The morning brisk air was cascading down the side of the mountain, I have yet to see Lost come out of her cave. I guess I should start my coils to warm up my smoking hut, before I go hunting. I walked over to the shed and opened the door, I made a small spark and tossed it onto the coals, allowing them to catch, before shutting and locking the door shut.

“Alright, that should do it.” I said to myself.

Turning around and picking up my sack of tools, all of which I had made from the various beasts and monsters and materials Lost has found and brought. I will admit though crude in appearance these are stronger than most metal tools.

Traveling down my new path to get to the base of the mountain, I headed out toward the woods, where it seems most of the more magical creatures decided to live. It may not be like fighting humans, but here I can still learn many things. Getting to my favorite hunting grounds didn't take too long. I got to a large rock, which a very tall sturdy tree had grown up next to.

The large rock, which after a small climb, allowed entry to the tall tree’s branches. Getting into position in my seat in the trees, I was able to watch out over the ground below where a pond had laid with fresh water flowing in. It is a great watering hole, where many beasts come to get a nice drink of clean water.

The mana here is not as clean as the cold brisk water and air which runs down Lost’s mountain, but there is a bigger mix here. There is still the lack of fire mana in the area though. I can call and gather some, but it is a hard restriction on trying to train. While hunting, it's also a bad idea to train my mana. The animals and creatures seem to sense the fire mana instinctively. They always seem to know danger is close by, when i train. So I do not train anymore when I hunt.

Waiting in my hunting spot, I got my bow ready and notched an arrow waiting for any prey to come to get a drink. One thing I have had the fortunite luck to be able to train is my skill with the bow. Something interesting I had learned was that applying the mana to the arrow, had profound unique results in how it is applied. Coating the tip in flames usually resulted in setting my prey on fire, however when a small burst of fire to the rear of the arrow allowed the arrow to fly at great speed, but too much power would lead the arrow to burst apart with the force.

I watched as a deer had started to approach the watering hole. Its majestic white fur, and crystal like horns. This one is very strong. So applying extra force to the arrow would be necessary. Moving slowly to not startle the beast, I drew back on my bow, allowing myself a small brief moment to aim, before calling on the mana, and focusing it on the rear of the arrow, just before it ignited I let go. Just as the arrow left the shaft of my bow the fire popped, with considerable force flinging the arrow forward.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

The arrow shot forward with speeds faster than the eye could track, the sudden jerk of the beast and its startled body jump in place before succumbing to the great wound, were the only indicators that my arrow struck true. Climbing down and checking on my kill I confirmed that it was dead. After retrieving my arrow and tieing up the newly acquired carcass, I felt the hair stand up on my neck. I was being watched.

***

Waking up from my dreams, I still felt extremely sore. Almost more tired than I was before I went to bed. Standing up, I felt refreshed though. A part of me wondered about that dream of the human. It seemed so removed from everything I knew that it didn't seem real. Putting that thought off to the side I stepped up and walked to the exit of the cave.

Looking out from my cave, it seemed like it was going to be a peaceful day. I let the smile come up and spread. I was taking a brief moment to enjoy, and bask, in the sunlight. I took a moment to take a bite of chocolate. Taking a deep breath and letting all the muscles in my body relax. I could feel the coldness sting the air around me. Seems I now carried around a very brisk cold air. I knew it reacted to water, but now it seems to coat me all the time. Maybe compressing so much ice into my soul space has affected how my body is. It seems to be that way. I wonder how much I changed just from the serpent.

Placing that thought to the side, I took a quick leap and spread my wings out, as tiny bits of ice broke off and fell below me as I glided out into the open air. The air is nice. A large sudden blast of fire exploded from inside the forest. The large explosion immediately caught my attention, as I dived down lower to take a look at what was happening down below.

Getting a view of the situation I was able to see Hickory stanting in the newly created opening, as he seemed to be talking to another human. I was not sure of the context, but for Hickory to do that in his hunting ground is not normal. I swooped down lower and landed in the newly created clearing in the trees.

“So who are you little human?” I asked curiously.

The new person stood there covered in come clothes which covered most of them. It is way too warm of a day to be so covered up. Plus Hickory used his fire which is very not normal for him.

“Wow, you are as shockingly regal as you have described. Such a large creature of power. Your smooth skin glistens in the sunlight. You are rather mighty indeed. What I am here for, is revenge. I was hoping that you two would as well.” The woman’s voice said from beneath the cloak.