Argilla

Argilla was a city built into the ground. The large gates built into the mountainside of the Surmeda Peaks were covered in vines and other natural life. Compared to the golden colour of Lux Aurea and the blues and whites of Caelus, it captured the feel of being one with the wildlife around them.

Guards stood proud before the wooden gates, a river flowed to the right. Callum was in awe. It truly was a sight to behold, a city that hide itself in the ground. It's might projected in the form of their heavy defences, it was a city defended by nature itself.

Rayla came to stop before the gates. Callum behind her. She glanced towards the guards. "Dragonguard. Open the gates." A guard cried.

The gates cranked open, wooden gears turning as the large doors swung out, revealing the massive tunnel behind. A small group of Earthblood Elves emerged, each of them clad in armour. "The High Protector has been expecting you." One of them said.

Rayla nodded. "Then take us to him, there is much to discuss." She responded, walking forward.

Callum moved to follow, only for the guards to stop him. "We do not allow those with the blood of man into the holy city. You will face execution."

Rayla turned fast. "You will let him through." She said.

"We are sorry, but one with the blood of man can not be allowed to corrupt our holy air."

Rayla narrowed her gaze, she smirked as Callum raised an eyebrow. "Look guys, you still have your hate for humanity, I understand. But you have to let go, Katolis and Duren are no longer at war, nor hold any intentions of war with you guys. They are allies of Queen Zubeia and Lux Aurea." He began.

Callum looked at Rayla. "I heard that you Earthblood Elves were religious, worshiping those who created Xadia. Would it be worth angering The Ancient Ones by killing me, whom they have named Archmage after my father?"

The Earthblood Elves glanced at one another, each of them blinking. "I don't know, it's worth a shot, most of that stuff has fallen into myth and legend now. There isn't any prove they existed in the first place."

Rayla rolled her eyes. "Ok, how about this, he's under the protection of Queen Zubiea and Queen Janai, killing him will bring their wrath down upon you all, not only that, but you bring the wrath of Katolis down upon you as well, as well as that of the Skywing Elves and the Startouch Elves." She said.

That caused them to shut up. Each of them nodded, leading the group down the tunnel and into the holy city.

Glanduil was a bulky man, large tree like horns rested upon his head, a crown of wood and leaves and rested upon his head. He was clad in armour. He eyed Callum closely. "Why is their one with the blood of man in our holy city?" He questioned.

One of the guards stepped forward. "High Protector, he is under the protection of Queen Janai, and Queen Zubeia. He also claims that he is the next Archmage."

Glanduil nodded. "Interesting claims, I shall want proof of your claims. As for you Dragonguard, I understand that you were ghosted by your own kind, yet here you are, captain of the Dragonguard. What deed did you do that gained you that rank after failure that were your parents."

Rayla narrowed her eyes. "Do not speak so low of them, it is because of them that the Dragon Prince lives, it is because of I that Viren is deceased, it is because of humanity that we are still here today, living like it was before Viren's invasion. And be careful what you say, there are some who wish to see the future, free of any evil that might threaten us." She responded.

Glanduil nodded. "I meant no insult Captain, I merely wished to know how you had obtained such a position of power. But I suspect you are here to recruit two Elves for the new guard."

Rayla nodded. "And to find a mage to teach Callum Earth Magic." She replied.

Glanduil glanced at Callum. "Hmmm. Your companion seems familiar, as if I have seen someone like him before. Arathorn, the previous Archmage, a fool who though humanity, Elves and Dragons could life together in peace. Such a shame he died to those he was so fond of."

Callum rolled a fist. "Do not test my patience, I'm known to do rather idiotic things when protecting my loved ones." He began. "And my uncle would be very displeased to hear how lowly you think of my father." He went on.

Glanduil rolled his eyes. "High Mage Ibis, what would that fool do against me, beat me with a slap of air?" He roared out in laughter.

Callum eyed Rayla who nodded. Rayla stepped forward. "On the command of Queen Zubeia, you are to produce two pure and honour bound soldiers for the Dragonguard and to deliver us to an Earth Mage so that Callum may master the Earth Arcanum and it's defensive properties." She commanded.

Glanduil blinked. "If the Dragon Queen commands it, then it will be done. But do not think I won't be keeping an eye on you, Callum." He said, spitting Callum's name out like poison.

Oops, might've gotten distracted drawing for a week, so I'm behind schedule. Not to worry, Glanduil's here to insult us all and get on the nerves of everyone.