The Endless Forest

Yedril took a deep breath, his arms straining as he pulled his bow’s string back. With a controlled breath, he aimed at a distant target and fired.

The arrow flew, and at first looked to be heading right for the target… But then it veered off at the last moment, striking the dirt just to the right of it.

He clicked his tongue in annoyance, even as his sister clapped her hands.

“Nice, you are getting better.” She said, walking up to him.

“I still missed.” He said curtly, letting some of his frustration through.

“And? That’s not what I’m talking about.” She pointed to him. “Your form is getting better. I dare say, you might be a natural at this.” Solanna gave him a wide smile and patted him on the shoulder.

She looks so happy… Yedril quickly shook his head, turning his head back to the target. It was just a simple bag of manure, propped up slightly by a tiny mound of dirt. It wasn’t ideal, especially its smell, but it was all they could find…

He felt his irritation grow. It wasn’t just that he missed the target, nor was it earlier when Felix was screaming out in pain. It was the totality of the situation. He had nothing of value or use to give.

“Do you think everything is alright?” He asked suddenly, in a bid to distract himself.

“You mean Felix and the dragons?” His sister responded.

“Yeah, they nearly barreled right into us. I was surprised to see Felix holding on for dear life though. I didn’t think he could move… But then they took off into the sky.”

At the time, Yedril had been awed as the dragons tore past them, especially as they leaped into the sky. But in retrospect, it hadn’t been graceful. Kyrith had a grave look, Zira had an expression that looked between panic and determination.

Then there was Felix.

The human had been a blur upon Zira’s back, but even Yedril could feel the massive amount of mana that was released, just before those two took off after the fiery dragon.

It sent a shudder down his back.

“Yedril… Are you listening?” His sister's voice snapped him back to attention.

“Huh? Sorry…” He rubbed the back of his neck absently.

Solanna shook her head. “I said, stand back and take notes. It’s not everyday you get lessons from a pro.”

Yedril let a chuckle slip through at her sarcasm.

“Oh? Elf pro?” A voice called out from behind them, causing both to jump.

Turning around, they found themselves looking at a green kobold.

Noria wiped a bit of sweat from her brow as she and Lorem walked through the forest. It was a hot and humid day, but the massive sky trees provided enough shade to keep the sun off them.

They had been at this for a good hour or so, casually walking through the beautiful forest, just the two of them…

It’s almost romantic– Noria’s face reddened as she stopped her thought. A quick glance over to Lorem told her he hadn’t noticed. She let out a relieved sigh before coming to a stop.

“This looks about right, keep your eyes out for them.” She called out, finding a rather damp area between some of the trees.

They were currently looking for Shadegale, a flower that grew in, well, shade. That and it preferred more bog-like conditions. It had deep blue petals that would easily wither in direct sunlight, making them rather delicate…

“This them?” Lorem asked from a few feet away. He was pointing to a grouping of–

“Yes!” Noria shouted, a little too excited. She ran up to them and dropped to her knees.

Before her was a large gathering of the flowers, more than she normally found around her village. This is perfect! She thought, delighted at their find. Now, we just got to be–

She was pulled away from her thoughts as Lorem was about to pluck one without any care.

“Stop!”

He froze, his massive fingers curled around the stem.

“They are delicate! We need to be careful with them!” She said, chastising him. “Besides, we just need the flowering part. Leave the rest of the plant alone.”

“Oh… Sorry.” He said, slowly pulling his hand away.

Noria ignored him for a moment as she focused on her satchel. She had filled it with everything they would need for gathering plants. A few moments later, she pulled out two small looking sheers.

“Get as close to the top of the stem as you can. If we’re careful the plant will be fine and eventually regrow its flower.” She educated him as she passed along one of the sheers.

Lorem accepted it, though it looked like a toy in his hands. “Thank you, but how much do we need?”

She thought for a moment. This is the largest patch I’ve seen, but it’s also a bit far from the manor… “We’ll take a quarter of them and leave the rest.”

He nodded, his expression going serious. “Got it.” With that, he went to work.

Noria waited a few moments, watching Lorem to make sure he was doing it right. Satisfied, she turned back to the flowers and began herself…

I’m…alive? Felix asked, blinking. He was laying on the ground with an amethyst-colored dragon staring down at him.

FELIX?! Zira yelled into his mind, causing him to wince and to clap his ears.

Not so loud! My head… It was throbbing.

Thank the gods! I was so worried!

He cringed at the splitting headache and tried to move.

A groan escaped him; every fiber, every muscle, every bone, ached. He could even feel his soul quaking deep down.

He gave up and laid still, content to rest for the moment. At… At least I don’t feel any broken bones, he glanced down to his chest. I hope.

It then finally hit him.

We flew! He grinned like an idiot, and was promptly rewarded with more pain.

Felix! We barely managed it! Your mana ran out and we crashed…

But, we flew. Together. He said, refusing to let his thoughts be soured. I’d do it again–

NO! That was too dangerous! Just look at you! You’re barely able to move! She let out a whimper.

It’s fine… I just need some– His memory reminded him why they had even tried this. –Rest. SHIT! Zira, help me up! We got to find Kyrith and Eri!

The poor dragon looked like she was raging a war in herself. But…

Zira, Eri is in trouble. We don’t have time, we have to catch up! He rolled onto his side, hissing as he did. His throbbing headache pounded even harder.

But you are in no condition to move, much less fight!

He grunted in frustration and discomfort. Then go and find them! Leave me–

What?! No! I can’t do that! Felix, just rest and I’ll keep a look–

Zira, do you want something bad to happen to her? She needs help.

No…

Felix took a deep breath, ignoring the protests coming from his lungs and ribs. Zira, I know this is hard. I know this is dangerous, but Eri needs our help. Kyrith needs our help.

Shakily he reached a hand out for her. So please, either help me up and we go together, or leave me and go alone.

She stared down at his hand and went quiet.

Please Zira, let’s go help our friends.

Without a word, she slowly raised up one of her arms and planted it under his hand.

Felix smiled…

Zira raced through the forest, doing her best to keep Felix comfortable on top of her…

She threw a glance behind her, keeping an eye on her partner. The last thing she needed was for him to fall off. Felix was grimacing, but he held on as tightly as he could.

Stupid! So stupid! She thought to herself. She wanted nothing more than to turn and head back for the manor. But he would just go off on his own once he figured it out…

No, this is the best option for now. I just hope Eri is perfectly fine, there is no way we can fight like this. She looked down to her right arm, it was pulsing in pain with every step. She was doing her best to hide her limp.

Meanwhile, her left wing was in severe pain…

Their ‘landing’ had been rough. Felix’s mana had begun to run out as they began their dive, and it was only by the grace of the gods that she was able to pull out of it at the very last possible moment.

It still resulted in them landing hard enough that it flung Felix off her back. Thankfully, he clipped her wing and, somehow, ended up landing in the thick brush nearby. It was all pure luck; she hated that feeling of what if.

Zira shook her head and pretended to not be bothered by her own pain. There was nothing that could be done about it for now…

She threw up a quick prayer. Please, just let Eri be safe and sound. If she was, then they could finally rest.

Are…we getting close? Felix asked. She had never heard his mental thoughts sounding so strained, like he was gritting his teeth.

She tasted the air for Kyrith’s mana. The ember-colored dragon had been spewing it out as he took off. Unfortunately, he had quite a bit of lead time on them…

Close, I think– She picked up a new source of mana. I’m picking up Eri’s! We’re definitely close.

Hurry… I’ll be…fine.

She let out a whimper, she couldn’t help herself. This was just too much for her, watching Felix push himself so far…

Zira picked up her speed.

Up ahead of them was another thick set of brush. I…have to jump, please hold on.

She felt him tighten his grip around her neck. Ready, he said.

She leaped and made it over the brush, only to end up slamming her feet deep into the ground on the other side.

They came to a quick stop and stood in a small meadow. It was already crowded.

Before them was Kyrith. He was sitting, his tail thumping wildly while his head was lowered. He let out a whimper of his own as an elven hand reached up to pat the side of his face. The elf rested her own head against his.

“Eri!” Felix shouted as he tried to jump off of Zira. She quickly lowered herself, but he went for the jump anyway…

He ended up landing on his feet, only to then collapse.

Felix! Zira turned to him, finding him struggling back to his feet.

“Felix, Zira?!” Eri shouted in surprise and then let out a sharp gasp. “What happened to you two!”

“Don’t…worry about us. Are you…okay?” Felix gasped out as he finally got back onto his feet.

“Huh?” Eri looked like she ran through several emotions before settling on confusion.

Zira decided she should interject. “Kyrith said you were hurt. This…idiot, decided to come rushing to your aid.” She paused for a moment before quietly adding, “I’m glad you are fine.”

It was clear that Eri wasn’t physically hurt but she could tell by the ambient mana, something had happened. Zira’s eyes scanned the area until they landed upon another familiar figure.

Ithea… She almost sneered at the sight of her mother. There was no doubt in her mind that the woman had done something to Eri.

Her mother smiled and waved, as if nothing was wrong. Zira ignored her and focused on Eri and Felix as the conversation continued.

“Well, as you can see,” Eri held up her arms and did a little twirl, “I’m fine.” Her expression was a strained one though, like she was hiding something.

It seemed Felix wasn’t buying it either, as he stumbled closer to the elf and scanned her up and down. Then, without warning, he pulled her into a hug.

“I’m…glad you’re fine. I’ve never seen Kyrith act that way before… It was truly terrifying, and we did everything to keep up– We even flew.”

Eri pushed away in shock. “You flew?!”

Felix let out a pained chuckle. “Yeah. I…had to…” Felix began to sway. “Had to… Uh, burn…my–” He suddenly fell forward, landing into the frantic arms of Eri.

“Felix!”

Yedril let out a sigh as he entered into the kitchen, dodging kobolds and a perpetually angry Chef. Solanna shut the door behind him, and they both continued through and into the hallway…

It had been a long day for both of them. Solanna had gotten into an archery competition with that strange green kobold, Tracker. Meanwhile, he continued his brooding, trying to come up with something that he could do to not be so useless.

It hadn’t gone very well.

Archery is fun, but after seeing those two… I doubt I will ever be able to come close to matching them. A commotion came from somewhere in the library. Maybe I should ask the others? He thought and made his way over to the room.

Stepping inside he was surprised to find Noria vigorously crushing something within a mortar and pestle. The boxes that once laid upon the table were now on the floor, some of their contents pulled out and laid down next to them.

“Yedril, Solanna,” Lorem greeted them. The larger elf was leaning against the wall next to the door.

“Hello, Lorem,” Yedril replied, meanwhile his sister whistled at the mess that was created.

“What’s going on in here?” She asked, carefully stepping over a box and pulling out a chair.

“Noria is working on a potion,” Lorem said, shrugging. “I wouldn’t bother her, she’s pretty focused.”

Yedril perked up at that. “Potion?”

“Yep, uh… I think she called it a–”

“Regenerative potion.” Noria interrupted, looking up at them.

“Regenerative potion? That sounds useful.” Solanna added.

“Oh, it is!” Noria shouted, nearly dropping her pestle. “But it’s just an experiment… We just got back with all the ingredients we need, and now I’m preparing the first part. Making a medicinal salve!”

Oh? This sounds interesting… Yedril made his way over to Noria, doing his best to avoid the mess on the floor. “Do you mind if I watch?” he asked her.

“Certainly!” Noria immediately went back to work.

Yedril closely watched what she was doing. Currently, there were several petals in her mortar that were being crushed–

She quickly added water to the mixture. “This is Shadegale, it’s very delicate and so I have to be careful with crushing it. If I’m too fast or rough, it will ruin the salve. You can add water to help though…”

He listened on as Noria continued to give him facts on the flower, including what all it could be used for. “…It’s even edible! But I wouldn’t try it, it tastes nasty on its own. But it does offer some medicinal properties… But it’s better when you combine it with the other ingredients.”

She pointed to a small pile of plants, all resting on a piece of cloth. There was a conspicuous jar of a clear liquid sitting next to them.

“What’s that?” He asked, pointing to it.

Lorem let out a chuckle and shook his head.

“Oh that? That’s juice from a Prickly Vine. It’s a pain to harvest but it is amazing! It’s edible as well, and it’s rather sweet. It’s pretty sticky, though, but you can make a sorta jam out of it…”

Solanna shook her head. “Have you been putting up with this all day?” She asked jokingly to Lorem.

“Hah, I have but I don’t mind. It’s nice to see her in her element.” He grew quiet. “It’s been a while…”

“It certainly has…” Noria chimed in, reminding everyone that she could still hear. “But things are different now, Lorem. I was forced into doing this kind of stuff, but now? Now, I am choosing to do it.”

The room went quiet with that revelation, but Yedril was genuinely curious about this potion she was making. “You mentioned this being the first part, what is the second part?”

Noria suddenly stopped working the mortar and pestle and looked up. She had a wide smile as she reached into a pouch and pulled something out.

“This!”

In her hand was an ember-colored dragon scale.

“Admittedly, this is just conjecture… But if I crush it up and brew it all together, then I should get the potion.”

Yedril curiously studied the dragon scale.

“You’re willing to waste an entire scale on a whim?” His sister asked, sounding a little incredulous.

Noria set the scale down gently onto the cloth before looking up to Solanna. “It’s not a whim, my mother has done the research. Not to mention, I won’t have to use the entire scale. Just a small portion of it.”

She went to reach from the pestle but was interrupted. There was shouting coming from outside.

“What–”

Lorem stood up straight just as the front doors to the manor burst open.

Eri came flying in. “Thank god,” she muttered before speaking up. “Come! We need your help!” Just as fast as she entered, she was gone.

Everyone got to their feet and rushed out the door, once again avoiding the boxes as carefully as they could…

“What’s going on?!” Yedril shouted, coming to a quick stop on the porch. His sister and Lorem were rushing over to Eri and Zira. Nearby was Kyrith, and next to him was a woman he’d never seen before.

“It’s Felix…” Was the only response he got, coming from Eri. The tone of her voice made him gulp, and for a moment he froze. But then, Noria ran past him…

Come on, get it together… He shook his head, and followed.

“What happened to–” His eyes went wide. They were carrying Felix off of Zira, and the human was covered in bruises.

“Mana depletion!” Noria gasped out without warning. “Quickly, we need to get him inside!”

Yedril wasn’t entirely sure what that was, but he could tell the situation was dire. He grabbed at one of Felix’s shoulders. The human was unconscious and limp.

He managed a glance over to Zira, who looked just as panicked as Noria had sounded. To make matters worse, it was evident that she was also injured, with missing scales and her left wing not folded up properly.

“What the hell happened?!” Solanna shouted with a grunt; she had one of Felix’s legs.

“Stupidity, that’s what happened,” the new woman said, approaching them.

“Pleasure to meet you all.” She gave an almost sarcastic bow as they started moving. “My name is Ithea…”

She stood up, wearing an icy smile.

“I’m Zira’s mother.”