The Endless Forest

Felix stumbled back as something heavy landed on him. He struggled to maintain his balance and fell, arms wrapping around the mysterious object…

His breath was knocked out of him, but he barely noticed. There was something else on his mind, or more aptly put, there was something in his mind…

It all happened within an instant; first there was a tingling sensation in the back of his head, then it turned into an itch that he could not scratch, until finally it felt like something was expanding into his mind.

New emotions and sensations flooded him, rapidly changing and evolving as they did. These were not his. They were familiar, like when he could feel Fea, but different at the same time. It was, strangely, not unpleasant…

Felix cracked his eyes open and stared into the eyes of a creature, its purple slits stared back.

“Zira…” He said, still struggling to breath.

She cocked her head to the side, causing him to smile.

“Your name is Zira…”

She lowered her head and nuzzled him.

A thought occurred to him. “Do you understand me?”

He felt her presence searching through his mind, only to stop.

Y-es… Y-es… Yes? Yes! Yes. Her voice came into his head, ringing with excitement. After a moment, she sniffed him. He could feel her confusion.

Mo-ther? You mother? She lifted her head up and looked back into his eyes.

Felix broke and laughed, but with the newly hatched dragon laying on top of him, it only came out as him wheezing. Zira continued to stare at him, unsure what he found amusing.

“No…” He managed to get out.

Faa-ther?

“Closer… but no.” He was starting to calm down.

Who then?

He thought about that for a quick moment. Friend, he told her.

Friend? She sounded confused. You not mother or father… You friend?

Yes.

You called Friend?

It was his turn to look confused, until it dawned on him. No! My name is Felix. I meant that I’m not your mother or father.

Fee-lix… Fe-lix… Felix.

Very good! I’m honestly surprised that you can speak, you’ve only just hatched!

He felt a wave of pride coming from the dragon.

I smart! She sat up looking as regal as possible, which reminded him of something…

Do you think you could, uh, get off of me? It was an odd notion to be communicating with her in his head, but he chalked it up as something he would just have to get used to in time.

Her demeanor changed as she looked down, oh! Zira quickly scrambled off of him, giving him a chance to take a deep breath.

His muscles began complaining in earnest. So far, today had been rather eventful. Enough that he had completely forgotten just how exhausted he was. But now it was catching up with him, he wasn’t sure if he could even get up.

“Aluin, Eri? Could I get a hand please?” He asked, calling out. He wasn’t sure where they were, but he’d assumed they were close.

What wrong? Zira asked, concerned.

Oh… Uh, nothing really. I’m just tired. There was no way he could tell the dragon the truth. He could tell she wanted to ask more, but was saved by someone coming to assist.

“Master, Uzreg help!” The kobold reached out with his scarred hand.

“Thanks,” he said, taking it. Once on his feet, he finally got the chance to see Zira in all her glory.

Much like her egg, she was an amethyst-colored dragon with black streaks that gave her an almost shadowy form. Deep purple irises made up the slits of her eyes, but the spark within told him just how intelligent she really was.

Her scales had felt smooth and pliable with their edges blunted. She had wings that were tucked close to her side, even then they looked too small to allow her to fly. Overall, her appearance was definitely feminine, she had a sleek and toned look to her.

Moving on, he guessed her current weight to be around fifty pounds with her shoulders only coming up to his knees. Even a kobold was taller than her, as they mostly came up to his stomach.

I wonder how agile she is–

Very! Zira said proudly, interrupting his thoughts.

Right, I forgot that you can hear me in here…

He got an amused snort from her in response.

Shaking his head, he turned around to face the crowd. Honestly, he had been so lost in the moment that he wasn’t sure what was happening any more.

What he found was most of the kobolds had disbursed, with the few hanging around looking way too excited. A couple were even visibly vibrating…

“What’s going on?” He asked, glancing down at Uzreg.

“Celebrate!” The kobold said, almost shouting. “Kobold hold feast!”

Felix held back a sigh, he should have known this would happen. He wasn’t even against it, but the truth of the matter was he just wanted to sleep.

Feast?! Zira asked, matching the kobold’s own excitement.

This time, he did sigh. Yes, Zira. A feast… Just give me a little bit to rest.

Seeing that he wasn’t left with very many options, Felix found a spot to sit down and tried to relax. Zira had chosen to follow him, while Uzreg had run off to do who knows what. Above them, the dragon spirits danced and never strayed too far away.

He spotted Eri approaching from the hill, and waved at her. “Where’s Aluin,” he asked her when she got close.

“He’s decided to go back to the manor, he didn’t get that much sleep over the last few days.” She answered, waving away any concern.

“I see…” He trailed off, not sure what to say next. Luckily, Zira had taken an interest in the elven woman and approached.

“Oh, right. Eri, meet Zira. Zira, meet Eri.” He gestured to the two of them.

The elf looked surprised. “She understands us?”

Yes.

“Yes, she says.”

“I heard that hatchlings could be quite intelligent, but not this intelligent. I’m amazed, if I’m being honest. Can she only speak to you, or can she speak aloud?”

Not tried.

“Zira says she hasn’t tried.” He shrugged. “Honestly, I have no idea what she is capable of. I’ve been in a constant state of confusion.” He chuckled.

“Hmm, I suppose we’ll all have to figure things out as we go along.” Eri faced the dragon and gave a bow. “It’s nice to meet you, Zira.”

Nice to meeeeet you. Zira answered, trying to expand her vocabulary. Apparently, she could only talk in his mind.

“She said, likewise–” He received a slap on the back from the dragon’s tail. “Ow… I mean she says it’s nice to meet you, Eri.” Happy?

Yes.

Then Eri did something Felix had yet to see her do, she laughed. Honestly, that fits her so much better…

Immediately he felt curiosity from Zira.

It’s a long story… He tried to brush it off.

That only made the dragon more interested. She mother?

Felix nearly jumped from the question, startling Eri in the process. W-what? No, she’s, uh... She’s a friend.

Hmm? Zira looked between him and the elf, clearly not understanding their relationship.

“What’s wrong?” Eri asked, not realizing that’s exactly the question Felix didn’t want to answer.

“Nothing! I mean... Zira, um, said something funny.” He tried to deflect.

What I say funny? The dragon probed.

Later! I’ll explain later, I promise. He desperately hoped that later would come.

Eri stared at him for a moment, but eventually came to sit down next to them. Felix let out a sigh, seemingly successful at dodging both the dragon’s and elf’s questions…

Time passed, and with it, Felix began to settle down. Even his body had stopped complaining, giving him some hope that he could make it through this ‘celebration’ that the kobolds wanted to do.

Conversation was kept light, mostly it was Eri asking Zira a few questions and Felix acting as the interpreter. However, he was finding it more and more easier for him to guess the dragon’s responses, going so far as to answer a few questions before Zira had the chance to think.

That had made him wonder something of his own, could he peer into her mind like she did his?

Hey Zira? Could I try something?

The dragon turned her attention towards him. You enter mind? She asked, sensing his intentions.

I would like to try. You didn’t seem to have any problems, and I was curious if I could… He felt nervous. We don’t have to, if you don’t–

Yes, try!

Okay then, just tell me to stop if… He trailed off, feeling quite unsure of himself.

Luckily, this only excited the dragon more and he felt her start to recede from his head. For a single moment, he felt empty and alone but it quickly passed. The itch he felt from earlier returned, almost acting as a path.

Reaching for it, he felt a strange connection. It was weak and new, but even now he could tell, it was growing stronger by the moment. Curiosity got the better of him, and he ‘poked’ it.

A chill ran down his spine, and even Zira made a squeak. Huh, so this must be the bond… He expected a response from the dragon, but received none. He frowned until it dawned on him. Oh, so if she isn’t in my head then she can’t hear my thoughts? Interesting.

His next order of business was figuring out how to use this connection. He knew it was very natural for dragons, but he was no dragon. Unsure, he decided to just go for it and closed his eyes.

He reached for it again, but this time he imagined himself delving into it. He felt himself shudder as his mind almost seemed to ‘expand.’ It was truly a unique experience.

Then it was over.

He frowned again, thinking he had failed. But it was then that he ‘brushed’ against something. Zira let out a yelp in surprise.

Fe-Felix! She giggled. T-ti-tickles!

Sorry! He tried to pull away, but Zira’s conscience tugged him back.

No! No leave! It sounded more like a demand than anything else.

Unsure how this all worked, he tried his best to not move and held his mind still. Eventually, the dragon let out a seemingly content sigh. In here, it was harder to make out her emotions.

In fact, he was starting to pick up on the strangeness that surrounded him. I’m in your mind! He thought excitedly.

Yes. Please, no shout.

Sorry… He said in almost a whisper. It…feels weird, but oddly comforting.

She let out an agreement in the form of her emotions.

Feeling more confident, he opened his eyes and saw Eri looking concerned. It took him a moment to remember how to work his jaw.

“Sor-ry.” He said, finding it difficult.

This is more taxing than I thought…

mhmm. Zira was only half listening, she was falling asleep.

He glanced over to her, nearly making himself dizzy, and found the dragon curled up on the ground. A chill went down his spine, it was like he was looking at himself.

He risked it and quickly returned his attention back to the elf. He immediately felt nauseous.

“Are you alright? Should we go back to the man–”

“No!” He shouted, startling her. “Sorry… I not…mean to shout.” He was still having difficulty moving his mouth. “In…Zira mind. Feel…” He struggled to find the proper word. “Weird,” he decided to go with.

“Just…need moment.” He finished with.

“You’re in her– I understand, just take it easy. You are still quite weak, remember?”

He nodded, his last mistake. Feeling the contents of his lunch bubbling back up, he leaned away and retched…

***

Felix was left in a surreal state from that moment on, only coming out of it when Eri nudged him. He found himself curled up with Zira, something he had no recollection of.

Bringing his attention to the present, he noticed Niri was standing nearby and looked beyond nervous. Her tail swished anxiously behind her, as she rubbed her arms.

Something was definitely bothering her.

“Sorry to wake you,” Eri started, “but Niri has informed me that preparations are nearly done. She’s here to take us back to their camp.”

He dragged his vision back towards the elf, finding it much easier now. “Oh,” was his only response.

He gave Zira a ‘nudge’ of his own, only this one was mental. It’s time to wake up, the celebration will be starting soon. He said after feeling her stir.

That got her attention, and she began to peel away from him. She eventually stood, hunching her back and stretching. She let out a low, almost guttural sound that reminded him somewhat of a purr. He let out a smile in amusement.

After watching Zira, Felix decided to test things out for himself and stood up. He felt as though he was off kilter, however he no longer felt woozy.

Making his way over to the kobold, he gave her a greeting. “Hello.”

“Oh… Master.” She stuttered out before giving him a stiff bow.

There was just something off about her demeanor that he couldn’t quite place. He glanced over to Eri and gave her a questioning look. A shrug was her only response. Curious, he decided to ask the kobold what was wrong.

“You okay, Niri?”

“Niri fine… Niri no bother Master.” She said, but the tone of her voice betrayed her.

Felix bent down to her level. “What’s wrong? You can tell me what’s bothering you.” He tried, hoping that she would open up.

She looked towards the ground, not wanting to meet his eyes.

“Niri… Please don’t make me order you to tell me what’s wrong.” Felix felt wrong to say that, but something was definitely wrong.

“It Gern… He say he love Niri, but Gern a coward. Other kobold no like Gern.”

“Oh?” He cocked an eyebrow. “And does Niri love Gern?”

She fidgeted and didn’t answer.

He decided to try another approach. “How is Gern a coward?”

That got her to respond. “Gern run… Other males protect Niri. Gern can no have Niri…”

“Huh–”

“Niri is the daughter of the former leader, who died last year. She’s one of the few kobolds who hasn’t found a mate yet.” Eri said, interjecting. She continued, “I’m not sure of Gern exactly, but it sounds like he is of a lower caste. Him becoming a hero would be about the only way he could take Niri as a mate.”

Niri nodded hesitantly.

Felix rose up putting a hand to his chin in thought. “I think I get it,” he said after a moment. “You haven’t taken up one of the other suitors because you love Gern, however social standing is preventing you two from being together. Is that correct? ”

Again, she hesitated but after a few moments she finally gave a nod.

“So then all we have to do is get Gern to not be a coward, as you put it, and you’ll be able to take him as a mate.”

“It would be more complicated than that, he would need to be seen as a hero to the rest of the pack.” Eri said.

Felix wanted to frown, but thought better of it. He honestly couldn’t stand to see the little kobold so depressed.

“Well, Niri… I’ll tell you what, I will do what I can to help Gern. I don’t honestly think it’s fair, or right, for others to tell you who you should like. I’ll just ask you to please give me some time.”

There was something about this that rubbed him the wrong way, something personal. He didn’t think this was Fea’s emotions interfering with his own, but even if that was the case? He wholeheartedly agreed with her.

His declaration seemed to calm her, as she looked up into his eyes. He could see concern hidden in them, but he also saw hope. Niri had been suffering terribly from this.

“Is Master ready?” Niri asked, snapping out of her awe. Her tone was hopeful.

Are you– He started to ask Zira.

Yes.

He chuckled, before glancing over to Eri. The elf gave him a nod.

“We’re ready.”

With that, their group set out back towards the kobolds’ camp…

Aluin found himself standing in the middle of Fea’s chambers, lost in a sea of memories. He came to his senses holding the letter that she had written to Felix. The very same letter that she had anguished over and asked for his help in writing. It held sentimental value to him as much as it did to Felix.

He went back to the nightstand and carefully placed the letter back where he had found it.

Fea, he thought as he looked down at it, if only you were here…

In truth, Aluin was well out of his depth. Dealing with people was not his specialty. He knew that, everyone knew that. But now with the Queen gone, it was up to him. Even the other Sage’s looked to him since he was the oldest.

The worst part about this was his intuition, his own wisdom, was telling him he was messing up. But what should I do? He never had the intention to lie or hurt Felix. But he had become so focused on the plan that he forgot that Felix was his own person.

I’m at risk of alienating him…

There was something else he had to consider as well. Eri… Her quick and complete reversal on her opinion of Felix had surprised him. That was good, but a lot faster than he thought possible for her.

Despite her deep-seated hatred of Humans, she’s doing an admirable job with Felix. He let out a sigh. She knows how important this was to Fea and I. She’s doing this for our sake, not hers.

However, that bothered him.

Eri was still young, at only twenty-five, but was considered an adult by Elven standards. Current standards, he reminded himself. If it had been before the war, then, mentally, she would have been considered a child.

At least until she completed her studies, something that would have taken several more decades– Aluin forced himself into the present.

No, it doesn’t matter any more. What matters now is that she is almost ready. There was still much for her to learn, but then even he was still learning.

The path was clear, it was right before him. All he had to do was look down, instead of up and into the far distance.

I’m going to need more help…