The Endless Forest

Finding Oralyn wasn’t hard for Felix. The elven woman was at Gillador’s, having a discussion with the other elf. The day was still young, but soon the sun would be at its zenith.

Putting on a smile, Felix waved and called out to them. “Good morning!”

Calinna mimicked him, if with a bit more enthusiasm. While it wasn’t necessary, it did get their attention as the two elves looked up and at them.

“Morning,” Gillador grunted as they got closer.

“Felix, Calinna,” was all Oralyn said, giving each a small nod. However, as she did so, Felix saw her give him a questioning look.

Before he could speak, though, Calinna beat him to it.

“Felix wants to have a meeting with us– I had some questions about the dormitory and he thought it would be best to have the two of us! Also…” Even through her excitement she gave him a quick glance as if to ask, “Can I say it?”

He let out a sigh, and nodded.

Her smile brightened as she continued. “He said he will take us to go see the hatchery!”

That caused Oralyn to raise an eyebrow. “Really? I got the impression you weren’t letting anyone near it, let alone inside.”

Gesturing to Calinna, Felix answered. “She convinced me–”

“I wanted to draw all the eggs!”

“I see, and you thought it wouldn’t be fair to not include me?” Oralyn asked seriously.

He decided to answer truthfully. “Yeah, it wouldn’t help you too much with designing the dormitory but… I just couldn’t say no, and I didn’t want you to see me as excluding you.”

Oralyn considered his words as she tapped a finger upon Gillador’s table. “I understand. Though, when you say it like that, it does feel like I was just an afterthought.”

“What do you want me to say? As I already mentioned, you won’t glean any useful information. The dormitory isn’t meant for unhatched eggs,” he said with a shrug. “And I am aware that I am unfair with Eri, I’ve mentioned that too.”

“Indeed…” Oralyn fell silent again and Felix took it as a sign to continue.

“If you are interested, I can take the two of you to see it tomorrow. I believe it will be Eri’s turn to be the leader then.”

“Are you not worried about one of us trying to steal an egg?” She asked suddenly.

That caused Felix to frown but Calinna’s reaction was to freeze.

“W-why would anyone do that!” the smaller woman shouted, sounding appalled at the idea.

“Would you try and steal an egg?” He asked pointedly towards Oralyn before continuing on. “Because, I can promise that would be a very bad idea.”

“No, I have no interest in dying.”

“Then there is nothing to worry about. And besides, I will be keeping an eye on you. Neither one of you will leave my sight.” Felix decided to not comment on the dying part. “So, I’ll ask again, would you be interested in joining us?”

“I suppose it would be interesting to see– And you never know, we might find some inspiration for our designs there.”

“All the more better then.” He turned his frown back into a smile.

“This is wonderful and all, but can we get back to work?” Gillador said, interjecting. He had his arms folded and was tapping a foot in agitation.

Felix threw his hands up placatingly. “Hold on, that’s the real reason why I am here.” He turned his attention back to Oralyn. “Calinna had questions and I’m guessing you do as well.”

“I do, in fact. But would it not be better to ask them individually? Why should I ask them in front of her and effectively help her?” she gestured to Calinna.

The shorter woman looked dejected at that. “But aren’t we friends? Why does it matter?”

For a brief moment, Felix saw Oralyn’s mask break. Underneath was a sea of worry and pity, but it was gone in an instant.

“We are rivals, Calinna. We are competing against one another– Actually, we are competing against Eri and each other.”

Felix faked a cough to get everyone’s attention. “Listen, while I understand your concern, I don’t have time to wait– Some things have come up, and I am already splitting my time between this and…other matters.”

“What ‘other matters?’ I wasn’t aware there was anything going on.” Oralyn narrowed her eyes.

Damn it, I said too much… “Not here, not now,” he said, shaking his head. “Tomorrow, when I take the two of you to the hatchery. I will tell you then.”

Poor Calinna looked as if she was lost. And upon seeing her confusion, Felix decided to put the focus back onto the main topic.

“Anyway, you have me for a little bit. This is your opportunity to ask me questions, otherwise, I cannot guarantee when you will get another chance.”

There was a moment of silence as Oralyn regarded him, her eyes searching for any hint as to what he had meant. But, finally, she let out a frustrated sigh and spoke. “Fine. Then I will start.”

A wave of relief hit Felix. He had no intention of beating around the bush when it came to the coming crisis. But here, out in the open? No, he needed to be careful about this.

And preferably with Zira or Eri with me…or both. “Good. So, what is your first question?”

“Oh! How do dragons prefer to sleep?” Calinna asked suddenly.

“Ah, a good question. Well…”

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eri made her way back to the manor in a quiet, meditative state. She reflected on what she saw, what Watcher told her, and the piece of eggshell she now carried. The latter had nearly been forgotten until she saw Felix.

He was with Gillador and the two other candidates, his expression filled with fatigue. I wonder what happened? She thought, subconsciously checking for the eggshell. She found it within a small pouch she carried on her side.

Leaving it be, she put on a smile and called out for him.

It took Felix a moment but he perked up and gave her a wave. “Eri!”

Seeing him light up, she couldn’t help but let out a light chuckle. However, her thoughts turned back once again to the naming ceremony and how joyful Niri and Gern had looked. Could we–

Eri shook her head. Thinking about starting a family would have to wait. There was much she and Felix had to do, had to accomplish. Even a single child would throw all that into chaos.

But…

No! We have not been wed yet.

That hasn’t stopped us so far–

Stop it! Yes, we have, admittedly, done things out of order but that is pushing things too far! Besides… Will we even survive long enough? Would we want a child, a family, to go through what is to come?!

For a moment, she thought she had won the argument against herself. However, it seemed there was a stubbornness to this other side.

All the more reason. Be honest, we and him will need to cement our legacy. A child, an heir, a prince or princess. We love Felix, he loves us. Is that not enough? Do silly traditions from a dead civilization need to be followed? Can we not start our own?

Eri’s smile faltered as she desperately wanted to argue back. Yet, she knew it was in vain. It didn’t matter how illogical or irrational the thought was, it was her own.

Letting it go, she made it the rest of the way to Felix. “Conspiring against me?” she asked sarcastically, hoping to hide her feelings.

“In a way,” Felix said casually, giving her a wink. “These two had questions and so I am here answering them.”

“Indeed,” Oralyn added. “It has been an interesting conversation.” She gave a quick glance over to Calinna, who had all of her attention focused on her sketchbook.

Gil decided to speak up as well. “Meanwhile, I’ve just been standing here waiting for y'all to finish up… Don’t mind me, though, not like I’ve got nothing of importance to do!”

Felix let out a sigh. “Look, I said I’m sorry but this is important…”

“Oh, I know! But did ya have to do it here? Did ya have to make me stand here and wait? I could have taken a nap or something in the time it took for ya to finish!”

“You know… You didn’t have to stand here the entire time–”

“Of course I did! How could I trust a young buck, like you, with two beautiful women?! Ya already stolen one!”

Eri wisely decided to stay out of this confrontation, though not without giving them an amusing look. However, for Felix, he looked annoyed. Curiously, though, it was Oralyn who seemed to redden from embarrassment.

The only one oblivious to what was happening was Calinna, who was still working on something within her sketchbook. It’s probably better that way…

Felix opened his mouth to speak but suddenly shook his head. “You know what, I’ve done my part.” He turned to Oralyn. “If you or Calinna have any more questions, save them for tomorrow.”

With that, he took off with a huff.

“Heh… Poor kid, he’s got a lot on his plate. But at least it looks like he’s finally getting serious– Oops, said that out loud… Well never mind me, I’m just old and senile.” Gil gave a shrug.

“Anyway, I think we can get y’all started on the designs. I’ve got a tentative spot for this dormitory… But we’ll talk about that later.”

With Oralyn still reeling from Gil’s comment, Eri saw her chance to speak. “I will most likely get with you tomorrow and finish up my design.”

The old elf gave her another shrug. “Works for me. I think I’ll be busy with these two." He gestured to Calinna and Oralyn. “Probably be a late night for me,” he grumbled.

With a chuckle, Eri bid them farewell and set off for Felix. Their class with Yarnel would be starting soon, and she wanted to spend what little time she had left with him…

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stop.

Torm slouched against a mighty sky tree, quickly wiping sweat from his brow. They had been trekking through the forest for days on end, barely stopping for rest. His master was pushing them hard, almost frantically…

Hanzel was the first to speak, sounding almost disappointed that they had halted. “How much further? I really want to get there and–”

You still have several more days. However, this is where we will have to separate.

For a single instant, Torm felt hope that this was his chance to escape, unfortunately, it was quickly dashed.

The shadow panther emerged from his shadow and stepped up to Hanzel. Torm and I will continue on to our original destination. You, my psychotic dwarf, will head to that damn manor.

The panther opened its maw, and from it, several items fell to the ground. Among them was a piece of parchment, a compass, and–

“A mana crystal?!” Torm shouted, his surprise outweighing his sensibilities. A wave of pain shot through him for his outburst.

As he collapsed to his hands and knees, the panther continued. Indeed, it is. And a special one at that.

Hanzel, without a care in the world for Torm, kneeled down and collected the crystal. He closed his eyes and brought it up to his ear, listening.

“Fire. Lots of fire,” the dwarf said.

The shadow panther let out a sinister laugh. Yes, lots of fire. Fitting for you, don’t you think?

Hanzel opened his eyes. “But will I feel it?”

Oh yes, certainly. I promised you a painful death, you will get it. All you must do is consume it, swallow it whole and unleash the burning fires within you– Do not eat it now! Save it for when you reach the manor.

The dwarf already had the crystal half-way to his mouth before he froze. With a disappointed sigh, he stashed it away.

Good boy. Now, my instructions are written on that parchment. You will follow them. You will not deviate. And you will complete your task. The compass is merely to keep you pointed in the right direction, use it.

Coming out of his fit, Torm glanced over to the item in question and felt something off about it. That compass… It’s enchanted. However, he knew to keep his mouth shut this time.

Meanwhile, as if compelled, Hanzel reached down and collected the two items. First, he read his instructions and then glanced at the compass.

“Fascinating,” he said in his monotone voice.

Yes, now go. Do not stop– Save for resting. I cannot have you keeling over, dead, from exhaustion. Not when I promised a more interesting death.

Torm felt a smile come from the shadow panther. Meanwhile, the dwarf simply stood up and took off without saying another word.

Get up, the panther said, turning its attention back onto him. Torm did so immediately.

Now, keep going the direction you were.

Torm blinked, and the panther was gone. “Yes, master.”

With that, he set off. His mind numb from the constant terror and fear…