Just how cursed are the Marsh Druids? You have to wonder sometimes.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vE7kNjRT4
The worst land for growing food (except White Beans), sparse hunting grounds, and unstable foundations for both building houses and practicing magic. That is what summarizes how living in the wetlands is.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFKMjMg2Yp
And fish.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJYzzo2Uv0
Fish everywhere, at the very least.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnpxHXN4qm
But those are not what I deem to be the worst properties of being a Marsh Druid, no. For me, it is when you finally make up your mind, the gods seem to deal a good hand against you.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5XIM1SLZP
It is when you finally gather the courage to stand with those whom you hold dear, they are then taken away from you.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMeZFXcgNc
This has been the cause of some of the past Bear Claw Chiefs' demise. 11th Haru Graintan lost his life protecting his daughter (who died also) from a feral Dragon that invaded the forest 200 years ago, 14th Veros Herb fell to his death whilst chasing after a wild Great Armed-Flyer that took his beloved and devoured her at its nest, 23rd Farken Erhonial died in despair whilst searching for his old mother who happened to be skinned by a Skin-Stealer who wandered into the Forest of Spirits, and 31st Verken Herb went to the afterlife after holding the now defeated Feral Ursine horde in the middle of the Bear Claw village after his family died being devoured.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiyDyUTRQp
I always thought that these Chiefs were only recipients to the short end of the stick and that they lost their families and loved ones due to circumstance. Now, I'm not so sure.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDaeSEyjut
The worst thing about knowing these histories is that I could be the next one in line now.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0BAprJSgk
Wearing distinct armor made from animal leather and adorned with shoulder and leather pads made of hardened chlorophyte, colored the distinct dark purple and marked in the left side of the chest with a Green Sapling crest. A staff made of what seems to be everwood was slung on his back. On his hands was Fern, who looked pissed. His right arm was a feral glove, of which the claws were aimed at Fern's neck.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYimtKE7nq
Judging by Fern's past descriptions of the chief and protégé, the brown hair, fair skin, golden, calculating eyes, and serious mouth coupled with the distinguishable scar on the left cheek from a Dire Wolf pack encounter said that the one in front of me was him, 44th future Chief of the Green Saplings and student under Garnwud the Strong...copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYaTZRa7NP
"Garnruth," I said to myself. How he found us, after 10 years of successfully going under the noses of both the Bear Claws and Green Saps, is irrelevant.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXIZyDNcD7
What he does after this, it's what can define the future of my tribe and his. And it can be the start of a battle or the postponing of war. Judging by the choices, one can indeed say that animosity only exists between the Marsh and the Forest.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1L9JJ0Kis
"Hello, Bear Claw," the Druid greeted coldly, "stealing my mate, are we?"copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4uMdLEASo
"You know not of that, Green Sap," I said, sitting and closing my eyes. Feeling his familiar Moear's steamy breath and claws on my neck, I find my self in quite a bind.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Pid4SXP0m
"Ah, yes, of course," He grimly states. He then eyes Fern, as if choosing were to strike on her body.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPbjN7dxbr
He then turns to me.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wkHrqEnoB
"You steal her," he said through clenched teeth, "and you do not spare her maiden lips?"copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEmpboth1v
I grimaced. It was taboo, all right. But I... I was caught up in the moment. And with that, clear-headed as I may be thinking of this, can be a reassurance that I can at least bring Fern safely. I mean, she approves of us, clearly. All that's left is...copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfdWQ0yhWg
But yes, essentially I did take her from Garnruth. Even if she first came to me, the facts present still make me think if I am a villain of sorts as I, even though I had the knowledge from what she told me 5 years ago, hadn't exactly taken any action and worse enough, fell for her all the more.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAQBplROH3
"Do not deny any longer, Bear Claw," Garnruth said, clearly pissed.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHTYRry4lz
I only nodded slowly.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡnB1Yl32beJ
"How long?" He asked Fern, "For how long, Fern?"copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlJfGPCeXh
Fern stayed silent. And I could feel her eyes on me, waiting for me to say or do something. Anything.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡUexn8Zvt6a
"Say, Garnruth," I started, "have you asked Fern what she really wanted?"copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVZCAV0AQw
Garnruth stared at me. Then he laughed.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡm585MklyQX
"It doesn't matter, Bear Claw," he answered, Fern still held hostage. He added, now in clenched teeth, "What she wants doesn't matter. She was just held safe by her uncle and by being my betrothed. All she had to do was to obey and be my wife, but no. She went to the other tribe, a Marsh Druid like her father, no less, and betrayed me!"copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡDq1I1rV638
"No one betrayed you, Garnruth," I said. Not that it made any difference or sense for that matter. The truth is, what he might be saying is true. What a way to regret your choices, Heath.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVzEa74AlZ
"She did not even love you in the first place!" I exclaimed. Then stopped myself from saying more.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡnG5qcjif0S
I then noticed that I seemed to speak out of emotion, which was not a common characteristic of mine. I wanted to speak, not for him, but to convince my conflicted self that what I did was right.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡif1uYMi5QL
But all the more, I knew that nothing I could say will change anything. And so I resolved to instead shut my mouth, to both listen and distract myself, at the very least, from my thoughts.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgcH5PloPL
"I trusted her! A half-Marsh! Even risked my reputation by asking to marry her! All to protect her for my teacher's sake!"copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHVuHR3xgM
I could only look away.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMAnhAktAc
Indeed, I was the villain. I stole his fiancé for 10 years, developed feelings for her, and even stole her first, sacred kiss, something that should only be given to the one you are betrothed with.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡISLjPpVK3M
"And this?! This is what I see? This is what I witness? A Marsh stealing my bride? How dare you!"copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡld5W1TdJhh
I once again answered in silence. Of shame, of guilt? I feel guilty now, of all times? Shouldn't have I felt that instead long ago?copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4FGJny2Qc
I never really understood the emotions I felt all this time. Maybe I should have just stayed in my tent, studied, upheld my responsibilities, trained for tomorrow, anything to be this, to be here.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7JN4YTqbt
"Garnruth, I," Fern said to her captor, "I CAME to him. He didn't---"copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2G30shcB8o
It serves me right, to be in this situation.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOaGEDVIVB
"Do not speak, woman," he replied to her, "we will talk of this in the village later."copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJrCW0O9RT
I "stole" Fern, and of course what I get in return is that the one time I actually wanted to do something for myself, to resign to my desire for Fern and my happiness, is actually the last possible time I can actually do so.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bs6Cupxp3
But strangely...copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgmMznIhju
I can say, with all my heart and soul...copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uK6Fu8TaW
It was worth it. It was worth all the trouble.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5UnEIdoTU
"I...," I started. Wanting to say something. But then in the rising tension, I seemed to forget what it was.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpVD5A04aB
"Enough talk, Marsh Druid," he exclaimed, "it is time we settled this and our tribes' issue with our strength!"copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3DkUeArHn
The Moear behind me roared and sure enough, its claw reared back, ready to swipe my head clean.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeI5k1Bkif
"Thorn Bind," I casted. And sure enough, the ground around me glowed violet as a magic circle appeared and started to tremble a little.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOZri4JWTx
Before it can touch me, the Moear familiar grunted in confusion as its arm, now bound in my vines of thorns, wouldn't obey it. It struggled in vain, growling in pain as each thorn wounded it every time it moved.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sTX5KFPws
"Walangkeyo," Garnruth called to the Moear, seeing it in pain, "to me!"copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTOW1r6TO4
The Moear shifted form into a giant Earshot Hawk and freed itself from the vines. It seems like Garnruth has trained his Familiar really well, as having your familiar acquire more than one form is a commendable feat in Forest Druid circles.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUKpZDfqHz
The Familiar started to head towards its master, in which they can both probably regroup and attack me together.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KgrEJcN9w
Not if I can do something about it.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6X6TP2nbzs
"Swamp Clasp," I casted.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0ocCeHn4W
Two massive claws made of swamp moss and strong thorned vines erupted from the magic circles that formed from my lower back.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡSca5f0aSSG
Unlike Forest Druids who mainly specialize in buffing and nature magic ideal for one-on-one situations, we Marsh Druids utilize in wide-area attacks and lower body augmentation spells. The power in our abilities rival that of the Mountain Druids, who utilize elemental spirit conjuration and elemental magic in general.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNRR02s0YB
This power, almost raw in nature, and due to the fact that most of the abilities that stem from this power gave us crude body parts like claws and gaping maws made from swamp and/or plant matter, has given us the nickname "Ferals", as we attack without mercy and also with almost no regard to accuracy. Which goes to say that as long as we have wasted our targets before our mana is out, we have done our job.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3ULfLCod7
Opening wide, the claws then lounge at to the Hawk's sides, and both held Familiar's wings, entrapping the beast. I looked at Garnruth, to mentally make him aware of what I was going to do to his precious beast.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡorzeIhKPuQ
His eyes widened in surprise, but he held Fern firmly, and his claws ever closer to her neck.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpZTI0XRcJ
I followed with my threat and proceeded to tear the wings of the Hawk off. I gambled for him to save his Familiar's life, which in turn could give me the opportunity to save Fern.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNFoDqlumu
Well if he didn't, I might as well enjoy pouring out my frustrations to this beast.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HAuUqKKde
My desperate gamble paid off, and in knowing he could lose his precious beast, he then threw Fern to the ground and rushed to the rescue of his Familiar.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡUa4P4JUJsi
He reached to the staff of everwood on his back, holding it on his left hand. Possibly casting a spell, as I could see its head growing thorns as he closed his distance with me.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDLFpLQfxw
"May I be as fast as the Veroen, as like the Ku'wago, I lift my feet for certain, Fleet of Feet," Garnruth casted, magic circles glowing on the soles of his foot wraps. With his body moving faster each step he took towards me, it certainly worked.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMrKR0ijX2
Now a few steps in front of me, swung his staff, with the top now filled with thorns. Indeed, this man wants to kill me. Yet I couldn't blame him, given the situation.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBCR41fBMG
But fortunately, I anticipated this to some extent. And the best way to evade a fast attack is to know where it will strike and simply dodge it.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfwMocYirl
And so I ducked, and much to his dismay, the thorns instead struck his beast's left wing as I tumbled and ran to Fern's side.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4bYXLJBfD
"Are you okay?" I asked whilst casting Minor Nature Heal on her.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMUcFfORiP
"A little scratch never hurt anyone," she replied with a pained smile. I was relieved that she still had her ability to joke in the middle of a serious battle like this.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡQD13V3OBRv
"Hey," Garnruth called to me from his Familiar's side, "you know my name, now that I've noticed it. I'm guessing it was from Fern you knew?"copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GapGNkRzd
"Yes," I replied whilst helping Fern stand up.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡ121JnYkzJg
"Well then, give me your name. It wouldn't be fair if I was the only one left in the dark, would it?"copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡkB5IitBulU
"Very well. Heath. Heath Erhonial."copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWHS0IMmZn
"My, my," he replied, "related to the Bear Claw Chief? Of Xanderuth Erhonial?"copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLxxIaIKdG
I gritted my teeth. He knew my father, which implied that the somewhat he has interacted or at the least met with him. Or he just happened to know the name from someone else.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWoqD2H4Yc
I struggled to control my thoughts, which was hard as it is, as he was a Green Sap to begin with.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWkAms2zPm
"Do not dare to speak lightly of that name, Sap," I warned him.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡpG8kW6aTpM
"Oh? You tell me that, after you've stolen my betrothed? Do not speak with those lips, Bear Claw," He replied, healing his Familiar also. Chuckling, he added, "Well then, that reply just confirms my question anyways. It would be a pleasure to wound the moral of the Bear Claw chief with the death of a relative, as he himself slowly dies."copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡroZvVpX2Yp
I held back the urge to attack first. I knew the standard spells a Forest Druid can cast, as it mostly involves summoning familiars and forest critters to buffing them with nature magic, then finally pummeling the opposition with his enhanced staff. While what I have in my arsenal were the plethora of spells learnt and practiced upon for the last 10 years that focused on spending mana to both debuff and deal area damage, in addition to some minor buff and healing spells.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡy36HTCFPpp
In short, I can easily lay waste to this man with my area attacks.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAMsy0kcob
But I had no reason to waste my mana on this man, or to his Familiar and future summons. I needed to take him down in one move or I risk running out on attacking his summons.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4XQmGmREx
If only I had a weapon to distribute my mana to, I could have easily one this fight. To make him surrender would have been a victory in of itself.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡkooFM5wCdy
I cursed myself for forgetting to bring the Bear's Hand with me. Leaving my weapon was a fatal mistake, indeed. But it wasn't one that denied me of any options to fight.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPCl5DbYjF
Familiar and master walked in opposite ways, as if to also observe my moves and surround me. It was a common move I've seen Dire Wolves do with the Jumpers; Overwhelm the prey with force and numbers then go for the kill. Usually, the opening in the center was guarded by two members of the packs. But now, it looks like they intentional made it open.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡQILdlqJIz1
Common sense dictates me to watch out for a trap the moment I ran for the center. And besides, it was not like I could run away forever for this one. Indeed, I was like a trapped Jumper.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKZrUd1FuA
But unlike a Jumper, I had magic in my hands. But powerful as I was, I couldn't afford a fight in this clearing, especially the fact that it was within Forest Druid territory. Marsh Druids may be powerful, but we expend mana quickly, and so we have to end our battles as quick as our mana expenditures. Besides that, Forest Druid reinforcements can easily overpower me and Fern in a battle of numbers.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡavKgOz3rUd
I had to rid myself from these two before they call for their people, which was possible, considering that we were facing the 44th future Chief.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxo6REKmoB
I looked at Fern. And looked behind us, the cliff.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡkB6IEzJ8TH
Perfect.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Hj65mUc76
"Fern," I whispered, "call your Familiar."copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOFBwlFtEO
Fern nodded.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡGq1IwJDCUa
Fern, as she grew up with the Green Saps, had learned some Forest Druid magic. While she does have an affinity for Forest Druid abilities, her Marsh Druid side was also honed by training with me. And it prevented her from having a spirit Familiar. In short, Fern was a little bit more of a Marsh Druid in raw magical prowess that had Forest Druid buffing abilities.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4QgYUdzfh
When I first saw her train, I was amazed at how powerful her buffing spells can be. With her Marsh heritage, her spells had double the effect. But it ended there, as seemingly her mixed blood nullified her ability to utilize offensive spells from both Marsh and Forest circles.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgvmjv1V90
And that's all the more reason why I'm glad she was with me.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSnMslroUL
She whistled in the air. And then knelt down, as if to feel for something in the air.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡsen3Dwq5ow
"Hayako's coming," she whispered to me.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKKFXIoPWz
I was not surprised on the lack of magic circles. Her Familiar was a unique one, as it wasn't your usual summoned forest spirit.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkCAbB7PRL
Her so-called Familiar was a baby Aves Dracuni, also known as the rare Feathered Sky Dragon, that we found in a snowy trip 8 years ago, it was a hatchling since then, seemed to have flown far away from its brood, and as a result, was freezing in the winter. Due to her inability to summon forest spirits, she took in the Dragon and named it Hayako "because it sounds fast".copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKiPObhYvu
Amazingly, her uncle Garnwud, muscle-head as he was, was soft enough on agreeing to her request to take care of it.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxyOaYZVZQ
"Fern," I said as I eyed both Garnruth and Walangkeyo slowly making their way closer to flank us, "remember that one time you casted a strength buff that was so potent, I had to slice a whole acre of trees just for it to wear off?"copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAx7CIzKPO
"Yeah, why?"copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDcsWDpocq
"Cast it again."copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWbzblHmYK
She stared at me for a moment. Most probably looking if I had a plan.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnNyFchkBY
"Not a bad idea, I say," she finally whispered back, "but to whom?"copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡNadgUvLaNy
I had kept an eye on Garnruth and co's movements, therefore not answering Fern's question. She will now soon enough anyway.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNIXlSKPyz
A screech echoes through the air. And sure enough, our ride was here.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhHLtroK1n
"At the count of three, we run for the cliff."copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡGN3K7WLB8o
I could feel Fern's wide-eyed stare at me. Yes, to answer her unasked question, I was serious.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXrjSfFADc
"One."copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡQABLazNtiA
But sure enough, she turned to the cliff, readying herself to run as fast as she can. I was glad she trusted me enough to actually go with my crazy plan that, if gone wrong, would result in our deaths.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsjMmr01mm
"You wouldn't!"copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ve0xlve8A
Garnruth had a keen eye.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡovB0EkLoZK
"Two."copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2t6zvKNy4
The flutter of wings can be heard in the distance. It was getting closer. I began to think of how to lose Garnruth or his Familiar if they chose to follow us through the air, but for once, I chose to hope that Hayako lives up on her namesake.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeKQ8A9XOS
The change of the direction of the air that flowed through the cliff signaled that it was time. And so I too readied myself to run fast as I could and prayed that I indeed had the courage for a leap of fate.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFgK4IMJTo
"Three! Now, Fern!"copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOHViICG34
I grabbed her hand and ran straight for the cliff with all our might.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡle3xG7LYZb
And then we jumped.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡgn42zISlnL
We soared through, with the air from the freefall seeping through my robes. I hoped something would grab me, pluck me out of the sky before I meet the ground with a bloody kiss. Fern and I both.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3fM7fp34X
Sure enough something grabbed my back, yanking me from the fall.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HVuCPWBU7
Looking up, the familiar face that had a bird-like beak, feathers, and adorned with 4 dragon horns look down on me. Thankfully, to my side was Fern, also caught by the robe and still covering her eyes. Her fear of heights was as strong as ever.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4lSm9Nj8s
"You always deliver, Hayako," I praised the dragon that seemed to purr in response.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLp5MNG2pl
A Hawk's screech broke my brief dive into serenity. Garnruth was on top of us, now riding his Hawk Familiar. What's worse is that the Hayako's sharp talons was starting to tear through our robes. We may be falling to our deaths again sooner than expected.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRUVSzxXuI
"Fern, that buff I mentioned earlier," I exclaimed to her in the air.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAEhqc2aIj
"Eh?! You want to cast on our robes?"copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRFwJ2sNcJ
"No, to Hayako!"copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTtIvPqdgV
"I do--," she stuttered. Trying to think. But realizing the situation we we're in, she was forced to trust me yet again, "You better know what you're doing!"copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7clhzWXahk
I nodded.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4Wx1xHD27
Her hands glowed as she casted the buff.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyFkKPYlfN
"Greater Strength!"copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡuODrW5afPp
"Hayako, throw us to your back!" I commanded to her.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8LahLEKlf
Hayako screeched in reply. And sure enough, with the newfound strength she had, Hayako heaved us in the air and caught us with her back.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMKvSmSUvb
She caught us too well.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnkh4IQJcl
Now, Fern and I were stacked. And of all the ways we could have been thrown by this overgrown lizard-bird, I was thrown head-first into Fern's chest.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzTX35A7dR
Even in the middle of this tense and possibily life-threatening situation, my head was rushing with so much thoughts, most of which had the nerve to say that this was a blessing in disguise. "I mean, if it wasn't for everything that happened until now and the fact that it was prohibited in our culture, I'd be enjoying myself now," my head seemed to shout.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡS45RA3lYAh
Shame on you, Heath. You man-child.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48nVNBE7ew
"Soooo," Fern said, her eyes shut and hands clinging on mine, "whoooo should move first?"copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡz59q4lNJNv
Flustered and obviously red, I found myself unable to mutter a single word, I turned away from the two mountains in front of me. I then motioned for her to move to the front.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNje22YK9T
She barely moved.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9J0ZGFZt1v
I looked down. Biggest mistake of my life.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwOl6GWdOf
"Oy, Hea," she said. I looked up to her face, "where do you think you're looking at?"copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAhd1hl0yB
A Hawk's cry can be heard in the distance.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBe70lV627
"J-j-j-just m-move!" I exclaimed, closing my eyes and looking away.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUjP2uq5F4
"You i-i-indecent bunch!" An angered voice called to us through the air.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9s7wAMSPOD
I looked at the source of the voice, and there was Garnruth, as red as I was, riding his Hawk. I couldn't help but smile smugly for some reason. It felt good to piss off a Green Sap. But felt reddish again in realizing what pissed him off.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡXORk04Z3Z4
Fern started to move, appearing to now realizing the urgency of the situation, starting with her legs.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcTIkmpkEQ
And then I felt pain.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8k5zwaFnB
"F-Fern," I said in shock, as I felt my... intimate area... being engulfed by a pain that can only be felt by fellow members of the male species.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡngDicfBfvl
"Oops," came the obviously remorseless reply.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzG3OVfcWi
This woman... But I suppose this was payback for what transpired a while ago.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDjad5qB6S
Fern made her way to Hayako's feathery neck and hugged tight. I was a bit worried that that might have suffocated the Dragon. But it appears that Hayako was fine.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzinnWcxEk
"Good giiirl," Fern complimented the Dragon, who "purred" in response.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRViBHKlVa
"I hate to interrupt the joyful reunion," I said, "but we have a Hawk to lose."copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZtyvk8CHE
"Hayako, land in that clearing," I said, pointing to a grassy patch in the middle of the forest, "we'll lose Garnruth there. Hopefully."copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYmxxymE6D
Hayako screeched in response, flying faster with her newfound strength.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1PjA48Z7w
I tapped Fern in the back.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSmkWOiATG
"I'm... I'm sorry."copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3O1ZpWFMLU
Fern turned to me and smiled apologetically.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvsU3tkQur
"No, it was my fault to begin with."copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7IqxLYtub
"Well that doesn't make the burden lighter, does it?" I said, trying to make the mood light.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJeaY8r0sR
"'Two hands make light work,' as an elder in my village used to say," Fern said while smiling. I looked away again. With the things that transpired, a war was certain. The only thing that wasn't was who will begin it. People from her and my village will die, that enough was inevitable.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwi73vnpdQ
She once again reached out to my face.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡpriLJFouaB
"Hea, I know this will be too much to ask but," she looked away and stared at the stars as we moved through the night sky, facing me she said, "...please. Find a way to fix the problems between our circles. Find a way to heal the ancient, wide rift between the Forest and the Marsh."copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡGv4xdtIYZ8
I, either of emotion or of determination, looked into her eyes, and reached out my hand to her cheek.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡolSZl6evaV
"I will."copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡdea0fcY7TB
She then once again thrust her lips to mine. Once again, I was back to the euphoria I felt on the cliff. I was back to wishing that the moment was to last an eternity.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJQrz2hQKe
But as always, it was not so.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nGGg5FkXq
Hayako landed in the clearing, crawling into the nearby trees for cover. Even an Earshot Hawk's sharp eyes won't be able to pierce through the thick cover of the forest canopy.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNAbTArT7k
Fern pulled herself away.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡHe3488RO8Q
"Get go, Hea," she said.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡeny9vaP5dE
She was right. She knew I picked this clearing to get to the wetlands faster.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡ603UAXlnFf
"How about you?" I asked, out of concern. Surely the Green Saps will not let her go lightly.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡNW1VEqyhIl
"I'll find a way," she said, with sureness and determination in her eyes. "Now go."copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiZ0dJTGR1
"Take care of her, Hayako," I said to the Dragon, who purred and nodded in agreement.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjbwsr7owt
"Fleet of Feet," I casted.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡEa6oToXiE9
I waited for the glow of the magic circles that would accompany the activation of the spell.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡes5oOMDQoT
But no magic circles came out.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1mmUNnYtH
"Fleet of Feet," I casted again, staring at my feet.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzllGNygel
Still nothing.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsvOFjNeM2
Nullification magic?copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42P3ZVUmBk
Maybe Fern could help me, hers is potent after---copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qDP0tBGn4
Fern and Hayako were gone from my side. It was impossible, Hayako was not that fast.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOowrbFFAI
I stood on guard, anticipating an attack.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkKbqdgX9g
But nothing came.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAjEwxQG4w
And it seemed that... The world seemed to rise from my field of view. I looked around, the trees seemed to be engulfed in a slimy black substance.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKJwMFtASY
What in the world?copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YijWtJJ65
I looked down to my feet. And found the horrifying reason as to why the phenomenon was happening.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdEuEdpNh4
I was sinking, now hip-deep, into what seemed to be the same black slime that was now engulfing the entire world around me.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡVroI0dUn8W
What is happening?!copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyHcBKfOHd
No, Fern... My promise... Father... My tribe... I need to live!copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5PlTC5Q4a
I struggled against the black slime, trying to dig my way out.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡniLkLB6GPn
In what seemed like an eternity, my muscles ached from the struggle.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUuDImsWhI
But it was for nothing.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGLQwKAlQM
I sank lower and lower into the muck.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqinpVrrB5
My Father's, Fern's, my family's faces all seemed to swarm into my mind.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzEOmbMxhS
So...copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7Pxt0BG15
This is what hopelessness feels like.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡe85FFOayfj
I close my eyes in surrender to the unknown force that now engulfed me entirely.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJaPA3c7bl
Father, mother, Fern... I'm sorry.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvMiUrumAi
-------------copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9A8sNayZaf
Heath woke up with a start to a distant voice that called him.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IT1CDLxv7
"Hea!"copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0YA3zFjpc
Funny, he thought, I must have blacked out from being engulfed by that black substance.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBgosBihwY
"Hea!"copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡyO4iW7TmgP
That voice... Is it someone I knew? No it... sounds different... More... Elegant in nature...copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡOk5QDZOnL0
Heath struggled to organize his thoughts. Finally, he was pulled back to his reality.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1TeLBTjaT
Voices echoing around him, along with the voice that called him back.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡVU0fPfJzpG
"Hea!"copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡYY3aAy5YwQ
Heath slowly opened his eyes.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHQaYltiUK
Before him knelt a woman with a fair complexion, golden eyes that had some sort of covering on them, accompanied by long ears, and a long braid for hair. She wore clothing that seemed to be made of... something. Heath struggled to make sense of what she wore.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAWiuN2rpv
"Hea!" She screamed, almost pleading at the top of her lungs.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTjL9L5Qvm
"Nothing good will come by screaming at him, Yuno," a child-like but masculine voice said.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡdF5EskGNPG
Heath now fully opened his eyes.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡrF1qNGUGDo
Upon seeing this, the woman with long ears immediately lounged at him and embraced him tightly.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfnDPxM7K8
"Hea!" She said once again. Heath could feel her tears dropping to his clothes, wetting them.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHLmWpUeuz
Heath looked around to regain his bearings.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzvTz3CrGw
A woman clad in armor swung her massive sword, fighting something that somewhat resembled a cross between a human female and a reptilian leg-less crawler.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuEkIZpcMD
"Are you okay, Heath?" a man's elderly voice to his side asked.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32MbgmtldD
Heath looked at him in surprise.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡobDi17lVs6
The man was in fact, not fully man, but one that had reptilian features and was wearing a strange red plated armor.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxE4gVGz73
"Wh-where am... I?" Heath asked in surprise.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡVStg9CK5kc
The woman move his vision towards her, her eyes and nose red from crying.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mTb107E9Y
"Y-you don't remember anything?" She asked, as if expecting him to remember what has happened.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1r3SbSPXF
Heath wished he knew. Vague memories came back to him.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgJpOSOmFo
That's right...copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdXUOCrpbo
One moment he felt like something was chasing him and someone he knew, then he made a promise, about what he didn't remember, then next he was yanked out of that reality by a force that resembled black goo. So far, his memories were a mess.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNyhkwpAol
"That Lamia really did a number in his head," a green-haired woman wielding daggers that suddenly appeared near the lizard-man said.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlJYpuHe7H
"Is he suited for combat or not?" A gruff, elder sounding voice asked.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46F30TEGgi
The green-haired woman walked towards him.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7X2vXoy6XY
She knelt down in from of him, suddenly looked closely to his eyes, seemingly examining them.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhD0RpV1zT
Her face, for a split-second, resembled something akin to a person he felt he once knew. Her hair turned red, her blue eyes turned green, he didn't remember why but he felt like he knew who that split-second person was.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoT07ED5Lp
And just like that, the blue-eyed lady retracted from his face.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdSRLPMVif
"As I thought," she turned to the yellow-haired, long-eared lady, "seems his memory was wiped clean for a bit there."copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYbXreQWmr
Heath had so many questions.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPbxIiQRc7
"Tell the party to pull back," the long-eared woman ordered, "We'll have to withdraw from the 45th Floor for a while."copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8nIlQC52V
45th floor? Party? Heath thoughtcopyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0tQPr7mKr
"Foronard," she said to the lizard-man, "please carry Heath for a while."copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIfkihFlJz
"Of course."copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡkogDS5ZbII
He walks toward Heath and heaves him in his arms.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7Zcyyh1Iq
Heath had the feeling that he also knew these people. But their names, their faces, were all a blur to his head. It was overwhelming.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCuVaUGbnE
He turned towards the long-eared woman, who was now relaying her orders to the people who now defeated the half-snake, half-woman creature and were dragging it's carcass.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0SfWR1tuQ
As all these were happening around him, Heath now had the composure to think for himself. His questions would be answered soon enough and so, he put them aside as he felt the lizard-man carry him.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXnpsGijcA
But he couldn't put one particular question away though.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rE5IaYcqG
It was gnawing at him, calling out from his subconscious. And so, he decided that now would have to be the time to ask the lizard-man.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2RTgnrALh
Insane as he would seem, his curiosity will have to be satisfied.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiaNifti1v
"Uhm," Heath started.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOLdFMCnrE
The Lizard-man man turned to him.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡo46uCQha6o
"Yes, my friend?"copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGUD230QFH
Heath knew it, this man knew the answer to his question. The only thing missing would be to ask it.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCoBfHXnbO
And so he did.copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡJptRQ2hJcr
With outmost sincerity, hoping he would not seem crazy or insane that they would leave him in this dark place, he asked:copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtqkiVgs04
"Who am I?"copyright protection38ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BrxFvJng6
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