The Endless Forest

Noria and Lorem were having a picnic out in the woods. Well, that was the idea at least, but with two rambunctious dragons tagging along that was proving difficult…

“Azelea, please be careful!” Noria shouted, fretting over her partner. The dragon was attempting to climb up one of the sky trees.

I do it! I climb tree, prove I better dragon! Azelea shouted back.

Before Noria could respond, Tzarin immediately jumped up the same tree and dug his talons in. He hung there for a moment, looking proud, before Azelea did the same.

Lorem burst out laughing at the sight of the two dragons. Noria gave him a serious look.

“What? Let them try,” he said. “It’s the only way they’ll learn–”

“And what happens if they climb all the way up and then fall? Hmm? They can’t fly, not yet. No, they shouldn’t climb up the tree.” She stood up from her seat and furrowed her brow. “Both of you! Get down and get over here!”

The two dragons froze, slowly looking between themselves before her. A moment later, the two hopped off and quickly rushed to her side, tails between their legs.

S-sorry… Azelea stammered, almost cowering under Noria’s gaze.

Noria massaged her temple, letting out an exasperated sigh. She waited a moment, to both let her anger diminish and to observe.

Azelea was, what Noria was sure of, a citrine colored dragon. Her beautiful scales were almost an amber yellow, which darkened towards their base. She had a bit more weight on her than Zarrina, giving her a more stout appearance. However, she had her own beauty to her. One that spoke of pride and careful grooming.

Then there was Tzarin… His scales were of a deep ruby color that mixed and faded to black. He had a rugged, yet regal look to him. As if he had worked hard for some position. His muscles only helped to complete the look, there was no doubt he was the strongest of the four.

“Sit,” she stressed, pointing towards the blanket they were using.

The two dragons meekly obeyed.

Now, back to our little meal… With a deep breath she let the rest of her ire go and put on a smile. She wanted to enjoy a nice quiet, peaceful day. She was going to get that…

Sitting back down, she spoke calmly. “Lorem, please start passing out our food.”

The other elf gulped, but wasted no time in preparing.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“OW!” Felix shouted in pain as his nose was forcefully put back into place. A moment later a soothing sensation began to numb it.

“You really did a number on yourself,” a humorous Yorlen said. “Managed to cut up your face too…”

Felix could only grumble as healing magic began to do its work. Thankfully, the village had its own Healer and they were gentle with the healing.

“Still, I must say, that was rather impressive. I just wish you hadn’t startled the entire village in the process.”

“Oh, please, Chief Yorlen. Most were awed by their spectacle,” the Healer, Ashtia said.

“I’m sure… But no doubt, I will receive complaints. And right now Aluin is dealing with a particularly difficult individual.”

The Healer ended her magic and pulled her hands away. “Anyway, I think that is enough. It’ll still be tender, but I was able to mend most of it.”

Felix wrinkled his nose before giving Ashtia a smile. “Thank you, my own mana should be able to handle the rest.”

He stood up and stretched. It was getting late into the day by now, and there were still plenty he needed or, rather, wanted to do.

I suppose I could ask who I should go to, to get a harness and saddle made. The idea still didn’t sit well with him, but then again, he wasn’t thinking of it for him as much as for others…

Or Zira…

An idea had come to him, a gift. Zira wouldn’t admit it, but he was certain that part of why she kept hounding on about a saddle was that she wanted something for herself. Something to the effect of a beautiful dress or possibly jewelry.

He briefly thought back to the wooden figurine that Lorem had carved. It was currently sitting in his room within the manor, a temporary spot until they could finish the dormitory…

She deserves more.

With his mind made up, he turned to the Chief. “Before you go, I do have a question.”

“Oh? What is it?” Chief Yorlen paused a small conversation he was having with the Healer.

“I made a promise with Zira, about getting a saddle and harness made. Who should I go speak to for that?”

“That would be Haldria,” Yorlen said almost instantly. “She’s the best, and does it all. From tanning to stitching, no one can compare to her.”

Hearing that got him a little excited. “And where could I find her?”

“Actually, I can take you to meet her. She is one of the ones going with you tomorrow–”

“Wait, tomorrow? We’re leaving that early?” Felix asked, no one had told him that.

Chief Yorlen gave him a blank expression before something dawned on him. “Oh! Yes, that’s right. I was originally going to tell you once you landed, but then…” He pointed to Felix’s noise.

“But yes, you all will assemble at sunrise and set off once everyone is ready. I believe Aluin will be going with you. He wants to be the one to tell Eri about…well, you know.”

“I see…” Felix trailed off, not really sure how he felt about that. On one hand, it meant he and Zira would get more time in the sky. But on the other, he would have to soon deal with the whole queen selection…

“Also, there will be a small party tonight. Everyone who is going is invited, including Zira. It’s mostly so you and her can get familiar with everyone else– That, and to drink.” The Chief added the last part in a chuckle.

“Oh… Well, thank you. Me and Zira will be there– So long as there is enough food for her, that is.” He felt Zira’s eyes narrowing at him through their bond.

Chief Yorlen let out a proper laugh. “I promise, there’ll be plenty!”

A few moments later the two of them stepped out of the Healer’s home and onto the street. Zira was outside, waiting for them. She physically narrowed her eyes at Felix as he joined her.

Oh, you are going to pay for that joke, she said quite seriously.

He chuckled, I think I already have. He gestured to his face.

For a moment, her expression softened before becoming serious again. Are you really going to get a saddle made?

And harness, he added. I never said I wouldn’t, only that I would do it after I’ve mastered flying.

You call that mastering flying? she asked, a bit of her own humor returning.

Felix’s smile was replaced with a frown. Not quite, but good enough. I can do it, that’s the important part, everything else is just practice. I’ll get better–

“You two ready?” Chief Yorlen asked, interrupting their conversation.

“Yes, I was just filling Zira in on our plans,” he said, stretching the truth.

With a nod, the Chief turned back towards the road “Good, then follow me…” He began walking.

Felix and Zira followed close behind, continuing their discussion.

As I was saying, I’ll get better. However, I also realize that you deserve to have something nice, something that is only yours. While I’ve always thought a saddle was degrading, you don’t seem to actually mind.

She took a moment before responding. No, I don’t really mind… And yes, I’d like to have something nice, but that isn’t…exactly the point. She lowered her head to his level.

I want you to be safe.

It wasn’t lost on Felix how hesitant she sounded. Then there isn’t a problem! We’ll get you a finely made saddle and harness, one that is truly yours, and I can be safe. I don’t care what I have to do, I will make it happen.

He ended his thoughts with finality. Meanwhile, they started approaching the edge of the village. An interesting, if foul, smell began to fill the air…

Ahead of them was a solitary building. On this side of the village, there weren’t many others. And the ones that were here were clearly meant for more industrious activities.

Chief Yorlen glanced back at them and spoke up after seeing their expressions. “I should have warned you, this part of the village tends to reek. Not much can be done about it, aside from a few enchantments to suppress the smell. Though, it seems that the enchants might need to be examined…”

Felix only nodded, doing his best to hold his breath. Let’s make this quick…

Indeed, Zira said. Her face was twisted in disgust. The stench is horrible!

Finally, they came to a stop in front of the solitary building. It wasn’t any larger than most homes, but outside it was a mixture of various pieces of equipment. Most looked like it was used in the process of tanning hides…

A moment later, a female elf came out of the building. She was dressed in thick leathers, and even on top of that she wore what looked like a blacksmith’s apron. Her face was covered with layers of wrappings save for her eyes which were behind a pair of strange looking goggles.

“STAY BACK!” she yelled, her voice muffled. She quickly made her way over to a large metallic vat. Without hesitation, she lifted the lid and stepped out of the way.

Steam poured out of the vat and, noticeably, the foul smell grew in intensity. Felix’s eyes began to water, even as he pulled his tunic over his nose. Poor Zira had it worse, she looked visibly pained…

All the while, the heavily clad elf continued working. Pulling out various strips of what Felix assumed was leather.

Unfortunately, he could no longer watch. Instead, he closed his eyes and prayed that it would end soon.

It did.

“Alright! You’re good now!” the elf shouted.

Felix cracked open one eye, testing to make sure it was actually safe. Finding that it was, he slowly opened both of them and lowered his tunic from his face. The smell was already dissipating and the air was becoming breathable again.

Zira let out a rumbling groan…

We’re definitely making this quick, he assured her. Neither one wanted to be here for long.

Please… Gods, if this is what we have to deal with to get a saddle made, then I don’t know if I want one…

He wanted to laugh at that, but was distracted as the new elf began pulling the wraps off their face. Already, she had pulled her apron off and stripped a large portion of her protective clothing.

Her brown hair was long but wrapped up high and tight in a ponytail. She wore a simple, if a little revealing, stained shirt. It clung to her body in ways that made Felix quickly look away. Still, it was clear why, anything more would only make her protective clothing harder to fit…

At least, Felix hoped so.

He chose to fixate on her eyes as she lifted her goggles up. They were a strangely beautiful emerald, reminiscent of Falzan’s scales.

Her eyes met his, and she gave him a coy smile. “Never seen a beautiful woman naked– Well, partially naked?” she asked teasingly.

Before he could respond, she approached them and greeted Chief Yorlen. “Hey Chief, what can I do for you?”

All this time, Felix hadn’t been paying attention to Yorlen. Now he was suddenly and deeply interested in the Chief…

“Yes, there is, in fact, something you could do…” Chief Yorlen muttered, his expression dark and serious.

“GO PUT ON SOME DAMN CLOTHES!”

Felix and Zira stepped back from his sudden shout. However, the other elf merely blinked as if she had no idea what he was talking about.

“You wound me, Chief! I thought you liked the way I look– Oh! Is it that you prefer me all in leather? I can understand that… Some of the requests I get are a bit…interesting, but I didn’t take you for one of those guys.”

Chief Yorlen and Felix both stood there with their mouths open.

T-this woman… Felix trailed off. Whatever he was expecting, it definitely wasn’t this.

Zira's voice carried a smile. I think I kind of like her.

Again, before he could respond, the elven woman slipped past Chief Yorlen and came to him. She grabbed his hand and gave it a forceful shake.

“Names’ Haldria, nice to meet you!”

Felix stared blankly back at her for several seconds before his mind finally caught up. “Felix… Nice to meet–”

“You’re kinda cute– Say, how about we skip the party tonight and have some fun…”

“Haldria!” The Chief shouted, visibly fuming.

She turned and frowned. “Relax Chief, it was merely a jest!” She leaned over to Chief Yorlen, putting a hand over her mouth.

“Besides! I only have eyes for you!” she whisper-shouted.

Oh, I definitely like her.

As if reading Zira’s mind, Haldria turned back and stared up at the dragon. “Don’t worry, I won’t steal your toy. I wouldn’t want to break him and make you mad!”

She suddenly straightened up before giving an overtly exaggerated bow. “Pleasure to meet you. I am Haldria, the best tanner and leatherworker in the world!”

“A bold claim, perhaps I shall put it to the test!” Zira stated, with that fake haughty tone she liked to use. “Zira, by the way, and it is a…pleasure to meet you as well.”

The way she said, ‘pleasure’ sent a chill down Felix’s spine. No doubt Zira and Haldria would become good friends, perhaps a little too good of friends…

“It is a shame, however, that you reek… But! I am willing to overlook it, so long as you fulfill my request. And, if you do a good enough job, I might even let you play with my…toy.”

“Now hang on a second! I think I get a say in this!” Felix interjected. He could only take so much at being the butt of the joke…

The dragon and elf looked at each other and smiled. Then, they both turned their attention to him and responded in unison.

“Nope!”

Gods, help me…