The Endless Forest

It was early morning when Felix was awoken, well, him and Zira. The two were promptly informed by Chief Yorlen that the elf would be calling a town meeting. They were going to be needed…

With a yawn, Felix watched blearily as the sleepy village slowly came alive. He’d much prefer to be back sleeping or, barring that, getting ready for another flight with Zira. Yet, as he slowly woke up, the enormity of the situation started making itself rather clear to him.

We’re actually doing this, aren’t we? he asked his equally tired partner.

What do you mean? Zira asked in response.

I mean… Well, everything. We’ve secured a deal to have the dormitory made, and… And then helped Aluin come up with a plan for selecting a queen. That last part made his mind hitch for a moment.

Honestly? he continued, it really hasn’t occurred to me what that even means. But it's important, I know that much. Important enough that Aluin would go off and gather so many tribal leaders…

Zira hummed in agreement. However, I think you are forgetting something.

He didn’t have to ask what she meant, he knew. I haven’t forgotten about Eri’s role in all this– Nor ours, apparently.

She gave him an amused look. I think you should start thinking more on that, Felix. For as much as my feelings are on the matter, you two are courting. Have you actually stopped to think what that could or would mean?

That made him pause. What does it mean? What would happen to our relationship if she were to become the Queen? What would happen to me?

Gods… This is going to become complicated isn’t it? he asked, still stunned.

With a chuff, Zira answered him. Become? Felix, it already is. By virtue of being Eri’s…friend you have inadvertently dragged yourself into this mess.

Her tone changed to a mixture of jealousy and vindication. It’s why I never liked the two of you courting. Besides, you have me.

Oh, like you knew any of this would happen? Please, I don’t buy that and neither do you, he countered while rolling his eyes. And we’ve been over this a thousand times, Zira. My feelings towards her are different than they are towards you.

I love you, you know that. We share things that I could never speak to her about. All my fears, all my anxiety, I could never tell her all of them. But you and I share a bond. You know me like I know you.

I never want us to be separated.

The two of them stood in silence after that, with Felix deciding to go back to watching the villagers gather. Meanwhile, Zira’s mood turned more contemplative…

“Good morning, everyone!” Chief Yorlen suddenly shouted from his balcony, gaining everyone’s attention. “I know it’s early, and that many of you were roused from your slumber, but I have an important announcement to make. One that will impact us now and into the foreseeable future…”

The Chief continued his announcement, reiterating all that had been discussed during the previous night. About selecting a new queen, about Felix’s gift and proposal.

As the announcement went on, more and more elves were turning their stares towards Felix. A mixture of surprise, curiosity, and…avarice could be seen. They were appraising him– No, they were appraising his value…

Taking a step back, Felix bumped into Zira. And seeing his reaction, she let out a warning growl to all who held such views.

Sorry… He said, trailing off from embarrassment. The notion of greed wasn’t something he was used to seeing, especially among elves.

There is nothing to be sorry about, Zira answered. It appears that the elves are capable of such thoughts and emotions.

Taking a deep breath, Felix nodded at her response. It caught me off guard… Still, it's not all of them. In fact, as he took another look, there were only a handful of elves that gave him such looks.

Before Zira could respond, Chief Yorlen finished and a few moments later Aluin was at his side.

“So what happens now?” Felix asked, hoping the Sage hadn’t noticed his expression.

“Now I’ll have an even more rough week than I initially planned,” the elf answered. “However, it is for the better. Your proposition was what was needed to make this all work. For that, you have my gratitude.” The Sage gave him a bow, ignoring the gasps and whispers from the crowd.

“You’re…welcome?” He wasn’t sure how to take that… “What I meant was, are me and Zira still needed here?”

Aluin cocked an eyebrow at him, “Hmm? Oh, the two of you want to get back to the sky. Well, I don’t think disappearing for a little while would matter. Chief Yorlen is working on selecting elves to send with you. That will take some time…and convincing.”

Felix wanted to ask what the elf meant by ‘convincing’ but another thought occurred to him.

“Do you happen to know where the Chief is for the Laefe tribe?” He pulled out the letter. “Solanna and Yedril wanted me to get this sent out for delivery to their parents. But if he’s here, it’ll probably be best that I give it to him.”

“Ah, I do know where he is. Please, follow me and I’ll introduce the two of you.”

“Thank you…”

The three of them set out into the crowd, using Zira as a means to clear space for them. Felix did his best to pay no mind to the onlookers as they passed. The greedy looks were mostly gone, and the ones who still did not like him would never show it in front of Aluin.

Save for one…

Chief Calsen watched from the edge of the crowd, scowling the entire time. Strangely, the elf had been a proponent of Felix’s proposal. The reason eluded Felix, but he did have a few guesses and none of them were good.

Finally, their group broke through the crowd and came upon a smaller pocket of elves. Immediately, Felix recognized several faces. He did not know their names, but they were all part of the previous night’s discussion.

“Chief Oslen,” Aluin called out.

The small group of elves looked up and smiled at the Sage’s sight.

“Master Aluin, what can I do for you?” one of them asked.

The elf looked young to Felix’s eyes, perhaps closer to Eri’s age than that of the rest of the tribal leaders he’d seen. Lean, was the word that best fit him. There was no wasted muscle on him, and his short, red hair only added to the youthful look.

Yet, there was more to the supposed Chief.

A chill swept through Felix as the elf locked eyes with him. It lasted for a moment, gone and replaced by a warmer expression. He’s more dangerous than he looks…

Aluin spoke up, “I’m sure you are aware of Felix, but he wished to meet with you.” The Sage gestured for him to step up.

“Hello, Chief Oslen.” Felix held out a hand, which the elven Chief took.

“Greetings, Felix. It is a pleasure to finally meet you personally, and not in such a…heated environment. And…Zira, is it?” Oslen looked up to the amethyst-colored dragon. “A pleasure to meet you as well.” He ended with a bow.

“The pleasure is ours,” she responded, giving him a dragon’s bow.

“It is indeed,” Felix added. “However, we came looking for you because we have something–” He presented the letter. “–To give you. Well, it’s actually for Solanna and Yedril’s parents…”

Upon hearing the two elven names, the Chief’s demeanor changed. He became much more serious. “How are they? How is Yedril?”

“They are…fine,” Felix said, a little taken aback. “Both are doing well, Yedril’s, uh, condition is stable–”

“Master Aluin told me you were able to help him, is that true?”

“W-well, it is. But there is more to it. However…” Felix took a step back and recovered. “I don’t think it’s my place to speak about his condition. But I will say that it is stable, and I believe he will improve in time.”

Oslen gave him a serious stare for a moment, as if searching for any lies. However, he quickly softened his expression. “I see, that is good.” The elf took the letter, “I will personally deliver this to their parents. They have been worried sick, and have been wanting me to send someone to find them.”

He let out a sigh and continued. “Needless to say, I was planning on coming out here. But then Master Aluin showed up… I’m glad everything is going well for those two, I know this news will bring relief to their parents.”

Felix nodded. “I hope so. If I had known that they hadn’t sent any letters until now, I would have sent a message out here long ago…”

“No, it is not your fault. Those two merely got carried away, I bet. But, it isn’t your concern,” the Chief said. “Anyway, while I would love to hear more about how Solanna and Yedril are doing, I believe this letter is a sign that I must depart. However, I shall be seeing you and those two…idiots, in a couple of weeks.”

“That soon? I think they said something about your tribe being quite far away…”

“Usually, but since this meeting was going to take place, I had us move closer. We’re still quite far out, but it's nothing for us.”

“I see… Well then, I suppose safe travels and we’ll see you again soon.”

“Thank you,” The Chief turned to Aluin, who had remained silent throughout the conversation. “And I hope this plan of yours works out, Aluin. I’m sure Calsen has already figured out a way to try and screw it up.”

The Sage chuckled, “If he hasn’t, then I’d be shocked. But do not worry, I’ve taken him into account. Besides,” Aluin gave a coy smile, “I don’t think he, or his daughter, are ready to deal with kobolds.”

There was a look of horror on Oslen’s face. “Oh… Oh, gods! You never mentioned them! I didn’t know they had set up shop at the manor? Weren’t they banned?”

Aluin looked squarely at Felix. “They were. However, a friendly human invited them back. Still, there isn’t much to worry about. They have mostly stuck to themselves, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that changes…”

Probably shouldn’t mention how Watcher has been acting… Felix thought a little guiltily, he hadn’t exactly told Aluin about what all the kobold had done. There just simply hadn’t been enough time.

I think that is wise for now, we can bring it up later, Zira said, agreeing with him.

“Master Aluin!” A distant shout caught the group’s attention.

“Well I suppose I should get going. Good luck,” Chief Oslen said. A few moments later, he was gone.

“Master Aluin!” The shouting was growing closer.

“Well, Felix and Zira, I think this is where we part ways for now. I’ll see you two later this evening.”

Felix waved goodbye to Aluin as he too departed.

So… Wanna go flying for a little bit, before someone calls upon us? he asked.

Zira gave him a toothy, dragon smile.

Of course.

Torm was striding back and forth impatiently. He was getting sick and tired of waiting. It didn’t help that the person he was waiting for was someone he’d rather have nothing to do with. Unfortunately, it wasn’t up to him…

Patience, he will be successful.

“How can you be so sure?! He’s mad, how can you trust–” Torm froze in terror as a cold shadowy hand grasped his neck.

He is more cunning than you realize. All those little gossips and leaks that you paid for as a merchant? That was his doing. Of course, he sold his information to a third party. But that isn’t all, he is a Mastercrafter. You’ve dealt with dwarves, you know how important that is.

Torm shakily nodded, feeling the hand release. Mastercrafters were a rarity and were considered savants, even among the high standards of dwarven crafts.

“I-is that why he was selected to become an apprentice to their Sage?” he asked, shivering.

I’m certain that played a role, but he is also clanless…

“A…clanless Mastercrafter?” The very thought seemed impossible to him. Even if he started life as a clanless, just by virtue of his current station he should’ve received plenty of invitations…

He wasn’t a clanless to start with, the shadowy voice said. As you have aptly put it, he is mad. Hanzel was kicked out of his birthclan for setting fire to one of their hearths. He showed no remorse, even after it was discovered that several had died.

Torm gulped, that didn’t inspire any confidence. “So–”

Why do I trust him?

He nodded slowly.

I don’t, we will probably have to kill him afterwards. He knows too much and would be a liability. Loose ends is how most plans fall apart, and this one is too important.

“W-what about m-me?” He blurted out, feeling a cold sweat forming.

Torm could have sworn that the voice smiled.

That depends…

“O-on what?”

How I feel.