The Endless Forest

Yarnel stared at his collection of tomes, notes he had written throughout the years. Most were a second attempt, copies. The originals had been lost long ago… But not all, and even some were new, made after his arrival to this new land.

One was missing– Well, one was not here. He knew where it was, he knew who had it…who did have it, and why.

There was a clicking noise, like talons tapping upon stone. He looked down at his hands, his clawed hands, talons. He was anxious, it seemed…

This just won’t do… Like with all his personal artifacts, he had a connection with that missing tome. Someone was reading it, someone who shouldn’t.

He had been waiting for its discovery, this much is true, but not by this…unfamiliar person. It gnawed at him, he had to make a decision.

So he did.

He rose into the air, floating within his cavernous home built within the mountains. It was barren, save for his work, but he did not care. It was practical, merely a place he could rest and be close to his greatest achievement so far.

“I’m going,” he declared. He was not alone.

“So, you finally decided to go? You’ve been staring at your bookshelf for days now. I was starting to wonder if you’d marry it…” A new voice responded.

Yarnel ignored the jab. “I have, clearly something unexpected has happened. I must go and investigate.”

“Yarnel…” The voice had lost all its humor. “Are you going to go against her orders?”

He considered the words before responding. “No, but I am not bound like the rest of you… For obvious reasons.” He hadn’t meant it as an insult, but he could feel an intense gaze upon him.

“Watch it, Yarnel, Ithea is there. You go and act like that around her and… Well, I won't be there to stop her.”

He waved the concern away. “I’ve already spoken to her recently, without you. I will be fine.”

There was a moment of silence.

“Good luck then…”

Yarnel didn’t bother with a response.

Felix closed his eyes, listening to the sound of rain splashing high up in the canopy. The occasional drop made its way through and landed on the ground or, in several instances, on him.

He and Zira were taking a break, resting against a sky tree. They had decided on an early morning training session, hoping to build upon their teamwork and to continue strengthening their bond.

Progress was being made, quickly too, but an issue had arisen. Namely, they were getting too comfortable. Working together, as one, was tiring but it was getting easy. That might have sounded good, perhaps impressive, but all they were doing was running through the forest.

Flying together wouldn’t be this simple. That wasn’t factoring in actual combat, if it came to it, either…

Something needed to change, they needed to expand their training. The problem was how? Eri and Kyrith were making their own progress, but those two were still behind him and Zira. Asking for something like a sparring session would most likely not end well.

But maybe that won’t be a problem? he thought to himself, an idea forming. It was something he would talk to Eri and Zira about, he decided. They would probably be interested…

He let the thought trail off for now as he got into a meditative stance. Zira was resting and they were deep within the forest. Besides, he had something he could work on himself, magic.

Taking a breath, Felix slowly opened a hand and tugged at his mana. It responded instantly as he gathered it, manipulated it into a large ball. It floated above his hand and he set to work on condensing it.

Controlling his breathing and letting his mind clear of any distractions, he focused all his senses on the ball. The exercise itself was almost more tense and straining than when he and Zira combined their minds.

He felt it shrink, slowly but surely. However, he hit his first obstacle, the very same one he’d been stuck at the last time he’d tried this…

His mana manipulation allowed him to use his mana differently than others, but the trade off made it so that he struggled with basic spells. Besides the healing magic he had managed last week, he still couldn’t cast a simple light spell.

It frustrated him to no end.

He felt the ball of mana become unstable. The more he tried to compress it, the more it resisted. Nearly cursing to himself, he eased up on the pressure. Clearly, forcing it wasn’t going to work…

But now what? He activated his mana sight, hoping to glean something, anything, that he might have missed.

Opening his eyes he brought the ball closer to him and studied it. What am I missing?

The colors were a chaotic mess; swirling, mixing, and separating from each other. He could control his mana in total, but not the individual elements that made up it. Or can I?

In truth, he never really tried. The problem with all this was that no one seemed to use mana quite like he did. Normal spells and the techniques used to learn them simply didn’t apply to him. Even Aluin wasn’t entirely sure the best way for him to learn.

In fact, the only one who managed to teach him anything was Ithea. And even then, she only showed him how to weaponize condensed mana.

It’s not even that useful… Anyone with a basic defensive spell could stop it. He knew because he had tried it against Ithea the few times she actually tried sparring with him.

Felix felt Zira stirring next to him before she peeked into his mind.

Are you okay? she asked, letting out a mighty yawn. She stretched as she sat up, and turned her full attention to him.

Yes and no, I guess… I’m still struggling with basic spells, is all. He let out a sigh, ending his mana sight and let the ball dissipate.

She studied him for a moment before lowering her snout down and poking him. Cheer up, I know you will get it eventually. Besides, why let it bother you when you have me? I’m clearly better than any stupid spell.

Zira made herself look as regal as possible. Felix just laughed, rubbing the spot where she poked him.

It’s not funny! I am quite capable, smart, and elegant! She responded in mock anger.

Thanks…for that. Felix said as he calmed down. You’re right though, I don’t know where I’d be without you.

Taking a deep breath he stood up. Are you ready to head back? he asked. The rain was looking like it was dying down.

Humph! She looked away, still playing the role of an insulted dragon.

Smiling, he came up closer to her and threw his hands into the air. “Oh, mighty dragon! I beseech you! Please take this fool home!”

Zira finally caved and snorted in amusement. “Hah! You dare ask such a lowly request to me?!”

There was a moment of silence before they both broke out into laughter, or in Zira’s case, chuffing.

Hop on, she said and lowered herself.

Felix did so, still chuckling, and patted her side. Once he was situated they set off at a trot…

The trek back to manor was mostly quiet from that point on. Both were content to just be together. However, as they approached, a topic he had been avoiding came to the forefront of his mind.

Yedril…

Zira threw him a worried glance. What will you do?

He pursed his lips, unsure of what to say. I…don’t know. But it's been a week, and all I’ve had them do is take up jobs around the manor.

And you still haven’t come up with a solution. She said it as a statement and not a question.

He shook his head. I haven’t. But I’m honestly worried about letting him hatch an egg. I’m afraid what will happen if he dies soon after…

She sent him her sympathy. I know it’s hard, Felix. But you will have to make a decision. I will support you, no matter what you decide… Though, can I give you my thoughts?

I think I know what you will say, but sure.

You probably do, but sometimes it’s better to hear them… Anyways, those eggs, the ones that Watcher picked out? He believes they are compatible with the elves.

Felix furrowed his brow in confusion. Maybe I don’t… What are you getting at?

She came to a stop and turned her neck to get a better view of him. Felix, those eggs have already chosen their partners.

What?! That was news to him. What are you saying? Have they already imprinted?

I don’t believe so, but I think Watcher meddled with them. Me and Kyrith both noticed it, they are releasing small traces of mana. None of the other eggs are like them. I tasted the mana, it tasted like how that kobold smells.

Felix was shocked to hear that. He remembered what Watcher had told him, but he hadn’t really put much thought into it… The memory of that day came back to him in full, and how the elves looked as they left the hatchery.

Gods! I think you’re right– Damn it all! This only complicates things! The issue Zira was alluding to suddenly made itself very clear.

The eggs would not imprint or hatch for anyone else.

Come on, let’s hurry back to the manor! Felix nearly shouted to her.

Zira immediately took off. What will you do? she asked again as she quickly leaped over some tall brush.

He forced a smile. “I have no clue…”

Eri slid off of Kyrith, landing onto the wet grass. The rain had only just ended but she and Kyrith hadn’t let that stop them. In fact, it was quite welcoming to her. It kept them cool during their morning training.

Come on, we’ll go rest in the hatchery, she said, already making for the entrance.

Oh! Are we going to take a nap?! he asked, a little too excited at the prospect.

I wasn’t really planning on it but… I suppose we can. Are you that tired?

He stomped past her as he responded. I just enjoy being together. We’ve been doing it more and more… I really just like being with you, it makes me feel good.

Eri came to a stop. Sometimes, she forgot how innocent and sweet he could be. Oh, Kyrith… You’re going to make me blush…and Felix jealous!

He turned his head towards her. Felix can join us, I don’t mind… Oh, maybe we can convince Zira as well!

She burst out laughing. Somehow I don’t think Zira would like that idea… About Felix joining us, I mean.

The normally excited dragon looked depressed. Awe, I was hoping… She only ever sleeps with Felix or by herself. She doesn’t like it when I try to curl up with her.

Eri was about to make a comment about how he snored, but stopped. He was genuinely upset by that. I’m sure she has her reasons, but I could talk with her if you like?

He considered the offer before declining. That’s okay, I know she will come around to it eventually.

The way his mood shifted back to being positive only made her smile warmly at him. You really are quite sweet…

Kyrith found his usual spot and laid down, beaming at her the entire time. She was about to make her way to him but a commotion from the edge of the clearing caught her attention.

Zira burst out from the tree line with Felix riding on her back.

Eri smiled at them and waved her hand high above her head. “Good morning, Zira, Felix!” she shouted.

The amethyst dragon spotted her and changed trajectories, now aiming straight for her. Eri decided to wait, not worried about being run over.

“Good morning!” Felix shouted from on top of the dragon as they got closer. He seemed cheery at first, but as they began to slow and come to a stop next to her, she could see something was bothering him.

“Everything alright?” she asked after Felix hopped down.

He turned to her, smiling as he did so. It was forced. “Maybe…” He admitted after a moment, turning his expression into a frown. “Actually, maybe you can help? Can we talk?”

Eri gave him a worried look before glancing at Zira. The dragon also had a similar expression as Felix.

“Sure, what’s wrong?”

He shook his head. “Not out here… Let’s go inside– Wait, is anyone in there?” He leaned over to look past her.

Anyone in there? Eri repeated the question to Kyrith.

Nope! Just me! he responded.

Eri shook her head, no. “Just Kyrith, if that is okay.”

Felix nodded, and gestured for her to enter. “He’s fine, it's the other elves I’m more concerned about hearing.”

Cocking an eye, she waited until Felix started moving before following with Zira being last to enter. Once they were inside, he suddenly made for the door and closed it.

“Might as well get comfortable,” he gestured over to where Kyrith was. “I think this is going to be a long story…”

This doesn’t sound good, she thought to herself but Kyrith was listening.

Everything alright? he asked, lifting his head up.

I…don’t know. She frowned but led them over to where her partner was resting.

Once next to him, Eri sat down and leaned against Kyrith’s warm, scaled side. He let out a mighty purr but otherwise said nothing. Felix and Zira followed suit, sitting across from them.

A moment of awkward silence took hold of the group as they stared at each other. Felix looked like he was conflicted while Zira looked more anxious.

Eri was about to ask Felix what was wrong when he suddenly spoke up. “You know about Yedril’s condition, right? Specifically, that he is dying?”

She swallowed, this was not sounding good. “I do, but not all the details,” she answered, doing her best to keep her tone neutral.

Felix took a deep breath, his expression hardening. It looked like he came to a decision. “The truth is, the mana injections I have been giving him… They’re working, for now, but I saw something last week that has me extremely concerned.”

“Concerned?” she asked.

“Yeah… Even with them, he is not getting better. They are only slowing it down, but not stopping it. I fear, in time, the injections will stop having an effect.”

Felix’s mask of resolve cracked and she could see the worry– No, fear, in his eyes.

“Eri,” he continued.

“Yedril’s soul is dying.”