The Endless Forest

Felix and Zira found themselves splayed out on the floor, exhausted. Both could feel a headache that signaled their mental fatigue. They had decided to separate their minds and, according to Eri, their mana.

The process was much the same as combining, and all they had to do was ‘pull away’ from each other. It just worked, and that baffled Felix. Surely, something that complex couldn’t be that easy.

Right..? He wondered. Zira had no answer to give, entirely unsure herself.

Meanwhile, Eri was sitting down near them nursing a small cup of tea. The remnants of lunch laid on trays that sat in between them all. There was hardly anything left.

Their morning had completely faded, and during that time Eri had been working on helping Zira walk. That had been quite the endeavor. Not because of a lack of will from the dragon, but because Eri’s exhaustion had matched their own.

She had hid it well, but it became obvious to everyone that she was merely putting up a front. Her healing of Zira’s arm had been taxing on both her mana and mind. She was trying to appear strong and confident, perhaps out of a sense of duty.

Aluin had effectively left her in charge, and she was taking that very seriously. Too seriously, if you ask me. Felix thought, not that he blamed her. This was a trying time for all involved.

Several minutes passed in silence, everyone resting after such a large meal. Even Eri had eaten more in this one sitting than all the times before, at least from what Felix had seen.

Eventually, though, the silence was broken. Eri cleared her throat, and Felix could feel her gaze sweep over him before landing on the dragon beside him.

“Zira, how are you holding up? Do you think you want to try again?”

The dragon lifted her head and gave a half-hearted nod. Still, Felix could feel determination leaking from her mind. Their bond had strengthened significantly.

Sitting up himself, Felix looked to, first Zira, then to Eri. “No offense, but perhaps a nap–”

Zira cut him off. No!

He let out a sigh. “Never mind…”

Eri gave him a curious look but didn’t ask. Instead, she got up onto her feet and began moving the trays. Felix decided to help her, and the task was completed quickly. Meanwhile, Zira got herself into a sitting position and began stretching her arms and legs.

He felt her wince as she worked her left arm, but said nothing. It was clear she wasn’t going to stop until she walked out of this room on her own. He chewed on his lower lip, wishing she would take it easy.

Zira finished stretching as Eri came to her. Felix joined them, kneeling down next to the dragon. He was going to be there to catch her if she fell.

“Alright, Zira. We shall start from the beginning. When you are ready, please stand.” Eri said.

Felix hovered his hands around the dragon’s body, readying himself.

Zira began to lift herself up, her body quivering. She managed to lock her arms and legs and, after a moment, looked down at her success. After that, she straightened herself and gave the appearance of a proud and regal dragon.

It lasted for a minute, after which her left arm gave out. He braced her, keeping her from going all the way to the ground.

Zira let out an annoyed growl, and got back into a sitting position.

Again! She commanded.

“She’s wanting to try again.” He translated for Eri.

“I can tell. We’ll keep on going until she needs to rest.”

Felix didn’t like that idea, he really wanted Zira to take this much slower. It pained him to see her struggling so much, especially when rest would help.

He got back into position and waited for the dragon to stand again, it didn’t take long. The moment he was ready, she stood once more.

This time it was much easier for her, and she had a look of triumph as she did. It was getting easier with each time.

One minute passed, then two, and after the third, there were signs she was losing her balance. This time, however, she managed to sit down on her own, much to his relief.

Why so difficult?! She was frustrated despite her improvement.

“She wants to know why this is so difficult.” Felix asked for her, knowing it was more of a rhetorical question. He was just hoping to buy some time for Zira to catch her breath, whether she wanted it or not.

Eri pondered the question for a few moments before answering. “Healing magic uses the body’s natural abilities– Well, mine anyway. There are others types that don’t… I just don’t know them.”

The elven woman cleared her throat again. “Anyways, it accelerates the body's natural healing abilities. This causes fatigue, it also means it’s not perfect. I can only heal so much before the body has reached its limits, which is partially why I will have to perform the magic over multiple days.”

“Partially?” He asked, now actually curious.

“It is rather draining on mana, and requires a lot of focus. If Aluin were here…” Eri trailed off for a moment, before shaking her head. “No, never mind. Even if he were, it would still be the same. We would need a dedicated Healer. Rare, but there are a few.”

“Interesting…” Felix muttered. He had other questions, but he could feel the irritation from Zira. I’m sorry Zira… I only wanted you to rest for a few moments. You are pushing yourself too hard.

The dragon’s temper cooled slightly. I want to walk…on own feet.

He let a pained smile show. I know, I’m sorry… You are making progress. Just, please be careful, okay? He felt a sense of irony, only two days ago, he ignored Aluin’s caution.

It dawned on him, his own exhaustion was making him weary. It made him commit yet another mistake. Zira was the one persevering, he was only hindering her efforts.

Damn it, Felix… Realizing his own hypocrisy, he switched his attitude and entered her mind.

He felt her confusion, but he assured her. We’re going to do this together! We won’t stop until you walk out of here! I hope you are ready.

He could feel her getting fired up. He smiled again, this time in excitement.

You want to beat those kobolds, right?! He asked, feeling himself getting infected with her enthusiasm.

Yes!

Then let’s do this together…

He didn’t wait for a response and embraced her consciousness with his own. In an instant, their minds melded together.

The strain was instant, they were going to pay for this later. However, right now, they did not care. They were going to do this.

Felix’s body stayed back as Zira’s began to rise. A moment passed, and she stood tall and straight. Without warning, she took a step…

Then another…

Soon, she was walking straight for the door.

Eri was startled but quickly reacted. She raced to the door and threw it open, giving Zira a chance to leave without having to stop. It mattered very little, they weren’t about to give up either way…

A few moments later, Zira was standing just outside the one-room shack. They felt her take a deep breath and then–

They both collapsed.

***

When Felix came to, he once again found himself lying on a mat. In fact, the room was the very same one he had originally woken up in. Only this time, Zira was actually curled up against him.

The dragon’s head lifted up and stared down at him.

Good– Felix frowned unsure of the time. He gave a quick peek at the shuttered window, but no light came through. He took a wild guess. –Evening?

She leaned down and nuzzled him. You well? She asked, pulling her head back.

I think so? He tried to remember what exactly happened, but his mind was foggy. He snaked his hand out and rubbed his face. What happened?

Unsure… Eri say we faint. Gave her scare.

Where is she? He asked, scanning the small room and not finding the elven woman.

She left, say be back soon. Getting food, I think.

I see, and what about you? How are you feeling? It was sort of a rhetorical question, even with his clouded mind he could feel their bond.

Zira answered, better. I walk some, make more progress.

That jogged his memory. That’s right… So you made more progress?

She did something he had not seen her do before. She shared a memory with him.

It was vague and strange, colors were not right and there was an overwhelming amount of scents in the air. It felt like the memory had faded, but one thing did stand out. He could feel her emotions as she triumphantly stood and began walking.

Good job! He heard a distorted voice say. A woman stepped into view, and even with the distorted scene, he could tell it was Eri…

The memory ended there, leaving Felix feeling disoriented.

Sorry… Zira said, noticing his reaction. First time share memory, it hard.

He shook his head and brought his gaze back to the dragon. It’s alright… Was just surprised you could do that– Talking about memories reminded him of something.

Say, could you tell me exactly what happened when you got injured? I think you were soaring in the air… Were you trying to fly?

He felt all thoughts cease from the dragon. Confused, he was about to ask what was wrong but Zira finally spoke up.

I…climb tree… Was play chase with kobolds. They fast, so I try fly. Wing no strong enough, so get idea. I climb tall trees and… There was a moment of hesitation before she finished. Jumped.

There were many things he wanted to say at that very moment, but he just didn’t have the heart or energy to do so. Instead, he focused on what mattered now.

I’m just glad you are alive… We both made mistakes then, didn’t we?

Yes… You spook me, lost grasp of tree. I go for it, crashed.

He winced. I’m still very sorry for that, you could have probably braced yourself if I hadn’t startled you.

She gave a nod in agreement. You make mistakes, I make mistakes, we make mistakes. You do better, I do better, we do better.

He chuckled at that. That’s probably the most simple and elegant way anyone could have put it. Felix felt pride flooding through their connection.

Still, let’s not go leaping from any more trees, alright?

He felt agreement coming from her.

After a few moments, both of them settled back down. Zira lowered her head and rested it on his chest, while he felt his eyes slowly start to close–

There was a sudden knock on the door.

“Come in,” he said with a groan.

The door opened and revealed Eri, behind her were multiple kobolds carrying trays of food. They all began filing in, the kobolds quickly setting down their trays and scampering out. Meanwhile, Eri watched and waited until the last one left and closed the door.

“Glad to see that you are finally awake,” she said, joining them on the ground. Her skin was much paler than before and bags hung under her eyes. It was clear, the elven woman was working herself to pure exhaustion.

Has she even slept? He felt truly guilty for her predicament.

“Sorry…” He said sheepishly.

“For what, exactly?” Eri held a neutral tone.

“For… Everything.” He paused to consider his next words carefully. “I– Thank you, Eri. I know how much you dislike me, and the fact that you are still helping means a lot. I don’t know why, but thank you. I hope I can repay you soon.”

He shifted his legs around and prostrated himself in front of the elf. He didn’t know why he felt the need to do that, but it felt right.

The elf looked taken aback, her eyes widened in surprise. “You got it all wrong! I mean, I… I was confused and– And humans aren’t generally liked around here…”

Felix sat up. “I kinda figured that, though I don’t know why.”

Eri looked away, looking as if she was biting her tongue.

“I suppose you won’t tell me either.” He sighed. “I’m getting the feeling that, whatever the reason, it isn’t good.”

“Felix,” she finally said after a moment of silence. “There is…some truth in that– But! If Fea loved you, then you couldn’t have been like…them.”

It was his turn to look away, deciding to focus on the food laid out before them. He felt comfort emanating from Zira, it made him feel a little better.

His stomach growled loud enough for everyone to hear.

Eri broke out into laughter, and even Zira chuffed along. Meanwhile, he grew a shade redder and slowly pulled one of the trays towards himself.

“Damn it all! I’m hungry, let’s eat.” He said out of embarrassment and frustration.

With that, they all tore into their food…

***

Later that night, after Eri had left, Felix and Zira had a long conversation about their future…

Aluin found himself staring up at the night sky, focusing on the full moon that hung above him. There were no trees blocking his sight. In fact, the sand under his feet and the gentle crashing of waves indicated that he was not in the Endless Forest.

On a technicality, he was. The ‘forest’ was actually an island, a massive island, but an island nonetheless. And despite the name of the Endless Forest, there were in fact other geographical regions.

He was currently in one of those other regions.

Aluin was standing on one of the few coastal beaches with a feeling of apprehension. There were many reasons why, but there were specifically two for him. The first was because of humans, they’d tried numerous times to land here in order to infiltrate. A massive, magical barrier surrounded the island and kept most out, but the humans had gotten craftier with time.

The second reason was because of who he was waiting on…

“Oh? Well, well, well… Long time, no see.” A sultry feminine voice sounded behind him. The air instantly grew cold around him.

“Indeed.” He said, not bothering to turn around.

Aluin pulled his head down towards the beach, and standing in front of him was a human woman. Even in the moonlight, he could easily make out her features. The most striking of which was her hair and eyes.

Her hair was long and straight, stopping only at her lower back. However, it was its color that made it stand out. It was a deep and dark purple, yet it had a faint sparkle to it that was hard to discern. Her eyes were similar in color, but they gave off a lighter purple glow.

She was tall but well proportioned. She had a sleek and slender frame, but her muscles were toned and firm. Pale white skin showed through a purple dress that matched her hair.

The dress itself ran all the way to her bare feet. A single slit ran down its right side, from the waist down, revealing one of her legs.

Purple, was the best description Aluin could give her. The color was much more than just a theme or a simple color she liked…

The woman frowned, furrowing her brow. “What are you doing here?”

He took a deep breath, carefully choosing his words. “Ithea… I need your help–”

Her expression darkened. “My help? Hah! What gall you have. You and that queen have taken enough from me. Now, you come here asking for more? The answer is, no.”

Aluin held his tongue, there was much he wanted to say. Instead, he reached into a pocket and pulled something out of it. He glanced down at it before tossing it in between them.

Ithea stared at it, then back at him.

“She hatched.” He said, keeping his tone neutral. “She’s already imprinted and now bonded with him.”

Frost began to form and swirl around them, the water behind her began to freeze. Aluin could feel the ambient mana being sucked away.

He held his ground.

“Do you wish to see her?”

Uzreg had a problem, a big problem. Well, a problem that only a kobold could have, but it was a big deal to them.

He was staring up at their newly constructed shrine. It was beautiful, it was majestic, it was…incomplete.

The centerpiece of it was Zira’s egg, painfully reconstructed from the various shards that it had turned into upon her hatching. A large piece of it was missing, and many of the kobolds that were assigned to its reconstruction were becoming distressed.

“What we do!?” One asked frantically.

“Calm self down.” Uzreg said. He turned to one of the calmer ones. “Tracker checked again?” He asked.

“Tracker check three times…”

Uzreg thought for a moment.

‘Tracker’ was their best hunter, she had a very sensitive nose and could pick up on the faintest of trails. Like Chef, her title became her name. She was also unique with her being one of the few green kobolds in their pack. She was exceptional at her job.

The old kobold spoke up. “Masters may have it. Check Masters?”

The other kobold, a red, shook his head. “Tracker say, Tracker sniff shack. Tracker even sniff Master's home.”

“Kobold steal?” He asked. It was a very real possibility…

“No… Tracker say, Tracker sniff camp. Even sniff kobold.”

Uzreg frowned. “Elf?”

“Elf woman no have… Elf man no be seen since hatching.”

He grew suspicious. “Tell Tracker search for elf man scent.”

The red kobold gave a quick bow before darting off.

The frantic kobold made his reappearance. “What kobold do now?!”

It was a vague question, but Uzreg knew what he meant. “Turn egg, hide missing piece. No kobold or Master see shrine not finished.”

A few of the other kobolds looked at him dumbfounded. Without the missing fragment, the kobolds would not consider their shrine complete. It would bring great shame to them, if it were discovered.

Seeing that everyone was just staring at him, Uzreg took it upon himself to walk up to the shrine. Reaching up, he carefully turned the egg until the hole was hidden.

“There. Shrine finished.”