The Endless Forest

Yarnel? Mana crystal? Felix looked between Noria and Ithea before throwing a glance to Zira. One thing at a time, and Zira comes first.

He shoved the tome into Noria’s arms, surprising her. “You seem to understand what’s going on, I’ll leave it in your capable hands.”

He stifled back a chuckle as she worked her jaw, unable to speak.

“Anyways,” he brought his attention to the group, “I was just going to let everyone sleep in this morning. Especially because my original plans have gone up in smoke. But since everyone is up, I suppose I can give you something to do…”

He took his hand to his chin in thought. What could I get them to do… The truth was, he had hoped to slowly ease them into their roles. But it’s too late for that now. Though, they did an admirable job, no matter what Ithea says.

He caught a glimpse of an old, gray kobold watching from the hatchery. Wonder how long he’s been there– Wait, I have an idea.

“Watcher, I’ve been meaning to ask you, have you completed that task?” Felix asked, turning to the kobold.

Watcher approached and smiled. “Watcher complete Master’s task.”

Felix nodded. “Good, and what are your current plans for today?”

The kobold looked up at him curiously. “Watcher clean and check eggs.”

“Right.” He turned back to the elves. “You all will be working with Watcher. He will teach you how to clean the hatchery…and if he deems that you’ve done a good job, he will let you get close to the eggs.”

The elves perked up at that.

“You will listen and follow his instructions though, he will tell me if you don’t. Is that understood?”

They nodded, save for Noria who looked torn between the tome and the hatchery.

“Noria, you can study…whatever is in there later,” he clarified, pointing to the tome.

“Oh. Of course…” She clearly looked miffed at that…for all of five seconds. Then suddenly, there was a certain intensity in her eyes.

Okay then… He thought and turned his attention squarely onto Yedril. “How is your mana doing?” he asked, casually approaching.

“I’m…doing fine. I’ve been careful to not use it too much.”

Felix couldn’t help but cock an eyebrow, his sister looked down right furious at that…

“Yedril! You shouldn’t be using any! And don’t think I forgot about that… That dark joke you made yesterday. You shouldn’t be saying such things!”

“Relax sis, I was merely joking!” Yedril said, raising his hands placatingly.

“Both times?!”

Felix found the siblings arguing amusing, but he desperately wanted to get back to Zira… “Perhaps, you two should have this conversation later…” He said after clearing his throat to get their attention. “Yedril, I’ll come for you in a little while to check your mana.”

Felix didn’t wait for a response and instead spoke up to the group. “Alright, then. You’re all dismissed.”

He watched with curiosity as the elves ambled past him. Felix’s attention fell onto Lorem as the large elf stepped inside, he had been silent the entire time. Strange, he seemed like the outgoing type…

“Anyways, Ithea–” She was gone. Well, I guess that was expected…

He turned to Eri. “I’m going to be with Zira for a little while.”

She nodded in understanding. “I think me and Kyrith will be doing some training. I’ve been neglecting it, and I now realize that was a mistake.” She appeared to shrink. “Our bond hasn’t grown in a while…”

Felix felt a sense of empathy for her, he was going through something similar with Zira. “That’s good… I wish you two the best.”

“We’re going to train?!” Kyrith asked, excitedly. “Oh it's been a while! What are we waiting for?! Let’s go!” The dragon hopped up and came over to Eri, nudging her with his head.

Both Felix and Eri let out a laugh…

Eri tried to push him away. “K-Kyrith! Hold on… Fine!”

“Good luck!” Felix teased.

She wasn’t given a chance to respond as the ember-colored dragon began pushing her away. He shook his head, unable to stop chuckling as he watched. Eventually, though, Eri and Kyrith were gone, leaving just him and Zira…

His laughter died and he dropped his smile and brought his attention to Zira. He stared at the, now useless, splint. He walked over to her and kneeled down next to it and set to work on removing it.

Felix… She said, breaking her long silence.

The splint fell away with ease, it was made up of long strips of cloth and small logs. He kept himself from sighing. Yeah?

He could feel her contemplating what she wanted to say. Felix… Do you want to train?

Standing up, he considered it for a moment. “Yeah, that sounds good…” I really don’t deserve you.

Please, stop that. I–

I know. I love you, I just hate getting you hurt, he said earnestly. Now, come on, let’s go train. We can’t let Eri and Kyrith show us up.

She studied him for a moment longer before standing up. Hop on then. She leaned over to make it easier for him.

As he did, Zira continued. Remember Felix, we are a team. Your mistakes are our mistakes, just like mine.

You’re right… I just hate it, is all. He agreed as he got situated on top of her.

She lifted up fully and let a little devious smile show. Well then, hold on!

Wha– He was nearly sent flying off as she suddenly set off at full speed.

Eri watched as Zira and Felix bolted away. He makes it look so easy…

We can do it too! Kyrith injected with his natural enthusiasm.

She let out a sigh and brought her attention back to him. Yeah…maybe in a few months? she said dejectedly.

Kyrith let out a whimper before lowering himself and leaning towards her. We can try! he said, trying to keep his enthusiasm up.

Eri let out a little chuckle. I suppose we will never be able to, if we don’t start.

She took a deep breath and tried to psych herself up… Alright, let’s do this. She approached him and…struggled. She struggled to get up onto Kyrith, not once, but twice. It took her a third time to finally figure it out, and even then she was glad that no one was around to see…

In fairness, it had been a long time since she had a chance to ride on top of any mount. Not since I was a child… she realized. Plus, is it really fair to compare an oxen to a dragon?

I’m better than any stupid oxen! Kyrith shouted, feigning outrage.

With a genuine laugh, Eri reached down and patted his side. But of course, I’m sorry for comparing you to one of those beasts.

Straightening herself out, she tested her balance one last time before speaking up. Alright, now let’s take this slow–

Kyrith immediately ignored her and set off at a sprint. His excitement could not be contained.

“Kyrith!” Eri shouted, nearly falling off. She just managed to lean forward and wrap her arms around his neck, wincing as his spines and spikes dug into her.

His only response was increasing his speed…

The ground thundered beneath them, dirt and grass kicking up behind. All the while, Eri screamed.

At first, it was in pure terror. She briefly went airborne with every gallop, only to slam back down onto the hard scales. Every time, she thought she would go flying off. Thankfully, she had a deathgrip around the dragon’s neck, it was probably the only thing that saved her.

But as they continued on through the clearing, her scream of terror slowly changed. It wasn’t the thrill of it, per se, but her blood was pumping. Her heart thudded with each step, and the feeling of adrenaline entering her system only heightened her senses.

Her wild side made an appearance.

Okay! This is thrilling! she shouted to herself. She let her scream die down though, as she focused on what was in front of them.

The forest was approaching rapidly. The sky trees looked densely packed… Her terror came back.

Kyrith! Turn! We can’t–

He was already ahead of her, as he suddenly shifted his weight to the left. The force of it nearly sent her flying off once again, but they made the turn…barely.

They continued their sprint, following the edge of the trees and aiming towards the kobold village. It was approaching rapidly.

Slow down!

But we’re doing it! he argued.

It was only now she was starting to realize her arms were numb. Yes, but this isn’t training!

But…

She gritted her teeth. Kyrith! Slow down!

He instantly dug his talons into the ground. Meanwhile, Eri felt herself lifting off her perch. Her grip around his neck tightened as she flared her mana and casted a quick and dirty spell…

A few moments later, she let go of his neck and collapsed to the ground. She didn’t stay down for long though, as she jumped back to her feet, fury in her eyes.

Kyrith whimpered and took a step back.

I said, slow down, not stop. She said calmly, too calmly.

Sorry.

Yedril diligently worked on sweeping the floors. Watcher was, well, watching them. The kobold had a keen eye for detail and already Yedril had been chastised twice. He hadn’t been the only one either…

Still, it wasn’t that bad. He found some solace in doing something, even if that something was sweeping the floors. It’s just not what I wanted exactly…

He stopped and let out a sigh as he examined his handiwork. The floor was already fairly clean, but he did notice one little spot that he missed.

With a groan he went back to it, letting his thoughts flow…

Helping with that potion was interesting, but… My mana. He frowned. I liked the bow, I want to continue to practice it, but, again, I don’t think I could ever become proficient with it. Not like my sister, anyways.

He paused for a moment as a terrible thought entered his mind. Oh gods! Please don’t tell me I’ll have to become a maid! He nearly threw the broom onto the ground but caught himself at the last second.

No, there has to be something I can do… Something more interesting than this, at least. He felt the eyes of the kobold on him, and quickly got back to work.

Maybe I should just ask? He remembered that he would be speaking with Felix later. Yeah, I can start with him–

“Yedril miss spot!” Watcher shouted, startling him.

“S-sorry!” Damn it…

Felix clung onto Zira’s neck for dear life. They were racing through the forest; hopping over brush and logs, squeezing through gaps between the trees. But through it all, he was enjoying the experience…

Perhaps a saddle would be wise? Zira suggested suddenly, breaking him from the excitement.

What? He asked, a little confused.

A saddle, one for you to ride on, she clarified.

Why?

So you don’t fall off and die, she answered, sounding annoyed.

Felix frowned. In truth, he hadn’t really thought about it but immediately disregarded the idea. No.

That caused her to slow, just enough for her to glance back at him. Why not?!

Honestly, I’m surprised you suggested it. But to answer; you’re not a mount, a beast fit for only riding.

Zira was taken aback and skidded to a stop. That’s– I mean, I don’t think I would mind…too much. They are supposed to be comfortable for both mount and rider. And I don’t want you to fall off by accident.

The sincerity in her voice made him smile. That’s very thoughtful of you, but I want to master this, he patted her back, first. Maybe in the future, but not until we’ve mastered flight bareback.

He could feel her apprehension at that.

Are you sure? she asked hesitantly.

He put his hand up to his chin in thought. Well, I do have an idea… I’m, uh, just not sure if we’re ready to try it. I’m kinda bad when it comes to judging our capabilities.

Zira feigned shock. What?! You being bad at judgment?! Say it ain’t so! She suddenly got serious. What’s your– Oh.

His smile grew only wider as she realized what he wanted to try. Yeah, that’s why even I’m hesitating.

The dragon thought about it for a while longer. We could start slow, see how it goes. Even if you fall, that shouldn’t be too bad…

Really? he asked, honestly surprised that she would agree to it. He wasn’t lying about being hesitant to try.

She let out a sigh. Honestly Felix? I don’t even hate your crazy ideas– In fact, I kind of love them… I just wished you’d tell me before we try them.

Huh… He quickly shook his head. I– No, you’re right. But sometimes I just don’t have enough time. Hells, there are times I don’t even know what I’m doing, I just act. This is something I definitely need to improve on.

It is. Zira quickly changed the topic. Hop off for a few moments, I want to catch my breath before we try this.

Felix patted her back one last time and slid off, landing on his feet. Quickly stretching his arms, he turned back to face the dragon. Zira shifted and sat down onto her haunches, staring right back at him.

There was an air of uncertainty bubbling up from Zira’s side of the bond, like there was something more that she wanted to say but was afraid to do so. He had a suspicion he knew what it was.

Say it, he commanded.

Felix… She shifted uncomfortably. Felix, I love you.

I love–

She cut him off. But thinking that you are unworthy of me… It hurts, you know?

He faltered under her pleading gaze. I see…

Zira lowered herself, bringing her snout right in front of his face. Do you? It hurts because you think I chose wrong. I didn’t, but it hurts that you think that. You are more than good enough for me.

It hurts me because it hurts you, Felix.

His eyes widened in understanding. Ah… Reaching up, he brushed the side of her face. She leaned into it, closing her eyes and letting out a rumbling purr.

Cracking a smile, he bent forward and kissed the ridge of her snout. You are more than family to me, Zira. I never meant to make you hurt…

I know.

That broke his heart, tears began to stream down his face…

They stayed like that for several long minutes, silent and unmoving. Neither wanted, nor dared, to break the mood. It was a moment of bonding, a moment of growing closer to one another.

Felix truly loved her, much like a father would their child, or perhaps like a protective older sibling. Whichever it was, it didn’t really matter. No, the only thing that mattered was that he loved her. He once more vowed to do better, to be more responsible.

He would no longer hurt her.

Finally, they broke away from each other. Right, Zira said, get back on.

Felix wiped his face clear and nodded. Approaching her side once more, he got on and tested his balance.

Ready? he asked. The answer was obvious, both of them were more than determined now. They were going to do this. She gave a nod and lifted herself off the ground.

Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and calmed himself. He felt ready, she felt ready. But something popped into his mind before he began.

Our flight yesterday? I don’t count it as our first.

Neither do I, she agreed.

In time, they would do it properly, but today? They were going to learn how to walk and run, as one.

Felix entered Zira’s mind, and quickly embraced her. She accepted him, just as he accepted her. He and She became They.

Two sets of eyes opened, distorting their view. They had practiced this to an extent, but not while Felix rode on top of Zira. It did not matter, they felt it. They were ready.

Zira’s body took a single step, while Felix’s grabbed a hold of one of her small spikes.

They took another step, slowly adjusting Felix’s position.

Then another.

And another…

After ten paces, they believed they had gotten it down. They set off at a slow trot, carefully adjusting each body as they moved. Their first obstacle came into sight.

One of the sky trees blocked their path, causing them to have to go around it. They chose the left path at random.

With slow and methodical steps, Zira’s body angled and began to trot past the tree. Meanwhile, Felix’s body casually adjusted in its seat, keeping good balance.

With their first successful test completed, they decided to pick up the speed. Their pace quickened to that of a light jog, at least for a dragon… Still, they were finding it surprisingly easy to balance Felix’s body. They even learned how to move Zira so as to disturb it less.

Both bodies smiled simultaneously; this was going much better than they thought. They weren’t even experiencing any headaches, something that gave them more confidence…

After making it around several more trees, and a light jump over some thick brush, they pushed it further. Their jog turned into a run.

It was here where they started encountering minor problems. Zira’s speed meant they had to react quicker to adjusting both bodies. There were several moments where it seemed that Felix would fall off…

But the body adjusted once more and leaned forward.

They kept the pace for a long stretch of time, quickly adapting and learning how to read their movements.

Finally, they believed they were ready. Exhilaration filled their singular mind. They could do this. They would do this.

This was their moment, this was them running– No, sprinting.

Yes! they shouted as Zira’s body set off at her maximum speed. Felix’s made ever smaller adjustments, with every step, with every leap, with every turn…

Their bodies became synced.