The Endless Forest

Felix found himself waking up on the bed, the journal in his grasp. He couldn’t remember when or how he fell asleep, his last memory from the previous night was him sitting on the bed, journal in hand. He’d stayed like that for hours, remembering a soft chime of a clock at one point.

I must’ve finally tired myself out, he thought as he sat up. Despite the little sleep he had received, he felt surprisingly refreshed. Though, all was not perfect. His stomach growled.

It was hungry already.

He ignored it for now, and instead focused on the room before him. Come to think of it, I don’t think I properly explored it last night… Deciding to fix that, he hopped out of bed and gave a quick stretch before taking the room in full.

The opposite wall held the door that led back into the hallway, which sat closer towards the right corner. To the left of it, was a dresser big enough to store multiple outfits– If I had any…

Putting aside that thought, he continued. The wall on the left side held three large windows with a desk just underneath the middle one. There was a pile of books and scrolls sitting on top, looking as if they hadn’t been disturbed in a while.

Felix let out a chuckle, he was slowly starting to figure out Fea’s personality. However, a pang of guilt hit him afterwards. He let out a deep sigh and moved on.

The wall with the bed held two additional windows, which had curtains blocking out most of the light. In between the bed and the right window was a bookshelf filled to the brim with more books, scrolls, and the odd trinket.

He turned around to face the bed itself. It was surprisingly simple… Large, larger than the guests’ ones, but perhaps even simpler in design. It was comfortable at least.

On its left was the nightstand, looking surprisingly ornate compared to most of the room. A gift? He wondered to himself. It was becoming more and more evident that Fea was either frugal, or at the very least, practical.

A strange thought, considering she is–was the Queen. He continued pondering that thought until his eyes swept towards the last and final wall. Another door stood there, almost inviting him.

From his previous experience, he had a good idea what this was. He grew excited.

Setting the journal back in its spot within the nightstand, he made his way over and opened the door. It was indeed what he thought it was, the washroom…

“Oh, I am going to enjoy this…” He said as he closed the door behind him.

This room was surprisingly small, and as he began to strip, he wondered if it had been a late addition to the manor. Kinda looks like an afterthought with how cramped it feels. Not that he minded, just thinking about soaking in the bath was already making him relax.

First though, something caught his eye. A mirror, sitting just on the other side of the doorway. Sudden realization dawned on him, he couldn’t even remember what he looked like…

Curiosity took hold, and he stepped in front of it. What greeted him was a tall man with cropped dark blonde hair and brown eyes. His naked body looked well toned and chiseled, he even had abs…

Damn, I didn’t realize I looked this good…

Though, the longer he stared he came to another realization, he had no blemishes in sight. No scars either… I wonder if this is due to– He had to stop himself, of course it was. The Queen had brought him back, she had remade him… Perhaps, in some way, this was just another gift for him.

He wrestled his thoughts away, he’d spent enough time crying already. It’s time I accept everything. He made his way back towards the bathtub and looked it over.

It was made from some sort of white stone, smooth and almost seamless. It was devoid of any water, however he could feel the enchantments on it. Looking to his right, he found three runes etched into the wall.

Just like the ones in the den, he couldn’t read them but he somehow understood their functions. One controlled the water itself, either letting it flow or not. The second one, controlled the temperature. Finally, the last one appeared to be a plug of sorts, allowing water to fill or drain on demand.

He reached out with his palm, swiping in front of the first one. Like the door to the hatchery, he felt mana course through him and soon water was flowing from just above the tub. It materialized from seemingly nowhere and flowed downwards.

Sticking his hand into it, he quickly pulled back. It was scalding hot, he quickly adjusted the temperature until he found a happy medium. Content, he waited for it to fill up before shutting off the water and stepping in.

“Oh yeah… That does feel good,” he muttered as he lowered himself in. He leaned back and closed his eyes, deciding he would soak for as long as possible…

Felix lost track of time and nearly dozed off back into blissful sleep. That is, until there was a hesitant knock on the door.

“Master…” It was a familiar feminine voice.

Felix let out a sigh, trying to remember who it was. Giving up, he just responded with, “Yeah?”

“M-master, Niri come tell you breakfast be serve soon.” She sounded stiff, like she was reciting her lines.

“Oh? Breakfast? I’ll be down shortly.” He was already in the process of standing up.

“Niri bring clothes, leave on bed.”

Cocking his eye, he wondered what they would look like. Hopefully not like the patchwork of clothes they wear… Right? He wasn’t so confident.

“Thanks,” he stammered out, nearly slipping onto the floor. Gotta be mindful of that, maybe a rug or something would help?

“Niri go?”

It sounded like a question to him, so he just answered with a simple joke hoping to easy her tension. “Yes, I can dress myself.” He heard the sounds of claws clicking on the ground before a door opened and then shut.

Grabbing a towel, he began to dry himself off. Actually, wait. What is she doing? And breakfast? Oh no, don’t tell me the kobolds are cooking!

He shuddered, suddenly not looking forward to his breakfast. His stomach, on the other hand, had different ideas. It growled letting him know that now wasn’t the time to be picky.

“What is wrong with me?” He muttered, as he finished.

Almost forgetting the water in the tub, he quickly drained it and stepped back into the Master’s chambers. There, sitting on the bed and neatly folded, were his new clothes.

They consisted of a dark red tunic and black pants. They were simple in creation, but as he inspected them, he found them to be made of fine linens. He nearly missed the new dark brown boots lying on the floor.

Okay, color me impressed… But wait, if they have this, why is their gear such a patchwork? Heh, did they steal this? He smiled at his joke before realizing they just might have. Oh dear…

Unsure how to feel about that, he didn’t see any other option but to wear them. If he didn’t he could risk upsetting the already fragile kobolds. I’m already in one dilemma, I don’t want to be stuck in another…

He began dressing, quickly throwing everything on. With that done, he took a deep breath and stepped out into the hall. Onwards… I suppose.

He made his way down the stairs, nearly bumping into Niri.

“Master! Niri Sorry!” The blue kobold quickly darted past him.

What’s gotten into her? He shrugged and continued towards the dining room.

Let’s just get this over– His thoughts were stopped by the smell of delicious food. Quickly picking up his pace, he nearly bumped into another kobold, this one unfamiliar.

“M-Master!” The red kobold stammered out before quickly bowing and scurrying around him.

Slowing down, he entered the dining room. What is going on here? He questioned himself before coming to an abrupt stop.

The table was piled high with various dishes.

“Oh…”

“Master, food serve.” Uzreg said, standing next to a chair. The gray kobold pulled it out and gestured for him to sit down.

Stunned, he accepted the seat. “Is this for me?”

“Master hungry. Kobold feed Master.” Uzreg said nonchalantly.

Felix didn’t know what to say, but he didn’t think he could refuse. It smells good, at least…

Hesitantly, he pulled some sliced ham onto his plate followed by some eggs. Taking a small bite, his eyes widened in surprise. He felt his stomach growl, demanding more.

Before he knew it, he was piling everything he could onto his plate. Taking large bites, he barely chewed before swallowing. He wasn’t even aware of how barbaric he was being, only shoving more food into his mouth.

A beast had awoken inside him, and it was hungry.

It wasn’t until he was scraping at the last few of the crumbs on his plate that he regained his self-control. He froze and blinked at the scraps that remained, he had eaten nearly everything. The eggs, the bacon, ham, biscuits, gravy, and bread; it was all gone.

He dropped his silverware in shock.

“Master?” Uzreg asked, sounding concerned.

With a look of horror, Felix turned to face the kobold. “Did I... Did I eat all that?!”

The kobold nodded. “Was food not liking, Master?”

That was just the thing, it was, all of it. So much so that he’d lost control and stuffed himself. What’s going on with me?

“It was good…but–”

“Ah! Master want more…”

Uzreg turned to leave but he grabbed the kobold. “No! Uh…Master full!”

The old kobold tilted his head in confusion. “Then what wrong, Master?”

“I, uh… I don’t know how I ate that much.” Felix was starting to feel embarrassed.

“Maybe Master really, really hungry? Old Master got really, really hungry…”

Huh? “Yeah, but I’m human… I don’t think I should be eating that much.”

“Master smell like old Master.” Uzreg sniffed the air as if to confirm it.

“Wha… What does that have to do with anything?!” He asked, flustered.

Uzreg went into thought for a moment before responding. “New Master are like old Master. You almost same.” Uzreg went on after seeing Felix’s confusion. “Old Master,” he pointed to Felix’s chest, “in new Master. New Master almost like old Master.”

I think I get it… Okay I don't, but she’s in me somewhere. Maybe some of her ‘self’ is coming out through me? Is that why I’ve been feeling like someone has feeding me knowledge? Because it was coming from her? And the mana high that I had, was that also her mana?

“I see…” Felix responded after a few seconds, his brain hurting. For the sake of his sanity, he decided to change the subject. “Anyways, could I, um, meet the cook? I’d, uh… I’d like to thank them for such a delicious meal.”

I need a moment after all this…

“CHEF!” Urzeg turned and yelled. “MASTER WANT SPEAK! COME!”

He had to wince as the old kobold yelled right next him.

A few moments later, an angry sounding kobold stomped down the hall, cursing as he did so. A red kobold wearing a small apron and a chef’s hat entered, both him and the apron were covered in stains and flour.

“What?! Chef busy!” The new kobold crossed his arms.

Felix could only blink in surprise, but Uzreg took the initiative. The old kobold hit ‘Chef’ on the head.

“Chef no speak at Master like that!” He said, clearly angry at the red. “Say sorry!”

Grumbling, Chef rubbed his head and growled out an apology. “Sorry…”

Uzreg popped him again. “Sorry, Master.” Uzreg was not playing around, even Felix felt a little terrified of the old kobold.

Properly cowed, Chef bowed. “Sorry, Master!”

Felix stiffened as Uzreg turned his gaze onto him. “It’s alright! I forgive you!”

The old gray kobold nodded approvingly and the tension in the room evaporated.

Scary, he thought before bringing his attention to this strange new kobold. “If I may, why are you called ‘Chef?’ Do you not have a name?”

Chef relaxed and answered. “Chef have name. Chef like be called Chef. Chef is proud of name.”

“I see… Where did you learn to cook? It was amazing.”

The red kobold straightened up, looking as proud as he could be. “Chef learn from dwarf chef. Dwarf chef teach Chef, Chef cook for kobold and Master.”

Dwarves, another race like humans and elves. They are much shorter than the others, though maybe a little taller than kobolds. Don’t ever mention their height disparity, apparently it's the last mistake you will ever make.

The information came to him almost naturally this time, as if his mind simply pulled it out from a memory, a memory that was no longer there…

“Well, thank you. It was delicious, I can’t wait to see what you will do for lunch or dinner.” I should say cut down the amount of food. I should really say something now…

He didn’t.

Chef responded, sounding even more fired up. “Chef will no fail! Chef will make Master fat!” The red kobold bolted out of the room before either Felix or Uzreg could say anything.

“Are all you kobolds this interesting?” He asked, amused.

Shrugging, Uzreg responded, “Chef special, was orphan taken by dwarf. Chef came to kobold later, became cook for kobold.”

Felix wanted to ask why the kobolds didn’t take him in themselves, but thought better of it. Let’s just leave that landmine for later…

Using the napkin that had been provided, he cleaned himself up and stood. Uzreg gave him a look, the kobold desperately wanted to say something.

And I think I know exactly what he wants.

He preempted the kobold. “Can you read, Uzreg?”

That caught the old kobold off guard. “Master?”

He asked again, “can you read?”

Uzreg nodded. “Uzreg can, but why Master ask?”

Felix smiled. “Because we’re going to search the library for any information on how to hatch dragons.”

He watched the kobold's eyes go wide. “We hatch egg?”

“We will try, but I’d like to spend some time reading up on dragons if possible. If we don’t find anything useful, we’ll just have to take a stab at it.”

“Today?” Uzreg asked, sounding a little skeptical.

“Yes, Uzreg. We will try to hatch an egg today.”

“Kobold know how hatch egg!” The kobold was starting to get too excited.

Felix shrugged. “Sure, but I don’t know.”

“Kobold teach–”

“In time, I’m sure. But,” he fibbed a little, “I do better by reading.” I can’t say I don’t really trust their knowledge.

Luckily, it seemed that Uzreg bought it. “Then come, Master! We go to books!” The kobold grabbed his hand and practically dragged him out of the dining room.

As they rushed through the hall, he did catch a glimpse of Niri, who was waiting just outside. She looked almost as excited, but he wasn’t sure as he was doing his best to keep up.

The next moment they were in the library.

Inside, he found a large but rather cramped room. There was a single table in the middle with chairs lining its sides. The walls were covered with large bookcases, which bowed under the weight of all the books.

Uzreg finally let go of his hand. “Uzreg search, Master sit.”

“Oh… Hang on, we should split. You search one side, and I’ll search the other.” Felix said, finally finding a moment to relax.

The kobold looked like he wanted to argue, but it seemed his impatience won out. He bowed and darted to the far side.

Taking a deep breath, Felix turned to face the closest bookcase and began searching. This is going to take a while…

As he looked through the books, he took note of their condition. Many looked to be in rough shape, some even having stains. Still, there was the odd one here and there that looked almost brand new. Their leather binding was taut and without creases.

A few even look to be homemade. He picked one out and inspected it. There was no inscription on its side or face. Flipping through it, he landed on one particularly lewd scene. He blushed and quickly closed it, putting it back where he found it.

Calming himself down, he moved on. That is, until his eyes landed on one book literally titled, Hatching Eggs. He pulled it out and immediately went through it, only to frown.

The book was indeed about hatching eggs; chicken eggs, duck eggs, etc… Nothing in here about dragons, he sighed to himself but held onto it, it might still prove to be somewhat useful.

The next discovery came from Uzreg, who shouted for him. Coming over, the kobold held out a book titled, Dragons: A Study and Classification.

Felix smiled. “Good job, Uzreg! I’ll start looking through this, meanwhile can you keep looking?”

The kobold beamed. “Uzreg will search!”

He gave the kobold a nod and made his way to the table. Sitting down, he opened the book and began reading. After a few moments, though, Felix jumped up and ran for the writing desk in the sitting room.

Digging through it, he found some unused parchment and a fountain pen. He studied it for a moment, intrigued by how it worked. Magic… I can feel that it somehow uses mana and converts it to ink.

He forcefully broke himself out of his thoughts and went back to the library. Another book was sitting there. He took a quick glance at it, but it didn’t look all that exciting. He turned his attention back to the original one and began taking notes as he read.

Dragons have different ‘pedigrees.’ The most common being fire, lightning, poison, acid, and frost. However, there are unique ones. The most well documented being the Metal Dragons.

Metal Dragons are wingless dragons that are perfectly suited for the ground. They typically outclass most other dragons in weight, and their scales can harden into the metal of which they represent. They do not have their own ‘breath attack’ but make up for this with a stronger affinity to magic.

A few examples include silver, gold, and copper. However, it is possible to have a bronze or steel dragon as well. (Note: The book did not state how this is possible.)

He made a few more notes about metal dragons, but eventually decided to move on…

From the time a dragon hatches, they normally don’t stop growing. (Note: ‘normally’ being the keyword here.) There are a lot of factors that go into a dragon’s growth. They can even self-regulate! But, it seems that it comes down to food most often.

Still, there are some dragons that prefer to stay small, they are apparently called dragonettes, or pixie dragons. (Note: There seems to be some conflicting information in this book about whether dragonettes and pixie dragons are the same.)

Anyways, the first six months to a year is when the newly hatched dragon will see the largest amount of growth. After this time period, they will slow down or, as stated above, stop all together.

He moved on, reading about the egg laying process and how it is affected by the size of the mother dragon.

The size of and the amount of eggs that are laid are entirely dependent on the female. A smaller dragon will lay a larger clutch, however, her eggs will be smaller as well. If she is larger, she can have as few as one egg. But, that egg will be much larger as well.

Of course, this does affect the overall size of the wyrmling, or hatchling. A larger egg will allow them to develop more before hatching.

Felix rubbed the bridge of his nose, he was starting to get a headache. Leaning back in his chair, he let out a sigh. The book provided valuable knowledge to him, but it had its flaws.

For starters, it only mentions metallics by name as being a part of the ‘uniques.’ It hints that there are others, but the book makes them out to be completely unknown.

That wasn’t all though. At times, it likes to throw out random terms and hardly defines them… Whoever wrote this wanted to flaunt their knowledge and ego, despite the fact that this book is clearly meant as an introduction to dragons.

“Master well?” Uzreg asked, bringing him back to the present.

“Yeah, just thinking about what I learned.” He waved the kobold’s concerns away.

“Master learn lots?” The kobold sounded rather anxious to him.

“I did,” he gestured to his notes. Standing up, he continued. “I suppose, we should get started–”

Niri chose that moment to enter the room. With a bow, she spoke. “Master, food ready.”

His stomach growled.

“–After lunch.”