The Endless Forest

Felix cracked open the door to the shack and peaked out, checking to see if anyone was around. It was early morning, the sun barely cresting over the horizon and splashing the sky with a beautiful orange-red glow.

Him and Zira were already awake and ready to leave. They had finally grown tired of being stuck in the one-room building, and wanted to make it back to the manor.

Of course they hadn’t told Eri; she would’ve demanded they stay until she could check out Zira’s arm. But both him and the dragon had agreed, Eri needed to rest. They would be fine to make it back ‘home’ without the elven woman’s help.

The plan was simple: they would wake up early, have Zira do some quick stretches, and if she was good to go, they would leave. So far everything was going well, something Felix wasn’t holding his breath for.

Looks clear, no kobolds in sight. I think they are still sleeping, but we’ll probably run into a guard or two. That could cause some problems…

They didn’t need to avoid the kobolds per se, but they just didn’t want to deal with them right now. Both of them just wanted to make it back home quickly and quietly.

Zira spoke up. We go. We deal with kobolds if they show.

Alright. With that, he swung open the door. There was no point in trying to be quiet with it, it was going to make a horrible racket no matter what. He could only hope no one would notice.

Outside, they began their journey. They were in the middle of the kobold’s ‘camp', but looking around, it was clear that it was slowly turning into some sort of poorly constructed village.

Ramshackle buildings mixed with tents lined the crooked pathway, giving them both cover but also obscuring their own vision. They could only hope they were heading in the right direction…

With them sneaking out, it felt rather exhilarating to Felix. They weren’t doing anything wrong, and arguably they could do what they wanted. However, with being cooped up for several days, they welcomed the change of pace..

Things went rather smoothly for them. There was Zira’s arm, which was holding up rather well. Then there were the kobolds, who mostly appeared to still be asleep. However, as they came up to the edge of the camp, they spotted several kobolds looking out and away.

Guards… Hopefully they won’t go and start making too much noise.

Zira gave him a mental ‘nod’ and they continued on.

As expected, the kobolds ahead heard them approaching and turned around. One squawked out in surprise at them, and began to bow. The others quickly followed. Felix and Zira just ignored them.

Once they were far enough away, Felix let out a sigh of relief. Well, I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t that…

Kobolds nice but noisy, Zira said in agreement.

He watched her as they made it halfway, noticing that she was developing a slight limp. Focusing on their bond, he could feel her leak a little of the pain through.

Do you want to rest for a moment, or perhaps we should meld our minds together?

Zira thought for a moment. Combine. We practice…

Felix nodded in agreement. They did need to practice it more, and this was a perfect opportunity.

In an instant, their minds touched and formed together. It was much less disorienting, but it still sent a chill down his spine. What made it even more interesting was that they continued to walk. They could both feel and sense each other’s bodies moving, and it took them a moment to get used to the feeling.

Still, there wasn’t any dizziness, just a feeling of multiple limbs moving out of step.

With their minds now fused together, the pain Zira felt became shared between them. It became much more bearable; even her limp had gone away…

The rest of their trek was uneventful and soon they were back inside the manor. They made their way through the kitchen and out into the hallway, proceeding towards the library. They separated their minds in the process, feeling quite tired afterwards.

The original thought was to take Zira back up to their chamber, but realizing she would have to contend with stairs, they decided to rest on the first floor. The sitting room or drawing room made the most sense, as they had rugs that she could sleep on. But once she realized Felix was going to the library, she decided to tag along.

So they both found themselves in the library, with Felix in a chair and Zira laying on the hardwood floor at his feet. He frowned at the thought, and was fixing to get up to find something for her when he heard someone coming down the stairs.

Eri… He thought, not entirely sure. It wasn’t like he memorized the sound of everyone walking…

He decided to call out to whoever it was, just in case. “We’re in the library.”

The footsteps stopped for a moment, followed by a confused, “Huh?” The footsteps picked up again, a bit faster this time. A few moments later Eri appeared in the doorway, looking both baffled and concerned.

“Good morning,” Felix said. He couldn’t help but notice just how frazzled she looked. Her normally long straight hair was a mess, her eyes held bags under them, and even her skin looked paler than normal. It took a lot of effort not to cringe at the sight of her.

“What are…” She looked down at Zira. “What are you two doing here?”

Felix shrugged. “We got tired of being stuck in that shack, so we decided to come back.”

Zira lifted her head up and gave a slight nod before going back to resting.

“But… Her–”

Felix waved her off. “She’s mostly fine, a bit tired, but fine. I will have you take a look at her later, just to make sure. But, she is fine.” He got up with a grunt, letting his muscles stretch for a moment.

“It’s you who isn’t fine,” he said walking up to the elven woman. “You’ve done enough, go back up and get some sleep.”

He reached out with his hand to pat her on the shoulder but hesitated for a moment. A wave of embarrassment caught him. But before he could back down, he forced himself to continue.

However, he only meant to pat her shoulder, but instead his hand ended up resting on it. Acutely aware of his action, he could only focus on her eyes in an attempt to keep his emotions at bay.

For the first time, he looked deep into them. Her blue eyes were staring back, a storm of uncertainty within them. But that wasn’t all, behind the turbulent waves, there was a hint of yearning that she struggled to hide.

Interesting–

He realized he was staring a bit too much, and brought his face away from hers. He hadn’t noticed how close he was to her.

He removed his hand and coughed into it, feeling his cheeks starting to burn. Jealousy was emanating from the dragon behind him.

“Anyways… I, uh… I think you need some rest. You aren’t looking so hot–” He stopped, suddenly aware of how that sounded. “Oh! I uh… I mean, you look, um… Unwell.”

His cheeks were now on fire and Zira was now growling within his head…

Eri continued to stare at him, unmoving. It was only after a painfully long pause that she blinked and looked away.

“I see… Truthfully? I’ve been…at my wits end…” The elf said, stumbling over her words.

Felix felt guilty at that, his embarrassment forgotten. Even Zira dropped her jealous attitude in favor of concern.

“We’re sorry…” He said dejectedly.

Eri looked up at him in shock. “That’s not what I meant! What I was…” Now it was her turn to get flustered.

“It’s alright… You’ve done enough for us.” He said. “I know we’re a–”

“It’s not you!” She blurted out, shocking everyone including herself. “It’s me… I was left in charge. I thought it would be fine but then… Then Zira got hurt!”

Eri started to cry…

Felix rushed up to her and hugged her. “H-hey! It’s alright… Zira is my responsibility, not yours. She got hurt because I got careless…not you.”

“Still!” she said, muffled by his shirt. “I was–”

He finished the sentence for her. “Left in charge by Aluin to watch over me and start teaching me magic. I know, but Zira and the dragon eggs are my responsibility. They aren’t yours.”

Eri fell mostly silent, her sniffling was the only sound she could make. Felix continued to embrace her, carefully patting her back. Meanwhile, Zira got up and came over to them.

The dragon let out a whimper and began nuzzling Eri’s leg…

***

Felix was at the table in the library, tapping on it in thought. Before him laid several books, including the one Uzreg had originally found. None of them were open, instead he was looking down at a sheet of parchment and one of those magical pens.

Two hours and breakfast had passed since their talk with Eri. They had finally managed to get the elf to go back to her room and rest. Niri had taken a tray of food up to her, so that Eri could have breakfast in bed.

He glanced down at the sleeping dragon at his feet. Zira was curled up in several blankets that he and Niri had found. Their little trek back to the manor had taken its toll on her more than him.

He let a smile show as Zira lightly snored, twitching occasionally. It lightened his otherwise frustrated mood.

With a sigh he brought his attention back to the parchment and picked up the pen. His and Zira’s conversation the night before had been mostly about their future. Felix was supposed to somehow bring the dragons back from the brink of extinction.

But how…? That wasn’t the only question weighing on his mind though, but it was perhaps the most pressing one.

In a fit of frustration he began jotting down his own thoughts, concerns, and questions related to that topic.

I’m supposed to protect, hatch, and raise all those dragons. However, my talk with the dragon spirit has me concerned. A dragon egg has to imprint onto someone, their parents usually. But how does that work with multiple eggs?

That’s not all, even if it's just one egg, do they imprint onto both parents or just one of them? What about me? The spirit said imprinting is different for non-dragons. Am I even capable of having more than one dragon bonded to me?

He thought a little more on that last question.

He never actually explained what he meant by that… Not to mention, Fea and Zira had bonded with me. So could I have multiple bonds, or was it different with Fea? Her and my soul are together, perhaps that changes things? But then what about Zira? Is it the same when we combine ours together–

He leaned back in his chair, utterly defeated. He didn’t know enough about imprinting and bonds, and he wished he had asked more questions to the spirit.

He felt Zira stir in his mind.

You okay? She asked.

Yeah… Just frustrated with myself.

Then you not okay. She responded. I help.

Felix looked down and watched the dragon stretch before sitting up.

Sure, he said. I’m trying to figure out how I am supposed to hatch all those eggs. We’re bonded, Fea and I were bonded but now she is a part of my soul. What I’m trying to figure out is if it's possible for me to have more bonds.

He went on. I mean no offense, but it's a bit taxing with just yours. How am I supposed to handle even a second one, if it’s even possible?

Zira sat there, her head slightly cocked. She was deep in thought.

Why you no ask for help from others? She finally said.

Hmm, what do you mean? Felix asked, a little confused. They weren’t in each other's heads at the moment.

You hatch me? She asked.

Yes…? I’m not understanding where you are going–

Why no ask others to hatch eggs?

His eyes widened in surprise. That was something he hadn’t thought about at all. However, there were a few issues with that…

That’s not a bad idea, but its apparently rare for an egg to hatch for a non-dragon…

Is it? For me it feel right.

Felix nearly fell out of his chair at that. What do you mean?

You feel safe.

He was silent.

Zira went on. Eri feel safe too.

Huh… And what about Aluin?

I not see Aluin… Only see memory or hear about him.

Oh… Right. He left sometime after you hatched… He shook his head. I felt safe, so you imprinted onto me and hatched? You think that it will work on Eri, if she tries to hatch an egg?

Yes.

He thought about that for a moment. How do you know if someone is safe?

Mana.

Felix jumped out of his seat… But of course! You are a void dragon… You eat mana!

Yes. Zira straightened herself, looking rather proud.

You can tell who's a good match for an egg just by tasting a little bit of their mana! This is amazing! How come I didn’t think of this?!

He kneeled down to get to Zira’s level. You’re amazing! This idea could work with your help! We’ll have to find suitable candidates, though… That part might be a little tricky, especially because I only know Eri and Aluin…and the kobolds.

But, there are others out there somewhere…I think. I’m pretty sure Aluin mentioned something about that. We’ll have to talk to Eri and him about that more… I hope we can at least convince Eri, it might even help her mood.

Zira said nothing, but her excitement was leaking through their connection. Felix reached down to pet her–

Zira tensed up, the air grew suddenly cold. He could feel the flow of the mana around them get forcibly sucked away. He could see both his and the dragon’s breath. He knew this sensation all too well, but it wasn’t coming from Zira…

There was a knock at the door.

Suddenly the manor sounded a bit too quiet. Normally you could hear the kobolds working or scampering around…

Another knock at the door…

“What is–” He heard Eri from somewhere near the staircase.

Felix started to shiver, Zira was looking panicked. He could hear a crackling sound. Startled, he glanced out of the library. On the floor, near the front doors, ice was beginning to form.

Run! He shouted into his head as he jumped up onto his feet. The dragon bolted out the door and down the hall. Felix followed.

He saw Eri on the stairs, just as the door handle began to turn. In a low voice, he whispered to her as he passed. “Run!”

She didn’t ask any questions and vaulted over the staircase railings. She was right behind him.

They flew into the kitchen, practically breaking down the door in the process. Inside, kobolds cowered in fear.

“Get out of here!” He shouted, as he threw open the back door and–

He froze.

Standing just outside was a woman in all purple.

“Hello, Felix… We meet again.” She gave a wicked smile, her sultry voice dripping with ice.

Zira let out a growl, pushing herself past him to stand in front. He could feel something new happening within the dragon, but he didn’t get a chance to figure out what.

The woman’s eyes flickered down then back up at him. There was pure malice in them.

Zira opened her mouth and soon the world around them grew even colder. A black ball of energy began to form in between her jaws– No, that’s not energy!

The next moment she fired it out like a beam, aiming directly at the woman…

The woman vanished for a split second, only to appear beside the beam.

Before Zira could react, the woman formed her own black ball. She stuck it directly in front of Zira’s breath attack, nullifying it.

“Impressive,” she said. “But enough… I’m not here to play, child.”

Zira burned through all her energy and her beam faded out. The woman, on the other hand, continued to hold onto hers.

“Enough.” A new voice said.

Aluin appeared right between them.

“Ithea, I didn’t bring you here to cause even more problems.” The elf turned to face the woman. “Drop the act, now.”

‘Ithea’ narrowed her eyes, getting into a staring contest with Aluin. Eventually though, she relented. Her ball of…something dissipated and she lowered her arm.

“Thank you.” He turned to face Felix, Zira, and Eri. “Sorry about that. Ithea has a bit of a temperament issue…” He narrowed his eyes and quickly glanced in her direction.

Aluin cleared his throat. “Anyways… Ithea, this is Felix,” he gestured towards Felix. “And this is Zira,” Again, he gestured towards the dragon.

“Zira, Felix, this woman here is Ithea.” He repeated the process. “Eri, I believe you’ve already met her…”

“I have…” Eri said from behind Felix, her voice shivering and it wasn’t just from the cold.

Meanwhile, Felix felt the gaze of the woman. Not once did she take her eyes off of him. The only thing keeping him remotely calm was Aluin’s presence.

Surely, he wouldn’t bring someone so dangerous here? Right…?

Zira was in no state to respond, and similar to the woman, she never took her eyes off of Ithea. He could feel only one thought running through the dragon’s head. Protect Felix…

Aluin nodded at Eri’s confirmation. “Right… Anyways, before everyone begins trying to kill each other. Ithea here is a dragon, and I–”

“What?!” Felix blurted out. “A dragon?”

“Oh I’m much more than that, human.” Ithea said. Finally, she broke eye contact with him and looked down at Zira.

“I’m her mother.”