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If someone asked Callum seven years ago if he would enjoy being a teacher and a dad, he would have spluttered. Now, he has three delightful young children, and one more on the way. It's bedtime, and after some fussing, singing lullabies, and a lot of hugging and kisses, he closes the door to his eldest's bedroom.
Rayla kisses him. She looks a little tired- and Callum understands. It's a risky time. Aaravos is almost set to return. Callum did his best to help teach anyone willing to learn primal magic- to the extent he knew it. A lot of things were lost- both in the destruction of Lux Aurea, in the death of mages like Akiyu, and- as they later found out- Aaravos' deliberate action to destroy certain texts.
They rebuilt, as best as they could. Evrkynd is a mishmash of cultures, but they somehow get along well enough. Ezran's touch helps there, probably. He really grew into his role, now a mediator, smoothing the grit of such disparate peoples coming together.
The Sunfire elves have their own, mostly fireproof sector. That helps.
Callum is there, too, in a sense- he was the first to have half-elven children. In many ways, it's a mystery- will they only have one Arcana? How will their horns develop? Night vision? So many questions. Callum loves them, though, and it's just as exciting for him as for his giggling children, play acting at being assassins and dragons. What Callum needs to do most now, is to provide them with a safe world to live in.
He makes his way to the washroom. It'll be another long day tomorrow. The threat of Aaravos is ever looming. Everyone knows, everyone is waiting. Final drills will be run, mechanisms tested, people put into position- the defenses are likely as good as they can muster.
A willing dark mage, just in case.
They will imprison Aaravos, one way or another, and the prison will be placed in a pocket dimension, accessible only by portal. Stella has agreed to help, but just in case, Ezran talked to other cuddlemonkeys.
Callum- Callum will be locked up. Chained up, just to be sure, under lock and guard in one of their secure cells. Even if he's possessed, he won't be able to do any damage. If he's still possessed after Aaravos is imprisoned... they'll get to that if it happens. No need to think of bad things in advance.
He emerges from the washroom, clean and yawning. Rayla is already in the bedroom, stroking her stomach lovingly, and Callum smiles.
Everything is going to be alright.
One more day. The last night. Just in case, they're assuming the days mean at the start of the sun's rotation, and will be ready early. It's time for Callum to turn himself in. He dresses comfortably- the conditions won't be great, even if he won't be mistreated- and says goodbye to Rayla and the children. They don't know. They think he has some special project. They're too young to really understand, anyway.
Callum takes a moment to visit the monument in honor of the Archdragons. It's well tended. Flowers line the ground in front.
After all they did, you still honor them.
Callum turns around. "What- where-" No one is there. It's very early morning. He swallows. No. You can't be here. It's too early. You can't. These are just bad thoughts- he thinks.
You miscounted by one day. Or, rather, did not include one day. A most terrible miss, I must say- for you.
Callum's heart hammers. No. No, this can't be happening. It's a nightmare. Wake up, Callum. Wake up!
You're mine.
He feels a phantom touch on his head. He struggles to move. Struggles to break free. Rayla- the children- he needs to warn them-
You'll be a good little puppet and get things ready for me.
Never! Callum thinks back.
Well, that's not your choice now, is it? It was your choice, and you made it already. Callum feels a sense of glee. We'll finally have plenty of time to get properly acquainted.
His hands move on their own. Magic that isn't his spills from them, flowing over Callum- an illusion. He's forced to turn his arms to wings, and when it usually feels freeing, amazing- now it feels horrible, as if the magic is being ripped from him, an almost painful scraping. Callum tries to think. They'll raise an alarm, if he doesn't arrive. They'll- they'll know. Aaravos won't win.
Your hope is amusing.
Callum flies off.