Just how cursed are the Marsh Druids? You have to wonder sometimes.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSCrBoI8im
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9WZJFhhNc
And fish.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwA702uOYQ
Fish everywhere, at the very least.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZiWI8KXPG
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡTB7Po40ENb
It is when you finally gather the courage to stand with those whom you hold dear, they are then taken away from you.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPFA76crgG
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBzajDPtbu
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7C1Ta5XTO
The worst thing about knowing these histories is that I could be the next one in line now.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYya7QYuVh
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡr05sBaiWYg
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡCi95mFgVSu
"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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyOquDNKaT
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjXmhaMCBb
"Hello, Bear Claw," the Druid greeted coldly, "stealing my mate, are we?"copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXHOMiSoi7
"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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6OuEARVnq
"Ah, yes, of course," He grimly states. He then eyes Fern, as if choosing were to strike on her body.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡOM7deIGnth
He then turns to me.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnOYwjviOo
"You steal her," he said through clenched teeth, "and you do not spare her maiden lips?"copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4ZidElO7n
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvutJbioBA
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYMTBQ086z
"Do not deny any longer, Bear Claw," Garnruth said, clearly pissed.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCG4sYkfZL
I only nodded slowly.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwyqMdW6VI
"How long?" He asked Fern, "For how long, Fern?"copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIemwg0usV
Fern stayed silent. And I could feel her eyes on me, waiting for me to say or do something. Anything.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDZ0oMEk2L
"Say, Garnruth," I started, "have you asked Fern what she really wanted?"copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡbafcLi9jHJ
Garnruth stared at me. Then he laughed.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHeHDXq74R
"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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbyDgSsDek
"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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ncrMk5nXq
"She did not even love you in the first place!" I exclaimed. Then stopped myself from saying more.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Af0LxUZ81
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡreZAxR4FwA
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yuTSKgCbR
"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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbaBt9z2Ki
I could only look away.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UkEi21WJf
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡghTYL257vt
"And this?! This is what I see? This is what I witness? A Marsh stealing my bride? How dare you!"copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7W2R4jbKb
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡZz76xNlmrE
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjj7Qq0Ciy
"Garnruth, I," Fern said to her captor, "I CAME to him. He didn't---"copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOAj3T6Zmv
It serves me right, to be in this situation.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4kak4Q50c
"Do not speak, woman," he replied to her, "we will talk of this in the village later."copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXVdE06775
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡcT1IMySVrN
But strangely...copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1CUKqX9sK
I can say, with all my heart and soul...copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡE03WYU1u7c
It was worth it. It was worth all the trouble.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZs1gjlBp6
"I...," I started. Wanting to say something. But then in the rising tension, I seemed to forget what it was.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0StN2MgCh
"Enough talk, Marsh Druid," he exclaimed, "it is time we settled this and our tribes' issue with our strength!"copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6OJQuUohp
The Moear behind me roared and sure enough, its claw reared back, ready to swipe my head clean.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCJbL0sgag
"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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNWY1pq0Rx
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡzf26s2DNXJ
"Walangkeyo," Garnruth called to the Moear, seeing it in pain, "to me!"copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZwmmE9jbi
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGeNwX0eKr
The Familiar started to head towards its master, in which they can both probably regroup and attack me together.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3tSungBvJ
Not if I can do something about it.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡzps3N5c2RC
"Swamp Clasp," I casted.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡybWS7F25VC
Two massive claws made of swamp moss and strong thorned vines erupted from the magic circles that formed from my lower back.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHUUarNJ66
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXnQgR1e1o
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oH57lnsuD
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡMit4z3U9s0
His eyes widened in surprise, but he held Fern firmly, and his claws ever closer to her neck.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqs2iwP1yS
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPSU56P43X
Well if he didn't, I might as well enjoy pouring out my frustrations to this beast.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KDfLCGXxf
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KFF2P0R3s
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCqoC5SYaN
"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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡIljLIZ1Cj4
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9QyWg8MO8
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHWluvTX5f
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHkVJ0qMDX
"Are you okay?" I asked whilst casting Minor Nature Heal on her.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8c5JPWHxo
"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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡtElOTnH7ZP
"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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡisQYwVXlaQ
"Yes," I replied whilst helping Fern stand up.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8G4ZllyrXx
"Well then, give me your name. It wouldn't be fair if I was the only one left in the dark, would it?"copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZzCOvBxYC
"Very well. Heath. Heath Erhonial."copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7dDCOwbKE
"My, my," he replied, "related to the Bear Claw Chief? Of Xanderuth Erhonial?"copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsMSAKo2cf
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pzrjNQMWe
I struggled to control my thoughts, which was hard as it is, as he was a Green Sap to begin with.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5V255ulqC
"Do not dare to speak lightly of that name, Sap," I warned him.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPcU0BXY2E
"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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡn96npKwxPu
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvFeo96MGi
In short, I can easily lay waste to this man with my area attacks.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaMId2bYjv
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXx9uYVISA
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡucinpmMYRQ
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrDWN9Jd3O
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsHEid9gRf
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmixpbDBlG
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yBsr0U2Bd
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbmFriiQXo
I looked at Fern. And looked behind us, the cliff.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡPawewyukSx
Perfect.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKuJF3nSOf
"Fern," I whispered, "call your Familiar."copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DhCGsqBPh
Fern nodded.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3o0f4YHIkf
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡihtZm84rf2
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡxidAktE2vN
And that's all the more reason why I'm glad she was with me.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSd1rxByET
She whistled in the air. And then knelt down, as if to feel for something in the air.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡqs31OCjONY
"Hayako's coming," she whispered to me.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡaal3BL39Pa
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡen63OT5fc3
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rrRUOvbrf
Amazingly, her uncle Garnwud, muscle-head as he was, was soft enough on agreeing to her request to take care of it.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0jiYrb73V
"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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWYZa2SfBW
"Yeah, why?"copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNKNvDQwD4
"Cast it again."copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkYQ62yCSf
She stared at me for a moment. Most probably looking if I had a plan.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wSOkxJt3f
"Not a bad idea, I say," she finally whispered back, "but to whom?"copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyPYULiyXI
I had kept an eye on Garnruth and co's movements, therefore not answering Fern's question. She will now soon enough anyway.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQbD0veW0r
A screech echoes through the air. And sure enough, our ride was here.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hfgZsZw1F
"At the count of three, we run for the cliff."copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlzbejxCtn
I could feel Fern's wide-eyed stare at me. Yes, to answer her unasked question, I was serious.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXHXYTWw8u
"One."copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzEsgZshKM
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡihHs9t8X2G
"You wouldn't!"copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡkl6OP8GUPl
Garnruth had a keen eye.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwEcH2xz8Z
"Two."copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQatqOKWa0
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡZN28pCZbCK
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡHd2mAfUgTG
"Three! Now, Fern!"copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgfn27AQq8
I grabbed her hand and ran straight for the cliff with all our might.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMaeVhh0n8
And then we jumped.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtHP9sWsYV
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6pf520ZQI
Sure enough something grabbed my back, yanking me from the fall.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNnrrnBkg7
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡgixrL22qcQ
"You always deliver, Hayako," I praised the dragon that seemed to purr in response.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡlm0aZuLREH
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAP8FDLJwH
"Fern, that buff I mentioned earlier," I exclaimed to her in the air.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmgPAmjBjs
"Eh?! You want to cast on our robes?"copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qO7xHzELp
"No, to Hayako!"copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeTNKfkvSw
"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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSmJoMYZin
I nodded.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYyE6KjmIQ
Her hands glowed as she casted the buff.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ72bbcUHfw
"Greater Strength!"copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41D8qrdQZt
"Hayako, throw us to your back!" I commanded to her.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92NdWESTSZ
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPT9AvbfeG
She caught us too well.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPaQUNbG3I
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0S0ecb5ZbA
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XUPQYlSy7
Shame on you, Heath. You man-child.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrX4IIficV
"Soooo," Fern said, her eyes shut and hands clinging on mine, "whoooo should move first?"copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡyM1xrprvW9
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡnga1fmkwuN
She barely moved.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAhtnZMArH
I looked down. Biggest mistake of my life.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAiOjS1TRL
"Oy, Hea," she said. I looked up to her face, "where do you think you're looking at?"copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFW6jyjT9t
A Hawk's cry can be heard in the distance.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHAbi2DDXn
"J-j-j-just m-move!" I exclaimed, closing my eyes and looking away.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9LklU3y5N
"You i-i-indecent bunch!" An angered voice called to us through the air.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzoF6ydUri
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkUAiipg50
Fern started to move, appearing to now realizing the urgency of the situation, starting with her legs.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzW0AM2xqo
And then I felt pain.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1nEAnLmQC
"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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JCxurgzeV
"Oops," came the obviously remorseless reply.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡlE6wxGdjdm
This woman... But I suppose this was payback for what transpired a while ago.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡKs0CjTa4XC
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡG22KZ9Akam
"Good giiirl," Fern complimented the Dragon, who "purred" in response.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡdauWFH1Dhn
"I hate to interrupt the joyful reunion," I said, "but we have a Hawk to lose."copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRUnTYZkii
"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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2feM6V3Uk
Hayako screeched in response, flying faster with her newfound strength.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡEacArFRm1f
I tapped Fern in the back.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQXiihLscb
"I'm... I'm sorry."copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡKz96qOHJ2Q
Fern turned to me and smiled apologetically.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTaEliBzbV
"No, it was my fault to begin with."copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡbA7abOD2fq
"Well that doesn't make the burden lighter, does it?" I said, trying to make the mood light.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡYj4o7Q7CP1
"'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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuqANrGfE2
She once again reached out to my face.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NMNb6oewb
"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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZdBA5G0zR
I, either of emotion or of determination, looked into her eyes, and reached out my hand to her cheek.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WLAStgOJI
"I will."copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHKYlmnH2g
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sSV6Btlwq
But as always, it was not so.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TFhQv6TRb
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHknPTlIEC
Fern pulled herself away.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSYyHIlFWk
"Get go, Hea," she said.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOGGDxPpfT
She was right. She knew I picked this clearing to get to the wetlands faster.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPPgx29r8t
"How about you?" I asked, out of concern. Surely the Green Saps will not let her go lightly.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84P6FBJwFD
"I'll find a way," she said, with sureness and determination in her eyes. "Now go."copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BSj6Q0fvB
"Take care of her, Hayako," I said to the Dragon, who purred and nodded in agreement.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7E4QEjuC0o
"Fleet of Feet," I casted.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8IgWAAsek
I waited for the glow of the magic circles that would accompany the activation of the spell.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcx5BzAxkt
But no magic circles came out.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DY2lelS5p
"Fleet of Feet," I casted again, staring at my feet.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8jokN3lFu
Still nothing.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpSIdbjeAA
Nullification magic?copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78z6nIfFss
Maybe Fern could help me, hers is potent after---copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8scRvmBaU
Fern and Hayako were gone from my side. It was impossible, Hayako was not that fast.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡol4Bxzi4eN
I stood on guard, anticipating an attack.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡVT4FhLKAUI
But nothing came.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Hwdysp72r
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfryRvSFUX
What in the world?copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡorTkJxnoZb
I looked down to my feet. And found the horrifying reason as to why the phenomenon was happening.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡg14oNWbLwo
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfbMEP6ZFb
What is happening?!copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MOhcML1Z3
No, Fern... My promise... Father... My tribe... I need to live!copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkOv1Ir69l
I struggled against the black slime, trying to dig my way out.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLa82hChm9
In what seemed like an eternity, my muscles ached from the struggle.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUMRddvfyq
But it was for nothing.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGW2QWSw6L
I sank lower and lower into the muck.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡM17HHeVD7v
My Father's, Fern's, my family's faces all seemed to swarm into my mind.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MVfYezKmW
So...copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4RZkffWTu
This is what hopelessness feels like.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOQNVG1u7s
I close my eyes in surrender to the unknown force that now engulfed me entirely.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQbwh6RNAL
Father, mother, Fern... I'm sorry.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ02NNVZNbV
-------------copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIvRU1te9G
Heath woke up with a start to a distant voice that called him.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCtwiqtwzH
"Hea!"copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSzPiohjPF
Funny, he thought, I must have blacked out from being engulfed by that black substance.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkIugbtiOT
"Hea!"copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpkbViADcF
That voice... Is it someone I knew? No it... sounds different... More... Elegant in nature...copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3guUoRwpmV
Heath struggled to organize his thoughts. Finally, he was pulled back to his reality.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8v1gzRqQek
Voices echoing around him, along with the voice that called him back.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEaaZ9REIf
"Hea!"copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJkofhrbhD
Heath slowly opened his eyes.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡAW1eVs36wt
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRuJzpepWX
"Hea!" She screamed, almost pleading at the top of her lungs.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2bKrqeP0o
"Nothing good will come by screaming at him, Yuno," a child-like but masculine voice said.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwGSh38PU3
Heath now fully opened his eyes.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rldKqtSOV
Upon seeing this, the woman with long ears immediately lounged at him and embraced him tightly.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQCyEyLEqD
"Hea!" She said once again. Heath could feel her tears dropping to his clothes, wetting them.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡdO7GjnoG6Z
Heath looked around to regain his bearings.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4CPgbVq3p
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvi7Ir1rRU
"Are you okay, Heath?" a man's elderly voice to his side asked.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡMs95IevQu3
Heath looked at him in surprise.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nCI2W9vJR
The man was in fact, not fully man, but one that had reptilian features and was wearing a strange red plated armor.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSiIMtrMg7
"Wh-where am... I?" Heath asked in surprise.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVbQ9ZM4qf
The woman move his vision towards her, her eyes and nose red from crying.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvIZewY1xI
"Y-you don't remember anything?" She asked, as if expecting him to remember what has happened.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpiMGvBUjk
Heath wished he knew. Vague memories came back to him.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡTj0FTIfNR0
That's right...copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7RWEAZIgH
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡKusojxNiJB
"That Lamia really did a number in his head," a green-haired woman wielding daggers that suddenly appeared near the lizard-man said.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jpYj6SQvx
"Is he suited for combat or not?" A gruff, elder sounding voice asked.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZ9JijxI2I
The green-haired woman walked towards him.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2oIQNP80H
She knelt down in from of him, suddenly looked closely to his eyes, seemingly examining them.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTjDSfSKkS
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDPPavZDL6
And just like that, the blue-eyed lady retracted from his face.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Vv7cGh1c8
"As I thought," she turned to the yellow-haired, long-eared lady, "seems his memory was wiped clean for a bit there."copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeSjr5hOHC
Heath had so many questions.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡBA9aVCyiDF
"Tell the party to pull back," the long-eared woman ordered, "We'll have to withdraw from the 45th Floor for a while."copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOpJix2zXB
45th floor? Party? Heath thoughtcopyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XmBb34sZ0
"Foronard," she said to the lizard-man, "please carry Heath for a while."copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pwVC1ArgQ
"Of course."copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPiCxzn0bz
He walks toward Heath and heaves him in his arms.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwcYIVXBWi
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpM5H5Tmeg
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡpa4Mcehvpu
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡGguZIcIbQS
But he couldn't put one particular question away though.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡhB8LzOHbfb
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 protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOFnTIVFk8
Insane as he would seem, his curiosity will have to be satisfied.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrtI2dsUy7
"Uhm," Heath started.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbj3O7R09S
The Lizard-man man turned to him.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42SO8reTJm
"Yes, my friend?"copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGCVHCbeIM
Heath knew it, this man knew the answer to his question. The only thing missing would be to ask it.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRkWhEMvbt
And so he did.copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSize1JkPD
With outmost sincerity, hoping he would not seem crazy or insane that they would leave him in this dark place, he asked:copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡQozzbzgKYg
"Who am I?"copyright protection59ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbhFzyKkbZ
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