned to the restless assassin serving himself juice in a cup.

“Yes,” Runaan sighed. “But you’ll find it helpful. You may learn something above your level, and perhaps practice with the others.” he explained simply.

“But they’re a lot stronger and faster,” Rayla fidgeted.

“You don’t know that.” Ethari shrugged. “You’ll have much time to think and mentally prepare throughout the day,” he smiled, pushing his chair back and standing up.

“Now, finish breakfast and get dressed so we may leave.” Ethari said, patting Rayla’s fluffy hair cautiously. She groaned softly.

“Why do we always leave so early?” Rayla complained, but Ethari had already left the kitchen and headed for his main office, possibly to work on a last-minute weapon of sorts.

Runaan adjusted the bow slung over his shoulder. Rayla was surprised he was dressed so early too. “He likes to follow his schedule precisely,” the assassin shrugged as he sat in the same seat across from Rayla. She could see bags under his eyes.

“Maybe he should switch it up, then.” she picked at the scrambled eggs on her plate.

Runaan set his cup down. “Rayla, my husband’s work is not very effortless.” he said in a calm tone.

“There is much demand for his pieces— since he’s extremely knowledgeable and skilled.” Runaan added with a hint of admiration. “He’s busy most of the time, yet he still wants to take a few hours with you to embrace our new family. He’s doing a lot for you.”

Rayla nodded thoughtfully. She’d never went into much depth of how tiring this new adjustment with her might be. She inhaled sharply and looked down at her almost spotless plate.

“He is.”

Ethari’s boots produced a crunchy sound as he stepped over rough soil and autumn leaves. Rayla trailed behind him with a childish smile.

“Since when did it get so cold?” she asked, sniffling.

Ethari wrapped an arm around her shoulder for warmth. “Because autumn has begun,” he stated. “The trees are turning a beautiful orange and of course, the weather is colder.”

In the Silvergrove, the winters and autumns were a lot colder than other areas. For Ethari, he personally enjoyed the cold. He found he could dress comfortably, with puffy sweaters and colorful scarves, or even stay in the house with fluffy blankets enwrapped around the people he loved most. He had a great surprise for Runaan and Rayla this winter.

The marketplace itself wasn’t quite radiating with activity, but just enough so that Ethari wouldn’t feel overwhelmed. He glanced down at the short, shivering elf next to him.

“Oh moon, you’re turning pale,” he exclaimed. Ethari quickly unwrapped his velvet scarf from his neck, putting it comfortably around Rayla instead. It didn’t fit her perfectly, but it definitely gave her warmth. She sniffled.

“There you go,” Ethari patted her head softly. Rayla smiled up at him. “Now, I have a tiny list of things Runaan asked for.” he shoved his hand into his pocket, scrambling for a small piece of paper.

“You can get anything else you would like too,” Ethari ripped it in half, giving a portion of the list to Rayla. She rolled her eyes playfully. “I know.” she giggled. “We’ve been doing this since the first Sunday I started living with you guys.”

Ethari rubbed his shoulder in slight embarrassment, again. “Right, of course.”

He knew he was being too.. clingy or repetitive as a parent, but he’d never raised a child before. Sure, he sometimes visited Rayla and her parents, becoming a big part of her childhood. But this was the first time he really had to look after a child.

They both separated, Rayla holding the list in her hands to buy some fruits and vegetables while Ethari bought jewels and equipment for his work.

After another while, Ethari joined with Rayla again. She had a small bag of fruits, vegetables, common ingredients and cans of jelly. “Very good,” the craftsman adjusted the satchel around his waist.

Rayla looked up at him and stuffed the list of groceries into the pocket of his coat. Ethari giggled softly. “What did you get?” the young elf asked, glancing at the additional bag of things in his left hand.

“Oh, just some jewels and other stuff like hammers for work. I’m working on a really cool arch bow for Runaan.” They both began to walk down the trail back into the main part of the Silvergrove, their earthy home already seen in the distance.

“Jewels?” Rayla raised an eyebrow, stepping over crunchy leaves.

“Yes, I add them to specific weapons to give them a glow,” Ethari smiled down at her. “And I also make jewelry.” he said proudly. Rayla beamed at this information.

With a quick glance to the moon pendant around her neck, which wasn’t very visible— it was covered by Ethari’s purple scarf, she smiled. “Would you make something for me?”

They walked past a few other elves beginning their day, some of which Ethari waved to. It seemed the Silvergrove was starting to wake up a bit, the gray clouds clearing in the sky to revealing a pastel-ish wave of color. Ethari’s cheeks weren’t so cold anymore.

“Of course, what do you want?” Ethari cheerfully smiled at her. He may have other projects— but like Runaan said— he’d always put Rayla first.

Rayla shrugged and fidgeted with the oversized scarf. “I don’t know,” she mumbled. “A necklace, maybe? I want something moon-related.. I like stuff that glows.”

“But you don’t have to—”

“No, I’ll do it!” Ethari reassured her with a bright smile. “Necklaces don’t take much time, unlike other weapons and detailed jewelry. Just give me a while.” he patted Rayla’s white hair, again. She smiled softly.

“Thanks.”

*: ･ﾟ ✧ *: ･ﾟ

That night..

Runaan set his large, steel bow on the grass with a grunt. He’d just finished training with his amateur assassins, and Rayla had been sitting on a nearby boulder for the rest of the afternoon. He walked towards her once the other assassins had left. The moon was bright in the sky, serving as a limelight.

“You mentioned Moonshadow form?” Runaan crossed his arms with a stoic expression.

Rayla looked up from her fuzzy Adoraburrs she’d been playing with, excitement evident on her face. The little creatures scurried away into the bushes. She remembered her determination to learn how to control it— since she found it to be an essential of being a Moonshadow elf— so she nodded.

“Yes,” she stepped off the boulder. “I’m pretty sure I can do it again with some help.”

Runaan nodded and glanced at the dark sky. “The moon is perfect, but you need to be focused, Rayla.” he informed. “But I do believe in you.” he added with a slight smile.

Rayla nodded, attempting to put a serious expression on her face. “So, how do I start?”

Runaan stepped backwards just a bit, stepping into a small ring where the moonlight was most bright. “Stand next to me,”

Rayla complied. She rushed over to the grass, her boots making a soft squelching sound over not-yet-dried rain water. As she stood still, slightly peeking at Runaan to see if she was doing the right thing, she felt the moon almost seep into her skin.

“To understand and achieve—”

“Yes, life and death, I know that.” Rayla nodded, her eyes falling shut. Runaan breathed a half laugh.

It must’ve felt like centuries— the moon endlessly shining like a gem as she stood like a statue. She thought of her parents leaving to be in the Dragonguard, Ethari, what life and death means to Runaan, and everything she learned from training. She inhaled sharply through her nose.

In a flash, her entire body felt different. Her skin felt translucent, her legs felt slightly unstable, although like they were nonexistent. She opened her eyes and looked down at herself.

She was in Moonshadow form!

“I did it!”

Runaan looked equally impressed. “Well done,” the assassin nodded. Rayla was practically beaming and jumping up and down like a hyper child, a bright smile plastered on her face. “I have to show Ethari! He’ll be so impressed,” she giggled.

Runaan sighed as he watched Rayla sprint back to the house. They had practiced in their backyard this time, as to not raise any suspicion in the forest so late at night, especially since he could lose Rayla easily. After picking up his bow and tossing it over shoulder, he followed behind with slower speed.

“Ethari!!” Rayla shouted. The craftsman appeared behind the sliding glass doors in an instant, a surprised expression on his face. He slid open the door.

“Wha—” he began, before Rayla brought him into the tightest hug he’d ever experienced, not even Runaan squeezing him as rough as possible could’ve compared to it.

He repeated the ‘what’ in a choked tone, looking down at the giggling girl. “Good moon, Rayla!” he exclaimed. “You terrified me.” the craftsman blinked rapidly.

“Look! I’m in Moonshadow form again!” Rayla smiled.

Ethari looked genuinely impressed. “Really? That’s quite difficult to do at your age,” he patted her head. “I’m very proud,” Ethari chuckled in between a sharp exhale. Runaan appeared behind Rayla, and she quickly turned back into her normal form.

“Aw,” she pouted, but Runaan put a hand on her shoulder. “I’m quite impressed as well. It seems you have no difficulty achieving the form, but controlling it. We’ll be learning that later.” the assassin nodded.

Rayla looked even prouder with every word. Ethari chuckled. “How amazing,” he smiled at both of them.

“I’m gonna try to do it again!” Rayla said with a determined face as she bolted back into the house, so fast that Ethari’s coat had fluttered with a gust of wind.

“Goodness,” Ethari breathed with a laugh as he ran a hand through his hair. “She’s very determined.” Runaan smiled, taking Ethari’s hand in his and kissing the back of it.

“I’m exhausted myself.” the assassin sighed. Ethari ran his thumb along the blue patterns on his husband’s skin. “Well, good for you, because I’ve prepared a spa bath for the both of us.” he grinned, placing a quick kiss onto Runaan’s lips.

“Now go eat something first.” Ethari rolled his eyes and playfully pushed Runaan into the house.

They both laughed and shut the glass doors.