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He didn't know what had come over him.
Rayla had just been sitting there in the Council Meeting, absentmindedly gnawing on a feather quill as she listened intently. She didn’t seem to realize she was even doing it, and after the first few minutes, Callum simply couldn’t look away, as it caused too much of a distraction.
Soren actually looked over in disgust as the elf chewed and chewed, watching the tail end become more and more frayed as it entered and exited her mouth. Peripherally, Callum saw Soren’s eyes sneak a peek over in his direction, and then back towards Rayla; the Crown Guard openly shook his head, even as Rayla continued her toothsome quest, unbothered and oblivious.
But Callum…just sat and stared, positively dumbfounded by the process. He kept drifting in and out of conversation (and shit , this was important!) because Rayla kept unrelentingly eating the damn feather quill…
…And all Callum could think about was her lips, and how soft they would feel pressed against his own.
A strong, heated sensation - like warm fluid rising in a tub - began filling his torso. He had to quietly inhale to calm himself.
Still…
…Callum couldn’t help but imagine the feather was his tongue, slipping easily between her teeth as he tasted her…
" - - And what do you think, High Mage Callum?" Opeli asks, turning her head in his direction.
The question hit Callum like a sack of bricks as he completely missed the matter at hand. "Huh?" Callum exclaimed, snapping his attention back to the present, and shoving the hot feeling down to the depths of his person. "Oh, uh - - I think it's great. You have my full support."
Now the Council’s gaze was on him - even Rayla, who paused mid-feather.
"To use Ezran as a diversion so we could lure out my sister and father?" quipped Soren, already flustered by the unnecessary show.
"WHAT! No, I don't -" and he looked around the table as sets of confused eyes swiveled in his direction. Rayla completely stopped in her snacking, thank the fucking gods , and replaced the quill with a true look of concern.
"Sorry - I’m sorry," he said guiltily, and the apology was sincere. "It's just…I'm a little distracted," he admitted honestly, and that was a fact. He could hear Soren quietly scoff under his breath.
"We have been here for nearly two hours," King Ezran agreed. "I understand the plan of action must be as prepared as ever, but it is nearly dinner time. Let's revisit this tomorrow.” The young boy gave his brother a kind, understanding look as the other council members began chatting, signaling the end of the meeting.
Ezran always had a knack for just knowing . Callum quietly exhaled, thankful for the break and the misdirection - even if Ezran didn't know exactly why he needed to get away from the conversation.
Soren was first to rise immediately from the table. "Pfft, distracted , " he sneered, turning his nose up at Callum. "You're gross .” He then left in a huff, leaving Callum a pile of embarrassed mush.
Callum rose, too, very much aware he needed time to…well, cool off. But as the mage went to quickly see himself out, a hand stopped him.
“Callum?” Rayla asked, her soft voice hitting his ears. He could tell by her tone that she was worried. The young man tried to acknowledge the elf without fully turning to face her, but her hand grasped his forearm firmly. "Are you okay? Is everything alright?"
The elf’s grip would not relent. Slowly, Callum rotated until Rayla appeared within his line of vision…and he immediately regretted it .
Rayla was usually the ‘tough’ one, but when she was soft… oh . It made Callum’s heart melt into a puddle.
Her violet eyes were round and glassy, brimming with apprehension over Callum. They searched for any sign of distress, and her eyebrows knotted every-so-slightly as she gazed up out of care.
And…it was for him ? Gods …the hot, bothersome sensation snuck up his torso…
" Actually ," the young man said, trying to keep his voice as calm and steady as possible. "I…I want to…talk to you. About something. But - but in private."
Rayla nodded. "Okay," she says, completely oblivious to the fire raging inside.
There is a beat, and then. "Umm - right now ," he added quickly.
"Oh!' Rayla squeaked, clearly surprised. "Alright, High Mage. You lead the way."
Ugh…more like Hard Mage , Callum stupidly thought to himself, even as the two exit the councilroom.
Within seconds, Callum trekked the route towards the housing wing, Rayla trailing quietly beside him. He couldn’t look at her, for fear he would positively explode . The path to his room was suddenly like a labyrinth, as he never remembered there being such a complex network of halls and turns and doors before.
Eventually, he made a hard left turn to finally go down the way to his room, anticipating getting the hell out of dodge. The door is in site, until -
“High Mage!”
A voice called out to the two. Callum was firmly ready to simply ignore the intrusive onlooker, but of course Rayla broke off and went to politely address the wayward guard. “ Fuck ,” the young man inwardly cursed.
Rayla nonchalantly chatted about a loose window in Callum’s bedroom. After a brief back-and-forth, the two turned to face the mage, and Rayla asked, “Do you have time for a metalsmith to come in and fix the hatch?” She then pivoted back towards the guard. “I think so, I think - - “
“No !” Callum blurted, his voice a little too intense, causing the pair to stare back in bewilderment. Then he quickly added, “Uhh - not today, please.” It’s not the guard’s fault he has been staring at his girlfriend suck face with a feather for the past two hours. “If you can tell him to come back tomorrow - Rayla and I have important matters to discuss right now.”
The guard bowed, saluted, and formally bid adieu to the couple.
Once alone, Callum grabbed Rayla’s hand, despite the confusion clearly painted on her features. He could vaguely hear Rayla ask “I thought we were free after dinner?” but he ignored this, heat and impatience tightening his throat.
Callum took out his ring of keys, fumbling to find the correct one. He did locate it, but his hands were starting to tremble, so much so that the lock stuck as he struggled to open the door.
Now Rayla noticed his fumbling, and grew truly concerned, but before she could say anything, the door finally pushed open. Relief washed over Callum as he barged in.
A frustrated, gusty sigh escaped his lips as he entered, some of the tension releasing with it.
But Rayla, still troubled and clueless and positively with no idea what’s going on inside Callum’s brain, closed the door and locked it. "I know, Callum,” she started, still thinking a deep conversation was about to take place. “I know, I understand. It's a terrible idea - I told Ezran that. He’s so brave, yes, and I know the plan would work - but how can we put Ez in that position, and what if something awful happens - -"
But Callum interrupted, too restless to finish the conversation. "Is that door locked?" he asked, feeling beads of sweat beginning to drip down his backside.
“What?” Rayla dumbly responded, taken aback by the seemingly out-of-the-blue question. Then, “Yes, I locked it, it’s - “
Finally. Callum nearly jumped her as he grabbed Rayla’s face in his hands.
For a second, a look of pure wonder alighted Rayla's features. Her shocked expression was priceless, and before either of them knew what was happening, Callum smushed her up against the door, pressing his body against hers, and fervently kissed her.
It only took a moment for Rayla to register what was happening, and when she did, she responded with gusto. Her arms weaved around Callum’s neck, eager to please his seemingly insatiable thirst.
They’ve kissed before, but never like this. “Callum,” she breathed, breaking off for just a second as his lips moved down to her neck. She grinned as his kisses left gooseflesh on her skin. “What has gotten into you?”
“You distracted me,” he said simply, and he locked her lips once more, subduing the next question that nearly escaped Rayla’s mouth.
There was a flurry of clothes as the couple broke free from the door, slowly but surely seeking out Callum’s bed. A step, and Callum’s coat fell to the floor with a leathery thud - another step, and Rayla’s belts descended with a metal clang. They collapsed onto the mattress, sweeping away the the soft fabric of their under armor.
The pair knelt on the plush covers, their foreheads touching intimately. They embraced, heated and clammy, as a loaded, heavy pause drifted through the air. For a moment, their display of passion swelled down, as they both knew they’ve never crossed that line before.
Rayla squirmed uncomfortably, only now realizing they have stripped down to just their undergarments. “Callum, I - - “
The elf’s doubt was evident, and despite Callum’s longing desire, he’s definitely not about to push any unnecessary boundaries. Instead, he placed a soft hand on Rayla’s cheek. “It’s okay,” he whispered, nuzzling her face affectionately. “I’m fine with just kissing you all night.”
A relieved smile erupted on Rayla’s face as she relaxed, and it made the young man’s insides turn to jelly. “I think that can be arranged,” she responded, a devilish grin painted on her face. Rayla collapsed into the pillows, sprawled out and caught between Callum’s legs as he remained kneeling on the sheets.
Callum’s gaze soaked up the site before him. Rayla's soft smile alighted her flushed cheeks as she lay panting among the cushions, vulnerable and eager and loving. Her loose, pristine hair spooled around as if it were a silvery halo.
Her lunar beauty was positively radiant, and the sight of her... holy hell. Was this what it was like to be drunk - giddy and euphoric? “My gods , Rayla…” he gushed, “you are fucking gorgeous .”
Callum slid his hands up on her lean, muscular stomach, tracing the skin with his palms, and leaned down to bite those cute, elfish lips.
But then - -
“OUCH - - !”
It took a second for Callum to realize that Rayla yelped, as if in pain. The elf bolted up from her position on the pillows, a disturbed expression strewn across her features.
It’s like a cold bucket of water was thrown on the heated moment. "Rayla! Are you okay - ?"
The elf began rubbing down her stomach, exactly where Callum’s hands were moments ago. “I think…” she started, her eyes wide in disbelief, “Did you just shock me?”
“Did I…?” Callum inhaled, and brought his hands to his face. Indeed, the couple gawked as little bits of static electricity jumped between his fingers - the bright, electric waves were clear as day against the room’s dim light. Though their heated exchange was interrupted, Callum stared, dumbfounded by the zappy little snaps of power.
Rayla, too, gazed in wonder. “Unbelievable. You’ve gotten so strong,” she commented, clearly impressed despite the blades of red that are now bubbling up on her stomach. "Have you lost control of your magic before?"
Yet Callum is entranced by the little bolts, quietly willing them to cease. "I…" Callum attempted to verbalize, but the words were stuck in his throat.
Rayla quietly grabbed his wrists, careful not to touch the electric bits of fingers, and pushed up to mimic Callum’s kneeling stance. “S’alright,” she whispered, and Callum closed his eyes in an attempt to relax his body. “It’s just a wee bit of lightning, that’s all.”
It was soothing to focus on the steadiness of Rayla’s hands. Callum could feel her pulse beat between her fingers as she held on, and he exhaled to release some of the tension. Within seconds, and with a little pop , the electricity vanished into thin air.
Callum sighed, then chuckled in relief. “That could have been bad,” he relented as Rayla let go of his wrists.
The elf once again wrapped her arms around him. "I guess this means we should slow it down, then,” she murmured, stroking his hair as she embraced him.
The gesture should be comforting. The gesture should make him feel better. But the sensation of Rayla’s skin pressed up against his bare chest, and her hands entangled in his hair, and feeling her supple, warm breath in his ear … it doesn’t help at all.
The elf pulled back slightly, studying the young man’s face with affection. Then, she gently kissed him, ever so lovingly.
Rayla’s thoughtful, deliberate kisses caressed Callum’s lips, and it’s like she’s eating the most delicious piece of birthday cake, her tongue lapping every crevice of his mouth like it’s a treat for the taking.
It does nothing to help Callum.
Rayla pulled his body down so that he was firmly laying on top of her, still assiduously, intensely kissing him.
His mind goes in a million different directions, unable to shake the fiery, internal feeling as Rayla continues to entrance him with kisses.
Sweat drips from his brow , cascading in little rivets as the air becomes too hot to handle.
A pain begins to throb against his insides , starting from his stomach and branching out to his limbs, until his arms feel like they are going to break.
He can't take it.
With an unexpected gasp of pain, Callum suddenly broke away. HIs lips part from Rayla’s, the quick motion causing a distinct smacking sound.
And just like that, Callum is instantly gulping for air, and his eyes widen as panic settles into his features.
“Rayla - - “ he cried, puffing out his chest and extending his arms. Another moan escaped Callum’s lips as his Draconic runes began to glow, and his head was forced to look upwards.
Within seconds, Callum’s upper limbs erupted into feathers, plumage piercing through the skin like lunar moths escaping a jar.
There’s no question.
In an instant, there was a tremendous shift as Callum’s mage wings appeared , despite not muttering any incantation. They were magnificent and downy, even in the small of the bedroom, their largeness overtaking the entire span of the mattress.
But it wasn’t without agonizing costs. Beadlets of perspiration dripped from Callum’s face as he gurgled, struggling to breath against the vulnerable display of magic.
His eyes searched for Rayla, as if he begged her to help him. But the elf could only gawk as she stood stunned upon the sheets, her jaw agape as she muttered, "Shit , Callum…"
All sensation of pleasure was erased as unbearable pain rushed over his features - it’s laborious to even take a breath. Callum’s eyes squeezed shut as his feathered arms crumbled from the weight. "I can't - ” he sputtered, recognizing his own weakness, “ I can’t - - “
And then, his mind flipped back to that day - that day in the Storm Spire when Aaravos used his body like a marionette, forcing him to do and say things that were against his will.
“My favorite - the human mage, already tainted by darkness, and destined to play right into my hands…”
He had lost control then, too.
He was helpless, and his body moved and spoke and shifted without any of his own consent.
He was weak, just like he is now .
Callum’s mind whirred and whirred, spiraling as his limbs grew heavy and tired as the weight of the feathers pulled taught against his irritated skin.
“Rayla…” he whimpered again, unable to make any other sound…
…But soft, strong arms wrapped around his body.
Callum slowly cracked his eyes open, and he could see Rayla there, looking upon him with a calm serenity that he hasn’t seen before.
Her forehead touched his own, sticking from his own beadlets of sweat.
“Callum,” she whispered, and the sound of his name on her lips was soothing. She spoke only loud enough for him to hear. “I’m here. I’ve got you. I’m here. ”
Rayla’s breath flowed steady, and the gentle rise and fall of her chest was like a melody. The young mage matched it as best he could, counting each inhale and exhale as the aching began to subside.
“Remember, there is strength in vulnerability,” the elf continued, stroking his bare backside. “You are strong, and write your own book on destiny, Callum. No one else can make decisions for you. No one else can control you.”
The elf’s reassuring tone lulled Callum’s unsteady mind, even as he gasped and moaned as he regained bodily control. I write my own book, he mentally repeated to himself, almost as if it were a mantra. He leaned into Rayla’s touch, despite the mage wings making it difficult to keep balance.
It was minutes before his breathing steadied, and the young man felt his body let go of some tension.
With one last breath, he released an audible, airy sigh, and finally, his wings retracted.
Immediately, Callum’s arms were stiff as they solidified after the unexpected spell. He collapsed on the bed, too exhausted to do anything else, and curled into a ball, wrapping in on himself.
But Rayla simply shifted her position, accommodating the young man’s tired body. She snaked her arms from behind, wrapping around his worn-out form, and cradled Callum close to her own chest. Her forehead pressed into the back of his neck, and soon, their breathing was in sync, their pulses matching in tranquil tandem.
Time drifted as the two sought contentment in one another’s closeness and company.
It was late in the evening when Callum fully came to. His eyes opened slowly as they adjusted to the darkness. He could feel Rayla’s body securely pressed against his own, her chest putting just the slightest pressure on his back. She stirred, too, as Callum whisked his body around to face her.
His hair was a complete mess, and he was still bare chested, and not to mention kind of delirious from not eating supper.
But it only took one look from Rayla’s warm, loving eyes….she smiled as she, too, began to wake.
His hands grasped her face, bringing it so close that he could feel the warmth from her mouth.
“I said you were a distraction,” he whispered, chuckling at the hoarse sound of his voice. Their eyes locked. “I love you," Callum said simply, and kissed her deeply.
But it lasted only a moment, as Rayla pulled away knowing they - Callum especially - needed the break.
"I love you too, Callum,” Rayla breathed, once again touching her forehead to his. “And I will always be there - to pull you back, even when you lose control.” She pecked his lips one last time, and there was a moment of pure affection as the couple regained their senses, still exhausted by none other than themselves.
Rayla broke the trance first, rising from the warmth of the sheets. “Let's go find something to eat, hmm?” Her stomach rumbled, as if on queue. “All this snogging has me absolutely famished ."
And as she got up, the elf added one last thing.
"And let's get Ezran to move that meeting tomorrow, yeah?" She chuckled as she said this. “No more distractions!”