The Endless Forest

Aluin’s vision flickered as he took a heavy step forward through the trees that surrounded him. His mind was clouded by a heavy fog that seemed to consume any thought he tried to form. To make matters worse, he could feel the sting of a stab wound on his chest.

Blood poured from the wound, as he desperately tried to stem the bleeding with only his hand.

It wasn’t working.

He was at death’s door.

He was desperately clinging to what little life he had left…

Aluin’s vision blacked out, and in a moment of panic he stumbled and fell to the ground. Only then did he realize he had simply closed his eyes. He cracked them open, and struggled back to his feet.

If he was going to die, he didn’t want it to be here. No, he would much rather be with his friends and family, but barring that, he would want to be where someone would find his body.

So, with that, he continued on.

Oh, you poor child…

Aluin took a deep breath, as he opened his eyes. It had been a long time since he thought about that day.

Ascension Day, he thought to himself. The day meant something completely different to him, and for good reason. It was the day he started his path to become a Sage.

Oh, how things have changed… He let out a sigh and looked up.

Night was fast approaching and soon the ceremony would start. He quickly checked to make sure his spell had fully completed.

The spell had been something of a request from the village’s Chief. Yorlen had wanted to make tonight special, and had asked Aluin if he could cast a spell to alter everyone’s mood.

He had agreed, but wasn’t particularly thrilled by it. Mind altering spells, no matter the reason or type, were taboo. Well, they used to be anyway. I suppose there are only a handful of people who even know how to cast one, and they are all Sages.

In truth, the reason why he had agreed was because he knew how to cancel it, if it became a problem. That, and the Chief had bent over backwards for Aluin by convincing the village elders to allow Felix to even come.

It was a complicated situation for Yorlen. Aluin could just show up with Felix, and no one would have stopped him. But that was well beyond rude, and it would end up causing far more problems in the long run. Especially when he, and Felix, needed their cooperation…

Shifting back to the present, Aluin was satisfied with the spell. It would slowly decay through the night, and if he timed it right, it would end with the ceremony.

Standing up, he looked down at his clothes and frowned. Casting a quick spell, he effectively dusted himself off. He gave a quick shake and watched as the dirt and dust fell to the ground. It would have to do, there was no time for him to take a proper bath or even to change clothes…

Felix sat silently on his bed. In his hands was Eri’s gift. He studied it, slowly turning it around and inspecting every part of it. His mind was awash in turmoil as he debated with himself on why he could no longer hear or feel Fea.

Do you want to talk about it? Zira gently asked.

No, he answered, But I don’t want to be alone… There was a small, but growing, part of him becoming terrified of that thought.

Without a word, her mind entered his. He could feel her wrap herself around him, careful to make sure they did not combine. For the first time that evening, he felt a sense of calmness starting to take hold.

Thank you, he said, feeling her warmth radiate through his mind. It was kind and gentle, it was the real Zira. The only side of her that he was allowed to see.

Despite all the bickering and arguing, the poking, the prodding they did to each other; this was how they truly felt about one another. It was only because of this, that they could do everything else. Even if, on occasion, they pushed it too far…

As for his thoughts on Fea, he had no idea what to do. The memory of when he told Aluin about Fea kept playing in his head, and he was starting to believe the elf. Starting to believe that, what he thought to be Fea, was nothing but a figment of his mind.

A depressing and sobering thought.

Maybe I should discuss it again with him? He wasn’t sure what good that would do, but the Sage obviously knew more about…this then he did.

Felix let out a sigh before getting the mental sensation of being nuzzled by Zira. Thank you, he said to her again. He could feel her purr through their connection.

Slightly chuckling, he decided to try and force himself to think about something else. Something like the wooden figurine of Kyrith in his hands.

Hey Zira, do you think it would be acceptable to give Eri her gift after the ceremony?

Humph! I try to be nice, but all you do is go and ask me something like that! She said in mock outrage, though he could tell it hurt her slightly.

Sorry…

Why would it matter? She asked more sincerely this time, seemingly ignoring his apology.

Well… I mean it’s Ascension Day. I don’t know if giving her the gift tonight would be a good idea. I’m afraid she might see it as me being insincere or something.

Zira mentally rolled her eyes at him. Has she ever thought that of you?

No… He admitted.

Do you think she would suddenly start thinking that now?

Probably not… But it’s an–

Important day, I know. She finished for him. But despite what I think about yours and hers…relationship, I don’t think for a second she would even consider you giving her a gift as ‘insincere.’ Regardless of the day or event in question.

That put his mind somewhat at ease. I see, thank you again Zira… And sorry for asking such a–

Humph! That’s right, you should be thanking me. I am the smarter of the two! She said as arrogantly as she could.

Unfortunately before he could respond, there was a knock at his door. It could be only one person…

Felix quickly stuffed the figurine into his pack and called out. “Come in.”

The door opened and there stood Eri, dressed like she was in mourning. Her more colorful clothes had been replaced with dark grays and black. “Are you ready?” she asked, almost whispering.

He stood up and cleared his throat. “I am, though now I’m wondering if I am dressed appropriately…” He gestured to himself.

He was wearing a simple white tunic which had a runic-like pattern embroidered around the seams. He had no idea what the runes meant, or if they had any meaning at all.

She looked him up and down before letting a small smile appear upon her face. “You look fine…” Her face dawned in realization before she looked down to herself.

“Ah, I see. I… Might have overdone it myself.” Her face went a little red from the obvious embarrassment.

He couldn’t help but chuckle at that while inwardly breathing a sigh of relief. The last thing he wanted to do was to anger the elves by not understanding their culture, especially since he had managed to come this far. He was thankful for the distraction from his thoughts at least.

“I see… Then yes, I’m ready.” Felix said after calming down.

“Then, let’s go.” She said a little awkwardly.

“After you,” he said, stepping up to her and gesturing forwards.

Aluin stood next to the stage quietly watching the crowd as orator after orator told their tales. He was a little relieved to find that most had chosen to not tell a gruesome or horrifying story. However, even then every single one was rather depressing.

In truth, he really only had himself to blame. He had allowed such stories to take root within the minds of the elves. Many were gross mischaracterization of the true events, and centuries of oral tradition had only helped to erode what historical truths were left.

Yet he said nothing, standing silently while the light from the dying bonfire danced on him.

Sure, the now fictional tales were being touted as fact. However, the sad truth of it was, there were plenty of unspoken, factual stories that were even worse.

The fact none were being told made him grateful, in a way. Because, there was a certain someone who would definitely hear them if they were.

He allowed his eyes to wander over the crowd before landing squarely on Felix. The human was sitting up at the front, near the corner, with Eri, Chief Yorlen, and the dragons.

Felix had the look of shock and disgust as the last orator finished. It was a story about how an entire tribe had been wiped out. The humans had managed to pierce through the protections around the island and land ashore.

In the end, an entire tribe was gone. So too were the humans, vengefully killed by the dragons who guarded the Endless Forest. But that day had been hard for everyone. No one knew how the humans had managed to avoid detection for so long. Fea blamed it on herself and took full responsibility.

Perhaps that’s when her plan started to form… He thought quietly. However, he was quickly pulled from it as he felt Felix’s questioning eyes upon him. The human wanted to know if it was true.

Aluin nodded, just enough to answer the unspoken question. Of course, it wasn’t entirely true but it was close enough. Besides, there was one particular situation that was eerily similar…

The orator bowed to the muted applause and stepped off the stage. Right, I suppose it is my turn now.

As a guest of honor, he had no obligation to perform. But while that was true, many had come to the village specifically for him. He wasn’t going to disappoint them.

Originally, Aluin had another story planned for tonight. But his memory earlier that evening changed that for him. He was going to tell a very personal story, one aimed for a specific person…

Stepping onto the stage, he made his way to the very center. He needed no introduction, and so proceeded without one. With a simple gesture, and a bit of mana, he compelled the dying fire behind him back into life one final time.

“Ascension Day. A special day where we remember all that was lost. A day where we say farewell to the lingering spirits of friends and family. A day for us to pray for a better tomorrow.”

He paused, letting the crackle of the fire speak for the moment.

“But that isn’t what it used to be. No, it was never meant to be a somber day. It was never meant to be for anger, or hatred, or sorrow.

“In the words of the first elven queen; ‘This day is for celebrating how far we have come. This day is for us to look back and be thankful. This day is for us.’

“It is clear to me what she meant. We should acknowledge everything that has happened to us, but we should be thankful that we are here. We should reflect on all the positives, just as we reflect on the negatives.”

Aluin scanned the crowd one final time before he continued.

“I do not blame anyone who has come to speak and share stories that they would share only the negative ones. But let me help us, let me share with you my story…”

***

Aluin cracked his eyes open and found himself lying on his back. He didn't remember falling down, nor how long he laid there, but that hardly seemed to matter to him anymore.

He was cold, so very cold.

His mind was completely clouded while tears streamed out. This was it, this was his final moments. All he could do was stare up into the treetops of the forest that surrounded him.

“You poor child…”

A whisper in the wind. Perhaps he was hearing things? He tried to ignore it…

“Do you wish to live, child?” The wind spoke to him, brushing past his ear as it did.

“Who–” He croaked out, his mouth too dry to speak.

“Mother. And you are my Child.”

“Moth-er?” He asked before coughing. He quickly spat out blood.

“Yes Child, I am your Mother. I am Mother Forest. Now tell me, Child. Do you wish to live?”

“I…don’t want to die.” He struggled out.

“That is not what I asked, Child. Do you want to live?”

Aluin slowly closed his eyes, desperately trying to make his mind work. What could it possibly mean by that?

I mean that there is a world out there, Child. One that is both harsh yet breathtaking, do you wish to see it all? Do you wish to regain your life to set out and see it? To change it for the better?

The world was harsh, his condition attested for that. But to change it? He had no clue how he could.

As we speak Child, another child is already ascending to take her rightful place as Queen. Do you not wish to see what happens? To see how she will change the world? Don’t you want to strive to make things better? To fix injustices like the one that has transpired against you?

She does, but she will need help. She will need guidance; they all will. She will need someone like you.

He was fading fast, half the words didn’t even make sense. But the way the wind spoke to him, there was conviction in its…her voice. A promise for a better tomorrow…

Between desperation, delusion, and pure fear, Aluin made his choice.

I want to…live.

“A wise choice, Child. However, you were always destined to die here. But rest assured, you will live.”

An instant later, he suddenly could feel again. Unfortunately, it was pain. Pure white hot, searing pain.

Aluin let out a scream, as something began to writhe around him. Panicking, he tried to move but found himself restrained by vines. The wound upon his chest gushed with the last bit of blood he had left as something began to sprout out from it.

He could no longer hear his own agonizing scream and his vision began to fade to black one final time. It was in this last moment that he saw something truly breathtaking…

A flower, blooming from his chest. Its color shifted and swirled, growing as he died.

It was beautiful.

It was majestic.

It was the end.

***

Aluin let the scene from the fire play out as he went silent. Never had he told anyone this story, never had he planned to.

Yet, it felt right. It felt like he ascended to another level, another plane. Perhaps the spell has affected me too…

Coming off of his euphoria, he let his gaze fall upon Felix again. The human was staring up at him in awe.

He let a smile creep upon his face before quickly looking away back out into the crowd.

“That was on Ascension Day, the very first one. To me, it represents the day my life changed forever. It was the day I became a Sage.

“It was…terrifying and painful, yet I look fondly back on that day. It is true that I have lost just as much as anyone here, and it is true there is much I regret. But Ascension Day will always be the day I became a Sage.”

Without another word, he bowed and made his way off the stage. There was no applause, the crowd was left in silence…

Felix sat frozen in place. He wasn’t the only one either, Eri and the two dragons barely moved at all. In fact, the entire crowd seemed to be in complete shock. Yet, all it took was for Chief Yorlen to finally enter onto the stage to break the spell…

“I…would like to thank everyone for joining us tonight.” The elf announced, sounding how Felix felt. “Thank you, and good night.” The chief gave a bow, before following after Aluin.

With that, the mostly seated crowd began to disperse. It was eerie, hardly anyone spoke a word as they left back for the village. The bonfire that had been burning for three days, even through a powerful storm, seemed to mimic the current mood as it slowly sputtered and died.

The smoldering embers winked out.

It was there that Felix had come to a realization. I never once asked about his past… In the few months that he had known the elf, he had never once asked Aluin about the Sage’s life. To make matters worse, the story told Felix everything he needed to know about Fea’s soul…

“We should…probably go.” Eri said from next to him. She was as distant in thought as him, and neither noticed the two dragons already leaving.

“Right–” He stopped, remembering the item he brought with him. Should I? He asked himself. It didn’t feel right, But would it ever? Would there ever be a right time? These were questions he was unsure of.

It didn’t help his mind felt numb. So much had happened in the last few days, especially today. He was still processing his own feelings over Fea after all…

Damn it all! “Wait, Eri.” Felix said, hopping to his feet. “I, uh, have something for you.” He reached into his pack and pulled out the wooden figurine of Kyrith, presenting it to her.

The distance in her eyes vanished as she stared curiously at the object in his hands. “What is– Oh!” She stopped herself as she took hold of her gift.

“I, uh… I know it's not the best time and all, but I–” He was cut off by her suddenly hugging him.

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered into his ear.

A shiver ran down his back as she said that. “Do you like it?” He asked, gulping.

She pulled away slightly and stared into his eyes. “Of course! The craftsmanship is… It’s flawless! Thank you.”

Felix couldn’t help but smile at her words. His fear of her rejecting it and him vanished, lifting a weight off his shoulders that he hadn’t even realized was there.

“I’ll let Lorem know,” he said jokingly. The relief made him forget the rest of his worries for the moment.

Eri took another step back and marveled at the wooden figurine. “Hmm? Is that so? Then I suppose I should thank him instead. After I meet him, of course.”

He felt a pang of guilt. He’d forgotten that she hadn’t met the others… Well, except Yedril. He thought embarrassingly. Thank the Gods that he hasn’t said a word– Wait a second.

“What do you mean ‘thank him instead?’” He narrowed his eyes playfully.

“Oh? Would you like to know?” She asked, moving her hands and the figurine behind her back. She oozed mischief.

“I think I would.” Felix folded his arms, trying to look serious.

“Fine, but I think I’ll show you instead.” She let a devious smile form.

“Wha–”

Without warning, Eri closed the distance between them. The next moment her face was right in front of him, so close he could almost see his reflection in her eyes. If it weren't so dark, perhaps he would…

They stayed like that unmoving for several seconds, staring into each other. Felix could feel his heartbeat quicken as time dragged onward, yet he did not wish for it to end.

“I love you.” He whispered, almost too quietly to be heard.

Her devious smile turned into a genuine one. They both leaned in–

“I love you too.”

They kissed.