"Mother Leto," a woman said, her voice filled with concern. She had short brown hair and piercing brown eyes, her attire a simple brown tunic with cloth folded into an exomis style. A belt around her waist held her hammers and other tools, hinting at her trade. She was rather short for her age, but her presence was commanding.
"Why did you let Merina go with her husband to the Ever Resting Forest?" she asked, her worry evident.
"Why not?" Leto answered calmly. "She is capable, and she comes from a lineage of hunters and nomads."
"Mother Leto, she is a tailor," the woman, Lydia, insisted, her frustration growing.
"Oh, Lydia dear, your sister will be fine. She is stronger than you think."
"I know she is good with a bow, Mother Leto, but... it's the Ever Resting Forest. It is too dangerous."
"Don't worry, dear. Pacificus is with her."
"Then why not just let Pacificus go on his own?" Lydia asked, desperation tinging her voice.
Leto then looked at Lydia, her gaze serious and penetrating. "I have a suspicion about Pacificus's lineage."
"His lineage?" Lydia echoed, her confusion growing.
"Yes, dear. He is a good man, don't get me wrong... but by how many times those two are doing it every night... I wouldn't be surprised if Merina suddenly got pregnant."
"Wha-What the?! Mother Leto, you are a priestess. The head priestess. How do you know these things? These are supposed to be private."
"Oh, please, dear Lydia. Everyone knows what young couples do every night," Leto replied with a playful glint in her eye.
"Mother," Lydia protested, her face flushing with embarrassment.
The old lady's playful gaze then turned serious once more. "If my suspicions are correct... then... Merina won't have a child. If she did get pregnant... then she will only have stillborns."
"What? What are you implying? Mo-wait a minute... it can't be... that can't be right," Lydia stammered, her face paling.
"I hope I am wrong too, daughter. I hope I am wrong too," Leto said, her voice heavy with sorrow and uncertainty.
----------------------------------------
Torrent, the young kirin, moved with a graceful but steady pace toward the immense forest. A myriad of bags and clothes were strapped securely to his back, and a rather tall woman rode atop him. The kirin didn't seem to mind the load or the rider. Beside him walked a man who towered at two meters, a massive sword resting on his hip, glinting occasionally in the dappled sunlight.
"I know the trees from the Ever Resting Forest are huge," said Merina, her eyes wide with awe as she gazed upward, "but seeing them up close is something else. These trees are enormous."
The towering trees, with trunks as wide as large houses, stretched high into the sky, their dense canopy casting a perpetual twilight over the forest floor. The sunlight, although bright and warm, barely penetrated the thick foliage, creating an otherworldly atmosphere of dim light and deep shadows. The air was cool and filled with the earthy scent of moss and ancient wood.
Navigating the forest proved challenging due to the massive roots that sprawled across the ground like the sinewy veins of the earth. Some roots rose so high they formed natural walls that had to be climbed over, while others created intricate labyrinths that required careful maneuvering around.
Yet, for Torrent and Pacificus, these obstacles were little more than minor inconveniences. Torrent, with his nimble hooves and innate grace, easily stepped over or around the roots, his movements almost dance-like. Pacificus, with his imposing frame and powerful strides, followed with ease, his sword swinging slightly with each step but never hindering his movement.
While the two were working, Merina was engrossed in her own task. With a charcoal pencil in hand, she meticulously worked on her scrolls. Her focus was on capturing the essence of nature—leaves, flowers, and occasionally insects. Each element was carefully observed and then skillfully drawn onto her scrolls. As she worked, Merina also wrote descriptions alongside her drawings, noting the distinctive features and characteristics of each subject.
Her speed was remarkable; her hands moved in a blur of activity. She transitioned seamlessly from one drawing to the next, her charcoal pencil flowing across the parchment with fluid precision. The drawings quickly accumulated, each one a testament to her keen observation and artistic skill. Despite the rapid pace, the details in her work remained sharp and expressive, reflecting her deep connection to the natural world she was capturing.
As they ventured deeper into the forest, Torrent suddenly halted, his ears flicking in alertness. Pacificus followed his gaze and soon saw what had caught the kirin's attention.
A massive tree bearing deep, ragged scratches across its bark. The claw marks were enormous, each gash as wide as Merina’s hand, cutting deeply into the ancient wood. Beneath the tree, the ground was littered with broken branches and disturbed undergrowth, and an acrid, foul stench filled the air, making Merina wrinkle her nose in disgust.
"Bear?" Merina asked, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and concern.
"Yes," Pacificus confirmed, his eyes narrowing as he examined the marks. "Horned leaf bear."
Merina's eyes widened at the mention of the beast. The horned leaf bear was a creature of nightmares, known for its sheer size and ferocity. Its claws, as sharp and long as daggers, could rip through tree trunks and flesh with terrifying ease.
"Should we take another route?" she suggested, her gaze flicking nervously around the shadowy forest.
"That would be wise, my love," Pacificus replied, his tone calm but firm. He gently guided Torrent, urging the kirin to move away from the marked tree.
Merina took a closer look at the colossal claw marks. The gouges were so deep that they exposed the pale heartwood beneath the bark, and the sheer size of the cuts made her suspect that the creature responsible was as large as a house. The thought sent a shiver down her spine.
They carefully veered off the path, choosing a new route that led them away from the ominous signs of the horned leaf bear’s presence. As they moved, the forest seemed to hold its breath, the silence broken only by the soft rustling of leaves and the distant calls of unknown creatures. The light filtering through the dense canopy above cast shifting patterns on the forest floor, adding to the eerie beauty of their surroundings.
As they walked, they suddenly halted, captivated by a creature taller than any building Merina had ever seen. The colossal being stood in the distance, its sheer size almost dwarfing the ancient trees around it. Its legs were like towering pillars, and its long neck stretched so high that it seemed to reach the clouds. Along its back and neck grew a lush array of trees and bushes, creating a verdant, living landscape upon its massive form.
The creature was far away, yet its grandeur was unmistakable. Merina could see every detail—the way the sunlight glinted off its scaled hide, the movement of small animals darting through the foliage on its back, and the gentle sway of the trees it carried.
"Pacy," she whispered, her voice filled with awe. "Pacy, look," she pointed at the magnificent creature. "It's amazing."
Pacificus smiled at her wonder. "Rina... that is a thunder lizard," he said softly, his tone reverent.
"Is that where we are going?" she asked, unable to take her eyes off the incredible sight.
"Close... but we are still too far away," Pacificus replied.
"Pacy, it's huge... and there are more of them," Merina exclaimed, noticing several other thunder lizards moving slowly in the distance, their immense bodies casting long shadows across the forest floor.
"Yes, Rina," Pacificus said, his smile widening. "Those creatures move in groups. They are so large that an entire ecosystem grows on their backs."
Merina watched in awe as the thunder lizards moved gracefully despite their size, their every step a testament to the power and mystery of nature. The trees on their backs swayed gently with their movements, and bird like creatures flitted about, making nests in the high branches. She could even see small waterfalls cascading from the edges of the lush greenery, creating a serene and surreal landscape.
The sight filled her with a sense of wonder and excitement. It was as if they had stepped into a world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blurred, where the extraordinary was an everyday occurrence.
----------------------------------------
The couple moved forward, enveloped by the lush plant life. The grass alone was taller than Pacificus, its emerald blades whispering secrets as they swayed in the gentle breeze.
"Pacy," Merina murmured from her perch atop Torrent. "I think we are being followed." Her keen eyes tracked the pattern of falling grass, the disturbance in the sea of green moving closer and closer.
Pacificus already had his sword drawn, its blade gleaming with readiness. Merina, holding her bow with practiced ease, scanned the area.
The pair could hear the rustle of the grass. Merina's eyes followed the trail of bent and broken stalks. She did not hesitate, nocking an arrow and letting it fly. She didn’t see what her arrow hit, but the sudden growl and hiss told her she had struck something.
Suddenly, three creatures lunged towards them. Merina’s eyes widened as she took in their appearance. They were towering, with sinewy bodies covered in sleek, iridescent feathers that shimmered in the dim forest light. Their long, feathery tails whipped through the air, each movement precise and menacing. Their elongated arms, ending in vicious, curved claws, glinted dangerously.
Her instincts urged her to jump away, and she did so with practiced agility. She leaped over Torrent's back, narrowly dodging the swipe of a quick-claw. She landed gracefully on the kirin's back, a smile forming on her face, a blend of fear and nostalgia.
"Pacy," she called out, her voice steady despite the chaos, "these quick-claws are huge."
Pacificus parried an attack from another quick-claw, his sword flashing in the dim light. "Wait, that's what they are called?"
"Well yes," Merina replied, deftly ducking another swipe from a quick-claw. "What did you think they were called?"
"I thought they were turkeys."
She tilted her head, momentarily puzzled, even as she nocked another arrow. "What's a turkey?" she blurted out, genuinely curious.
"Mother told me it was a delicious bird," Pacificus explained, sidestepping a quick-claw’s attack. "These creatures are delicious too, but very territorial."
Merina's eyes sparkled with a mix of amusement and hunger. "Quick-claws are a delicacy in my motherland," she said, starting to salivate. She dodged another swipe. "Maybe we should cook one. These things are huge, Pacy!"
The quick-claws moved with startling speed and coordination, their feathery forms a blur of motion. Their eyes, gleaming with primal intelligence, tracked every movement of their prey.
Torrent, the Kirin, was a formidable presence on the battlefield. His sleek, scaled body moved with a predator's grace, each movement a testament to his predatory prowess. His claws swiped through the air with practiced ease, striking quick-claws with a brutal efficiency that sent them reeling. His tail, a powerful weapon in its own right, swept through the tall grasses, sending the creatures flying and vanishing from sight.
At times, Torrent would leap into the air, his majestic form cutting a striking silhouette against the sky. He landed with a thunderous impact, trying to crush the quick-claws beneath him. His powerful legs and weight bore down on them with relentless force, causing the grass to part and the ground to tremble.
Pacificus, the seasoned warrior, remained a paragon of steadfastness amidst the chaos. His movements were a harmonious blend of precision and strength as he parried each attack with his sword. His blade sliced through the air with a controlled elegance, deflecting the quick-claws' strikes and sending them sprawling into the grass, where they disappeared into the dense foliage.
Merina, ever the sharpshooter, had her bow drawn with a focus that was almost palpable. Her eyes, fierce with a predatory gleam, tracked a quick-claw that made a reckless leap towards her. As the creature hesitated, caught in the intensity of her gaze, Merina released the arrow with a fluid motion. The arrow flew true, striking the quick-claw squarely in the eye.
The quick-claw, adorned with vivid blue and red feathers, flailed in a panic, its bright colors flashing wildly. The creature's screech of pain pierced the air as it stumbled, blinded and disoriented. Torrent seized the opportunity with predatory efficiency. He moved in swiftly, his claws closing around the quick-claw’s neck with a decisive grip. With a sharp twist, he ended the creature's life in an instant.
The sight of their fallen comrade was a cruel blow to the quick-claws. Overcome by fear and despair, the remaining creatures scrambled in a frenzied retreat. They fled into the tall grasses, their once-coordinated movements now a chaotic scramble as they vanished into the safety of the tall grass.
Merina’s voice cut through the fading echoes of the battle. “Pacy,” she called out, a warm tone in her voice as she looked over her shoulder. “Torrent brought us lunch.”
Pacificus, her partner, made his way towards her with a light-hearted grin. His eyes softened as he approached the majestic Kirin, who stood proudly with a serene, almost regal air. The Kirin’s iridescent scales shimmered under the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy. Pacificus reached out to gently massage Torrent’s head, his touch both affectionate and respectful.
“I never knew you were so adept with a bow... and riding a steed,” Pacificus chuckled, his voice rich with admiration. His fingers traced the sleek contours of Torrent’s head, feeling the subtle warmth of the Kirin’s body.
Merina’s laughter was a soft, melodious sound that blended with the rustling leaves. “My parents were riders and horsemen, remember?” she said, a hint of nostalgia coloring her words. Her hands, skilled and sure, guided her bow as she stood confidently on Torrent’s back.
The trio then moved from the tall grasses, Torrent carrying their kill with the ease of one accustomed to such burdens. They made their way to a hollow trunk nestled among the gigantic trees, its gaping entrance offering a refuge from the open terrain.
Once inside the hollow, Pacificus took stock of their surroundings. The interior was cool and shadowed, the air tinged with the earthy scent of wood and moss. He turned to Merina with a nod. “I’ll go collect some wild vegetables,” he said, his voice carrying a note of purpose.
“Take care,” Merina replied, her gaze following him as he prepared to leave. Her fingers were already busy at work, deftly removing the feathers from the quick-claw. The process was meticulous; she worked with the precision of someone who had performed such tasks many times before. The feathers, once vibrant and colorful, began to fall away, revealing the more utilitarian aspects of their quarry.
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.
An hour later, Pacificus returned to the hollow trunk, his arms full of an enticing array of wild vegetables and mushrooms. As he entered, he was met with the mouthwatering sight of Merina working efficiently at their recent kill. The quick-claw, now stripped of feathers, claws, head, and tail, lay on a bed of moss, its dark meat exposed and ready for preparation.
“Rina, I’m back,” Pacificus announced, his voice echoing with a note of pride.
Merina looked up, her hands still busy with the quick-claw. “Oh… Pacy, what did you bring?”
Pacificus presented his bounty with a flourish. The spread included a mix of exotic and familiar ingredients: beheaded wild mandrakes with their grotesque, yet oddly intriguing forms, vines and flowers from man-eating plants, a curious pumpkin-like fruit with an expressive face, and an unusual fruit shaped like a woman. The more common ingredients—a bunch of wild onions, garlic, and potatoes—offered a comforting sense of normalcy amid the wild assortment.
A smile bloomed on Merina’s face, her eyes alight with excitement. “Let’s roast it,” she said, already shifting her attention to the preparation of their meal.
The quick-claw, standing as tall as a person, had been meticulously prepared. Merina’s swift, skilled hands had removed its feathers and extremities with ease. She was now assisting Pacificus, her energy and enthusiasm evident as they dove into their culinary tasks.
Pacificus began by peeling the vines from the man-eating plants, their tough exterior giving way to reveal the tender, fragrant insides. He crushed the petals with a satisfying crunch, releasing their spicy aroma into the air. The scent was both pungent and alluring, hinting at the flavor it would bring to their meal.
“What’s this?” Merina asked, holding up the peculiar pumpkin-like fruit, its face seemingly alive with a whimsical expression.
“That is a dryad fruit,” Pacificus explained, smiling at its curious visage. “It’s rare but adds a delightful flavor.”
Merina’s eyes sparkled with intrigue as she examined the fruit’s face. “Oh, I see. I’ll get started on the potatoes, onions, and garlic.”
Pacificus nodded, his attention shifting to the fairy fruit. He carefully sliced it, his hands moving with precision. The fruit’s flesh, delicate and vibrant, yielded easily under his blade. He added it to a pan, layering in the slices of fairy fruit with the hollowed-out dryad fruit. The pan sizzled gently as he heated it, the thick, red soup taking shape. The rich, savory aroma filled the hollow trunk, mingling with the spicy notes from the crushed man-eating plant petals.
Merina worked diligently, peeling and chopping the potatoes with skillful ease. She diced the onions and garlic, their pungent aroma adding a comforting depth to their meal. As she prepared the quick-claw, she added the mandrakes and vines inside the cavity of the meat, then poured over some of Pacificus’s aromatic soup. The mixture of vibrant vegetables and rich soup created a tantalizing blend of flavors, promising a feast of robust, hearty goodness.
With deft hands, Merina stitched the quick-claw’s cavity shut, sealing in all the flavors and juices. Pacificus and Merina then prepared the skewers, carefully threading the quick-claw onto them. The meat was soon suspended over the crackling fire, the flames licking and dancing around it. The rich, savory scent of roasting meat combined with the spicy, aromatic soup, creating an irresistible aroma that filled the air.
As the quick-claw roasted, its skin crisped to a golden-brown perfection. The firelight cast a warm glow over the meal, the sound of sizzling and crackling adding a comforting soundtrack to their culinary adventure. Each turn of the skewer revealed a mouthwatering glimpse of what was to come—a feast that promised to be as delicious as it was satisfying. The rich, complex aromas of the roasting meat, spiced soup, and fresh vegetables mingled harmoniously, making the anticipation of their meal even more tantalizing.
Once the meal was prepared, the trio settled into their cozy refuge within the hollow trunk. They each took up their wooden bowls, handcrafted and smooth, and began to eat with their hands, savoring the hearty feast before them.
Pacificus and Merina exchanged satisfied glances, their faces illuminated by the warm glow of the fire. They scooped up the richly spiced soup, its thick, velvety texture clinging to their fingers. Each bite was a delightful blend of robust flavors—tender pieces of mandrake and savory vegetables mingled with the aromatic soup, creating a symphony of taste that danced on their tongues. The soup, a creation of Pacificus’s skilled hands, was used generously as a sauce, enhancing the flavor of the roasted quick-claw and adding an extra layer of depth to each bite.
Torrent, the Kirin, had a larger wooden bowl specially set aside for him. The Kirin’s wolf-like head, with its majestic antlers and flowing mane, was a striking presence as he began his meal. His red and green scales shimmered with the firelight, casting a mesmerizing dance of colors across his body. The flames reflected off his scales, highlighting the grandeur of his three pairs of antlers, which had grown even more magnificent over time.
The Kirin devoured his meal with evident enthusiasm. His powerful jaws crunched through the food with ease, even the bones of the quick-claw met with his voracious appetite. Torrent’s eating habits displayed a clear preference; he tackled the vegetables first, savoring their flavors with a slow, deliberate pace. The vegetables seemed to be his favorite, as he relished them before moving on to the meat. His enjoyment of the soup was especially pronounced; he seemed to drink it eagerly, his mane flowing gently with each satisfying gulp. The soup’s rich, spiced flavor clearly appealed to him, making it his favored part of the meal.
As for Pacificus and Merina, their smiles spoke volumes. Each bite they took was accompanied by expressions of contentment and happiness. The combination of roasted quick-claw, fragrant vegetables, and the savory soup brought them immense satisfaction. The soup, now used as a sauce, amplified the flavors of the meat and vegetables, creating a perfect harmony of tastes that they relished with every mouthful. The warmth of the meal and the companionship added to their sense of fulfillment.
“Rina,” Pacificus said, turning his gaze toward Merina, his tone both gentle and earnest. “We should stay here for today.”
Merina looked up, a hint of surprise in her eyes. “Already? Pacy, the sun hasn’t even set yet.”
“I know, Rina. But trust me on this one,” Pacificus replied, his expression serious yet reassuring. “We need to stay here for today and continue again once the sun rises.”
Merina’s surprise softened into a warm smile. “You’ve been here longer than I have, love. I trust your judgment. Of course, I have no argument about staying here.”
“Thank you, my love,” Pacificus said, his voice filled with gratitude. “We need to cover that entrance.”
“Oh, we could use the cloth I made for the tent,” Merina suggested, her eyes brightening with the idea.
“That is a brilliant idea, Rina,” Pacificus agreed, his admiration evident.
They quickly set to work, using the cloth Merina had woven. It was surprisingly tough and durable, perfect for their needs. Pacificus utilized his strength, skillfully nailing the ropes into the hard bark of the trunk’s entrance, securing the cloth to cover it. As the cloth was stretched and fastened, it blocked out the encroaching twilight, leaving only the flickering light from their fire to illuminate the space. The flames cast a warm, dancing glow across the hollow trunk, creating a cozy sanctuary against the encroaching darkness.
Inside their makeshift shelter, the pair busied themselves with their tasks. Torrent, the Kirin, slept soundly in a corner, his majestic antlers and flowing mane relaxed in a serene repose. The gentle rise and fall of his breath added a peaceful rhythm to the atmosphere.
Merina, meanwhile, was engrossed in her work. She had spread out her drawing materials and was meticulously capturing the beasts she had encountered earlier. Her sketches were detailed and vibrant, bringing to life the creatures she had seen. She worked with focused intent, carefully noting descriptions alongside her illustrations. The drawings of the plants and vegetables Pacificus had collected were equally detailed, each plant rendered with care.
As Merina continued her documentation, her work began to transform into something more practical—a cookbook. She detailed the preparation and cooking of the quick-claw, humorously referring to it as the “Man-eating Quick-claw.” Her notes included not just the cooking methods but also personal observations and tips for handling such creatures, giving the reader a glimpse into her experiences. She noted with a touch of wonder that, while quick-claws are typically about a foot tall, those from the Ever Resting Forest were as large as a man.
The light from the flames danced across her pages as she wrote, casting a warm, flickering glow on her face. Her movements were deliberate and content, her creativity flowing freely as she combined practical information with the artistry of her sketches.
Pacificus worked with focused determination, skillfully skinning the quick-claw's tail. His hands moved with practiced ease, peeling away the thick, tough hide to reveal the plump, muscular flesh beneath. The tail was surprisingly meaty and dense, a testament to the creature's strength. Once he had the tail skinned, he chopped it into thick steaks, their rich, fatty texture promising a hearty meal.
Next, Pacificus turned his attention to the innards. Cleaning them was a meticulous process, requiring patience and care to remove any remnants and ensure they were ready for cooking. The innards were extensive, their preparation taking a significant amount of time and effort.
After cleaning, he filled the cavity of the innards with some of the leftover vegetables, adding a touch of their Pemmican for extra flavor and sustenance. He then skewered the stuffed innards, dipping them into the rich, red sauce left from earlier. The sauce, infused with the spices and flavors of their earlier meal, promised to enhance the taste of the innards. With the pan covered, he prepared to cook the skewered innards slowly, knowing that the abundance of meat would require a long cooking time to ensure it was thoroughly done.
As Pacificus and Merina continued their tasks, the weather outside the hollow trunk was rapidly changing. The clouds over the Ever Resting Forest grew darker, their ominous presence signaling the onset of a heavy rainstorm. The tall trees, towering above the cloud cover, were soon shrouded in a curtain of relentless rainfall. The downpour was intense, transforming the once-dry grasslands into a soggy, marshy expanse. The floodwaters surged and roared, their flow creating a chaotic torrent that threatened to engulf the land.
Amidst the deluge, the creatures of the forest adapted with remarkable ease. The quick-claws, agile and resourceful, began climbing the immense trees with a practiced grace. Their sharp claws dug into the bark, enabling them to scale the towering trunks and seek refuge from the rising waters. Others found shelter by clinging to the gigantic roots that wound their way through the floodwaters.
One particularly notable creature was a colossal bear, its size comparable to that of a small house. The bear was adorned with a leaf-like carapace that provided natural armor against the elements. Horns protruded from its head, adding to its imposing presence. With surprising agility for its size, the bear climbed a massive tree with ease, its powerful limbs and sturdy build allowing it to navigate the slippery bark.
On the bear’s back, three blind cubs clung instinctively to their mother’s carapace. They were still nursing, their tiny forms nestled close to their mother's body. Once they reached the safety of the tree’s canopy, the bear settled into a protective stance. The carapace shielded them from the relentless rain, forming a natural shelter that kept the cubs dry. As the rain continued to pelt down, the cubs latched onto their mother, drinking deeply from her nourishing milk. The bear’s carapace provided a secure refuge, a small oasis of warmth and safety amidst the raging storm.
Merina peered out from the exposed sides of the cloth, her curiosity piqued by the mesmerizing transformation unfolding outside. The Ever Resting Forest was enshrouded in a thick mist that swirled and undulated with the rain. Waterfalls cascaded gracefully from the massive branches of the trees.
The forest, once familiar, had now become a realm of enchanting mystery and raw power. The colossal creatures that roamed these woods sought refuge from the downpour beneath the enormous leaves that draped like natural awnings from the towering trees. These leaves, vast and verdant, shielded the animals from the relentless rain, creating a serene canopy of protection.
Among these giants, the deer were particularly striking. They were enormous, their size surpassing that of even the largest horses. With an effortless grace, they leapt from branch to branch, navigating the tree trunks as if they were mere horizontal pathways. Their antlers were a spectacle of their own—magnificent structures adorned with flourishing leaves and vibrant flowers. The rain seemed to glide off their brilliantly colored fur as though it were impervious to water, creating a mesmerizing effect as droplets cascaded effortlessly from their coats.
Most astonishingly, Merina observed the same herd of deer leaping towards the waterfalls and the churning currents below. To her amazement, they appeared to run on the water’s surface, a feat that seemed impossible. Yet, their nimble hooves skimmed over the raging torrents, their movements as fluid and elegant as the falling rain.
"It's beautiful," Merina said, her voice tinged with awe. "And terrifying... you told me you used to train here. Is life always this tough in the forest?"
Pacificus, who was focused on skewering the stuffed innards, chuckled softly. "At first, it was. But as you train and get to know the environment better... everything seems to get more... easier."
Merina turned her gaze back to the scene outside, her eyes wide with wonder. "It is so beautiful and terrifying... to think that Arty wants to turn this place into her hunting ground... Pacy, you will train her right?"
"Of course," Pacificus replied with a warm smile. "She’s like a daughter to me. I’ll teach her how to survive here. I think she has what it takes to not just survive, but to thrive." His smile widened as he added, "I’ll try to teach Apollo and Hyakinthos too."
Feeling a surge of affection, Merina moved closer to her lover. She wrapped her arms around him in a tender embrace and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. "Thank you, Pacy."
With a contented sigh, she retrieved her scroll and approached the entrance. The mystical sight outside called to her, and she began to sketch the ethereal scene. Her hands moved with practiced skill, capturing the enchanting tableau of the forest’s transformation and the remarkable creatures that inhabited it. The play of light and shadow, the grandeur of the antlered deer, and the majestic waterfalls—all were meticulously documented on her scroll.
A smile curved her lips as she imagined the reaction of her sisters, Hypatia and Asteria. “Hypatia and Asteria are going to lose their minds once they read this,” she mused, her eyes gleaming with a mix of excitement and satisfaction. Her drawings and notes would convey not just the beauty but the sheer awe-inspiring power of the Ever Resting Forest, ensuring that the mystical world she had witnessed would be shared in all its splendor
----------------------------------------
Pacificus woke up to the soft, rhythmic sound of Merina's breath against his chest. Her head still rested on his shoulder, her hair cascading in dark waves across his arm. Gently, he shifted his body away, careful not to disturb her, and covered her bare, slender form with a thick fur blanket. The rain had long ceased, but the distant roar of the floodwaters remained a reminder of the night's deluge. The fire in their camp had died down, leaving behind glowing embers. Pacificus carefully added some wood, coaxing the flames back to life. Though the sun had yet to rise, he knew he needed to start breakfast.
Merina was an early riser, and she would soon wake. His thoughts drifted to the tail he'd butchered into steaks, now ready to be cooked. He was thankful for the pan and grill he had brought along, thanks to Torrent. The young kirin had been invaluable on their journey, carrying tools and supplies with ease, even if his appetite was insatiable.
Placing the enormous pan over the flames, Pacificus began to prepare the steaks. He reached for his cherished spices: homemade pepper, precious salt, and the crushed flowers of the man-eating plants they had encountered. Each spice was meticulously pressed into the meat, ensuring a perfect blend of flavors.
As the pan heated, he added a generous dollop of his homemade cooking oil, rendered from beast fat. The white fat slowly melted into a clear, shimmering pool of oil. He laid the steaks in the pan, the meat sizzling loudly as it hit the hot surface, releasing a tantalizing aroma.
A soft moan caught his attention. He glanced over to see Merina stirring, her bosom exposed as she sat up on their makeshift sleeping bag. Her eyes, still heavy with sleep, met his.
"Good morning, my love," she murmured, a sheepish smile playing on her lips before she lay back down.
Pacificus chuckled softly, recalling the passionate night they had shared. He was surprised he had managed to wake up so early, given how many times they had made love. Tenderly, he pulled the fur blanket back over her.
"Pacy," she whispered, her voice a mix of sleep and desire. "I... I like them rare."
"Of course, my love," he replied, his voice gentle.
He turned his attention back to the steaks, monitoring the heat and savoring the aroma. After a few moments, he allowed the meat to rest, ensuring it would be perfectly tender and juicy.
By then, the irresistible, mouthwatering scent had awakened Merina and Torrent. The kirin and his beloved were drawn to the fire, their senses stirred by the promise of a delicious breakfast.
And what a meal it was. The steaks were cooked to perfection, their rich flavors enhanced by the homemade spices, and the trio savored every bite. Contentment settled over them as they finished their breakfast. Pacificus and Merina looked towards the entrance of their hollow tree trunk shelter, the world outside still shrouded in darkness. They exchanged puzzled glances, uncertain whether it was already morning or still the depths of night. Traveling through the Ever Resting Forest at night was perilous, especially with the combined light of the seven moons obscured by the dense canopy of towering trees that seemed to touch the heavens.
Deciding that rest was the best course of action, Merina nestled into Pacificus's embrace, and he wrapped his arms around her protectively. This time, they simply sought the comfort of each other's presence, not the passionate love they had shared through the night. They both closed their eyes, intending only to rest until the sun's light could guide them safely through the forest.
Merina's head rested on his shoulder, her breathing steady and soft. Pacificus felt her warmth against him, a soothing reminder of their bond. The faint sounds of nocturnal creatures echoed around them, the forest alive with the rustle of leaves and distant calls of unseen animals. The couple remained undisturbed, cocooned in their peaceful shelter, while outside, the nocturnal beasts resumed their hunt, oblivious to the resting pair.
When the sun finally blessed the Ever Resting Forest with its light, the lovers stirred. Merina rode atop Torrent, the majestic kirin, as always, while Pacificus navigated the sprawling roots of the ancient trees. The once lush, grass-covered soil of the forest had been transformed into a torrential flood, the water surging violently. They carefully followed the current, mindful of the slippery terrain, knowing that even the strongest creatures of the forest dared not challenge the force of the water.
They hopped from root to root and branch to branch, navigating the labyrinth of the gigantic trees. They were not alone in their journey. Alongside them, enormous deer with flowers growing from their antlers gracefully leaped from one root and branch to another, effortlessly crossing the raging waters. The pair paused, captivated by the sight of the herd as they danced across the flood with an elegant ease.
Above, a herd of winged horses soared into the sky, their powerful wings carrying them effortlessly above the turmoil below.
"Pacy," Merina called out, her eyes fixed on the sky. "Those are pegasi, Pacy!" She beamed with excitement. "I thought they were extinct."
"What? Really? There are so many of them here. They might be one of the most numerous beasts in this forest."
"Really?" she replied, wide-eyed. Her smile broadened. "You really lived in a different world, Pacy."
He chuckled. "I actually have bad experiences with pegasi."
"Like what?"
"They kept eating my crops during the summer."
Merina giggled, then laughed. "I haven't seen it yet, Pacy. Maybe you need to tame them." She giggled again. "I wouldn't mind riding one, though. You know, Pacy, the heroes from my homeland are known to ride a pegasus."
"Wait... so why did they go extinct?"
"I don't know... but I heard the stories from my mother. The nobles tried to tame and breed them. Unfortunately, the farmers never found a way to breed the pegasi, and they went extinct due to people's attempts to tame them. Sometimes that effort led to the death of both the pegasus and the tamer."
"Oh... that... that is really unfortunate." He looked at the pegasi flying from one branch to another. "At least here they have their own sanctuary."
Merina smiled. "Yes... perhaps one day they will return to my motherland."