Dragon Prince: Legend of the Guardians of Xadia (Re-Write)

Chapter Nineteen: Silvergrove

Hearing the stories about Xadia and seeing Xadia firsthand are both two different things. It was a beautiful sight to behold. The two humans could practically feel magic in the land as soon as they stepped through the mist. Xadia's vast array of colors seemed more vibrant and full of life than the human lands. Callum admitted that the home of everything he had been raised to fear and hate — elves, dragons, magic — was rather beautiful. The sun was rising behind their backs. That meant that the whole country of Xadia below them lay in the morning light — forests, hills, valleys, and winding away like a silver snake is a great river shrouded in morning mist. Miles away was the shimmering sea, overhead the golden-streaked sky and full of clouds. But towards the east were great, but rocky mountains that almost looks like it can touch the sky.
Seeing Xadia was like something out of a dream, figured Shira.
"It's amazing," said Callum.
"We're finally home." Rayla smiled at Zym, who is nestled within her arms and his blue eyes shone with curiosity.
"Come on." Runaan led them away from the cliff with a warm smile. "We need to go to Silvergrove and tell our loved ones everything."
🌙🌙🌙🌙🌙
It wasn't long till they've gotten started traveling through the unique beauty of the Moonshadow woods.
Walking through the forest, they were fascinated by what they were seeing. Giant trees grew all around them, whose twisted branches served him as a path and bridges, amazing plants grew everywhere, on the trees were magical creatures with an appearance that Callum and Shira didn't even think existed, while the elves smiled at the familiar surroundings around them.
As they walked through the woods, Callum looked around in wonder at the magical forest surrounding them as he followed his companions. Everywhere he looked was another creature he had never seen before, each more bizarre and exotic than the last. Nevertheless, he doubted he would ever get used to so many magical beings and plants... They have been in Xadia for several days now, and he felt as amazed as when they first arrived. Diana is amazed and curious of the unique, magical nature surrounding them as they both kept exploring.
"Hey, what are these?" Callum were looking at some unique yellow flowers that Shira and the Moonshadow elves recognizes all too well, but decided not to say anything to Callum.
When he sniffed the flower, it let out a terrible odor and making Callum coughed at the scent of the stink. While Shira and Rayla bursted out laughing at the same time, while Runaan just smirked and the other elves laughed nearby at the sight.
"I don't believe it!" Callum gave a laughing Rayla a tired glare. "Why didn't you warn me about the flowers?!"
Rayla's laughter renewed and gave him a playful swat on the shoulder. "I forgot what it looked like! It was so worth it."
"For you maybe, but not for me!" Callum protested.
They soon heard a yap from Zym and watched as he pounced headfirst into the fartflowers. "Zym, no!" Callum ran towards the baby dragon and picked him up, taking a quick whiff from Zym and coughed at the stink. "I wish Ezran was here. He'll love it."
After that, Shira and the Moonshadow elves ended up watching Callum and Zym washing off the sink in a lily pool. Somehow, the water smelled like lilies and managed to get rid of the stink off of Callum and Zym. Once they were done, he strapped on his satchel over his shoulder and placed his bag on his back as well as picked up the hyper Storm dragon. He threw another look at Shira and Rayla, who were both still snickering over the incident, and Runaan and the other Moonshadow elves were smirking in amusement.
"You done yet?" Callum asked Rayla as they started walking together.
"Till something else happens, I'm not sure." Rayla shrugged uncertainly, her violet eyes still glittering with amusement as they headed up some high tree branches.
"Is this your home?" asked Callum.
In front of them was a grassy field and a small waterfall that was making a river. They could also see a few woodland critters scampering through the clearing. Many critters were bathing in a river, some were just sunbathing in the field. Some foxes were chasing each other and playing wrestle. Some mothers were feeding their babies with twigs carrying a large number of berries. It was calm and peaceful around her in the gentle forest clearing.
"Not exactly." Rayla led them to a huge tree branch that has hidden runes to reveal the village. Rayla began the ritual moving her arms and legs with such precision. As she spent so much of her childhood leaving the Silvergrove to explore the woods that at this point, it was muscle memory. Callum was a bit messier, but could follow Rayla's movement with Zym running around them as if he was trying to dance along with them. It wasn't along till Runaan began the ritual moving his arms and legs with such precision. As he spent much of his childhood leaving the Silvergrove to explore the woods that at this point, it was muscle memory. Shira is graceful, but she followed Runaan's movement too. It wasn't long till Skor and Andromeda started dancing the ritual, then Callisto and Ram danced the ritual together too.
The team watched as a twilight beneath the thick forest trees has began to appear. They could see buildings made of marble-like material and have round walls and roofs. The paths made out of the same material stretch through the place, and ivy grows on walls and arches. But they could see some homes were built into some trees. The hidden village is treeming with Moonshadow elves. The adults had started heading towards nearby markets or started heading towards work. The teenagers had started working their morning jobs or meeting up with each other in their favorite hangout spots. While the kids had started helping their parents, playing with their older siblings or playing with their friends.
Runaan and the Moonshadow elves smiled before they raced down the root, with the humans following close behind. They jumped before he landed on the ground creating a large thud.
At the sound of the impacts, a few Moonshadow elves turned to see who decided to literally drop into their village.
They stared at the intruders before slowly coming to realization.
"Runaan?" An adult female Moonshadow elf asked.
"Skor!" An adult male Moonshadow elf hugged the sharp-eyed guard.
"Andromeda!" Her lover hugged the woman elf and the two of them both kissed.
"Callisto!" He excitedly greeted his partner and kissed her on the lips.
"Ram!" Ram was brought into a warm embrace by his parents and brothers.
Another Moonshadow elf shouted in shock before racing towards the assassins. At the sound of the commotion many Moonshadow elves turned towards the entrance to see what was happening. It didn't take them long to quickly realize what was happening and they began to run towards one of the only two members of the assassination mission who survived.
Soon, a whole crowd of Moonshadow elves gathered at the safe return of of their beloved members. Meanwhile, Callum and Shira remained near the base of the tree watching the whole thing in joy.
This was the most happy they have seen their elf friends.
"This is our home." Rayla took a step further through the giant branch. She took a deep breath, Zym seemed to do the same. It was a long journey to Xadia. "Follow me, there's a lot I want to show you."
The elves of the Silvergrove didn't take long to notice them. A pair of elves that came back home with no bonds, a baby dragon and a human/elf girl far from home, and a human boy with Sky magic running through him.
No one else was with them, just them. The Moonshadow elves delivered reuniting hugs to them and awkward looks to each other.
"Go home, Rayla." An elf with wrinkles in his face hugged her tighter than the others. "You did good. Rest."
Though they couldn't afford resting too much, going home sounded nice. "We will." She broke the hug.
Runnan, Callum, Shira, and Zym followed her lead. Strangers would greet them, but none of them stopped to chat. Zym chirped to every passing elf, he enjoyed the attention. Callum, even though he was used to it, was nervous for the many eyes on him. Shira looked back at the elves curiously. Runaan smiled at the other elves warmly.
"Come on." Runaan soon started leading them towards a house inside of a massive tree with glittering twilight indigo leaves. "Ethari is waiting for us."
"Ethari?" Callum asked Rayla curiously.
"He and Runaan are my guardians," explained Rayla with a fond smile.
As Callum continued looking around, his eyes landed on a pair of kids, a boy and a girl, climbing through the high branches of one of the trees. But one of them slipped and fell off of the branch.
At an instant, Callum's fingertips moved, arcs of blue light formed, creating the glowing curves of the ancient, powerful symbol.
"Aspiro Frigis!" Callum said.
All at once, the shiny rune disappeared, and a slide of ice was immediately made and it caught the boy from his fall which sent him sliding down safely onto the ground. His mother ran up to the boy and hugged him.
Callum and Rayla both exchanged proud, but warm smiles. Suddenly, he realizes that everyone is staring at him and Rayla with wide, amazed eyes.
They were soon approached by the mother of the boy, the mother said, "Thank you for saving my son."
"Is he okay?" Callum looked at the boy in concern and curiosity.
"Yes, thanks to you." The mother took off her necklace and placed it around Callum's scarf. It has a pretty silvery-blue pendant. The perfect moonstone is gleaming milky white with a sheen of sky-blue that radiated pure beauty in the necklace.
Callum looked at the pendant curiously. "What is it?"
"Moon Opal." Rayla smiled at Callum as she joined his side. "It contains the magic of the Moon. When you crush it, you can use any Moon spell, but only once."
They went on until they reached the house underneath the tree and entered without too much of a warning.
Rayla stopped at the tall door. When they all were ready, she opened it. There was a large couch against the left wall, with two armchairs sitting more toward the center of the room, all upholstered with a night-blue fabric. A small end table bearing a silver lamp sat between the armchairs, and the couch had been made up with a light blue comforter and some pale gray pillows. Shelves brimming with books of all sizes lined the walls, and the windows were tinted violet, making any incoming light turn gentle and sleepy.
No one was in the room beside them. She smiled and waved when her eyes found who she was looking for. Callum and Shira immediately took note of the warm brown hue of the elf's eyes. He appeared to be the same age as Callum's aunt. His skin seems to be darker than others, the color leaning more towards blue rather than purple. Lavender markings framed the sides of his face and his skin, and his snow white hair tumbled down to his shoulders. His horns were adorned with gleaming metal clasps and twinkling jewels. He had on a simple sleeveless black top and gray pants, but around his neck is a purple scarf and has black boots.
"Rayla!" he said, he hugged her and raised her in the air. When he noticed Callum, he grabbed him too. After a few seconds, he released them.
Callum could recover his balance before falling and gently took hold of Zym in his arms.
"Ethari, I've missed you!" She didn't let go yet, but her holding wasn't as aggressive.
Ethari took them outside, as if being under a warm roof was something they got tired of.
Rayla followed without hesitation. They were fast. Zym and Callum were just some steps behind. As soon as they started to catch up, they collided into the elves.
"Sorry." Rayla gave him a reassuring look.
"I've come to this place every morning and every night waiting for you to come." Ethari looked at her lovingly, but worry entered his brown eyes. "But where's Runaan?"
"I'm right here love." Ethari gasped when he saw his husband stepped out of hiding with Shira by his side. Runaan felt himself smile at the sight of him. Familiar brown eyes bore into his own, lit up with joy, and pain. He was seeing the love of his life for the first time in who knew how long.
They embraced. Not a simple embrace, but a long, emotional one. One that Runaan had yearned for ever since his capture. He was in his husband's arms. They both exchanged a long, emotional kiss. Shira smiled softly as they both reunited with each other. But the sight of it have gave her another heartache as she longed for her family once again.
"We have keep going," admitted Runaan.
Callum caught his son and spun Zym around. The baby dragon gave him a curious stare and panted happily, while making happy puppy-like sounds. Ethari has caught sight of the baby dragon in amazement and was amazed to see that the Dragon Prince hasn't been killed at all, only stolen from their home.
"It's a miracle," whispered Ethari.
"No." Rayla smiled at the duo as they both hugged each other. "He's hope."
"Ethari—" Runaan started to say to his husband.
"I'm coming with you," Ethari said firmly.
"I know you are," said Runaan. "I was about to say we should get some mounts."
Ethari whistled, summoning two Moonstriders and two Shadowpaws. Shira knew that Shadowpaws are black feline-like creatures, with a pair of of horns with swirling patterns and prominent manes around the neck (but they have regular cat paws, not talons in my story). She knew that the Moonstrider are slender black canine-like creatures, with extremely long tails, a pair of horns with marked by light, glowing stripes, and highlighted in turquoise. From what she had learned about Shadowpaws, they are protective and gentle creatures, while Moonstriders are stubborn and solitary creatures. They are perfect for their mission.
"Whoa!" Callum exclaimed as he petted a young male Moonstrider, who'd started sniffing him. "What are these?"
Ethari smiled and as he petted his Shadowpaw. "These are Shadowpaws. They're pretty gentle to ride, but they can be protective towards their riders. Though, the one that you're petting is a Moonstrider. They're pretty proud and solitary, but they're great with their riders."
"I seen you've met." Rayla returned with a saddle and a bridle for a Moonstrider.
"Can you tell me what just happened?" Callum asked her as they both tacked the Moonstrider up.
"This young Moonstrider has never allowed anyone to even touch him, let alone tame him." Rayla smiled at Callum and his Moonstrider friend. "To no one, not even the most experienced elf. And here you are, not only did you tame him, but he became your friend."
"Does that mean we're partners?" Callum asked her.
"That's right, he will faithfully help you." Rayla chuckled at Callum's astonishment. "You can say that he will be your friend for better or worse."
Callum smiled as he mounted the Moonstrider and petted the canine's neck. "I think I'll call you Barak." The Moonstrider barked eagerly and looked up at him eagerly, making Callum smile at him and Zym licked the Barak's snout. 
Shira was startled to see she was staring into the eyes of a unique creature. The majestic creature looks like a huge wolf with wings, the magical creature reaches Barak's height. The canine has blue eyes looks like two clear pools of water shining at her. The canine is sleek and elegant, but is strong and well-muscled. The canine has a pair of curvy horns with swirling patterns. Her fur is golden and patched with light tan as the sun freckled twinkling blue and has a pair of feathery wings in the sparkling shade of sparkling light blue.
"That's a Stormwolf," whispered Rayla in awe. "They only come when a Skywing elf or a Sky flenimu is in need for help."
Shira raised her right hand in front of her, she closed her eyes and looked away as she felt unsure of how to befriend one of the most protective magical creatures that ever lived. She felt her breath caught in her throat as the Stormwolf leaned into Shira's palm, making Shira look at the huge canine in surprise. The Stormwolf's fur felt like a dog's, soft and warm, to the touch and she felt the Stormwolf's thick, sleek fur warmed her hand.
The Stormwolf licked Shira's hand and the two of them looked at each other. They both met each other's eyes with open curiosity, Shira somehow knew that they were confirmed as equals. Emotions rolled around inside Shira like a whirlwind. She don't know whether to feel scared or awed or joyful or uncertainty. Behind those blue eyes seemed to hide more intelligence than seemed possible for any canine and the Stormwolf's eyes seemed to have the reflection of Shira's soul.
"You are amazing," murmured Shira to the Stormwolf as she reopened her eyes. Shira hesitated a bit before she smiled at the canine warmly. "Can I call you Aurora?" Aurora barked and sniffed Shira, making the teenage girl laugh and gently tried to push her new friend off.
"Ready to ride?" Shira turned around to see Runaan carrying riding tack and helped her placed it on Aurora. "We have to hurry before it's too late."
"Ready." Shira mounted Aurora and beamed at her new furry companion excitedly.
They have mounted their Moonshadow mounts. It wasn't long till they were joined by Skor, Callisto, Andromeda, and Ram on their Moonshadow mounts and new supplies that should last them a few days. They were facing east, where the sun was rising and where the Storm Spire is at. Runaan looked over his shoulder and smiled at the sight of his new family.
"Lets go." They galloped into the sunrise, each of them silhouetted against the blazing morning sunlight.